This contest period's winners were Betty T., Lynn W. and Therese W., who each received a copy of ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE BOURNE INITIATIVE by Eric Van Lustbader and THE SILENT CORNER by Dean Koontz.
Beatrice
Restless Souls by Alisa Statman with Brie Tate
Sharon Tate's life and events leading up to her tragic death.
Blanche
The Rent Collector by Camron Wright
The novel takes place in Cambodia's largest municipal waste dump. The rent collector (Sopeap Sin) sees a book Sang Ly has uncovered from the dump and wants to buy it. Rather than give Sopeap the book, Sang Ly asks Sopeap Sin to teach her to read. And, unfolds the most heartwarming lessons that are hidden literature.
LaDonna
Trump's War by Michael Savage
A story by radio host Michael Savage about the battles President Trump is facing as President.
OSWALDO
Patriot by Ted Bell
As avid readers and book lovers we have all become fans of one book series or another. We have cheered for our heroes in our series some time or another. We have all chosen our special characters in our books. There is one special character in PATRIOT that I admire, and nine books later I love this series more than ever. Alex Hawke is the hero that we love and cheer on with every book that Ted Bell writes. PATRIOT is definitely a 5-star read. This book is so good I could not put it down. I recommend this book to all my friends and family, and fellow avid readers. This series is action-packed from start to end. PATRIOT is proof that Alex Hawke is here to stay. If you want to get a really good book, PATRIOT is the book.
Nancy
The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
I had heard a lot of recommendations when this book came out last year but never got around to reading it til now. I LOVED it. A family of dysfunctional siblings who can't wait til they can get their hands on their nest egg -- until their mother gives most of it to the most dysfunctional sibling of all. How they deal with the fallout makes for great reading and a satisfying ending I wasn't expecting.
shelly
Any Day Now by Robyn Carr
Sierra Jones has decided to accept the invitation from her brother Clay and his wife Maggie and go to visit them. They live in Colorado near the crossroads in a barn they are converting into a home. Sierra has been sober for about a year and needs a fresh start, so this would be a great way. Once she arrives she realizes she cannot stay with her brother and his wife and decides to stay on the campgrounds with Sully. She has a part-time job at the diner and offers to help Sully as much as she can to help pay for the room and they agree. What she did not expect to find is such wonderful, caring and friendly people. Sierra has been out of touch with the "real world" and is very skeptical about people and relationships.
Kathy
My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Ruth's childhood and education were interesting but book became difficult in the beginning when case histories were reviewed. As I kept reading, the cases started to fascinate me and I wound up enjoying this book.
Judy
The Wishing Trees by John Shors
Take your daughter and travel to the places you went with your wife while you were on your honeymoon, and you have the base of this story...but, there is so much more! This is a trip of remembrance as the wife and mother have died. The trip brings her to mind for both, but along the way friendship and love are found in other places.
David
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Wow, what an incredibly intense suspenseful and surprising book this is. The publicist told me that it was addictive but I had no idea. I sat and read this book for over 2 hours outside a movie theater and it could not have been more enjoyable! I think this might be the best book I have read all year -- certainly the best mystery. This one is not to be missed.
Tessa B C
Voyager by Diana Gabaldon
Book Three in the popular Outlander series. This isn’t great literature, but the series is fun to read. This installment delves more deeply into the supernatural, which I thought detracted from the central story.
Helen
Wild Chamber by Christopher Fowler
Christopher Fowler knows everything possibly known about London. In WILD CHAMBER his detectives Bryant and May solve a murder in a park using knowledge of these "wild chambers" throughout the life of the city. Always original, intelligent, fun, and suspenseful the Bryant and May series is again a joy to read. Fowler is one of the best authors around who writes in various genres and shouldn't be missed.
Anne
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris
I received an ARC of THE BREAKDOWN for reading and review. It is a psychological thriller, and I couldn't stop reading! Watch for it to be available soon. Don't tip off any potential readers to the ending, just as I won't do here. As the cover says, "If you can't trust yourself, who can you trust?"
Sandy
The Guilty by David Baldacci
Great book to read during a heat wave!! Too hot to clean house unless I turn on the AC so it wasn't hard to sit and read. The ending of this book will blow you away!!!
Esther
The Red Hunter by Lisa Unger
As usual, Unger does not disappoint in this telling of multiple storylines of two women with different points of view. It can be a little confusing but does come together. As you read consider whether this is revenge or justice, then decide. Another must-read for Unger fans or a good place to start for those who have not previously read her work.
Donna
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
I read this in one sitting today...only 100 pages. It's amazing how much suspense can be built in such a short story. A story of love, betrayal and murder.
Karen
New Boy by Tracy Chevalier
Eleven-year-old Osei Kokote is the new boy. He faces the challenges of trying to fit into a new school as well as being different from the other children because of his skin color. Dee is assigned by their teacher to help him get settled in the new school, and he does well with her help at first. The class bully, Ian, thwarts his efforts to fit in. By the end of the day, Ian has disrupted the school yard, caused injury to other students mentally and physically. He tries to make it seem that Osei is the perpetrator which is easy to do since most of the teachers expect Osei to behave this way since he is different. Ian's rival wants to hold him accountable, but it may be too late because Osei has been driven to the brink.
Bonnie
Truman by David McCullough
This 992 page biography of Truman is a real page-turner and one of the best books I've read in a long time. McCullough is a master storyteller. American history from World War I to the founding of the UN, the atomic bomb's use, World War II, the Korean conflict all come amazingly alive. And the people: Churchill, Stalin, MacArthur, Kennedy...the list goes on. If history books in schools were this interesting and alive, I might have learned a lot more way back then. I encourage everyone to read it. It certainly deserved its Pulitzer Prize.
Sandi
A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal by Jen Waite
This story is very candid. Jen Waite has spent most of her marriage trying to ignore the signs of an unfaithful husband. He always has a reason, an excuse, a story to cover any mishap. Jen wants to believe him - she loves him. Her happy marriage is falling apart. Her husband is cheating. Jen has just had a baby. What has happened? What went wrong? This story chronicles Jen's discovery, her self doubt, the excruciating admission to herself, and her recovery from a bad marriage to a psychological liar and sociopath. This novel is written without any excuses. Jen does not hide from the facts nor from her inability to process this life-altering event.
Take this journey with Jen and decide what you would have done in her situation.
Judy O.
A Bridge Across the Ocean by Susan Meissner
I suppose really I'd give this book 3+ stars. The story partly takes place in Europe during WWII, and the other part takes place in present day. It is categorized as a "ghostly mystery". We meet Brette who sees ghosts in present day -- especially when she visits the RMS Queen Mary, which is now a restaurant and hotel. We also meet three young women who came over to America on The Queen Mary as war brides. A very entertaining story.
ILene
The Eleventh Man by Ivan Doig
In this historical novel which takes place in 1943, Ben Reinking is in the air force, serving as a war correspondent during World War 11. Two years prior in 1941, Ben played left end on the undefeated Treasure State University football team in Montana. All eleven members of the starting team joined the armed forces and saw action in the war zones of the Pacific and Europe. Ben's job was to write about what each teammate was doing during the war, publicizing the transformation of football heroes to wartime heroes to improve national morale. But while doing this, Ben was still haunted by the death of one of the non-starting teammates who met an untimely death during football practice, and sought to find out what actually happened.
Linda
Beautiful Boss by Christina Lauren
This is the 9th book in the Beautiful series and centers around Will Sumner and Hannah Bergstrom. Despite Hannah’s jitters, the wedding goes off without a hitch and she and Will have a short honeymoon until she flies off on her next job interview. Hannah is a scientist and wants to have her own lab and do research. Will can live anywhere but he wishes she would at least have an idea where she wants to live. To me, Hannah is very immature and selfish. Yes, she worked hard for her degree but so did he. Marriage is a partnership and decisions like this should be joint.
Linda
The Legendary Lord by Valerie Bowman
When faced with marrying a man not of her choosing and one she finds insufferably boring, a young lady runs away to a cottage owned by an old friend. Christian Forester, Viscount of Berkeley, returns to his Scottish cottage and finds Lady Sarah Highgate. She now feels her reputation has been ruined. She loves Christian. He is unable to tell her he loves her even though he realizes he is madly in love with her. Sarah’s brother and Christian’s friends all tell him it is not too late but he must act if he doesn’t want to lose Sarah forever. I loved the character of Christian! He finally woke up and took care of the matter in a most unusual way.
Linda
A Perfect Obsession by Heather Graham
A body of a supermodel is found in a crypt underneath one of the newest night clubs in New York. She was stabbed through the heart and dressed in a white gown holding a red rose. As the police and FBI search for the killer, another young woman is missing and presumed to be taken by the killer. Kieran Finnegan, one of the owners of the pub abutting the club, thinks there has to be another way into the crypt other than through the club but FBI agent Craig Frasier and his partner Mike Dalton have checked every inch of the crypt and find nothing. Similar murders have occurred in the past and Craig believes they have a serial killer who is now stepping up his game. They hope to find the missing woman before she becomes the newest victim.
Linda
Full Wolf Moon by Lincoln Child
Backpackers have been found murdered and their bodies torn apart. Some say a bear was responsible while others say it was a wolf. People in the nearby town say the Blakeney clan has something to do with the murders. Weird noises have been heard from the compound. Jeremy Logan has come to the area to finish writing a paper and is approached by a ranger friend of his to look into the killings. Logan is known for investigating unnatural phenomena and either proves or disproves things considered supernatural. The medical examiner states the wounds are consistent with a wolf attack, but a wolf is not known to tear limbs from a body and eviscerates the body cavity. Whatever they are dealing with is extremely strong and no one is sure what it is.
Linda
Detective Cross by James Patterson
Alex Cross’s wife Bree is receiving calls warning of bomb threats. One of Alex's patients becomes interested in the case. Kate is an army vet who was on an IED team. She narrows the search down to a particular area covered by a city bus and decides to ride the bus to see if she can find the bomber. She notices Mickey and follows him when he gets off the bus. He’s wearing a vest and goes to the Capitol demanding to talk to Congress about their upcoming vote to fund veteran care. Mickey is arrested but not before his case gets national attention. This story is far-fetched! If a man is found wearing a vest and threatening with a bomb, he would be shot on sight.
Linda
Suddenly in Love by Julia London
Mia was always considered an oddball. She was an artist who returned home in defeat after being told by a famous artist that she did not have what it took to be a good artist. While working for her aunt on a remodeling project, she met Brennan. She thought he was the hippie son of the owner and told him he stank with his unwashed hair and dirty clothes. Brennan was a famous musician who was experiencing burn-out and had come to his mother’s cottage to rest. Mia became his muse and being around her got Brennan out of his depression and he started writing again. He wanted her to be with him but Mia was afraid to trust her heart to Brennan. A great love story deserving of more than 5 stars.
Marilyn
The Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
The lives of three young women are on "a collision course " beginning at Ravensbruck, the Nazi concentration camp. The historical details are the backdrop for this engaging account of courage and endurance.
Francisca E B
Chestnut Street by Maeve Binchy
Binchy does a great job of giving us a picture of a neighborhood in this collection of short stories. Characters come in contact with one another, interact, leave, and return. Binchy’s characters seem like real people; I recognize many of them though I live in Wisconsin and this is set in Dublin.
WALTER
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler
This was not a long story - it actually ended rather abruptly, which surprised me, since I was reading on my phone and paying no attention to how much of it was left as I was reading along. But I found the story quite engaging and perhaps even amusing throughout. The characters were very well drawn, and even though odd and quirky, they all seemed quite realistic to me. And although I could not relate in great measure to any character, there were bits of the story to which I did feel I could relate. For one, the main character's feeling that she wasn't fully appreciated by her father, despite the fact that in the end he had far more respect for her than she knew. I will say no more.
WALTER
Listen to Me by Hannah Pittard
Can't put my finger on why. Maybe too much internal dialogue for me and not connecting with characters, they didn't feel that genuine.
WALTER
This Savage Song by Victoria Schwab
I want to start by mentioning that I read a LOT of fantasy literature and that I love the genre. While I loved the story and the main character August (the monster), I really did not like the female character Kate or the total lack of actual chemistry and feelings between the characters. I thought it would be a love story in the background but it was not that at all. So for me this was a disappointment. The book would have gained more depth and would have explained why August was so interested in saving and keeping Kate alive. As the story ended it really felt unfinished...
WALTER
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
My biggest con: If you are going to watch the new Tim Burton movie of this book, don't read the book. I like movies to stay close to the books. I've only seen the preview of the movie so far, but in that little bit it has changed important key factors. Like changing Emma's peculiarities. You wouldn't change Thor's hammer to a knife or Harry Potter to not having the scar on his forehead. Also the book is very, very slow. I was 70% through the book until something actually happened.
WALTER
The Wedding Shop by Rachel Hauck
This book certainly had its moments. The biggest moment for me was when Haley was in Charlotte's shop. Charlotte insisted that Haley put on the Snow White wedding dress. The next several pages brought on a boatload of emotion. The writer could have done better by Cora. Fourteen years is way too long for a good man to wait. Rachel Hauck is a Christian and a writer. These two things go together like milk and bread.
WALTER
El Paso by Winston Groom
I'm a fan of Groom and read most everything he has written. EL PASO was a departure from his non-fiction books, but it was fun to see him twist history to tell the story. I think he should try to do more like this if he feels the urge. I appreciated the experience and decided to read more about Pancho Villa so I ordered the THE LIFE AND TIMES OF VILLA (not an amazon kindle book) in hardcover. It's enormous, but I'm up for the challenge.
WALTER
The Undoing of Saint Sylvanus by Beth Moore
Fiction...not so much. It took about 75% of the book to kind of get into it, but I've never not finished a book and kept trudging through.
WALTER
Once in a Great City: A Detroit Story by David Maraniss
An interesting read. Maraniss weaves together themes/topics (the Fords/the Mustang/the mayor/the Motown sound/Dr. king/LBJ/the Kennedys/some mob dudes) that were current in the 60s. This is not the book for the professional historian nor the hardcore non-fiction reader seeking deep insights, broad historical trends, or comparisons/contrasts among Detroit and other U.S. cities. A fun book - the reader breezes through the pages, and it's difficult to stop reading -- one wants to know how each segment of the story develops/ends and how it dovetails with other stories/themes.
WALTER
Endangered by C. J. Box
C. J. Box is one of my favorite authors and he didn't disappoint on this one. How one man can come up with so many plots unless he reads newspapers from all over about people and the awful things they can do to others. I've never read a boring book by him and it helps that his stories happen in Wyoming, my beloved home state. I've never been disappointed by any of his books. Please keep writing, Mr. Box!
WALTER
Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson
Such a downer. All of the characters are extremely flawed without a modicum of hope for a better life. I was not impressed with the style of writing in the chapters about Rachael/Rose. I am still puzzling over the use of the bold font and the way the narrative was written. Strange.
WALTER
Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline
A story that very well could have been based on facts? This parallel story between a modern-day girl that is caught up in the system and an older woman that had been on one of the orphans from an orphan train and caught up in that system. Circumstances cause situations that were often beyond the control of the person involved. The interwoven stories showed restoration and hope for both characters. I didn't like the fact the not telling the truth was reinforced in several situations, but I have no alternative solutions to prevent the lies. The ending was awesome!!!
WALTER
Infinite in Between by Carolyn Mackler
I can't resist any contemporary books about the high school experience, so I was pretty determined to get my hands on INFINITE In BETWEEN as soon as possible. Author Carolyn Mackler introduces us to Zoe, Jack, Mia, Gregor and Whitney, five young teens who meet at their freshman orientation. They each write letters to their future selves, and make the promise that they'll reunite at graduation to revisit the letters. But in the four years in between, the five teens experience love, heartbreak, and new relationships, while finding themselves. And their paths keep crossing, until the eve of their high school graduation...What readers should know first and foremost about INFINITE IN BETWEEN is the fact that there aren't any strong characters.
WALTER
The Hopefuls by Jennifer Close
This is an easy read, cute story about some ambitious folks trying to make it in D.C. and the lessons they learned. This is what I refer to as a beach read since it doesn't require much deep thought and the story is pretty predictable. I really enjoyed the writing, it was relatable, and all characters are properly fleshed out. I would read another from this author again.
WALTER
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
Very different from Donoghue's ROOM, but a great read in its own right. The story of an Irish girl who is believed to be living without food and the English nurse sent to observe her. Keeps you guessing, because in THE WONDER things are rarely as they first appear. This book cautions the reader of the dangers of preconceived notions (whether about individuals or nationalities, etc.) and blind trust in religion.
WALTER
The Stranger by Harlan Coben
Adam is approached by a stranger one night and learns a secret about his wife. This one small thing leads to a horrifying series of events involving his family and others. Can he figure out what is going on before it's too late? A thriller that catches you from the first paragraph.
veronica
Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter by Tom Franklin
Started out a little slow; but then after about 30 pages got my interest. It was a good book with twist and turns and well written.
Kathy
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
Excellent - another fine book by the author exploring joys and challenges of aging residents of a Colorado town.
LaDonna
Trump's War by Michael Savage
Conservative radio host Michael Savage discusses the battle President Trump faces during his presidency.
Jean
Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly
Historical fiction at its best. Hard to believe it was the author's first novel. Hauntingly memorable depicting Ravensbruck, the only concentration camp strictly for women during the Nazi reign during World War II. I couldn't put it down.
Jan
Swiss Vendetta by Tracee de Hahn
For the last half of the book, I kept asking myself why I was reading it. This is a convoluted debut mystery that was about a dead woman outside a large estate at the beginning of a horrific storm. No one can get in or out of the area. So the poor detective who has just returned to the force (after her husband committed suicide) is in charge and supervising her old boss. What this author does well is describe people and she does it to excess. She would do better over in the romance genre. Bits and pieces of irrelevant information are included. At the very end, we get a suspect with no info developed about him or her -- really something quite new. If you want romance, go for it. If you want a mystery, skip it.
Elizabeth
Defectors by Joseph Kanon
Joseph Kanon's latest book, DEFECTORS, is outstanding. In 1961, a publisher, Simon, travels to the Soviet Union to edit the "memoir" of a former U.S. citizen who defected to Russia in 1949, his brother, Frank. "Memoir" is in quotation marks because the truth of that book is suspect. The truth of anything Frank says is suspect. So, when Frank tells Simon he wants to return to the U.S. but can only do so with his help, Simon is on his guard but cannot refuse. I will spare you further details so you can enjoy discovering them on your own. And you will.
Bonnie
The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
Absorbing non-fiction account of the brave women who suffered radiation poisoning at work in the early 20th century and their battle to have their suffering recognized and compensated. Heroines all.
Kimiko
Man Overboard by J. A. Jance
Cyber-crime resulting in homicide. A novel concept and a great read by a terrific author.
Debbie
A Hiss Before Dying by Rita Mae Brown
Sneaky Pie's editing shows that cats can make mistakes, such as the sentence "an elderly men". In whole, the book presented many facets of life in Virginia through the eyes of animals and the people. I love the adage "idle hands do the Devil's work." The lack of a centralized currency shows one of the many problems facing the "new" United States. No matter what, greed and cunning dominate the quest to control. I felt that the animals talked too often, and I missed hearing from their humans. I enjoyed the alternating chapters set in current times and in 1786. The illustrations by Michael Gellatly enhanced the story.
Lori
The Windfall by Diksha Basu
THE WINDFALL sounded like my cup of tea, and it more than met my expectations. I loved all the characters, despite their foibles. Although the book is based mostly in India, the cast of characters seemed universal to me; I could relate to, or felt like I knew, people like them. The author really brought them to life. I found the book very humorous; I particularly liked the unexpected preferences the father had for his son's future. This book was a pleasure to read. It had great humor, an interesting take on family relationships, social climbing, friendships, international students and more. I highly recommend this entertaining book.
Pauline
A Torch Kept Lit by William F. Buckley Jr. and James Rosen
In A TORCH KEPT LIT we can visualize and hear erudite speaker William F. Buckley Jr. This is a series of obituaries composed by WFB for "The National Review". The editor is James Rosen who compiled this collection of WFB's writings. Buckley's work is well researched and carefully considered with his strong opinions. He was with the longest running public affairs show,"Firing Line" for 33 years. Rosen was a Washington correspondent for FOX News. At times Buckley comes across as a literary snob. With his use of $10 words one needs a dictionary when reading his writing. This book gives WFB, who died in 2008, back to us.
Carol
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
I found this a fascinatiing book told from the perspective of a 14-year-old autistic girl. Well written and attention grabbing, I found I learned so much about autism from Ginny and could not wait to read her story.
Liz
Almost Missed You by Jessica Strawser
Finn and Violet start out as star-crossed lovers before finally connection and making a life together. Violet thinks their life is just fine, Finn does not. Several years pass and Finn does the unthinkable. And thus begins a story of lies, secrets and deceit. The second half of this story is much better than the first simply because in the beginning the story jumps back and forth through several years and it is difficult to keep track of what is going on.
Francisca E B
Maria, Daughter of Immigrants by Maria Antonietta Berriozabal
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed and was captivated by Maria’s personal journey as she outlines it in the book. But a little more than half-way through the book, it seemed to become more of a history of the politics of the city than Maria’s autobiography. I still found this interesting, because I’m from San Antonio, but I think it detracted from the central story of her own life.
Brady
The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
This novel is most interesting as it is about the inventions of Edison and two other inventors and the animosity between these men and what they have done about it. It is of intrigue and high finances and about a time in our country's history that is with robber barons and great change. Based on facts that are adjusted to please the reader. A fine read.
Thomas
I Need a Lifeguard Everywhere but the Pool by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serrittela
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was really funny.
Thomas
The Devil's Architect by Duncan Simpson
I thought this was a very good and thought-provoking book.
Thomas
The Devil's Due by L. D. Beyer
A very thoughtful book. I liked the Ireland history element. It was very interesting to read.
Victoria
Damaged by Lisa Scottoline
Excellent beach read. Loved it.
Allison
Dark Witch by Nora Roberts
Great story.
Susan
The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald
Swedish author captures a small town in the Midwest very well.
Bev
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
The most disturbing book I've ever read! If that's your cup of tea, you will love it. It takes a lot to bother me, but this one did the job!!
Emily
Anne Boleyn by Alison Weir
Love all her books. Written so that I feel as though I am a part of every scene.
Jennifer
The Jane Austen Project by Kathleen A. Flynn
This was definitely one of the better Jane Austen-themed novels I've read, and I've read a good many of them. They're often pretty trite and saccharine, which is ironic, since Austen's books are so incisive, smart, and biting in their satire. Flynn's novel has an original premise, involving a doctor from a future in which time travel is possible, who is sent with a male colleague to befriend Jane Austen and her family in order to obtain copies of her letters and the purported finished version of her unfinished (in our time) novel, THE WATSONS. The protagonist is a strong, confident and smart woman, which suits an Austen homage, and the romance in the book is very modern and not the whole point of the protagonist's life. Fun and smart.
Bonnie
The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve
I've been a big Shreve fan since THE PILOT'S WIFE. Her latest doesn't disappoint. She writes with such poignancy and a real understanding of character.
Ilene
The Atlas of Forgotten Places by Jenny D. Williams
A wonderful relationship book! Sabine Hardt, an aid worker, wanting to spend an easier life, returns to her native Germany, but then gets a disturbing phone call from her brother-in-law. He tells her that her American niece, Lily, has disappeared while volunteering in Uganda. Sabine immediately goes there to find out what happens and meets Rose Akulu, who happens to be looking for her boyfriend, saying they disappeared at the same time. It's unbelievable what happens next -- what an exciting book! I loved it.
Nancy
Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
I LOVED this book. Mark Sullivan is one of James Patterson's co-authors, so I expected the book to be formulatic and not well developed. Was I ever wrong. It is well written and kept me engrossed. The fact that it is a true story is both sad and faith in man re-affirming. I had no idea what had gone on in Italy during the war. This is as good a reckoning as you will find. I cannot recommend this highly enough.
Betty Ann
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal
Fun. A book about food and Minnesota couldn't be disappointing! I couldn't put it down. Each chapter was from a different character's perspective. Totally entertaining!
Kay
Miss Julia Speaks her Mind by Ann B. Ross
A great summer read! This book is light, breezy, and full of humor!
Linda
Dark Destiny by Christine Feehan
As a child, Destiny watched in horror as a vampire killed her family. She was kept and tortured for years until she was able to kill her tormentor. She heard Nicolae in her head and heart as he soothed her from the vampire’s torments. As she grew older, Nicolae instructed her on how to fight and kill vampires. He was an ancient Carpathian who only saw darkness until he found Destiny. When they finally meet, she resisted his efforts to claim her as his lifemate until she finally recognized what her heart had already told her.
Linda
16th Seduction by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro
Lindsay Boxer and her husband Joe Molinari are having dinner when they witness an explosion at the science museum. Hurrying to help, Lindsay is distracted by a man entranced by the disaster and he admits to her that he was responsible for it. He is arrested and a nightmare begins for Lindsay. Meanwhile, the medical examiner notifies Lindsay about a suspicious bruise with a needle mark that is on the body of a woman found close to the blast. She apparently died of a heart attack but the mark looks suspicious and is similar to ones found on several other bodies recently. Evidently the drug is fast-acting and doesn’t show up in autopsies. Lindsay is afraid there is a serial killer on the loose.
Linda
Exit Strategy by Lena Diaz
Lots of action. Former soldiers and mercenaries work for a quasi-governmental group to take out bad guys. They operate under the legitimate name of Extreme International Tours, Inc. (EXIT). EXIT take-out orders have been found targeting innocent individuals and this goes against the integrity of Mason Hunt, one of EXIT’s enforcers. He wonders how many innocent people he has killed and is determined to find out who issued the kill orders and why.
Linda
Twilight at Blueberry Barrens by Colleen Coble
Kate Mason decides to fix up and rent out the cottage across the blueberry patch from her house. She rents to Drake Newham and becomes a nanny to his two nieces. The girls’ parents were killed and they have come to live with Drake. As a bachelor, he has had to make big adjustments. He has come to Maine to look into the deaths of his brother and sister-in-law. Authorities think that his brother killed his wife and then jumped to his death, but Drake knows his brother and there is no way he would have done this to his girls. Someone else killed the couple and Drake is determined to get to the truth.
donna
Come Sundown by Nora Roberts
I really enjoyed this book. The mystery thrown in with some romance and a family history made for intrigue. I had a hard time putting it down; fast read.
Judy
The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman
This tale of Poland leading up to and during WWII kept me fascinated. While we read many books about France and Italy during this time, this is a new window with which to watch the plight of people struggling against the Nazi power while their lives and those of the animals of the Warsaw Zoo are torn apart.
Helen
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
A great thriller!
Jennifer
A Hole in the Wind: A Climate Scientist's Bicycle Journey Across the United States by David Goodrich
This book was an excellent blend of science, history, and epic bike trip description. Very relatable and readable except for a few bits of confusing jumping around between other bike trips. I sincerely hope many people read this book. I would recommend reading Chapter 19 first so if you feel like you can't read all the rest you get the best bit of looking forward.
Jennifer
Year Zero by Jeff Long
Extremely unlikable characters, unclear and pointless plot, never delivered on anything in the blurb. BUT, I kept going and finished because of some of the nice writing, especially regarding Nathan Lee and the book he was keeping for his daughter and some of his ruminations while prisoner. I love cheesy thriller/disaster free Kindle reads and expect them to be a certain way. Didn't expect it from this professionally published book.
dorothy
Accused by Lisa Scottoline
I am big fan of Lisa Scottoline but was disappointed in this one. She went into many things that nothing to do with the story. At least 200 pages could have been deleted. It was good and as always, a surprise ending.
Linda
I Almost Forgot About You by Terry McMillan
As she did with HOW STELLA GOT HER GROOVE BACK, Ms. McMillan again sees inside my mind at this time in my life. An easy, enjoyable read, primarily for women and maybe women of my age (50s), whereas "Stella" resonated with me in my early 30s. With these books, I feel like she demonstrates that people are really just people. I imagine she writes from what she knows as a black, successful woman writer. I am a white, wanna-be woman writer. Yet our dreams, feelings and desires are remarkably similar. This book is again a positive, encouraging book about being true to yourself and following your heart, without hurting others. Loved it!
kc
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
MAGPIE MURDERS is a book within a book! This classic whodunit novel with the hint of Agatha Christie, takes the reader on a journey of twists, turns, anagrams, capers, red herrings, plots, and don't forget to throw in a gruesome murder. Horowitz does a great job of intertwining the two tales so effortlessly that the story unfolds like a budding flower. This novel reminds me as to why I love the author's PBS television career.
Jud
The Shattered Tree by Charles Todd
THE SHATTERED TREE by mother and son writing team Charles Todd, is the 8th entry in the well-received Bess Crawford series. Set in the early part of the 20th Century, Bess Crawford is an English, mystery-solving nurse. In contrast to Todd’s Ian Rutledge series or other British sleuths, the Crawford novels tend to be less graphic, more of a “cozy” variety. Don’t let that drive you away, though. Crawford is a determined character and certainly holds her own among the distinguished family tree that makes up British sleuths. If you are somewhat burned out on the more hard-core authors, I would encourage you to give Bess Crawford a try.
Jud
The Criminalist by John Houde
John Houde’s first stab at fiction was an average one. While the plot idea was a good one, the plot development left something to be desired. The action was very choppy, with very rough transitions from one part of the plot to the next. It was as if Houde would write for a while, stop and then come back to start again at a completely different place, leaving the reader to think they had mistakenly skipped some pages. While Houde’s credentials in forensics are impressive, his skills as a fiction writer need some further work. I can only give an average book like this an average rating, 3/5 stars.
Jud
Hunting the Five Point Killer by C. M. Wendelboe
HUNTING THE FIVE POINT KILLER is the debut novel of the Bitter Wind series by C. M. Wendelboe. Prior to writing, Wendelboe spent a lifetime in law enforcement and his experience shines through in his work. This is the first book I’ve read by Wendelboe but it won’t be my last. Wendelboe has managed to capture the essence of the veteran cop, down on his luck and trying to figure out where to go and what to do next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to future entries in the series.
**An electronic copy or this book from NetGalley was the only consideration in exchange for this review.**
Jud
Wages of Sin by Mark Wheaton
WAGES OF SIN by Mark Wheaton is the third Father Chavez book, featuring a mystery-solving Catholic Priest. While certainly not a new idea, this book, at least, seems attempt to hold its own in this mystery sub-category. This is the first book I’ve read of this series and by this author and honestly, it could have been better. The plot idea was solid but the flow was a little sluggish. There was hardly any interaction between Chavez and Michael Story, despite what the synopsis might lead one to believe. The action didn’t take off until about a third of the way in and some of the flashbacks were not clearly defined. I am somewhat on the fence as to whether or not I will give Wheaton another try and can only give this book 2/5 stars.
Jud
The Bone Thief by Jefferson Bass
THE BONE THIEF by Jefferson Bass is the fifth entry in the popular Body Farm series. The Body Farm is indeed real, as are the coauthors behind the series: Dr. Bill Bass, Body Farm Founder; and Jon Jefferson, a writer and producer of two National Geographic documentaries about the Body Farm. The Body Farm series is an excellent one and #5 continues what has become one of the best forensic-based mysteries in literature today. The plot is easy to follow and written in such a way that any layperson can enjoy this novel fully.
Jud
Beyond the Ice Limit by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
BEYOND THE ICE LIMIT by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is a thrilling sequel to the popular THE ICE LIMIT. Preston and Child have definitely hit another home run. This novel takes twists and turns which will have all readers on the edge of their seats. It reads like a modern-day horror film and doesn't slow down between the first page and the final paragraph. This novel well deserves 5/5 stars.
Betty
The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer
The race to bring thousands of ancient manuscripts to safety from Al Quaeda.
Sue
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
There are times in one's life that rereading classics seems appropriate. I will be 70 in less than two weeks. I am amazed of the differences in meanings of books that I read years ago, and under different circumstances, now after a lengthy career, and being a mother and grandmother. A TALE OF TWO CITIES resonates more now when considered with the violence being experienced in our world.
Pat
The Breakdown by B. A. Paris
This gal can write!!!! Loved first book (BEHIND CLOSED DOORS) and this one equals or surpasses it. Love this writer!!!!
Pat
The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
Love all her books -- and can't wait until next book (she needs to write faster). Love reading about Nantucket!! Fast read
Linda
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie
My first time with the book of my favorite video, (I'm still hoping I won't grow up!) It was exactly as Mary Martin originally told me! One of the few times that the book and the video were (just about) exactly the same (Hook didn't ask for a tarantella from Smee).
Deborah
American War by Omar El Akkad
This book essentially rewrites the Civil War to modern day times. The southern states want to continue using oil and keep their current style of living. The book follows a 6-year-old girl from Louisiana growing up during this war and follows her to the ultimate revenge.
Sandy
The Spy Mistress by Jennifer Chiaverini
Even though this book was slow reading I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about the spies for the Union that lived in Richmond, Virginia. Could be used as a textbook in schools.
Richard N B
The Bat by Jo Nesbø
Book #1 in the Inspector Harry Hole series. Nesbø writes a tight, fast-paced thriller with plenty of clues, several red herrings, a flawed but likeable lead detective, and an interesting setting. I’ll definitely read more of this series.
Judy O.
The Memory Watcher by Minka Kent
I have never written a review of a book before, but I count on reviews to guide my Amazon purchases for good reading material. I wanted to love this book. It is my favorite genre to read. However, the copy I received was full of mistakes--punctuation, grammar, misspellings. It so detracted from the story that I wasn't really able to focus on the storyline. I am an avid reader and have never read a book that was so unpolished.
Kathy
The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton
Really enjoyed this book with a great twist and ending. Reminded me of THE THIRTEENTH TALE by Diane Setterfield which was another of my favorite books.
Jud
Rose Gold by Walter Mosley
This is the 13th Easy Rawlins novel, set in L.A. around the time of the tumultuous '60s and '70s. Mosley has done well in setting the scene in an America who doesn't know what to do about a generation who believes in sex, drugs and rock music. Rawlins is challenged by a case that involves a revolutionary group called Scorched Earth, the LAPD, the State Department and the FBI.
Diana
Go Slow: The Life of Julie London by Michael Owen
The book focuses mainly on Julie London's musical career, something that many people around my age know nothing about. My generation is likely to be more familiar with her acting roles, especially as head nurse Dixie McCall on "Emergency." I have to admit that is the main reason I wanted to read this book, even though I had "discovered" her career as a singer a few years ago, along with the songwriting career of her second husband Bobby Troup, Doctor Joe Early also of "Emergency" fame. At this time I still have not heard any of her music, though it seems to have been very popular in the 50s and 60s.
Carol
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
A great story told by a 14-year-old, autistic girl. I loved this story and have shared it with many friends.
Lynn
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
A young couple who thought they could not have children adopts a nine-year-old girl with autism who's been abused and nearly starved. Only through extraordinary patience do her parents, therapist and teachers finally understand what Ginny has been saying. I found my patience wearing thin with every character, but it was worth the effort to reach a happy conclusion.
Linda
Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) by David Sedaris
I keep listening to David Sedaris's books, but I must not "get him." I don't roll on the floor with laughter. This was interesting enough, but definitely not funny to me. Most of the excerpts from his diaries were before he became "David Sedaris" but, of course, he's always been David Sedaris.
Gerry
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
Superb! I just finished this novel, and am tempted to start right from the beginning and read it all again, it was that good. In a novel very different from his debut, A MAN CALLED OVE, Backman brings to life a small hockey town somewhere in northern Scandinavia, in a compelling story that is a meditation on family and team loyalties, the courage to go against the expectations of culture, and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own and make their dreams come true.
Gerry
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Sweet story, though a bit saccharine for my tastes.
Gerry
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See
I always love a book that combines detailed information I wouldn't otherwise know with engaging characters and a good story. THE TEA GIRL OF HUMMINGBIRD LANE has it all. The story begins in the Yunnan village in China, where the Akha tribe lives by centuries-old traditions. When a daughter of the tribe accidentally breaks with tradition, a series of events is set off that ultimately leads her to become an important figure in the international tea trade, but at significant personal cost. Especially powerful is a chapter about a counseling session with a group of adopted Chinese girls in America: the girls' emotions and concerns are portrayed very realistically. Very well written.
Gerry
The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain
Chamberlain spins another mystery featuring a young woman coming to terms with her family's past when she returns to her childhood home after the death of her father. Not as engaging as NECESSARY LIES, but an enjoyable read all the same.
Jennifer
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
Mamon was SO annoying and she wasn't even there. Otherwise - loved every word, every description, every emotion and every travel stop. Didn't want it to end.
Jennifer
Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton
Totally unexpected. Weird format, but there was voice. Mostly interesting. Amazing how you could grow to cheer for such an unlikable character.
Joyce
In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson
Non-fiction and horrifying with lessons for today. Very readable, but emotionally, hard to read.
CJ
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
What a wonderful first novel. This author has my attention. Great plot and superb character development. All in all an enticing read.
Thomas
All By Myself, Alone by Mary Higgins Clark
I enjoyed reading this book very much.
Thomas
16th Seduction by James Patterson
A great book. I really liked reading this book. All of his books are really good.
Walter
High Crimes by Joseph Finder
Very fast moving. Kept me interested until the last page. I would certainly recommend this book.
Walter
The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks
Barely three stars, more like 2.5. Books narrated in the first person can be tricky, and right from the get-go, I was annoyed. The young boy narrator is writing in what sounds to me like a female voice.
Lots of battles, lots of wives, not much depth to any of the characters. This is at least my third book by Geraldine Brooks, and my first disappointment.
Walter
My Father and Atticus Finch: A Lawyer's Fight for Justice in 1930s Alabama by Joseph Madison Beck
This was quite interesting to read. Lots of parallels to Atticus Finch, so I could clearly see what the author surmised that might be true. The fact that he was in contact with Harper Lee made it even more interesting. Good read, good follow up to Harper Lee's book. Really liked it and would recommend it.
Emily
The Bright Hour: A Memoir of Living and Dying by Nina Riggs
THE BRIGHT HOUR: A Memoir of Living and Dying is written in a poetical style. The book touched my heart but had joyous parts that brought a smile to my face. A brave young woman who shared her tale of struggling with cancer with honesty, courage and great dignity. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
Walter
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarity
I didn't like the book or any of the characters until the very last part, after the big reveal of what actually happened at the BBQ. Only then did the characters become more than caricatures. I'm a fan of Liane Moriarty but this book should have been a short story, maybe. I was happy to be done with it. Skip this one!
Walter
Only Daughter by Anna Snoekstra
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the switch between timelines and every time a certain day ended I thought, "Oh no! Don't stop there!" It kept me guessing to the end. Well done!
Walter
Clever Girl by Tessa Hadley
It was a tedious read that wanted to take off but never did. Plodding through her life, the main character is only mildly interesting. I wouldn't say reading it was a waste of time, but I won't be following this author.
Walter
Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter
Terrible.
Trezeline
The Hammer of Eden by Ken Follett
Very good book. Lots of suspense. Very easy read.
Therese
The Expatriates by Janice Y. K. Lee
Our discussion group enjoyed talking about this, as several members have lived and worked abroad. No one was too thrilled with the dangling storyline of Baby G.
Jean
Marcel's Letters: A Font and the Search for One Man's Fate by Carolyn Porter
I bought this book for one reason, and one reason only: my daughter graduated from high school with the author. That was enough for me. So not knowing what it was about, I ordered it. If I would have read the synopsis on a general book website, I would have never ordered it. It is not "my type" of book -- I don't (as a general rule) read biographies or non-fiction. This is an excellent book. Carolyn is a graphic designer and started freelancing after a series of layoffs. It is her story of how she found French WWII letters, developed a font and found the letter writer's family.
Thomas
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins
The book was pretty good. I liked her first book, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN, a lot better.
Tessa
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman
I was charmed by Elsa and her crazy grandmother, as well as by the cast of not-quite-normal characters who inhabit the apartment building Elsa calls home. There is plenty of action, some significant danger and distress, and enough humor to ease the tension. If the scenario is not believable, well who cares.
Ilene
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
What a great book! A one of a kind character, lonely and young, Eleanor has no social skills. She does have a very troubled past that makes you want to take her under your wing. She meets Raymond, a bumbling and unhygienic IT guy, and together they rescue Sammy, an old gentleman, after he falls on the street. The three become friends. Sammy comes from a big family and he includes Eleanor and Raymond in all of their holiday festivities. I love the way everyone finds the best for each other.
Betty
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
What a truly delightful read! It’s like A MAN CALLED OVE but without the crabbiness. Arthur Moses, 85, has lunch each day with his wife Nola – at the cemetery. Nola has been dead for six months. Arthur is a sweet man and has a positive attitude toward almost everything. Eighteen-year-old Maddy often visits the cemetery to get away from the other kids at school. It is here that Arthur and Maddy meet and develop an unusual friendship. Because of his devotion to Nola and his kindness, Maddy gives Arthur the nickname “Truluv”.
Gladys
The Bachelor by Carly Phillips
You meet not just one but three terrific bachelor brothers in this extremely entertaining story. Their pranks and wit alone are worth this book's attention. There's humor, suspense and romance all encased in a delightfully well-detailed plot. Author Carly Phillips does herself proud with this one.
shelly
Death of a Bachelorette by Laura Levine
Once again we are delightfully entertained as only Ms. Levine can do with more adventures about Janie and Prozac. When Janie decides to take a job as a writer, for a TV show that is shooting on a Pacific Island off the coast of Tahiti what could possibly go wrong? For openers, she is not exactly staying at the type accommodations she had dreamed of and not everyone is happy about Prozac. Her room is awful has no AC and is small and far from luxurious. They show has three contestants left to see who Spencer will pick to be his wife? Will it be Dallas, Brianna or Hope? As you know from her previous books of course somebody has to die. Who is going to be killed off and who did it?
Elizabeth
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
The old Dennis Lehane is back. Thank goodness SINCE WE FELL is not another of his historical mafia books. Looks like he’s done with those. But SINCE WE FELL doesn’t begin like one of Lehane’s older novels. The first half of this book is a study of Rachel, the main character. It does not grip the reader almost immediately, as you might have expected of Lehane before his mafia books. We also learn a lot more about Rachel, maybe more than we need to know. The second half of SINCE WE FELL is Lehane as we used to expect.
Sandy
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
Kind of slow in the beginning and then towards the end it got more interesting. 3 stars is a bit of a stretch, but if it was only 2 stars I wouldn't have finished it.
Lynn W
Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman's Awakening by Manal al-Sharif
Heartbreaking.
Linda
Exit West by Mohsin Hamid
I read this in one day (not one sitting, I had to go to work). Parts of the book were confusing, but I mostly figured out what was going on by the end of the book. A young woman and a young man meet in a war-torn (unnamed) Middle Eastern country. The book was partially about their relationship and partially about their escape from that country and becoming refuges. I didn't necessarily like the ending; I felt it was rushing to the finish line. Overall, though, it was an enjoyable read.
Linda
Al Franken, Giant of the Senate by Al Franken
Senator Al Franken is opinionated, humorous and sincere. I like that in a senator. Franken's father relocated from NYC to Minnesota before Al was born, but Al still received a lot of the New York frame of mind --- even before moving there to pursue his comedy career. And how many comics do you know who have a degree from Harvard? (All right, there is Conan O'Brien, but name another.) His comedic outlook seems to help him keep his sanity while working in Washington. It mostly is appreciated by his colleagues. His memoir is very entertaining and educational about how the Senate works.
Linda
The Last Days of Night by Graham Moore
My new favorite book! I loved it, every bit as much as I loved THE BOYS IN THE BOAT. They are entirely different stories, but I did not want to quit reading. Mr. Moore does a wonderful job weaving some fiction into the historical facts of America's "current war." It's the story of Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse, along with Nikola Tesla and a young attorney, and how they all helped invent and implement America's electrical system. Mr. Moore is a terrific writer and a delightful storyteller. I read his author's notes at the end of the book. I might recommend reading them first, too, to help clarify how he intertwined fact and fiction. I encourage everyone to read this book, and I'll be reading more of Graham Moore's work.
