Author Archives: J D Jung

An UnderratedRead Revisited -Corkscrew: The highly improbable, but occasionally true, tale of a professional wine buyer – Peter Stafford-Bow

(Reviewed by Don Jung) Prep school failure Felix Hart got his first job as an inventory clerk at a wine shop. Little did he realize that this would set the stage for his career as a premier wine buyer in … Continue reading

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Retablos: Stories From a Life Lived Along the Border – Octavio Solis

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…the shit on the border never changes. There will always be those who want to come across, and those who want to keep them where they are…I think it’s really a condition of our culture: it’s … Continue reading

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An UnderratedRead Revisited -Gigolo: Inside the Secret World of the Super Rich- Ben Foster, Clifford Thurlow

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…I had plenty of money but always needed more. I had thought of myself as a healer when I started work at the spa. I had turned into a total slut. I played every client until … Continue reading

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Fatal Beauty (A Cleve Hawkins Detective Novel) – R.C. Hartson

(reviewed by JD Jung) A serial killer is terrorizing Chicago, and the victims are young women. However, when private investigator Cleve Hawkins’ new client wants him to locate her sister, he initially thinks that she just doesn’t want to be … Continue reading

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The Dead Don’t Sleep – Steven Max Russo

(Reviewed by Don Jung) When I started reading The Dead Don’t Sleep, I soon realized that I would be in for an engrossing journey. Frank Thompson, a Vietnam vet, goes to a local shooting range accompanied by his nephew. They … Continue reading

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Miscreants, Murderers, and Thieves: a collection of short stories about devious behavior – edited by Samuel W. Reed

(reviewed by JD Jung) When I started reading Miscreants, Murderers, and Thieves, I was hoping for raw and gritty stories. I immediately discovered that I would have to change my expectations. Once I did that, I appreciated this eclectic collection. … Continue reading

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Public Enemy No.1’s Guide On How To Travel – Brendon Luke

(Reviewed by Heidi A. Swan) Reading this book made feel like I was getting caught up with an old friend who also happens to be an irrepressible comedian. Is it fine writing? No. Did his extensive travels teach him compassion … Continue reading

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A note from UnderratedReads

Dear readers, The spread of COVID-19 has changed all of our lives. The fact that we must limit our physical contact (aka social distancing) along with the fear regarding the health and financial well-being of our loved ones has led … Continue reading

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Only Lies Remain: A Psychological Thriller – Val Collins

(Reviewed by Don Jung) This story takes place in Ireland and starts out slowly as the characters emerge in this psychological thriller. A husband, Danny Walsh, disappears and his wife Maura is left alone to raise five sons. She mysteriously … Continue reading

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The Museum of Lost Love – Gary Barker

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “…the normal state of lovers, of couples, is not together. Together is a transient state. The normal state of things is as much about ending and leaving as it is about beginning and staying. The normal … Continue reading

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