Category: Blog Tour

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Close to the Bone by Susan Wilkins – Books On Tour (Review)

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, Buried Deep, so I was looking forward to this one. I’m pleased to say that Detective Megan Thomas is still in fine form.

She’s still somewhat of a mess, but she is trying to work through it. It helps that she has not one, but two seemingly disparate investigations – are they somehow linked or is that just a reflection of normal casework. And is her past making her too jaded to be objective?

Megan herself wonders this more than once, which adds an interesting dimension to her character. Her self-doubt comes close to making her an unreliable investigator. She knows that she should be trusting her gut and just “going with it,” but she constantly second-guesses herself.

It doesn’t help that she’s still living with her sister, Debbie, and Debbie’s family. This adds to her sense of loss from the past traumas. I’m not going to rehash that, but I stand by what I said in my previous review (see link above).

The author writes about her past as if the reader experienced it with Megan, but we didn’t; it’s all been exposition. It still feels more manipulative than character driven. Even actual flashbacks would be beneficial to a greater understanding of Megan’s current state.

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As to the investigations, Megan has a lot to deal with here as well. The team, whose personalities were established in book one, continue to work well together in spite of the conflicts they have. I think these are the most real parts of the story.

No unit gets along 100% of the time. They snipe at each other, get angry, disagree with next steps…but ultimately work together to solve the case(s). However, sometimes it’s difficult to see behind the façade of a person, especially when you work closely. Megan has to face this a couple of times.

We do get the addition of a couple of interesting characters from the National Crime Agency (NCA). I liked these two, as I think they both had a positive impact on Megan…although for very different reasons. It will be interesting to see if those connections continue in future books.

The action was well-plotted and retained my interest for the most part. It did drag a little bit in the middle, but that’s typical of an investigation…sometimes there’s just a brick wall in the way until another piece chips away and the whole thing comes tumbling down, breaking the case wide open. That was certainly what happened with this investigation.  

I did have a suspicion about a character fairly early on that proved to be true, although not exactly in the way that I thought. I liked that the author surprised me with that. She also handled the timely topic of human trafficking (no spoiler) with sensitivity and insight.

All in all, it’s another solid investigation from Megan and the team. I’ll be interested to see where she goes from here.     

Website: https://susanwilkins.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanwilkinsauthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SusanWilkins32

Author Bio:

Susan Wilkins also writes as S.J. Wilkins. Susan worked for years in television drama, wrote for shows including Casualty, Heartbeat, Coronation Street, and Eastenders, and created the London-based detective drama South of the Border.

Her gritty, Essex-based gangster trilogy – THE INFORMANT, THE MOURNER and THE KILLER – has been compared to Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers and described as “blazingly brilliant” (Sunday Mirror). IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME, her fourth book, is a twisty psychological thriller, featuring police detective Jo Boden, an ambitious cop still grieving for a murdered sister.

For 2020 a completely gripping new series from Susan introduces the tough and determined Detective Megan Thomas. For fans of Ann Cleeves, LJ Ross and Mari Hannah, this will keep you hooked from the first page to the last. Writing as S.J. Wilkins, A KILLER’S HEART – a tense and timely political thriller, is now available on Kindle.

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The Wartime Nanny by Lizzie Page – Books On Tour (Review)

As I have mentioned before, many historical fiction novels set in and around WWII usually focus on the war itself, or occupied territories. This one is unique because it is actually set in England in the years leading up to Hitler’s rise.

It starts with an elderly Natalie asking her daughter to find a person for her, and we get an inkling that this person is very important to her past. From there, we are taken back to 1936, when Natalie arrives in England (from Austria) as a nanny (hence the title).

The rest of the story is told entirely in the past, as the reader gets to experience a new country and new customs through Natalie’s 16-year-old eyes. Of course, the timeframe needs to be taken into account here.

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I liked how Natalie tried to fit in with the other servants in the Caplin household and how they eventually came to understand each other. I also thought Natalie’s discomfort in new situations, partnered with her efforts felt realistic.

I did feel like the Caplin family was sort of a collective enigma. At first, I thought it might have been purposeful, with a possible respelling of their name. It wasn’t until later in the book that it became apparent Caroline and her husband were just at opposite purposes. I don’t mind saying that Caro was one of the more easily despisable characters I have come across.

As news comes from home, Natalie realizes that she needs to get her sister and mother out of Vienna. The scenes at the refugee offices were especially interesting, because that is not an aspect that is often addressed, especially the anti-Semitism in western countries. It is often subtle here, mainly because 16 is still a naïve age, but also apparent in cutting remarks and actions of certain characters.

I thought there were a few weak plot points, with Natalie’s love life being one of them. I understand that this was just as much a “coming of age” story as it was a historical novel, but some of her interactions just didn’t ring true to me. They weren’t bad or anything, they just didn’t seem to fit.

It also seemed as if the ending was all wrapped up rather quickly, given the three-year span that was the focus. One of Natalie’s driving forces became trying to help her mom and sister, but that was all addressed quickly with mostly some commentary. I wish it had been a bit more balanced. And the very end seemed a little neat, given the messiness of the rest of the relationships.

For me, it didn’t quite reach the level of success of The Forgotten Girls. Overall, however, it was an interesting book for its unique perspective and focus, which this author does excel at, and for that reason alone, I would definitely recommend this book.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LizziePagewrite
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizzie.page.75

Author Bio:

Lizzie loves reading ALL the books and has always loved reading the adventures of women in the past so it seemed natural to her to write historical fiction.

She lives with her family by the sea in South East England. And with her dog. She enjoys traveling and lived in Japan for several years. Lizzie has had lots of different jobs from waitressing and teaching to admin and bingo-calling – but being a writer is her absolute favourite.

She’d love to hear what you think of her books – feel free to send her a message on twitter @LizziePagewrite or on FB or leave a review on amazon.

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Who’s Next by Chris Merritt – Books On Tour (Review)

Writers have been stepping up their games, making me one happy reader. Why?

Let me explain.

I’ve often talked about how the first book in a series can be a grabber, and that’s great!

The question (for me) is always the same though: once the scene is set (so to speak), can an author maintain the interest into a second book, especially when they don’t need to spend as much time on introducing characters?

This is at least the fourth book I’ve read in the past week or so that is second in a series. And, as with the others, the answer to the above question is a resounding “yes!”

Now, I know some of you may say, “but the author has written other series, so it’s really not the same thing as a potential Sophomore Slump.” I disagree, because I look at each series as a new opportunity, and think it would be quite easy to slough off – even if there were successful past series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this author’s Knock Knock. It had a winning combination of compelling characters, unique perspectives, and page-turning action. All continue in Who’s Next.

BUY LINK:   https://geni.us/B08CH9H7YDSocial

I particularly like how the author gives us periodic insights into the killer’s mind, dropping hints about motivation. The clues are there, but only the reader is privy to them directly from the killer…the team has to find them another way. This makes it different from books that only allow readers to see the clues that the investigators find. It’s a welcome addition.

The two protagonists, Lockhart and Green, are still grappling with their past baggage (his missing wife, her experiences from the last book) while also trying to define their relationship. Therapist/patient? Co-workers/friends? Something more? I like how they’re both real people with real issues.

The case itself is another good one. The initial murder is treated as a standalone homicide, and only the reader knows that there is more to come. I love this “I know something you don’t know” feeling that I get over the investigators. Especially as the bodies start appearing and the team has to connect the dots to figure out what they all have in common

Additionally, one of the team is working on a parallel investigation of a serial rapist. Are the two cases related? Is there some connection that they keep missing? (You know you have to read it to find out).

Suffice to say that in spite of having “inside info” from the killer, you won’t see this one coming. While this can certainly be standalone, I definitely recommend starting with the first book, if just to get background on the Lockhart and Green. It will make this one even more enjoyable than it already is.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrCJMerritt
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/chris_merritt
Website: www.cjmerritt.co.uk

Author Bio:

Chris Merritt is a British author whose crime thrillers combine psychology, suspense, and characters you care about.

All his novels are set in London, where he lives. He began writing fiction in 2014, after previous careers as a diplomat, based in Iraq and Jerusalem, and later as a psychologist working with victims and perpetrators of crime. He specialised in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which sparked his interest in telling stories about how people cope when faced with extreme adversity.

Now he spends most of his time writing novels and drinking coffee while *thinking* about writing novels. When he’s not writing, he loves climbing and playing basketball.

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The Wife by Shalini Boland – Books On Tour (Review)

I remember reading early books from this author. I am pleased to say that the plotting, character development, and overall feel of the books have improved over time.

This one starts with a brief flashback from someone’s perspective, but we have no idea which character it belongs to. That’s followed by a scene in the past at Zoe and Toby’s wedding – and then we’re off on an intelligent and twisty plot.

The author effectively moves back and forth between “then” and “now” chapters, which are roughly 10 years apart. Through Zoe’s eyes, we experience strange events in the present time as she plans her 10th wedding anniversary party. These events may (or may not) have something to do with things that happened around her wedding.

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I liked how the author tied the two together. It was interesting to try to figure out what past conversations and interactions had bearing on the present day. The author also did a good job of throwing in a few things that seemed to be inocuous, but only later were revealed to be pertinent.

I do think that there could have been a stronger tie with the behavior of the characters in current day. In hindsight, I would have liked a few more “clues” to have been dropped…things that would have either whetted my curiosity or made me think “Oh! So THAT’s what all of that meant.” I think it might have made the big reveal a little more impactful.

There was also one major plot point that wasn’t cleared up for me, and that had to do with Zoe’s memory. Given how the story turned out, I remain unsure as to whether or not others had a direct bearing on that over 10 years or if it was solely a defensive mechanism.

But I really enjoyed the book. I think this author keeps getting better and I look forward to the next one!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShaliniBolandAuthor
Website: http://www.shaliniboland.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShaliniBoland  

Author Bio:
Shalini lives by the sea in Dorset, England with her husband, two children and their cheeky terrier cross. Before kids, she was signed to Universal Music Publishing as a singer/songwriter, but now she spends her days writing psychological thrillers (in between school runs and sorting endless baskets of laundry).

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The Wreckage of Us by Brittainy C. Cherry – Blog Tour (Review)

While nothing has quite lived up to Eleanor & Grey (my first introduction to this author), I still enjoy her books and get excited each time I see a new release. Nobody does “real” and gritty as she does.

This is the story of Ian and Hazel. They live in a small town in Nebraska, but both have bigger plans: Ian is going to be a Rockstar (with his band, The Wreckage – catch that title) and Hazel is NOT going to be her mother.

When Hazel gets a job at the local patriarch’s ranch (Big Paw just happens to be Ian’s grandfather), Ian treats her….well, like the pigshit she has to dig out. But he has his reasons…or so he thinks.

With any Brittainy Cherry book, we get a lot of backstory on the two main characters, and they are fully developed people. One of the strengths of her writing is building these characters who feel like they could literally walk off the page at any moment.

This time she also captures the absolute hopelessness of a small town that has been ravaged by zero opportunities while also addressing the epidemic of meth and opioid use that tends to follow failing towns. Those passages are among the most raw and realistic.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fmbg5g 
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheWreckageofus 
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ey4c4x 
Amazon Audio: https://amzn.to/2ATroMy 

As always, I was drawn to the characters and their relationship as they moved from hate to dislike to understanding to friendship and beyond. I love the way this author tracks relationships.

However, as with the past couple of books, there is a great build up but then the end seems rushed. There were a couple of character transitions that seemed a little rocky along the way, but once the inevitable split between Ian and Hazel occurs, it isn’t the end-all, be-all that it should be.  Dare I say, there wasn’t enough angst?

And I was really ticked off that the resolution of Charlie, and even Jean to an extent, were both almost asides. Charlie especially deserved a much bigger end to his story. As it was, it seemed like an afterthought, or just a plot manipulation. It didn’t match the influence he had on the earlier parts of the story.

That being said, I enjoyed Ian and Hazel’s journey, just as I do each time I read this author. And I will still look forward to the next one.

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A Tuscan Memory by Angela Petch – Books On Tour (Review)

As lush and beautiful as the countryside setting itself, this book was unlike most that I have read this year.

It is obvious that the author has either traveled extensively through the region or has done some serious homework, because it seemed that almost every passage contained a feeling or thought that conveyed every aspect of Tuscany. The detailed descriptions evoke the sights and smells and the character interactions capture the attitude of the people.

The author moves seamlessly from present day to the years surrounding WWI, building the story from both ends. It’s effective and the plot moves along fluidly. While the action does move back and forth between the two stories being told, the plot itself is not confusing.

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However, in spite of the character list at the beginning, I was still often confused as to family relationships and how everything connected. I thought that it was just because I wasn’t paying close enough attention.

And then I realized that this is part of a series and a republishing as well. I totally didn’t make the connection, and that is completely on me (no fault of the author). I really enjoyed The Tuscan Girl, so I have no idea why it didn’t trigger that this was the same family. However, I have not read The Tuscan Secret, so maybe I just didn’t have the continuity in mind?

Unfortunately for me, I realized it too late to help me figure out the earlier parts of the book. Again, totally on me, not the author or the story that she tells.

Regardless of all of that, the two stories (present and past) are compelling and it was interesting to see how the author wove them together in the end. I would definitely recommend this book for the pictures it paints of Tuscany.

I would also recommend reading the first books to get the background and to be clear on who the characters are, as well as their relationships to others. This story is enjoyable, but you will get so much more out of it if you are clear on the family history first.

Author Bio:

I’m an award winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer I move to Tuscany for six months where my husband and I own a renovated watermill which we let out. When not exploring our unspoilt corner of the Apennines, I disappear to my writing desk at the top of our converted stable.

In my Italian handbag or hiking rucksack I always make sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas. The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of our family live. When I’m not helping out with grandchildren, I catch up with writer friends.

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The Innocent Girls by BR Spangler – Books On Tour (Review)

I really enjoyed the origin of Detective Casey White in Where Lost Girls Go, so I was excited about her next case. Second time this weekend, where there is no Sophomore Slump in a series (I’m on a winning streak).

Casey has progressed since moving to the Outer Banks: she’s in a relationship with Jericho, she’s firmly rooted in her job, and she seems to be coming to grips (at least a little bit) with her missing daughter, Hannah, being so close, yet still so far away.

However, with the gruesome opening scene, the author lets us know right away that not all is peaceful in the Outer Banks, and things are going to get a lot more complicated and violent. From there, a new investigation is launched…one that hits closer to home than Casey expects.

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I like Casey because she is natural. She has failings and personal demons, but she knows that she still has a job to do and she does it well. Her instincts are strong, and she puts clues together in a smart fashion.

The plot itself was interesting. Somehow the author managed to tie together cults, brainwashing, environmentalism, wrongful accusations, loyalty, love, and revenge to create a thoughtful and well-plotted case. A late twist (very late) kept me guessing up until the very end. Extremely well-done.

I did think that one lead in the case (a tie to the summer solstice) hat appeared early on was misguided and a little inaccurate. It seemed like a red herring, and not a well-informed one. Fortunately, it went by the wayside sort of quickly, so I was able to forgive it. Had it remained I would have had an issue with it.

I mentioned Casey’s demons. She has to face one head one with the reappearance of a person from her past. I loved the way she ultimately handled it (no spoiler, but you’ll know it when you read it.

With the way everything wrapped up, I’m very excited to see what’s up next for Casey and Jericho and am looking forward to the next book.

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BR_Spangler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrianspangler/

Author Bio:

B.R. Spangler here. I’m a resident of Virginia along with my family, five cats, two birds, a hamster, and a lizard. During the day, I work as an engineer and spend my off hours writing, editing, and thinking up the next great story.

I split my time across pen names, writing crime thrillers, science fiction, horrors, paranormal and contemporary fiction.

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Road to Mercy by TJ Brearton – Blog Tour (Review)

I really enjoyed the first book in the Shannon Ames series, Into Darkness, and I’m really excited to say that there is no Sophomore Slump in this series.

As with the last book, this one opens with an exciting scene (not saying what it is) that sets the tone for the rest of the story. We get people on the run, dead bodies, shady financial dealings, a twisty investigation…all the elements of page-turning, thrilling suspense.

The author does not let up the entire length of the book. Even during “down” times of the investigation, the plotting is tense, and the action is compelling.

I like that Shannon herself does not let up. She is an astute and no-nonsense investigator who expects others to live up to her standards. But she isn’t necessarily “tough-as-nails” annoying. Her character is a likable bad-ass.

I also appreciate how the author allows the story to unfold, switching to other characters periodically so that we get an “update” from their point of view. It makes the story more accessible. These are the easiest thrillers to read because they’re engaging, and the action is natural.

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GY7X8QQ
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GY7X8QQ

One of the other reasons that I like these two books (and I hope that there are a lot more) is they’re largely set in and around New York City, where I used to live. There is definitely something just more to a story when you can picture the streets and neighborhoods.

Truth though, as soon as I saw Woodbury Common, I was pretty much pre-disposed to like the book, because I’ve shopped there and know the area. I did have to laugh, though, when the characters mention Raytheon in Loudoun County, because that’s practically my backyard now. So yeah, locations that are relatable give it that extra oomph.

Not that this story needs it though, because as I mentioned, this plot has everything sNot that this story needs it though, because as I mentioned, this plot has everything someone could want in a thriller. It could be set anywhere and it would still be a winner.

I really do hope that Shannon continues her investigations, because I love “watching” her work. This is one gripping thriller series that truly lives up to its hype!  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreartonTJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjbreartonauthor/
Website: http://tjbrearton.net/

About T.J. Brearton:

T.J. Brearton’s books have reached half a million readers around the world and have topped the Amazon charts in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Manhattan, Brearton first worked in film before focusing on novels. His books are visually descriptive with sharp dialog and underdog heroes. When not writing, Brearton does whatever his wife and three children tell him to do. They live happily in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate, New York. Yes, there are bears in the Adirondacks. But it’s really quite beautiful when you’re not running for your life. 

TJ is the author of Into Darkness, book 1 in the Shannon Ames series. ROAD TO MERCY will be his second novel published with Inkubator Books.

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One Left Alive by Helen Phifer – Books On Tour (Review)

It’s been a good year for new crime-solvers. This book is the first in the Detective Morgan Brookes series from Helen Phifer, who has a track record of writing feisty, smart female crime-fighters (see The Girls in the Lake for one example). This one is no exception.

We meet Morgan right away, as she is supposed to be on regular patrol. As a call comes in, she’s the first on the scene of death. Wrong place, right time? Because CID is short-handed, so Morgan makes the leap to the investigation squad. And there shortly is a lot more to investigate!

I really liked how the author rolled out the plot. I’ve commented several times on how first books in a series need to walk the fine line of too much backstory to provide a solid basis for going forward while still keeping the current events interesting.

The author succeeds with this, allowing the reader to get to know the other members of the squad through Morgan’s introduction to them. It’s effective and allows the plot to flow.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Helenphifer1 Twitter:      https://twitter.com/helenphifer1
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I also liked how the investigation progressed. It was interesting, a bit unique, and it kept me guessing. At 70%, I still hadn’t figured it out, and that’s unusual for me…usually I have at least some sort of idea. But this was well-plotted. As if I would tell you about the case….ha ha!

The only thing that stood out to me was that there were a few instances where Morgan acted out of character for a rookie. Her behavior would not be acceptable in most agencies, no matter how small. But I understand why the author chose them for plot points. It still jumped out (but I think only because of my connection to law enforcement).

All in all, it was a successful first outing, and I look forward to seeing how Morgan progresses.

AUTHOR BIO: Helen Phifer lives in a small town called Barrow-in-Furness with her husband and five children. Helen has always loved writing and reading. Her love of horror films and novels is legendary. Helen adores reading books which make the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Unable to find enough scary stories to read she decided to write her own. 

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Under Your Skin by Rose McClelland – Blog Tour (Review)

There’s more to this book than meets the eye.

On the surface, it’s the story of a missing woman and the search to find her before it’s too late (but what does that really mean?) Underneath, however, it’s a commentary on the relationships between men and women, gender roles, misogyny, and a host of other things.

There’s a whole lotta something going on here.

I’ll say this at the outset: it’s not a spoiler to say that this book deals with control and psychological abuse, which could be triggering to some readers.

There were some very strong moments. The author really captured relationships of many kinds, from work to personal. Each time a male and female were paired in a scene there was a noticeable difference in the dynamics, which kept it interesting.

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3l8pmdP
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/34oClSC

I did spend a lot of time wondering how the author was going to sustain the plot, because it seemed pretty cut and dried. But I’ll just admit right now that I was wrong about that. Roughly halfway through, there was a decent twist that had me second-guessing most of the first half of the book.

There were a few questionable parts. The women did not come across as particularly strong. This was disappointing, because in a way it allowed for the men to become more dominant in the story. Julia, in particular, was unlikable due to her actions. There wasn’t enough background on her to justify her choices or make them more understandable.  

I also didn’t care for the way the each of the women (even Kerry, who was in law enforcement) at one point or another made allusions to “a crazed rapist” being on the loose or responsible. It didn’t fit the story and seemed only to serve as some neo-feminist idea that “women have to be scared of men because of this.”

This was a misstep, because two of the three main male characters in the story did nothing to be painted with this type of assumption.

I’m not saying that this was the author’s intent – just that’s the way it came across.

Overall, however, the story was an interesting study on the various relationships and interactions that men and women can have with each other. I just wish it had been a little more even-handed.

Facebook Author page: https://rebrand.ly/0vujcw4
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseMcClelland1
Blog: http://rosiesrag.blogspot.com/p/home-1.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiegirl2000/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5805471.Rose_McClelland

About Rose McClelland:

“Under your skin” is Rose’s fourth novel. Her previous three novels were romantic fiction published by Crooked Cat. She has made the genre jump from “chick lit” to psychological thriller and is enjoying delving into a darker corner of her mind! 

Rose has also written two short plays which were performed in the Black Box theatre in Belfast. 

She discusses book reviews on her You Tube channel and writes theatre reviews for her blog. 

She loves nothing more than curling up with her cats and a good book. She has two rescue cats – Toots, who is ginger with an inquisitive face and Soots, who is black and hops along on his 3 legs looking ever so cute. 

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