Anyone wondering why more wrongdoings aren't brought to light should read the book "The Whistleblower" by Kathryn Bolkovac with Cari Lynn. Methods of suppression by internationally recognized organizations are recounted in alarming detail. The entire gamut of tactics is revealed. Only a dedicated and committed whistleblower like Ms. Bolkovac has a chance of surviving. Yet, she did. If she can, so can others. Come on whistleblowers of the world, unite!

Ava Lee is again portrayed as the innovative, daring, dashing heroine we've learned to admire in four previous novels. The resolute manner in which she resolves conflicting situations absorbs the reader. Scenarios that are as contemporary as today's newspapers come to life with gripping impact. I was more impressed than ever.

I enjoyed reading "Two Boys from Aden College" by Dr. Qais Ghanem. The story, enriched with a complementary cast of family, friends and acquaintances, draws one into the professional and private lives of two Yemeni men, in Arabic and Western settings. A mental picture emerges of differences between the cultures, as well as similarities. The author obviously draws on a keen understanding of prevailing conditions. This book is well worth reading.

Having read all three previous Ava Lee novels, I eagerly anticipated The Red Pole of Macau, and it delivered. Great story! The book faithfully portrays the mood of life in Hong Kong and Macau. The geographical description is so vivid it is like being there. Ava's forensic accounting, for a change, comes secondary to family preservation; financing figures in both. Ava's renowned problem solving skills are applied accordingly, with greater impact than ever.

Requiem is a disturbing read of man's inhumanity towards others, all the more shameful because it happened in Canada. Emotions during war time are readily inflamed into enmity, racism and greed. The Japanese-Canadians along Canada's Pacific coast bore the brunt of this hysteria, their properties confiscated and forced into internment camps; a sad indictment of Canadian society at a stressful time.
The story takes a twist inside the camps. Resilient internees strive to make the best of a bad situation. They persevere. Strengths of human character and family ties shine through. When peace returns, they pursue with renewed vigour their rightful place in society.
The novel's portrayal of a family caught up in this drama is memorable.

Only recently did I come across this book, published in 2006. Mark Bowden's astute observations on the forces at play during the hostage crisis of 1979-80 remain valid today towards understanding the dangers of politically exploiting cultural divisions.

"The Occupied Garden" tells the story of a Dutch family coping with German occupation of the Netherlands during World War II. The unpredictability of what the occupiers would inflict next made life precarious. We get not only an accurate picture of what life was like in Holland at the time, but also the wider aspects of national and international influences shaping the conduct of the war. The role of Canadian soldiers liberating Holland is passionately conveyed, explaining Dutch gratitude to this day. The family's emigration to Canada in 1951 reveals the aspirations of a large number of war-weary people. The book is of great relevance to understanding the special bond that exists between the Dutch and Canadians. Authors Kristen den Hartog and Tracy Kasaboski are to be congratulated for digging into family history and bringing the story to life in a modern context.

Many immigrant stories are relatively straightforward: Migrate from one country directly to another. This one is different. The Amber Coast is a riveting account of one family's torturous multi-stage transition. As such, the book contributes to better understanding the mosaic that is Canada. Congratulations to the author for garnering so many details.

Part travelogue, incisive dialogue, imaginative plot, bold action. Once started, impossible to put down. Looking forward to more books in this series.

I enjoyed reading Adrian de Hoog's Natalia's Peace. The author set himself quite a challenge: Address an issue of world importance; portray it with a credible cast of characters; and make the reader think. In this age of Arab Spring and Occupy Wall Street, we should think about what kind of world we'd like to live in. Natalia's Peace gives an insight.