Book ~ "Fighting for Decency" (2024) Gordon K. Jones

From Goodreads ~ After drone specialist and newly-licensed private investigator Cody Marshall assists police in preventing the kidnapping of a young boy, his first official case is being hired by the boy's father to delve into why the child was taken. Cody’s girlfriend, the level-headed Toronto Police Officer Taylor Brant, is also assigned to investigate who was behind the attempt. As the couple follow up separately, they both arrive at the same the kidnapping was part of an elaborate scheme to raise money for the newly-formed violent white supremacist terror organization, Pyre.

Cody and Taylor soon find that their lives are in danger as they work to take down Pyre before the terrorists can unleash their fiery hate upon the city. Will Taylor and Cody be able to stop this violent hate organization before it’s too late? More importantly, will they be able to survive their first time working together?

Cody is a drone specialist and private detective. A young boy has been kidnapped and Cody is asked by the police to use his drone to track down the boy and kidnapper in a large park. Once he does that, the boy’s father is very appreciative and since Cody is also a private detective, he hires Cody to find out who was behind the kidnapping of his son and why. Once Cody starts investigating, he discovers the boy was kidnapped by a white supremacist group and it’s distressing and disturbing when they learn who is heading up the group.

This story had an interesting premise. It’s written in first person perspective in Cody’s voice. Not only do we get to follow along as he tries to find out more about why the boy was kidnapped but we also get to know him personally because his girlfriend, Taylor, is a police officer also investigating the kidnapping. I liked that the author didn’t hide the fact it’s in Toronto rather than some anonymous American city and I knew exactly where the locations were. As a head’s up, there is violence and swearing.

Books ~ "Saving Tiberius" (2020) Gordon K. Jones

From Goodreads ~ Morgan Watson has a problem. When word leaked that his cat, Tiberius, miraculously cured itself of diabetes and may hold the key to a cure, he is attacked in his home and almost killed in a bloody fight. 

Paula Rogers, a strong-willed dedicated police officer, has put herself in the line of fire protecting them, and for the first time is stretching the rules and hiding facts from her superiors. 

The two fiercely independent people find their romantic feelings for each other grow as they search to find who is behind the brutal attempts to get Tiberius before they find themselves intertwined with the growing list of dead bodies. 

Morgan works in an office and lives alone with his cat, Tiberius, who had had feline diabetes but seems to have miraculously cured itself of it.  Morgan comes home one evening and finds two men in his apartment, trying to kidnap Tiberius.  They have been hired to bring Tiberius to a man whose only goal is to profit financially from the cure and Tiberius' certain death.  Morgan is able to fend them off but is shaken.  He contacts the police and Paula, an officer, investigates.  There are more threats on Morgan and Tiberius' lives and Morgan and Paula race against time to do all they can to protect Tiberius and stop whoever is trying to kill him.

This book will appeal to readers of crime fiction and cat lovers (like me!).  It is written in third person perspective with the focus on wherever the action.  I liked the writing style and it moved along at a fast pace.  It's got a bit of everything ... suspense, romance, action and a cat!  What more could you want?!  As a head's up, there is violence and adult activity.

Book ~ "Defending the Inland Shores: Newfoundland in the War of 1812" (2016) Gordon K. Jones

From Goodreads ~ Newfoundland played a significant role in the defence of Upper Canada during the War of 1812.  "Defending the Inland Shores: Newfoundland in the War of 1812" tells this incredible story. 

The book describes many key battles, including the siege and capture of Fort Detroit, taking of an American naval schooner on Lake Ontario, a surprise attack against Ogdensburg, New York, and desperate defence of a British ship on the Niagara River during an American night assault. 

The War of 1812 (which lasted from 1812 to 1814) was a military conflict between the United States and Great Britain.  The origins of the War of 1812 were in the conflict that raged in Europe for almost two decades after Napoleon Bonaparte became First Consul (later Emperor) of France. The Napoleonic Wars caused Great Britain to adopt trade measures that aggravated the United States.  This prompted them to attack Canada, then a colony of Great Britain, in what they thought would be easy battles.

The Commander-in-Chief of British Forces in North America decided the Royal Newfoundland Regiment would best serve the War of 1812 if divided into smaller units and spread around key areas of the province.  In doing so, there was a Newfoundland soldier who fought in almost every major battle waged in Upper Canada during the War of 1812.  This is their story.

This well-researched book was an interesting read and I learned a lot about the War of 1812 and its impact on Upper Canada (and Canada in general).  I enjoy the writing style and thought it flowed well.

It will appeal to all Canadians, especially those interested in the War of 1812, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment and the citizens of Newfoundland who are probably unaware of their valuable participation in a war thousands of miles away two hundred years ago.