writing

Gone Again by James Grippando (a book blurt)

/ Karina Pinella / 6 Comments

This is the 13th of a book series featuring Jack Swyteck, a defense attorney, who at the beginning of his career defended death row inmates for some agency. As the series continues, we see Swyteck eventually getting his own law practice and jumping into and out of romantic relationships. This particular story line touches on the subject of adoption.  Since this is a suspense story, the focus is on the darker side or challenges of such subject. Interesting twists here as we try to learn what happened to an adopted 17-year-old. Is she still alive? Suffice to say this is one of the more interesting stories in the Swyteck series.

In my earlier review of one of Grippando’s books, I listed all the books I’ve read in the order they were published, including all of the previous Swyteck books. So check out the list if you wish to read his earlier works:
Cash Landing by James Grippando

Subsequently, I’ve read Grippando’s new publications, which I will continue to list below as I finish reading them.

Penny Jumper
Most Dangerous Place
A Death in Live Oak

Oops Brief: Surprise Agenda

/ Karina Pinella / 14 Comments
allergy related accident

Image: Pixabay

The boardroom is full today because the company’s former Chairman, Mr. Ralph Finley, is in attendance to make a special endowment to the R&D group, among others. Twenty people sit around the rectangular conference table, all waiting for Mr. Finley, who is having a coughing fit. In between blowing his nose, he mutters to them, “Allergies, I forgot to take something for them today.” The people murmur their understanding. Suddenly, Mr. Finley sneezes so hard, his dentures fly out of his mouth and clatter on the table. For a moment, no one seems to breathe; the only sound is the clacking of teeth.

Declutter

/ Karina Pinella / 10 Comments

first-world surplus

They appeared as a gift or purchase,
One wonders if mostly done by impulse,
Too much stuff for not much purpose
Other than create a first-world surplus.

All take up space,
Always in my face
For use only once in a while,
Not enough to justify the pile.

Off they go,
Time to let them flow
To those who can use them
And would find each a gem.

At one time they were a good buy,
Now I have to fare them good-bye.
Energy I must muster
To help me declutter.

Empty

/ Karina Pinella / 9 Comments

empty

The tea set sits neglected due to the protracted absence of guests at a posh residence, where visitors today are rare. No one dares to visit for word that it houses the ghost of a once-famous TV host known to serve tea during the wee hours between 1:00 and 3:00 AM, leaving a sensation of chill and sorrow in the air. Only empty cups, unfilled for the unfulfilled.

Undercover

/ Karina Pinella / 10 Comments

Peter left his undercover pig skin drying outside. He had been playing in the mud with the others and had to get away to wash some of the muck off his eyes. He is starting to get sucked into the easy life of his new friends, but he must remember his mission. He is a human trying to find out the secret happiness of the pigs, nothing more and nothing less. In and out. As soon as he figures it out, he’ll give up his undercover suit.

secret to happiness