Published Books by Ray Spengler

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Genre:  FICTION

Title:  NOT A GOOD TIME TO DIE

Author:   RAY SPENGLER

            One of the best parts about being a book reviewer (besides getting paid) is that we get to read good books that we might not otherwise come across. Lately, I’ve had a run of terrific books and Not a Good Time to Die is no exception. The hook: “Douglas Holbrook’s terminally ill wife dies and, tragically, may do so again”. Again, huh? Well, I just had to find out more and couldn’t wait to get reading. And believe me, the author does a skillful job of keeping the reader turning pages with his well-plotted tale, complete with an ingenious twist near the end.

Our protagonist, Douglas, has regrets. After his wife dies, he discovers he has been given a gift—the gift of being able to travel into the past. With his newfound ability, can he change the course of events? Maybe even save his wife’s life? And what about other stuff like fulfilling his dreams? Maybe he could even get rich buying stocks he knows will perform well, stuff like that. But mostly, he wants to right some wrongs, make amends, and then get as close as possible to the onset of his wife’s cancer and see if he can change things so she will live.

Well, as intriguing as this plot is, the real beauty of the book is in the details, in the writing. The author does a fine job of portraying a close relationship and what is really important to keep one. He spares no emotions, tossing in life’s difficulties and tragedies—things like miscarriages, rape, infidelities, betrayals and more. He portrays alcoholism particularly well. And while you’re reading, take note of how skillfully he puts you in each particular time frame, using subtle references (for example: Chuck Berry, 25-cent gasoline, bell-bottom jeans). And as the author turns up the tension, he will keep you guessing. How will this ultimately pan out?  

Ray Spengler hails from Long Island, New York and although his background is in engineering, he’s managed to keep the rigidity and preciseness of that profession from bleeding into and overshadowing his writing—a common problem with such disciplines. I suspect that’s because the author has an extensive background with community theater. Not a Good Time to Die is his first novel; however, he previously penned Always Yearning, a memoir.

Good Read by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews www.allbookreviews.com

Published by: Infinity Publishing ©2008

ISBN: 0-7414-4964-1 Trade Paperback

305 pages

US $16.95

Nov. 2008

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