I am very pleased to report Five Reviews of my new novel have been posted on the Internet.  I am posting them here, with thanks to the Reviewers.

On May 1, 2009, at www.tcm-ca.com, Ms. Karen Hene, a Reader from Indianapolis, Indiana (the setting for the novel) posted her Review:

"This is the story of Mike Walsh a policeman then a robbery-homicide detective for the Indianapolis Police Department. The book is based on a true story. The fact that the story took place in Indianapolis is what first drew me to the book. I was born and raised and live in Indianapolis. I enjoyed the book very much and particularly knowing the parts of town where the story took place added to my interest. I could not put the book down. I wanted to know what was going to happen because the author made you feel like you were with the detectives, and you could feel their pain, and elation when they were able to close a case.

One Christmas Eve Mike and his partner Brad Reccio were called to a domestic dispute. Brad was gunned down and seriously hurt. The suspect had Mike in his line of fire and he was unable to get to his partner. Because of this, Mike put himself in danger and came forward to try and talk the suspect into surrendering. Mike was successful and Brad was rushed to the hospital where Mike learned that he would make a full recovery.

Soon after this incident Mike Walsh was promoted to the robbery-homicide division. He was assigned to work with his one time mentor Jack Lovell. Mike found that he was quite good at  being a detective and with Jack's guidance he became very good at his job. The bulk of the novel deals with the different cases Mike works on and how a detective investigates cases and gathers information.

The story also focused on the married life of Mike Walsh and how his job affected his marriage. Detectives put in a lot of time tracking down information and different leads that come from their informers. Joanne, Mike's wife found that his new hours on his new job meant that he was not home very much. She also worried about his safety all the time. This put a huge strain on their marriage. I don't think many people think about that part of a policeman or detective's life. Their famillies really have to put up with them bringing the job home with them and the inherent danger of the job.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who especially enjoys crime novels or just a good read."

NOTE:  Although there is no rating scale for Reviews on teh tcm-ca site, I will take this as a Five Stars Review.  Thanks, Karen!

At www.amazon.com on April 28, 2009; MR. DEWEY W. SHAW, A Book Reviewer, gave The Execution of Justice Four Stars in his post:

"Mike Walsh and his partner Jack Lovell are homicide detectives. Jack is the leader and Mike has just been promoted from the patrol division. Jack, of course, starts teaching Mike how to be a detective. Mike is a fast learner and has the knack to be a good detective. The book kept my interest and I enjoyed hearing all the steps involved in solving a crime.

Mike's home life is gone over in too much detail. What did he have for each meal, how did he dress each morning, did he have sex that night or just went to sleep. Conflict with his wife over his job is an iumportant aspect of the novel, but not the mundane details of day to day living.

For a series of Mike Walsh books to have sustaining power, a "hook" needs to be established that would make you look forward to the next one. This book does not establish that."

NOTE:  I agree with Mr. Shaw on the mundane day-to-day details. However, I do think a "hook" is in the last chapter, and readers of this novel will look forward to the next.  Thank you, Mr. Shaw. I will send you an advance copy of "The Jockey's Widow" (working title) for your Review.

 MR. CHARLES ASHBACHER,  a nationally syndicated and Amazon Top 50 Book Reviewer, posted his Four and One Half Stars review at www.amazon.com, April 17, 2009:

"A depiction of a detective, who's professional life expands while his personal life suffers,

Mike Walsh is a patrol cop with a stable marriage and a so far unfulfilled desire to have children. He is good at his job, dedicated to preserving the peace and well respected by his peers. When his mentor Jack needs a new partner, Mike is offered the position of detective within the department. Considering it an enormous opportunity, Mike accepts and this is the story of his daily challenges.

Although Mike and Jack are on the trail of a brutal serial killer of women and an increasingly violent gang of thieves, there is no buildup to a climatic end. While the police are meticulous in gathering evidence gainst the serial killer, unlike other stories, there is no corresponding meticulous buildup of tension. Therefore, it is inaccurate to describe this as a thriller, while there is action, it is not of the form where the tension is slowly ratcheted up.

Mike discovers that his new position puts a good deal of strain on him and his marriage, for now he feels personally responsible for the capture of the villains. In order to gather the evidence, it is now necessary for him to attend autopsies and examine the murder victims in great detail. This creates mental baggage that he brings home; he often works late and comes home mentally and physically exhausted.

Despite the lack of a buildup to a climax, this is still a book that will keep your attention if you enjoy stories about the daily routine of being a robbery/homicide detective. The cover announces that this is the debut novel of a "Detective Mike Walsh" series of novels. Given this good start, I believe it will be a successful one."

NOTE:  Thank you, Mr. Ashbacher.  It is readers and Reviewers like you that inspire this Writer.

MR. RAY VEROLA, an Author/Reviewer of Oakdale, PA, posted his Five Stars Review on www.amazon.com on April 10, 2009:

"An Entertaining Read,

"The Execution of Justice" is a well-paced, exciting novel. Author Michael Phelps has created a likeable, interesting lead character in Detective Mike Walsh. There are two appealing story lines in the book: Walsh's work as a new, fast-learning detective and the up-and-down relationship with the wife who loves him but also has a big problem with his dangerous line of work. The action is fast with many twists and turns that grab the reader. Two twists toward the end of the book really caught me by surprise and moved the action in an interesting way. "The Execution of Justice" is an entertaining read."

NOTE:  Thanks to Mr. Verola. I am elated that you enjoyed the book. I am looking forward to reading your next book.

MR. ALAN MR, a Reader who purchased his copy at www.BarnesandNoble.com, posted his Five Stars Review on the Barnes and Noble web site on March 03, 2009:

"I just read this book and found it to be exciting. It gave me an insight into how cops work, and their personal side as well. Parts are sad, but it shows dedication on the part of the detective characters. I could easily visualize what was going on in the plot. I really enjoyed it, and hope for more by this author."

NOTE:  Thank you Mr. MR. My purpose in writing novels in the police procedural-detective-crime genre; based on true crimes, is to have my readers realize that Law Enforcement Officers are real human beings, with feelings, with families, and facing the same problems we all face. What makes them so different is; they have to leave their families, and their personal problems, and most important, their feelings at home when they go to work . . . their lives, and maybe yours, depend on it.