Disillusioned: A Stan Turner Mystery
William Manchee
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William Manchee’s "Disillusioned, a Stan Turner Mystery" Bk 9 finds Stan as a law student at SMU, perhaps political aspirant, husband, father, and political activist.

Prior to his move to Texas Stan had thought a military career might be a good stepping stone for launching a political career. That notion was shattered when as a Marine Corps recruit he entered officer candidate school and within days was accused of the murder of his Drill Sergeant. While Stan was ultimately acquitted of that murder, his hoped for military career no long held any allure. Stan was granted a discharge and returned home.

"Disillusioned" begins on Saturday, July 3, 1976 as Stan and his wife Rebekah with friends Rob and Cindy Shepherd attended a BBQ at the home of a well to do Dallas business man, Brad Thornton. Rob was Thornton’s handpicked candidate to wage what was hoped to be a successful Republican campaign against the seeming entrenched Democratic incumbent, Ron Wells. Not only had Thornton asked Rob to run for the office, but he was the chief monetary supporter.

The evening is a pleasant one for everyone attending.

That pleasant memory is quickly crushed. Headlines in the morning newspaper note that FBI agents have executed a search warrant at the home of one Brad Thornton. Within days Stan uncovers a potential problem regarding the past support, Rob receives a visit from FBI agents who exhibit more than a little suspicion regarding his involvement with financier Brad Thornton. Rob’s chief contributor decides he must withdraw his support. Rob needs a campaign manager and Stan suggests political go getter, Kristina Tenison for the job.

Stan’s arrival home following a bit of political maneuvering with local Democratic Commissioner Barnes who is ready to leave the Democratic party and join the ranks of the Republican finds Stan facing a visit from the same FBI agents who have exhibited little trust for Rob Shepherd. Stan too finds himself coming under the same disbelieving scrutiny.

A political fund raiser for President Ford again brings the Turner and Shepherd couples together for a second pleasant evening of fine dinner, plans making and renewed hope.

All of that is shattered quickly with a late night knock on the door.

Rob and Cindy Shepherd, their teen neighbor baby sitter and all three young children have been found dead. The coroner leans toward this being a murder, suicide situation.

Despite how the situation may appear to local police; it is up to Stan to sort out what is and what is not fact, try to clear his friend’s name, and in doing so find out actually did murder Rob, his family and the baby sitter.

The dismay felt by Stan Turner is understandable as he battles against an open and shut case to locate what may be the actual murderer, tries his best to preserve his friend’s memory as decent man, father and husband rather than murderer, finds himself facing more danger than he had foreseen.

The interwoven situations Turner must face as he works to determine the reality behind his friend’s death, and the deaths of his family and the sitter who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, the driving force behind the situation, and eventual truth while juggling his own home and family circumstances, his schooling, his make do job selling insurance while putting himself through school, and the political contest that will continue with or without Rob Shepherd, or Stan himself, are cleverly produced in this bracing murder mystery.

Attorney and Novelist Manchee carries an awareness of the judicial landscape many do not have. He puts his knowledge to first-rate usage to craft another gripping narrative meant to hold reader interest as readers are afforded a quick look into the day by day lives of persons who are appealing and enjoyable and quite believable.

As always Manchee has peopled his work with a list of characters who are well detailed, creative and carefully planned. From the enigmatic Melissa Thornton, and her somewhat unfathomable husband Brad, to secondary players who hang around the edges not always behaving as expected to the FBI agents who seem to epitomize everything readers may think regarding such officers to Stan’s wife Rebekah each is featured as altogether credible.

"Disillusioned" is the latest in a growing series of William Manchee's 'Stan Turner' mystery thrillers. Manchee has a history for producing more and more of my preferred type works filled with very readable writing peopled with nicely authentic characters and state of affairs.

Manchee works assure no inane affectation, no specious, graphic sex is added with a hope to simply titillate in order to simply sell the book or attempt to make up for a lack of writing skill in return for highly readable work sure to prove more than adequate for those of us who enjoy a dandy mystery filled with red herrings, determined, hard hitting dialogue, perceptive narrative and more than enough highlights and resonance and description to draw the reader into the setting and keep them turning the page.

I find "Disillusioned: A Stan Turner Mystery" to be a good option for those who enjoy mystery thrillers. It is a fine selection for the personal reading shelf, the high school library for those mature enough to enjoy the genre and for those who just like a good book to read.

Enjoyed the read; William Manchee’s "Disillusioned: A Stan Turner Mystery" is highly recommended.

Tarizon: Conquest Earth Vol 3
William Manchee
Top Publications

William Manchee’s "Tarizon: Conquest Earth Vol 3“ is the final work of the Sci Fi/Fantasy trilogy begun on the pages of "Tarizon: The Liberator".

Conquest Earth opens with Leek Lanzia spending a few days of well deserved R and R with his wife and child. The battle to free Tarizon from tyrannical dictator Videl Lai has ended with Lai’s death, it is time for Leek to take a little time for himself.

That respite will not last long.

On the pages of Manchee’s Cactus Island; we first became aware that Manchee’s writing was going to turn in another direction away from his successful Mystery series featuring Stan Turner and his family. Stan and Rebekah Turner’s teenage son Peter was kidnapped and carried away from Earth to Tarizon where the inhabitants there believed an ancient proclamation telling that a Liberator would come to free them from a powerful dictator who was becoming more powerful and more tyrannical.

Peter’s arrival to Tarizon aboard Earth Shuttle 21 led the reader into an amazing tale involving war, the CIA, an amazing repopulation program and intrigue, danger and conspiracy. It does not take long before Peter is made aware that HE is the liberator to lead the people of Tarizon to freedom against Videl Lai and his tyrant rule.

Captain Leek Lanzia as Peter is known on Tarizon; leads the 3rd Loyalist Army in battle against Videl Lai. With the death of Lai his adopted son Evohn Cystrom vows to continue his father’s fight.

The war to liberate Tarizon has left the rightful government in precarious situation having little few armaments to defend themselves against Cystrom and his thugs. Evohn is determined to not only carry out his father’s directive to attack Earth, but to retake the power held by his father for himself.

Decision to take one of the last usable Earth Shuttles to Earth in an attempt to warn the people of Earth that the impending invasion can be expected is accepted by Captain Lanzia. If they can somehow how slip away from Tarizon without Evohn realizing what they are doing will give the small band more chance for success.

Tarizon once again becomes a scene of battle, chicanery and dedication. On board the Earth Shuttle Peter/Leek is accompanied by his wife and child. Lucinda’s reasoning is simple, if Leek should die; she will be by is side.

On Earth, Stan Turner is surprised to receive word from the CIA that something is afoot. Before long Peter/Leek is reunited briefly with his family. Evohn and his minions try without success to thwart Lanzia and his mission. Earth’s citizenry becomes aware that space invasion has been averted, although with the CIA involved, the full picture is not revealed.

Lucinda and baby Tokin are welcomed by Stan and Rebekah. The visit is brief, Peter/Captain Lanzia must return to Tarizon.

Manchee continues to present highly readable, well written manuscripts peopled with characters who are thought-provoking, appealing and convincing. Manchee’s turn from Earth and his human Stan Turner main character to the people of Tarizon has been skilled using originality and imagination to create a plausible group of characters, state of affairs and story line.

Dialog, as always, is fitting, filled with strength and not motivated with profanity or reference to capricious sexual innuendo designed only to titillate but add little to the storyline.

Manchee’s story line entwining embraces artifice, ploy as well as a wealth of chicanery all depicted via nicely presented prose. Writer Manchee’s situation are scrupulous in detail conveying the reader into the action.

Reader interest is captured during those first lines presented on page one of "Tarizon: Conquest Earth" and is held tight right down to the paragraphs. I have enjoyed Manchee’s writing from the day I received my first Stan Turner Mystery to review. Author Manchee’s leading actors continue gallant, even as his rogues continue to be blatantly wicked.

Manchee’s skill as an author continues to advance, improve and fascinate. As Manchee has shown admirable propensity for setting down convincing mysteries, he is proving as proficient for crafting his fantasy/sci fi offerings also.

I find the Trilogy to be a stirring series, and Tarizon: Conquest Earth to be an stimulating read. Watch for red herrings and a surprise ending.

Happy to recommend "Tarizon: Conquest Earth"

Tarizon: Civil War Vol 2
William Manchee
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William Manchee’s Tarizon: "Civil War vol 2" continues the Sci Fi/Fantasy trilogy begun by attorney writer, Manchee on the pages of "Tarizon: The Liberator".

On the pages of "Cactus Island"; Stan and Rebekah Turner’s son Peter was kidnapped, not by humans on earth, but by inhabitants of Tarizon who have been waiting for the one who is to lead The Seafolken and those who are awaiting liberation from a dictator growing more powerful each day.

Peter’s abrupt seizure into the Tarizon space craft, Earth Shuttle 21, brings Peter to Tarizon where his new life has begun. Lucinda Dimitri who was assigned to aid Peter during his orientation to his surroundings, new language, and growing awareness of what his role in this strange new land will be, is now Peter’s mate who is carrying his child. Lucinda has been taken prisoner causing Captain Leek Lanzia as Peter is now known to worry for her safety even as he and the 3rd Loyalist Army continue the battle against Videl Lai and his tyrant rule.

Despite the prophesy that eventually the Liberator will be victorious, the ongoing battle continues right now. "Tarizon: Civil War vol 2" opens with death, destruction and a dearth of supplies; The Battle of Tribution is well underway.

Hovertanks, intelligence briefings, an Earth Shuttle Rendevous, T-47 fighters and TGA troops, a woman named Tehra, a momentous election, an order from Videl Lai to begin genocide of all Nanomite swarms telepathic communication and battles, more than a few battles, all serve to forward the tale in this action packed, fast paced narrative.

The death of Videl Lai might have signaled the end to the war were it not for the charge he gave to his son. Evohn Cystrom watched horrified as his father was torn apart by two rhutz, as much as Evohn wanted to go to his father’s aid he could not. Videl Lai, while his adoptive father, was good to Evohn as any parent might be. It was Evohn who had managed to abduct the Liberator’s mate, General Zitor and Lorin Boskie and to deliver them into the hands of the TGA. For that deed Evohn had received a promotion to Captain and now, his father was dead.

With the death of Lai; Evohn Cystrom had been ordered to take the shuttle back to Clarion and implement Operation Conquest Earth. So be it, if that was his mission, it was one Evohn would see to the end.

The news of the fall of Shisk and Videl’s death was cause for the people of Tarizon to take to the streets in celebration. With the fall of the TGA the 3rd Army quickly entered Shisk and marched to the Capitol Building. Seafolken had secured the site, the 3rd and 5th Loyalist Armies took control of the city as well as the state of Soni.

The terms of surrender were generous, while the TGA soldiers were required to give up their arms, they were sent home following their taking an oath to never take up arms again unless they were members of the Loyalist Army.

Captain Lanzia was a little puzzled when Threebeard asked to have a private face to face conversation with him. His puzzlement intensified as Leek listened to Threebeard’s confession that the attempt for rescue of his mate was thwarted by Threebeard himself. However, any anger Lanzia might have felt was eased as he listened to Threebeard’s explanation.

I have followed Manchee’s writing from the beginning of his first series featuring attorney Stan Turner and his family. I have yet to be disappointed in any of Manchee’s burgeoning body of work.

Once more proves his increasing expertise as a writer. Manchee’s turn from human Stan Turner to the people of Tarizon has been accomplished with innovation and imagination. Characters continue bright, stirring, and overflowing with energy.

Dialog as always is appropriate, often resolute, and pounding with strength. This particular genre stratagem is compelling, appealing and more than a little extraordinary.

Situations are meticulous in depth bringing the reader straight into the action. concentration is undeniable from commencement of the book right to the last sentences.

As always story line interweaving includes, tactics, subterfuge, an abundance of chicanery all portrayed in will conceived prose.

Manchee’s , heroes continue valiant, while his scoundrels continue to be out-and-out brutal.

As Manchee has shown excellent aptitude for crafting compelling mysteries, he is proving as competent fashioning his fantasy/sci fi offerings also.

While the Tarizon Trilogy is loosely a by-product of the Stan Turner Mystery series this new genre series is readable and well understood without going back and reading the Mysteries for background.

I am a fan of Manchee mysteries and advocate that if you have never read any of Manchee’s work in the past; please do consider his other writings in addition to this trilogy.

I find the Trilogy to be a stirring series, and "Tarizon: vol 2, Civil War" to be an electrifying book.

Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend William Manchee’s Tarizon: Civil War vol 2.