Reader’s Reviews

Reviewer’s Choice

When Angels Fail To Fly - A Steve Cassidy Mystery

Schlarbaum masterfully creates a mystery where the only thing more intriguing than the plot is the development of Steve Cassidy’s character.  – Alan Coombs, Astral Media Radio -

An entertaining mystery which draws on the elements of humour, romance, and hard-boiled investigation, When Angels Fail to Fly is a mystery that’ll keep readers reading.  – Midwest Book Review -

Just finished When Angels Fail to Fly ~ a great sequel John! Set up nicely perhaps for #3? BRAVO! A thoroughly enjoyable read, highly recommend.  – Lori Huver, Amherstburg, ON

Reviewer’s Choice

Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner - A Steve Cassidy Mystery

An enthralling mystery all the way through, Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner is a finely crafted work of the genre, and a great choice for fans.  – Midwest Book Review -

Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner has sturdy traditional crime bones. Schlarbaum isn’t lacking in wit or an attractive protagonist. – Sun Media -

I finished Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner while I was on vacation in Antigua. Fantastic! Could not put it down. Look forward to the 2nd Steve Cassidy Mystery!  – Jay Shoemaker, Oakville, ON

I am usually an avoider of all sleuth type books, but I was amazed at how it captivated my attention. This book took me through a labyrinth of twists and turns and introduced me to a begrudgingly, likeable main character, who comes to terms (or not) with the dark corners of his past. Definitely worth reading.
- Rhonda Bentley, Windsor, ON

I throughly enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and I was able to really get into the characters. The tiny plot twists were great and there were areas that I just laughed out loud. Great job!  – Elizabeth Soares, Hamilton

Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner was one of the best books I’ve ever read. Could not put it down once I started reading it. Can’t wait for the next book.  – Tracy Desmarais, Windsor, ON

A perplexed mystery that leads the reader into various directions and assumptions. Sex, murder, deception, and intrigue. It had me hooked and I couldn’t let go until the very end at 2:00 a.m. this morning. Looking forward to Schlarbaum’s next novel.  – Adele Figliomeni, Shakespeare, ON

I thoroughly enjoyed Barry Jones Cold Dinner! Steve Cassidy is a complex, interesting character and I’m looking forword to reading more of his clever solutions to crimes. The word puzzle twist was innovative and the writing excellent – kept this reader turning the pages to see what happened next. Here’s to more Steve Cassidy stories!  – Persis Willis, London, ON

An extremely clever mystery! Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner is a compelling mosaic of intrigue, suspense, deception, and surprise. The thickening plot gives you no choice but to keep reading – you can’t put this one down! P.I. Steve Cassidy will sweep you off your feet with his burning desire to uncover the truth. Well worth the price of admission! I am eagerly awaiting Cassidy’s next adventure!  – Dianne Downie, West Lorne, ON

It was fun to try to anticipate the twists and turns in the plot. I look forward to reading another Steve Cassidy Mystery. – Patti Hopper, Leamington, ON

Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner is a riveting story of suspense, love, and mystery. The characters are very well developed and add a level of depth to the plot, pulling the reader further into the story itself. Once I started reading I was captivated by the story and found I couldn’t put the book down. I needed to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this book to all readers and am anxiously awaiting for the sequel.  – Nicole Dupuis, Squamish, B.C.

What a great book-very easy reading. Keep up the great work John!  - Tammy Trace, Wasaga Beach, ON

My sister recommended this book to me, and I am very thankful that she did. It was really captivating and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait for a sequel. I definitely recommend it to anybody looking for a great book that will keep you interested until the end.  -Felicia D., Windsor, ON

I quite enjoyed solving this mystery right along with Steve Cassidy. Engaging, real characters, and a very good story. Looking forward to the next one!  – Laura Borland, Amherstburg, ON

The twists and turns of Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner kept me up to the wee hours finishing the mystery. The characters were real and sprang off the pages. It was delightful having a story set in small-town Southern Ontario. Can’t wait for the sequel! – Marilyn McPhail, Toronto

This book is an awesome book! Like some of my other favorites, this one was a page turner and I couldn’t put it down. I highly recomend this book for all readers.  – Kevin Jarvis, author of Personal Underworld A Journey Through TMS

An absolute must-read! This book was a real page-turner. I could not put it down. I loved the way this book kept you in suspense wondering who did it. The characters were great, and kept me interested throughout the whole book. I am recommending this book to my friends and I am looking forward to reading more mystery books by John Schlarbaum. A job well done!  – Divina De Marco, Windsor, ON

I usually read romance novels and was not sure how I would like this book. However, it captured my attention right away and continued throughout the book. It was an incredible story and very well written. Thanks, John, for making my Christmas vacation very enjoyable and relaxing. – Wendy Davies, Windsor, ON

Steve Cassidy is a very engaging character. A cross between Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and Gregory MacDonald’s Fletch! I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. Every page was an adventure leading to an exciting climax! I would recommend this novel to anyone.  – Jim Lintern, Oshawa, ON

I’ve never been much of a mystery reader. In fact, I initially only picked up Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner because the small town in the book was based on the town where I live. My interest in picking out recognizable streets and landmarks very quickly turned into interest in the mystery that was unfolding before me, and it wasn’t long before I found that I couldn’t put the book down! I have recommended the book to others, and I can’t wait to read the next one.  - Laura Wilkins, West Lorne, ON

Great reading and suspense! I enjoy these types of novels. What I liked about reading this book was What will happen next? The suspense had me wanting to read more and not put the book down. I read this book in 4 days and loved it. Looking forward to the next installment. I have recommended your book to my friends and they all loved it after reading it.  – Glenn Girard, Amherstburg, ON

We are all reading your book and Ted and I found it very, very good – couldn’t put it down. Keep up the good work and looking forward to reading your next one.  – Kathy and Ted Johnston, West Lorne, ON

An awesome, thrilling, suspenseful book. I could not put it down. Keep writing, John! I know you will be on the NY Times Best Seller list. I also loved The Doctor’s Bag. I have recommended both books to all my friends and family.  - Christine Foster, Stratford

Thoroughly enjoyed reading your book, looking forward to the next Steve Cassidy Mystery.”- Nelson Tavares, Harrow, ON

This is a very good first novel and I am looking forward to see where the next book in the series goes. My favourite aspect about the book is knowing John Schlarbaum is a private investigator with a long knowledge of working for insurance companies. He writes from experience not research, where some other authors fall flat on the realities of the job.  – Edward Petrie, Woodstock, ON

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. It kept my interest totally and found I wanted to read all the detail, and did not want to miss anything because of all the twists. The descriptions made the imaginary town and people come to life, even their peculiarities. I always enjoy a good mystery.  – Susanne and Claude Ouimet, London, ON

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner. The characters and storyline captured my interest immediately! I am so excited to have a new Author to refer to my friends and look forward to your next novel.  - Dodi Harrison, Windsor, ON

John, I totally enjoyed your book, Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner. You are right up there with my favourites, John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, Sandra Brown and Catherine Coulter. Can’t wait for your sequel!  – G. Santo, Maidstone, ON

What a great book! Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner is excellent and very well written. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The story’s twists and turns where unreal. I love murder mysteries and would give this book a “10” on a scale of 1 to 10. I can’t wait for book number four to come out. Keep up the good work!  - Sidonia Farkas Woolley West Lorne, ON

I just finished your book. Overall an excellent read – I really enjoyed it. This seems like a movie franchise to me.  - Simon Crawshaw, Dundas, ON

Great beginning and keeps the reader interested during the entire book! Full of comedy, suspense and action. I highly recommend Barry Jones’ Cold Dinner for anyone looking for an excellent new mystery.  – Phil Baker, Toronto, ON

Just finished Barry Jones – it’s fabulous! Very impressive for sure! It’s a really good mystery and I’m a BIG mystery reader! The characters were terrific – I felt like I knew them, and you’re really great at conversations too. Great job, John! Hurry up with the next one in the series!  – S. Fulmer, London, ON

Aging Gracefully Together – A Story Of Love And Marriage

Reviewer’s Choice

Aging Gracefully Together: A Story Of Love And Marriage by John Schlarbaum is an intimate autobiographical account of one couple’s undying love from the time of their engagement through their fifty years of domestic partnership. Captivating readers from first page to last, the story of Henry and Tina Cole’s hopes, dreams, joys, heartaches, struggles and triumphs is an inspiring story of love and marriage. Aging Gracefully Together showcases a thoughtful and caring relationship and is very highly recommended reading — especially for those who are themselves about to embark upon a lifetime matrimonial journey together.  – The Midwest Book Review

“I read your book last night, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Great Dialogue. This book would make a great five act play. Looking forward to your next one.” – Michael D. Rau, Kitchener, ON

Just wanted to say I finished your book Aging Gracefully Together and was thrilled. It was wonderful. Your books help us get in contact with the emotions that are buried deep within us. Looking forward to your next book. Keep up the good work. – P. Glendon, Windsor, Ontario

The Doctor’s Bag – A Sentimental Journey

Reviewer’s Choice

The Doctor’s Bag: A Sentimental Journey by John Schlarbaum is the heartwarming tale of the life of Thomas Sterling and his son Robert.

Readers will become enthralled with The Doctor’s Bag as the intimate story between father and son unfolds, giving new meaning to the actual doctor’s bag itself. As the doctor’s bag acts as the metaphor between healing and pain from year to year, The Doctor’s Bag leaves the reader with an enlightening message of life, love and hope. The Doctor’s Bag is strongly recommended to the general reader and those searching for a gentle, touching, and life changing read.  -The Midwest Book Review

I really enjoyed the book. It is honestly a tearjerker. It’s very sentimental, very heartwarming, a really nice book. It would really make an excellent gift for someone.  -  The Book Review  CKLW RADIO – Windsor, Ontario

The Doctor’s Bag: A Sentimental Journey by John Schlarbaum, published by Scanner Publishing. A short story about the bond between a father and son as they deal with events in their lives. The doctor’s bag is a symbol from the past that stirs up memories and maintains the bond.  – The London Free Press - London, Ontario

I just finished reading The Doctor’s Bag and enjoyed it immensely. Thomas’ letter to his son was really thought provoking – a good moral of unconditional love parents have for their children. All the best.  – Carolyn Reid, Leamington, ON

The Doctor’s Bag is a book about life! As I walked through those pages I could relate so well to the ups and downs of ‘family’ sometimes as the child . . . other times as the parent. Well done! Thank you for your refreshing, inspirational message. Our world needs that.  –  JACKIE McCREARY, Windsor, Ontario

The book was very good and I enjoyed it very much. I like that it was the father teaching the son life lessons through the bag. I especially liked the letter that the son finds from the father – it was beautifully written. – REBECCA PUDSEY – London, Ontario

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your book, The Doctor’s Bag. It was a very heartwarming, feel good story that made me laugh and cry. I will recommend it to all my family and friends.  – CHERE MacNEILL – Burlington, Ontario

I enjoyed your book. It was a fine story and the book now sits on the table in our family room. –  DR. BRUCE CANTELON – West Lorne, Ontario

I just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed your book. What a wonderful read. We look forward to your next book. Best Wishes.  - PETER AND KELLY ANDARY – Warren, Michigan, USA

How delighted it was to receive your book. I have just spent a most pleasurable time reading. You have penned a good tale – there is a message there too. I liked how you brought everything together at the end. The theme is universal but how uniquely you wove the generations into the story. I was touched in the closing with the emotion that came out.  – GERREE BEACOM – West Lorne, Ontario

I found the book very hard to put down because I really did want to find out what was going to happen next. It made me think about things and events in my own life parallel to the book and is a good story that makes you feel good in the end. I did really enjoy the book and will keep telling everyone about it. –  JULIE LAWLEY, – West Lorne, Ontario