Bob van Laerhoven

A fascinating collection of short stories from a master storyteller.

Scars of the Heart is a collection of short stories by Bob Van Laerhoven that sweep the reader from wherever they are to a fascinating, often gut-wrenching, reality in venues around the globe, both past and present. Each tale is a gem that evokes an emotional response that will stay with readers long after the pages are turned.

The stories, for the most part, are set in far-flung locations, the very corners of the world, many show more in war zones, with the conflicts being the catalysts for what is to come. In other tales, the war is in the mind of the narrator, who may be fighting a losing battle against betrayal or guilt. Diverse settings and cultures enhance the atmospheric nature of the tales as the author reveals the characters’ struggles and insights, often with surprising twists at their conclusion. His writing made each narrator come to life and solidified their situations and surroundings so concretely I felt present in the story.

With his vividly constructed scenes and realistic portrayals of people on the edge, I recommend SCARS OF THE HEART to readers of fiction, action/adventure, thrillers, horror, and fans of short stories.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. show less

"Death. Baudelaire told me there was only one thing in life he respected. The end."

In Baudelaire's Revenge I was thrown into the turmoil of 1870's Paris, on the brink of the Franco-Prussian war. Commissioner Lefevre is charged with investigating a strange and shocking set of murders. Interestingly enough, all of the murders and victims seem to have a tie to the recently deceased poet, Charles Baudelaire. The intensity and passion of the murders increase with each victim and Lefevre begins to show more connect the dots to an unlikely suspect that may also want to kill him.

Intelligent and intriguing Baudelaire's Revenge was a historical mystery that not only had me hooked, but forced me to pay close attention as I read. I wasn't quite expecting the sensuous and seedy nature of some of the characters, but it really added to the uniqueness of what drove them to their actions. Written from several different points of view, the characters that gripped me the most were Lefevre and the suspected killer. Lefevre's memoirs of the Algerian war gripped me and his memories of that time were fascinating; this gave great depth to his character, actions and body of knowledge. Without giving any spoilers. the writing from one of the suspects point of view was what I found myself looking forward the most. Their story was surprising, sad and a lewd...but I couldn't tear myself away. As the book was wrapping up, I thought I had the mystery all figured out; however, Van Laerhoven has thrown in a few unexpected loops right at the end which made for an exciting closing.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

Although set in WWI this isn't what you'd expect from a historical fiction novel, and that really makes it stand out. I'd say it's almost more psychological thriller in some ways, but no matter what category you drop it in, it's very well written. The descriptions make it seem like a movie is unfolding before you. A mysterious man with amnesia, the tragedy and horrors of war, and a strange tale that unfolds via automatic writing. The characters had great depth, and the story had plenty of show more twists and turns as it moved along, keeping you hooked and wanting to read more. Highly recommend for thriller lovers! show less

Dangerous Obsessions by Bob Van Laerhoven 7/15/2016

Reviews of Early Reviewers Books

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The dangers in Dangerous Obsessions, Bob Van Laerhoven's collection of short stories, are the consequences suffered by the protagonists when the disregard their cognitive intelligence over their emotions. Turning away from what they know and turning toward the hope that love always brings with it, the protagonists in his stories show more are left heartbroken realizing that they are the ones who broke their own hearts leaving them to live half-lives or die.

The five short stories are written in a spare, authoritative voice giving them a wonderful personal tone, making it easy to like the person telling the tale. It is as if the narrator is present and the two of you are sitting in a cafe. You are listening to a confession of sorts; a tormented soul letting you know the intimate details of the ways in which they became broken and alone and without spirit.

These are sad stories and, in this writer's opinion, are not about obsessive people. The characters are in full control of their decisions and, having made the wrong ones, suffer the consequences.

Laerhoven's themes are about love and war; the war within ourselves, between past and present and between freedom and oppression and how illusion and love trick us into thinking we can change war's outcome.

The stories in Dangerous Obsessions are well-told tales about the human condition and the currency we waste by refusing to own what we know.

Reviewed by Ellin Pollachek, author and photographer. She has a PhD. from New York University. show less