Steven F. Freeman

How silly am I? Reading a book about monster tsunamis while house hunting for a place on the south coast of NSW. An area that recently suffered enormous floods – from rain, thankfully, not a tsunami.

Supertide is the story of a tsunami that hits the east coast of the USA, but it is also about two graduate students who attempt to predict future earthquakes likely to cause the next natural disaster. The use of modern technology developed by their professor, but the theories contrast with established methods and not all the experts agree with their predictions. Will they prove their theories before the lager tsunamis hit and be able to warn people living within 100 miles (or more) of the coastline.?

At first I thought the beginning was a bit slow especially having read many of Steve Freeman books that are full of action. However, that gradual build up parallels the tension as development of the tsunamis and the rescue attempts occur.

It is brilliantly written.



While following the work of the scientists, every now and then the story switches to people deciding on whether to stay or flee or those caught up in the disaster. It’s like watching an action movie – going from one character’s experience to the next with suspense building every page.

I don’t know how accurate the scientific side of this story is and I don’t care. As the author says in his end note his goal was to entertain rather than inform and he has taken creative liberties with tectonic theory. However, it is obvious he has still undertaken considerable research.

The characters feel real. I particularly like the main character Macy who battled on with her work while experiencing her own heartaches.

There is an obvious understanding about the nature of people and how they act during a crisis – either experiencing the dangers or taking advantage of the situation for their own ends. But, there are also examples on how people are willing to help complete strangers in an emergency. It is and an excellent study of human nature.

In the final chapters I was pleased to read a tribute to those who survive disasters and those who do rescue and relief work.

Great reading escapism.… (mais)

Ruthless is the second book in the Blackwell Files series.

Thank you to Steve Freeman for the first time he asked me if I was interested in reviewing one of his books. That book was Tears of God, the seventh book in the Blackwell Files series. I loved the characters and his writing style in that book and the subsequent read, The Dig. I went back to the first book in the series to start at the beginning. So, after finishing Nefarious I got onto Ruthless. Neither book disappointed and I am eager to continue catching up with Alton and Mallory as well as David and Fahima in the next episode of their lives.

I should say while I am now reading them in sequence it is not necessary, they do standalone quite well. Freeman includes just enough information if you haven’t read earlier books but does not bog down the reader who has.

Ruthless has a well written storyline gripping the reader with plenty of action, mystery, suspense and a touch of romance

I love the characters. Alton and Mallory complement each other both in personality and skills for solving the crime. Their romance is slowly developing but not dominating the story.

There is a little sub-mystery involving David and Fahima who met and fell in love in the first book. Will they be able to overcome red tape, so she can join him in the US?

I enjoy Freeman’s writing because he gets straight into his story line without any unnecessary preamble. The momentum grows throughout until the final reveal. There are no dull or boring patches.

Ruthless is pure mystery free from undue violence, gore or sex scenes

There are plenty of twists and turns. I guessed the who but not how or why.

I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. Just the development of Alton and Mallory, as well as David and Fahima relationships, while knowing there will be another good read, will push me on.

If you love reading mysteries/thrillers in a series don’t miss The Blackwell Files.… (mais)

Josh has been battling loneliness in the months since his former fiancée abruptly called off their wedding. Now the arrival of a mysterious package with an insistent message could take Josh around an unexpected bend in Coming Home: A Very Short Story by author Steven F. Freeman.

While I've got a few of his thrillers waiting in my library, this is my first time reading this author. Just needed a little tale to snack on, and I ended up enjoying this tale more than I thought I would.

Some of it is on the corny side, but not necessarily in a bad way, especially for romantic folks who appreciate feel-good reads. I like a quick and simple story that still has something "different" to it, something worth guessing about, as this one has.… (mais)