Lee Baker

A couple weeks ago I was wandering through Costco. I and not usually allowed to be by myself with the debit card. As I was wandering through the books, I came upon a table manned by an author. Since I was alone without a family to embarrass, I took the opportunity to stop and talk. He was eager to talk and I am always interested in talking with people who like to write. I ended up buying his book, of course.

Speed of Light is the first full-length book by Lee Baker. He has written a couple children's books and screenplays prior. I sat down to start reading Speed of Light on Sunday afternoon. I finished it five hours later. I couldn't put it down. The concept intrigued me. The plot was tight. The action was well paced. There were surprises and twists that kept the pages turning.

Pierce Black is a test pilot, scheduled to make the first attempt in a craft that travels at the speed of light. Okay, I admit, that part almost lost me right there in Costco. I've had too much physics to believe an airplane can travel at the speed of light. But, I decided to suspend my belief for a moment and go with it. Glad I did. Baker doesn't attempt a complex explanation of how it is possible, but concerns himself with the result. Black survives (barely) only to discover he has an ability to see things in the past, almost like a dream, except that he is able to move around and consciously interact. Interesting side effect.

Problems compound when he discovers more about the death of his wife (killed in a car crash) through this new power. It wasn't an accident after all, but a targeted hit by the very corporations that employs him. Instantly, he is off on the chase for the truth and to bring justice to her killers. The twists and turns are interesting and logical. And entrancing.

There are a few things Baker will improve on in future books, I'm sure. There are a couple things I had a real hard time swallowing, such as why the company would go ahead with a future test flight after Black's physical troubles become evident. In fact, why go forward with human flight when the test with a monkey didn't go so well? What was the burning need for a human pilot at all, when the plane was able to be flown remotely? The benefit of moving cargo at the speed of light alone would be enough for any enterprise. Why risk human tests until after they understood it more? That baffled me.

Baker's corporation behind the tests didn't act like a real corporation would and that confused me. Still the drama that unfolded was interesting and engaging. The interaction with his son and sister-in-law was mind twisting and I loved it. I can't give it away, but this is the part that I enjoyed most of all. Baker leveraged an concept with the mentally handicapped I have often thought of myself. Brilliant. I loved it.

Speed of Light is worth reading. Baker is a good author who knows how to write a page-turner. I look forward to new works from him in the future. I'll have to hang out at Costco more often.… (mehr)

Mayor Coldstone and Mrs. Sleet discover a girl, Mimi who is obviously not from Winterton, with her smile and rosy cheeks. She is put in the attic of the orphanage. Her small friend a Humbug begins to hum a tune that others hear that begins to warm their hearts. Mayor Coldstone is determined to keep Winterton in the dark and cold.
Lee Baker describes Winterton and it's in habitants with words like, icy, sheets of frost, arctic, frigid and more. Very detailed descriptions that make you chill as you read it. Can the tiny Humbugs song bring the reindeer and Christmas back to Winterton or has it been frozen for too long?
Darling book to add to your Christmas collection. Sharing the theme of the love of Christmas and the warmth it brings to communities, Lee Baker does an excellent job of showing the difference that the love can make.… (mehr)

Fantastic! Lee Baker really hit a home run with this novel. It's a great combination of conspiracy, suspense, intriguing plot line and awesome characters. From page one, to page 200 this book will grip you, twist you around and throw you in unexpected places through out the novel.

Pierce Black is an unforgettable character. Working for Paralight as a pilot, and married to his long time love, Catherine, Pierce is left to fly the plane, Speed of Light. After an incident that leaves him in a coma, he wakes up, and finds that his dreams are other peoples truths. His wife dies in a car accident and he is left to raise their handicapped son alone. Until the conspiracy comes to light and he's faced with murder charges against killing his brother in law Cole. With the help of his wife's twin sister Vanessa, can Pierce use the speed of light to set the truth free or will he be forever imprisoned while innocent?

Every bit of this book had me on the edge of my seat. I was gripping my Nook with white knuckles and reading this at 3 am, because I just HAD to know what was next! AWESOME! I can DEFINITELY and HIGHLY recommend this novel with the HIGHEST of 5-book ratings! If you like action packed, thrilling, conspiracy suspense novels, then look no further than Lee Baker's novel SPEED OF LIGHT. It will grip you, and send you on the ride of your life as you follow Pierce's life. FANTABULOUS job, Lee!!… (mehr)