Reviews from

The Aspen Grove Murders

Viewing comments for Chapter 4 "The Aspen Grove Murders #4"
A Tommy Thompson Mystery

26 total reviews 
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Sally,
I decided to go back to some of the earlier chapters I read, but didn't comment on in my hurry. I'll stop off and on to leave my thoughts.

I love the part about the angels in this chapter, and demon, of course. You make them seem very real and strong, not at all like pictured in drawings.

Love it,
Hugs,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 18-Sep-2023


reply by the author on 24-Sep-2023
    Dear Rhonda,
    Thank you for catching up, my sweet, and for taking this chapter to all time best. I am so blessed! Sending you my best today as always.
    Sal XOs
reply by davisr (Rhonda) on 24-Sep-2023
    You are so welcome! I tried to do it for other chapters, but the only ones I could, I had already reviewed.
    When I get ahead, I'm going to go back to some of your other books to read on here.
Comment from Liz O'Neill
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is a strong image: "his black eyes reflecting the inferno." Good use of onomatopoeia: "K-Thunk!" Don't judge on 1st impression: " the girl rummaging through the trash was homeless, but as he watched her graceful moves" This will draw the reader in:
"A sickening feeling washed over the man, and he wondered how the night visitor knew about such things." & "and he will kill you regardless of your answer!" The ending has an amusing aspect.


 Comment Written 24-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 28-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the wonderful review of my book chapter. It means so much. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
reply by Liz O'Neill on 28-Dec-2022
    ***Warm hugs***
Comment from Begin Again
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Ahhh! So Sebastian recognized Phoebe instantly and Tommy lagged a bit behind, but he soon understand who his visitor really was. A very interesting story with demons and angels amidst the cold case. Well done!

Smiles, Carol

 Comment Written 12-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 14-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the lovely review and generous stars! Blessings to you always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from WalkerMan
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

In Section One of this chapter, territorial demon DeeCayed searching in vain for Joe Santucci's cell phone in the wreckage of his Mercedes. Frustrated, he sets the car on fire to minimize any evidence the police might find.

Section Two reminds us that we are witnessing a spiritual battle, with angel Patience working to recover Santucci's phone as evidence Detective Tommy Thompson can use to use in bringing the murderers to justice.

In Section Three, Patience locates the smashed cell phone in a dumpster at the RaceTrac gas station, and more than convinces attendant Chase Levins to drive her Volkswagen to Aspen Grove, Maryland, to tell the police what he knew about Joe Santucci.

In Section Four, we see how relevant this story is to our own present time when Tommy finds the Bible in Phoebe's bedroom open to Ephesians 6.

For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

Then insufficiently disguised Patience arrives to deliver a package (likely containing Santucci's cell phone) to Tommy, who recognizes her.

If the demons are going to meddle, the angel must also.

Superb, and aptly illustrated.

 Comment Written 04-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 07-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the lovely review and generous stars, Mike. I'm so blessed by this. To have you back has been the greatest blessing. Thank you for the time you have spent to catch up. Blessings to you always,
    Sal :)))))
reply by WalkerMan on 07-Dec-2022
    You are most welcome, Sal. Your writing skills shine in this highly spiritual murder case with both current and related cold aspects.

    Regarding colorful characters you mentioned in reply to my review of Chapter Three, the humorous antics of angel Patience are highly amusing.

    This story, like all others in this series, is clearly a lesson to persevere when you know you are on the right (and righteous) side.

    I'm glad to be back and caught up. :))))) -- Mike
Comment from Ricky1024
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another interesting and well written chapter.
Rich in Theme and Imagery.
It also, read well and Flowed well with No Grammar Issues.
The Adjective and Objective Contents were both Excellent and Exceptional while Descriptive Measures Aligned most Perfectly.
Thanks for sharing and have a Blessed weekend.
Doctor Ricky1024

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the excellent review and kind compliments. Both are greatly appreciated. Blessings to you always,
    Sal XOs
reply by Ricky1024 on 02-Dec-2022
reply by Ricky1024 on 02-Dec-2022
Comment from Cindy Decker 2
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Sally,
This is an excellent chapter of a fantastic story. I read that authors who take on the opposite gender must do so carefully. Your writing voice for Tommy is very believable.
Great character notes.
Good luck with this novel, friend.
Hugs and
Blessings,
Cindy

 Comment Written 01-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2022
    Thank you, Cindy dear. I?m glad you are enjoying my latest book. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

He discovered a lollipop in the glove compartment, and stuck it in his mouth, forgetting his teeth and soul had rotted eons ago.
I like the little bit of humour to break up the drama of the story.
I was thinking Sebastian, the cat is part of this spiritual war and yes, a leap into the Angel's arms. Great chapter Sally, I'm enjoying this.
cheers,
valda


 Comment Written 01-Dec-2022


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the wonderful review and insightful comments. I do try to break up the heavy stuff. I?m glad you?re enjoying this book too. Blessings, dear Valda.

    Sal XOs
Comment from Rosemary Everson1
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I have to read back a couple of chapters to get the plot of this story again. I don't think it is a continuation from your other mystery stories, or is it? I know I will enjoy it because your write wonderfully. I remember sex trafficking for a plot.

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 01-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the excellent review and insightful comments. Yes, do start at chapter one or you will be lost. Chapter one is very long and meaty. Sending you my best today as always,
    Sal XOs
Comment from Father Flaps
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hi Sally,
Some fine writing in this chapter! The only change I'd suggest is a hyphen for "dumpster-diving teenager".

"The demon shed his mortal exterior and spread his wings in flight." ... I found this interesting, that a demon would have wings. I have only pictured angels with wings. But then, I suppose, demons were once angels. It's fantastic that a third of all the angels in Heaven followed Lucifer in his rebellion against God.

I remember two movies where angels changed things around, just like Patience. In the 1946 movie "Its A Wonderful Life", Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) changed things by allowing George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) to see what life would be like without him. He never existed, in other words. Then there's the 1985 movie, "One Magic Christmas". The angel, Gideon, played by Harry Dean Stanton, changed things around to teach Ginny Grainger (Mary Steenburgen) a lesson, that Christmas is much more than presents and materialistic things. So angels are always working... missions for God. We don't always see them. Some of us do, unknowingly. They walk among us. And it seems that Patience has a huge assignment. But there's no fear in her. The fear is with the demons, like Deecayed, who is afraid of losing his "other" ear. I guess he's already blundered once. He's a one-eared demon!
"Curses! I need that phone! And, I need it bad! The master will certainly cut off my other ear if I fail him!"

Patience has a comical side,
"Yes, it's me. I really need to work on my disguises!"
Clarence Odbody also had a sense of humor...
"Ah, there must be some easier way for me to get my wings!"

It would be something to find oneself in the presence of an angel. But Tommy seems to be taking it in stride. But really, what a revelation! ... to know without a doubt that the Bible is true, that angels exist, that God (Three in One) exists, that Heaven is out there, somewhere. Proof! Proof was what the disciple Thomas was after. He had to see Jesus' scars before he'd believe that his Master had risen from the dead.

Nicely penned, Sally! Looking forward to the next chapter!
Hugs,
Kimbob




 Comment Written 30-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 02-Dec-2022
    Dear Kim, thank you for the wonderful review and six shiny stars! How kind you are. I?m feeling comical and let loose with Patience?s character. I thought the same thing about Clarence Oddbody, one of my favorite characters from It?s a Wonderful Life. I need to watch the movie again real soon as I broke out in in Shingles two days ago, and on my head! I?m having a George Bailey moment in time. Thank you again. Blessings to you always,
    Sal XOs
reply by Father Flaps on 02-Dec-2022
    Shingles are awful, so I hear. I'll be praying for you, Sally!
reply by the author on 02-Dec-2022
    Thank you! :))
reply by Father Flaps on 02-Dec-2022
    You're welcome!
Comment from Carol Clark2
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

It's interesting that Tommy recognized Patience. She does get around. I'm assuming she has given to Tommy Joe Santucci's cell phone. I like the warning you included from the Scriptures. It makes the detective more aware of what he's dealing with. Great story!

 Comment Written 30-Nov-2022


reply by the author on 01-Dec-2022
    Thank you for the lovely review and generous star shine, dear Carol! I?m so blessed. I?m home with shingles and your review has cheered me so. I?ve had a difficult time with my health since May and writing is about the only thing I can do with my energy levels being so low.

    It means so much. Thank you again. :)))

    Love and blessings always,
    Sal XOs
reply by Carol Clark2 on 06-Dec-2022
    Hope you're recovered by now and feeling much better. Glad you're still able to write. Hugs & prayers.
reply by the author on 07-Dec-2022
    Thank e, dear one. I am feeling much better today. Thank you for your prayers. Sal XOs
    How are you doing? Let me know. Sal
reply by Carol Clark2 on 09-Dec-2022
    So glad you're feeling better. I'm finishing my second antibiotic. My sinuses are still gunky, but I'm healing. Thanks for asking & praying. Have a blessed weekend.