July 16, 2010 - July 29, 2010
Last contest period's winners were Jan, Kathleen, PJ, Rebecca andSteven, who each received a copy of FAITHFUL PLACE by Tana French,LIVE TO TELL: A Detective D. D. Warren Novel by Lisa Gardner and RULES OF BETRAYAL by Christopher Reich.
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Nature Girl by Carl Hiaasen |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Once again, Hiaasen regales the reader of escapades in Florida with an unlikely group of characters --- except I've read that a lot of times he gets his ideas from a small news clippings. Always entertaining. |
| FOH |
| Here's the Story by Maureen McCormick |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Maureen McCormick shares her life story as a childhood actress, typecast into the role of Marsha Brady on the "Brady Bunch" sitcom. I found Maureen to be brave in her willingness to open up about family secrets, her personal insecurities and her inability to escape the association with "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha" --- the perfect character she portrayed. |
| Sandy |
| Mennonite in a little black dress by Rhoda Janzen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Very entertaining and LOL at many times! |
| Patricia Ezzell |
| One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although I just picked this book up from the library two days ago and have many other things pressing, I can't put this book down. I haven't finished it yet and still know I love love love it. It is a continuation of the story from CASE HISTORIES but stands perfectly on its own. |
| Patricia Ezzell |
| Case Hiistories by Kate Atkinson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
She might be my new favorite author. I loved how different families stories were told in several chapters and how they were all connected in the end. A great read with lots of twists and surprises. |
| Patricia Ezzell |
| The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Loved the convoluted plot and a few cozy nights imagining life in freezing temperatures of Norway. Can't wait to get the next one in the trilogy. I went right out and rented the subtitled movie of the same name to see how a Norwegian director visualized these scenes. Great read, great movie. |
| Ruth |
| The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wrobelewski |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Even though I'm not that much of a dog person, I found this to be a captivating story and even forgot the fact that it was an Oprah pick. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Fifth Woman by Henning Mankell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the 3rd novel in the Kurt Wallander series. It is an intricately plotted story about a series of murders in a small town in Sweden. Wallander is the lead detective on the cases. The author does a wonderful job of weaving many, many details into a seamless story and does an equally great job of tying up all the loose ends at the conclusion of the book. If you are a mystery lover and haven't discovered Mankell, you would enjoy his work. It reminds me a great deal of the works of Stieg Larrsen, the author of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. |
| Dorothy |
| The Lion by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
You can't put it down. But, I wonder how the hero who is almost dying after having been stabbed and shot at can jump out of bed, sneak out of the hospital and go after the bad guys. It was a good read, if you like violence. |
| Carol G |
| Too Precious For Earth by Amy C. Maddocks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A heart-rending story of a woman, who after being told she could have no more children, gets pregnant. The story centers on the difficult pregnancy, the birth, the death and how the couple deals with the death. |
| Fran |
| Beautiful Boy by David Sheff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a heart wrenching account of a Dad, who shares the story of his son's addiction to meth. David must confront his own fears related to his son's addiction and face the role he plays within the family system affected by this family disease. Well written and well researched with many facts. |
| Brenda Klaassen |
| The Help : A Novel by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I finally read this book. This book pulled me in and would not allow me to stop reading until I had finished the book. I did enjoy how the author made most of the narrative from the Colored point of view. I grew to hate the character of "Hilly." I am not sure if I would have had the courage to write a controversial book. I grew to love the characters that took the chance and told the story. I will recommend this book to others. |
| Brenda Klaassen |
| The Necromancer by Michael Scott |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was a fast paced book. I loved the quick moving action. The interaction between the characters was a little frustrating, with too much back stabbing for my liking. The ending of this book is a real "cliff hanger." The author has made me want to find out what is going to happen next, so I will be getting my hands on the next book of this series. |
| Kristie |
| Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Nice story, but not one of her best. A widower named Michael tries to honor his wife's final request --- that he marries one of the women from a list that she had written. The ending was too predictable and the cover actually gives the ending away. What a disappointment. |
| kaye |
| Live to Tell by Lisa Gardner |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
In her just-released psychological suspense thriller, LIVE TO TELL, (4th in the series) the story is told from the point of view of three narrators. D.D. Warren: a Detective with the Boston PD. She's been working hard and enjoying an infrequent night out when she gets the call to investigate a family annihilation case. The next day, another case comes to light with almost the same circumstances; father shot, mother stabbed and children dead. The m.o. may be similar but the families are totally different socially and geographically. D.D. Warren and her team are baffled but they try to find a common denominator. What comes to light is a link to a pediatric psych hospital in Cambridge; each family has had some dealings with the hospital. Now the investigation starts to narrow down the possible motives and suspects. All of the employees are thoroughly scrutinized including past personnel or anyone who had connections to the hospital. A daunting job to be sure! Victoria: Mother of 9-year-old Evan, her psychologically challenged son with psychotic tendencies. He repeatedly tells his mother he is going to kill her and she is constantly on the alert to keep all the kitchen knives accounted for. The lead in at the beginning of the book had my heart racing. Always a good beginning of a thriller. Danielle: a nurse at Cambridge psych hospital who is the sole survivor of a family annihilation. Her father killed both her siblings and her mother when Danielle was only 9 years old. For years, she has felt survivors guilt and still has been trying to make sense of why she was spared. Is it because her father loved her or because he hated her? Now that the 25th anniversary of the tragic event is coming up, Danielle wants to spend more and more time working but at one point after a horrible, unforeseen incident with one of the kids, her supervisor demands she take time off. In LIVE TO TELL, Gardner does a fantastic job of setting up the suspense and I really liked the way more and more of Danielle's back story was slowly revealed. Even though there is a change in narrators, I found the transition to be a smooth one and did not detract from the plot's pace. The ending was a tad bit of a let down for me as it was easy to see who the murderer was and I thought the motive was inane and not too believable. Up to the denouement and motive revelation it was a very fast-paced and pulse-pounding read with quite a few twists. I would certainly recommend the book and would be willing to read more in the series. For more info on Lisa Gardner and her books, you can visit her website. 4**** |
| Marsha |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jack Reacher can find trouble wherever he travels. Amid a savage blizzard in South Dakota, he ends up trying to untangle a threat to the area. The next 61 hours will tell the tale --- or will it? Stay tuned. |
| Tanya |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
The book is about Little Bee, a Nigerian refugee. It starts out where she is released from a British immigration detention center. She looks up the only people she knows in Britain and we learn how they met and how each affected each others' lives. |
| T. Thomas |
| The Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I usually like Mary Higgins Clark and I usually don't comment on books I don't finish, but I read 90 pages of this one and just could not get into it. |
| Julie H. |
| Silencing Sam by Julie Kramer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is my favorite Kramer novel to date. This Minnesota based news reporter, Riley Spartz, finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation, but this time as the prime suspect. In the meantime, she tries relentlessly to interest her newsroom boss in what could be the next big sweeps piece, about wind turbines and bats. Riley's parents are a charming addition to this story and other secondary characters that play a big part in Riley's life return as well. |
| Ali |
| Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love the Rizzoli and Isles books and this one is very good. I have to read them in order so I don't have any spoilers about what's happening in the character's lives. But I thought the TNT show last night was disappointing. |
| Gail Long |
| The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Although the book is told by a dog as seen through his eyes, there is a lot that he teaches us about life in general. This is a great summer read. |
| Gail Long |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Jack Reacher is one of my favorite protagonists. In 61 HOURS the plot leaves the reader unsure about the future of Jack Reacher, but we all know that Lee Child wouldn't let him die. Or would he? We'll see in his next book. |
| Sharron |
| The Lotus Eaters by Tatjana Soli |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a fictional story that is difficult to follow sometimes. It's about a female photojournalist looking for the meaning behind her brother's death during the Vietnam War. |
| Sharron |
| The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a very powerful story of two very different brothers growing up in Canada in the 1930's and 1940's. Several situations between the brothers causes discord in the family. The story alternates between then and 1960's when the town doctor's kid works for one of them on his farm. In the end, the story and characters come together with yet another trauma. This would be a good discussion book. I will go back and read CROW LAKE by the author since I enjoyed this one so much. |
| Stavros |
| Super by Jim Lehrer |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The Super Chief is on the run from Chicago to LA. Murder on the Super has interesting characters, including Clark Gable and Harry S. Truman. An enjoyable read especially for those of us who have ridden the rails on this famous train. However, I never did see any of the stars on my trips to Chicago. A good read. |
| Betty |
| Storm Prey by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I love the Prey books by John Sandford but this one is a little slow, and while easy to read it bogs down in certain places. Usually I can read one of his books in a day but this one is hard to maintain. |
| Kathy Vallee |
| Blue Blood by Susan McBride |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a Debutante Dropout Mystery that I really liked. Andy Kindricks finds herself right in the middle of things. Her dearest and oldest best friend contacts her out of the blue and is in major trouble when she is arrested for the murder of her boss. Even though Andy, who comes from old money, always tries to make it on her own but finds herself asking her mom for help this time. This is a great book and I can not wait to read the next one. |
| Susan J. |
| The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This highly readable novel takes place in late 18th and early 19th century America and talks about life on a plantation. What makes this different from many other similar novels is that one of the slaves, actually an indentured servant, is a white Irish orphan, Lavinia and she narrates the book. It is amazing to see how the slaves and the indentured servant are treated differently, just because of their skin color. And how Lavinia has a chance to eventually move up in the world while the slaves can only try to stay alive the best they can, through wit mixed with subservience. There are no great surprises in the story, and it occasionally feels a bit cliched. Some people who start out good end up bad and Lavinia makes some truly bad and weak decisions. Some of the "good" characters could have used a little more bad in them, and some of the "bad" characters could have used a little more good. There is unrequited love and plenty of love triangles, but they don't overwhelm the story. Most importantly, this is a tale of unlikely friendships, of strength and lack of strength when it is most needed and of the bonds among humans who love one another. The book is touching and engrossing and its strengths outweigh its occasional shortcomings. |
| Jane Ann Railey Clear |
| Lowcountry Summer by Dorothy Benton Frank |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you love to read stories of just regular families and their trials and troubles, this is the lady to read. I'm just into last one to catch up on characters I fell in love with in "Plantation". DBF is great! |
| Jan |
| Brooklyn by Colm Toibin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful story set in Brooklyn and Ireland about a young immigrant girl's experience. Highly recommended. |
| T. Thomas |
| "How to Wash a Cat" and "Nine Lives La by Rebecca M. Hale |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I actually give this 3.5 stars. These are cute cozy mysteries with lots of history about San Francisco. |
| Steven Schwindt (schwindt68@hotmail.com) |
| Last Call: the Rise and Fall of Prohibition by Daniel Okrent |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an excellent history of the 1920's and Prohibition and how it failed so badly. |
| marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a laugh-out-loud book. We can all identify with this book and a dysfunctional family's bereavement. It covers all sexual bases. |
| Steven Schwindt (schwindt68@hotmail.com) |
| Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am on to "Green Mars" and "Blue Mars" once I finish "Red Mars" on my Kindle. |
| julie |
| The Lacuna by Barbara Kinglsolver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is almost like Forest Gump-goes-to-Mexico. It is an interesting coming-of-age book about a boy who finds himself in the household of Diego Rivera and Frieda Kahlo with Lev Trotsky as a visiting friend during the 1930's. |
| Marsha |
| The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This charming memoir was written by a 96-year-old man detailing his childhood home in England where the Christians and Jews lived across the street from one another and rarely made any contact until his sister made the unthinkable mistake of falling in love with a Christian. Harry is torn between his loyalty to his selfless mother and his love for his sister. Good reading and good discussion value. |
| MARY ANN KALYNYCZ (MAKSURE@YAHOO.COM) |
| Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Iris never lets me down! Eve Dunkin's adopted daughter Jane stars in this thriller. Jane painted a portrait from her dreams that she titles "Guilt" and is led into battle against a cult world that worships Judas Iscariot, a cult that desires an annal sacrifice at the alter in the temple. The sacrifice is to take place in eight days, the birth date of Judas and Jane is their choice this year. While Jane pursues the search for an ancient treasure, the actual 30 pieces of silver supposedly buried in the field of blood, takes her from Paris to Scotland, and then to a cave in the Holy Land, with the help of a helper who possesses many mysterious powers. Through the twists and turns, Jane is left to save Eve or herself from the sacrifice. The decision is hers! |
| Renee |
| The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a beautiful examination of life lived more slowly, more purely and more deeply. A poetic and stimulating read. |
| Mary |
| One Step Behind by Henning Mankell |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not the first in the series, but I will definitely read another. It's a police procedural starring Kurt Wallender. Three students are reported missing and they later turn up dead. Wallender also suspects that when they find a police colleague dead that there is a connection. Other killings continue and they feel they are always one step behind. Chapters revealing the killer's thoughts and actions add to the suspense. |
| Gil |
| White Tiger by Aravind Adiga |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is an amusing satirical novel, showing how corrupt Indian officials are and how unfair the caste system is. The main character is Balram Halwai who is a servant and the story is told from his perspective. It also discusses the hardships of survival and what one has to do if one wants to be successful. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Fireside by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
As Kim hurries through the airport, she sees a good-looking man but she is not interested in meeting him now since she is running from her previous love. Yet the good-looking man (Bo) notices Kim, and it is like a bolt of lightning has hit him. Little do they know that they will meet again when Bo and his son come to live at Kim's mother's boarding house. Later, as Kim works with Bo to establish his professional baseball career, they do fall in love but obstacles stand in the way, namely the mother of Bo's child. This is a good story of how this man and his long-lost son come together and find love and affection for each other. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Elle Drake is working undercover as Sheena MacKenzie to uncover a ring of human traffickers. To this end, she has dated a well-known and powerful shipping magnate who is rumored to be involved in trafficking. Now he wants her to accompany him to his private island but Elle is afraid and tries to leave. She also has psychic powers, as do her sisters and, as the seventh daughter of a seventh daughter, her powers are especially strong, but not on the island. She uses what powers she can raise to contact her former lover and sisters for their help. Does she escape? Are the traffickers caught? A good book. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Eyes of Fire by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As Samantha Carlyle brings the boat of scuba divers into the dock, she sees a stranger standing by the dock. But as she looks more closely, he is not a stranger but is Adam O'Connor, who she had fallen in love with several years earlier but he left her. What is he doing here on her island? And who are her guests? No one is who they seem to be. Everyone is anxious to dive near the Steps to look for the sunken ship with a Spanish treasure. But Sam's father died searching for that ship and she has no intention of looking for it. This is a great book! |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Young women are being killed and their bodies are hung up on pegs and glued to the wall. They are only wearing undergarments and a lace veil. Their bodies have been drained of blood when holes were drilled into the soles of their feet. The monster is called the 'bride collector' by the FBI. The killer left notes to lead the FBI to a privately run institution for mentally ill patients. Brad Raines, the FBI agent in charge of the case, works with a group of patients who possess extreme intelligence in order to locate the newest missing woman before she becomes the next victim. The book was suspenseful as you tried to determine who the killer was but was rather long at 450 pages. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| The Presence by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As Toni Fraser and her group put on a play in a Scottish castle they've leased, a black stallion gallops into the courtyard. The rider is the owner of the castle, Laird Bruce MacNiall, who has been away and has no idea that strangers are in his castle (and Americans at that!). As Bruce and Toni come to an agreement about the lease and the play, women are being killed and found in the forest next to the castle. And to make matters worse, Toni sees the ghost of the legendary laird who was killed centuries ago. The ghost is the spitting image of the current laird. He seems to be warning Toni of something, but what? Who is murdering the women and leaving them in the forest? Is it one of their group? A good book. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Nine Dragons by Michael Connelly |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Harry Bosch is investigating a murder of a liquor store owner who has been making payoffs to a Chinese triad. Believing that the triad collector is the murderer, Harry calls for assistance from the Asian Gang Unit department of the LAPD. As he and David Chu work together, Harry receives notice that his daughter is being held captive and her release depends upon his dropping the case. Harry rushes off to Hong Kong to rescue his daughter while Chu stays in Los Angeles working the leads. After reading Connelly's other books, I was disappointed with this one. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Hurricane Bay by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
When Kelsey Cunningham comes to Key Largo for a vacation with her friend Sheila Warren, she finds that no one has seen Sheila for several days. She is told that the last person to be seen with Sheila was Dane Whitelaw, one of her friends and now a private investigator in Key Largo. Kelsey demands answers from Dane but he is not telling her everything he knows because someone is trying to frame him for Sheila's murder, which no one knows about besides Dane and the killer. Dane knows Sheila is dead because the killer left a photo on Dane's private beach showing Sheila's body sprawled on the beach. Now Dane has to find the killer before the police arrest him for Sheila's murder. He tells Kelsey to quit asking so many questions but she refuses to listen and now someone seems to be stalking Kelsey. A suspenseful book as you try to figure out who the killer really is. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Picture Me Dead by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As Ashley and her two friends head to Orlando, the interstate is bogged down by an accident. As they drive by, Ashley sees the body of a young man clad only in his underpants lying on the pavement. Later, she finds that this is one of her good friends and is on life support. Although rumors are going around that the young man was full of heroin, she knew that he was not on drugs and swears to find out the truth. Living at her uncle's house that is located next to a marina, Ashley meets detective Jake Dilessio and asks for his help. While trying to find answers to Ashley's request, Jake is trying to solve a murder. While working together, they find that both of these mysteries are related. A good book with twists and turns. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| In The Blink Of An Eye by Wendy Corsi Staub |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Julia Garrity and Kristin Shuttleworth are best friends growing up the town of Lily Dale, a town devoted to mediums and psychics. When Kristin and her family move away, the friends don't see much of each other until Kristin returns to Lily Dale to help her mother move into her new home. This is an old Victorian home where Kristin saw a vision that petrified her when she was a child. Then Kristin is found drowned. Since she was unable to swim and was deathly afraid of the water, both Julia and Kristin's mother find this unbelievable. Several years later, Kristin's mother is found dead in the old house. Then, Kristin's boyfriend and daughter come to Lily Dale to see about the house. The daughter, who is blind, sees a vision and describes the "lady" to Julia. She tries to reassure the child that the lady is actually Kristin but is it? What really happened in this house? A very suspenseful book. |
| Bonnie |
| Bonobo Handshake: A Memoir of Love and Adventure by Vanessa Woods |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
At times harrowing and brutal, at times laugh-out-loud funny, this is Woods' story of her husband and her time spent studying the bonobos, a unique primate similar to chimpanzees in the Congo. It reads like the most interesting letter you ever got from a friend. Besides the hardships of living in a remote bonobo sanctuary in the middle of nowhere, they also had to contend with civil strife in the region and hunters anxious to get their hands on the bonobos. These animals are amazingly human-like and the interaction of the staff and bonobos makes the book sing. |
| Mary |
| Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the second in the series about a family of investigators who spend more time investigating each other. Very funny and entertaining book. |
| Ivy (ipittman26@yahoo.com) |
| Killer Summer by Ridley Pearson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I was determined to read all of "Killer Summer" no matter how hard it was to stay interested. Kevin and Summer, whose last name is Sumner and Walt just didn't grab me. "Killer Summer" is a disappointing follow-up to Ridley's other winner. |
| Jen |
| I, Alex Cross by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The story moves along fast with an interesting back story of Nana's illness. Another good one! |
| Lorna |
| Promise Me by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Myron and gang get involved with two high school girls who have been kidnapped or have they just run away? Too many similarities gets Myron going mostly because the second girl is the daughter of close friends and he has known the girl her whole life. Before she went missing, Myron promised her that if she was ever in a bad situation she could call him. Well she does and the story takes off from there. As always, with Myron and Win things get a little outrageous but all that just keeps the reader interested. Love them! |
| barbara s |
| Long Lost by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Not as great as some of his other books, but a good read just the same. |
| Anna |
| The Solitude of Prime Numbers by Paul Giordano |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Two young people, scarred and friendless, connect, disconnect, interconnect and ultimately continue as they are: prime numbers. Beautifully written. Highly recommended. |
| Stella |
| Waterloo Station by Emily Grayson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
World War II disrupts the perfect love affair between an American girl who is a student at Oxford University and her married literature tutor. She finds herself living through the war as a nurse in a hospital --- a story of faith and devotion. |
| Sylvia |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a quick read that you can't put down. A rich, older man living in Wisconsin advertises for a simple and reliable wife. His wife arrives in the middle of the cold, harsh winter and is not what he expects. There are many twists and turns to this story that will give you the "of my gosh, I didn't see that coming" thought. There are some sexual themes so just be aware of that if that is not your cup of tea. |
| Pam |
| Booked to Die by John Dunning |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an older mystery written in the classic noire style --- complete with former detective/book dealer and mystery woman plus homicides in triplicate. The main character is entertaining and a little complex and the plot moves. Great read. |
| Linda |
| Still Alice by Lisa Genova |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A definite must read! |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Mary Gooch's husband has suddenly and inexplicably disappeared on the Eve of their 25th wedding anniversary. Mary is grossly overweight and has used food as a crutch and a comfort for most of those years. Even though it is hard for her to get around, she leaves her Canadian home and heads to California to see if Gooch, her husband, has gone to be with his mother there. Mary finds a whole new life in California, and we rejoice with her as she makes peace with herself and with food. This author also wrote THE GIRLS, a story about conjoined twins. It was also excellent. |
| Rosalie Sambuco (crimekitty763@yahoo.com) |
| The King's Daughter by Barbara Kyle |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a new author for me and I am certainly enjoying another view of Queen Mary and the Spanish Inquisition. Mary is getting ready to wed Philip of Spain. She is beginning to burn the "heretics" and return England to the Pope. |
| Mitzi Comeaux |
| Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book is about Elizabeth's research on "marriage" as she takes the next steps in her life after EAT, PRAY, LOVE. The book examines interesting cultural views on marriage. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| War and Our World by John Keegan |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This short, 74 page volume, was originally presented as a series of lectures on the BBC. It was ultimately disappointing: perhaps because the transcript of a series of lectures written to be heard cannot serve as well as a series of essays written to be read. Keegan is an esteemed writer of military history. I was awed by his history of World War II. Here he tries, with some success, to discuss why war happens. He expounds on the most prevalent theories and comes to the conclusion that nobody really knows. The last Chapter, "War and the Individual", is the most compelling and left me both frightened and hopeful. I was left pondering, not only the nature of war but also the nature of humankind. A worthwhile exercise, I believe. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| The Spies of Warsaw by Alan Furst |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another fantastic effort for the premier writer of spy stories going. This one takes place, as you might guess, in Warsaw just prior to WW II. The major protagonist, Lieutenant Colonel Mercier, is the Military Attache' at the French Embassy. The story starts slowly but gains momentum with each succeeding chapter until I found it very difficult to put the book down. The initial focus is on a German engineer, Herr Uhl, who is honey-trapped into sharing German armament secrets with the French. From there the story expands to include secret missions, abductions, seductions, and a grand plan to infiltrate the German High Command in order to obtain their invasion plans should war with France eventuate. As always Furst's characterizations are excellent, Polish Army officers, Polish nobility, Nazi thugs, Diplomatic personnel, arrogant French officers, Russian spies, German spies, a most believable love interest, etc. The plot has enough suspense and twists to keep the reader guessing and anticipating. The prose is spare and elegant as usual. The realization that I've only got one more Furst novel left to read saddens me. |
| Terri Bray (whitbrit@gmail.com) |
| South of Broad by Pat Conroy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Some of the descriptions ran a little too long which made it a slow read. I have recently been to Charleston and loved it. Not as much as Leo King does though. You'll have to read the book to find out who he is. |
| Tanya |
| Look Again by Lisa Scottoline |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great book about a woman who adopts a sick child and later thinks she sees his picture on a missing child flyer. Lots of twists and a really good story. I will look for more by this author. |
| couponsareme |
| Uprising by Margaret Peterson Haddix |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This story follows three girls in the early 1900 and tells the story of the triangle shirtwaist factory and what happened there. |
| CC |
| The 5th Horseman by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I always enjoy Patterson's Women's Murder Club books. This was a good one. |
| Rose from CT |
| The Lion's Game and The Lion by Nelson DeMille |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love DeMille's books with the main character John Corey. ("Plum Island", "Night Fall", "Wild Fire") He makes me laugh out loud, keeps me guessing and keeps me on the edge of my seat. I procrastinated finishing the second book because I was worried about his fate. DeMille's books are well researched and relevant to the new world we live in. You need to read "The Lion's Game" before the newly released sequel "The Lion". |
| Jsiemek (lsiemek@yahoo.com) |
| Dark of the Moon by John Sandford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another outstanding book by one of my favorite authors. |
| Jean M |
| New York Dead by Stuart Woods |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the first book in the Stone Barrington series. I now have another favorite series to catch up on. I'm going to enjoy this series for quite a while. |
| Jean M |
| Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another fun romp with the Plum poor bounty hunter. It does sizzle with several appearances of Ranger as well as Morelli. |
| Sandy Sizemore |
| The Poacher's Son by Paul Dioron |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
If you are looking for a mystery that will keep you guessing, this is it. Mike Bowditch is a game warden in Central Maine. His job involves many different tasks, but when his father is accused of murder, he begins a quest to find the real killer. Five of us have read this book and not one guessed the real murderer. Try it yourself! |
| Sandy Sizemore |
| Little Bee by Chris Cleave |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
True to the comments on the back of this book, I will not summarize the plot, which is amazing. My book club enjoyed this book immensely and I find myself mulling over some of the issue expressed in the novel long after I closed the book. Truly a riveting read. |
| Ruth |
| The Help by Kathryn Stockett |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What a great book! Everyone at book club gave it the highest rating. |
| Ruth |
| Mennonite in a LIttle Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of this memoir on my latest road trip. |
| Ruth |
| Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Still deep in grief, Dr. Michael Everett is presented with a letter his wife had left for him to read on the anniversary of her death. Hannah has presented him with a list of three women she wants him to consider helping in order to find happiness. Throughout the book, the reader once again meets characters from previous books in the Blossom Street series. |
| Pat Berry (pattiberr@aol.com) |
| Saving Ceecee Honeycut by Beth Hoffman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an excellent tale of strong women in the South. |
| Ed Hahn (ed_hk@yahoo.com) |
| Identity Theory by Peter Temple |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is my first book by Australian author, Peter Temple. I was impressed. The plot, in particular, is complicated and suspenseful --- plenty of surprises and unexpected twists. The characters are most interesting, particularly the women because their motivations are far less clear and therefore more enticing. The male characters are all flawed, some fatally so. So it makes them far more believable than the usual thriller genre heroes. The story takes some attention and focus if the reader wants to keep everything straight. Basically, it is a series of seemingly unrelated events happening to unrelated people winds up turning into a huge conspiracy to cover up a massacre that happened 20 years ago in Angola. Temple jumps back and forth from character to character, keeping the pot boiling as the truth begins to appear. The only argument I have with the story is that the ending is just a little too neat. I like happy endings as much as anybody but I want them to make sense. I think Temple was reaching for too much in winding up this tale. I would put Temple up there with Daniel Silva and slightly below Alan Furst. I plan to read more of his output. |
| Victoria Zumbrum (tore923@aol.com) |
| The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I love the book. It was great. |
| Sue, Saratoga Springs |
| City of Thieves by David Benioff |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Friends recommended it so I was anxious to read this book. It was at turns funny, touching and sad. I've read many books lately about the Nazi regime ("Skeletons at the Feast", "Sarah's Key","The Zookeeper's Wife","Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society") and this was quite unlike any of them. You grow to love the main characters Lev and Kolya who've grown to love and respect each other during their quest. Being a looter and deserter respectively, they are allowed to live if they find a dozen eggs for the colonel's daughter's wedding cake. It's a quick read but you won't want to put it down anyway. |
| GladysMP |
| Extreme Caution by Jean Brashear |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This book is part of Jean Brashear's Nascar series. I have never gotten into Nascar before, but I am greatly enjoying this book. The plot is realistic --- unlike the book I just finished, which was supposed to be realistic, but turned out to be pure fantasy. |
| Tanya F. of CO |
| Needles and Pearls by Gil McNeil |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the sequel to "The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club". It picked up right where the first one stopped and continued with a fabulous story of a widow struggling to make it on her own. I have really come to love all the characters and can't wait for the next book! |
| EC |
| Long Spoon Lane by Anne Perry |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Another mystery in The Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series proves to be a good read. You have to love the characters. |
| Deborah |
| A Bad Day for Pretty by Sophie Littlefield |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Stella Hardesty is a middle-aged woman in rural Missouri. She knocked off her abusive husband, escaped going to prison and now helps other abused women by "dealing with" their husbands by less-than-legal means. Lots of feisty colorful characters and spirited dialogue make this a fun book. |
| Eileen Quinn Knight |
| The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a lovely story about a cooking class. Besides the wonderful aspects of cooking with all the aromas that can conjure up. We are invited into the lives of the class participants: a new Mother, a lawyer, a long married couple, a kitchen designer and others. It is fun to see how the characters' development is entwined with the cooking. |
| Linda B |
| All That Ice (Men Of Alaska) by J. T. Schultz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Amber Westing's dad forced her to settle a dispute with his min in Alaska and the environmentalists. She prepared for her trip by heading to the nearest Las Vegas Mall for warm clothes. Alaska was not what she had in mind for a vacation wearing her bikini! |
| Brenda Rupp |
| Captivity by Deborah Noyes |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm still working on this book about sisters who can hear what the dead have to say. In this one, there is another character that they jump to in the book. It jumps a lot from one character to the other and I'm waiting to see how it all ties together, I'm sure it eventually will. It has been interesting so far. This is an advance reader copy! |
| L. Hann |
| Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What do these three women have in common besides murder? This is a real page turner. Great summer read. |
| Victoria Zumbrum (tore923@aol.com) |
| The Short Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Great book. I loved it. Nice addition to the Twilight books. |
| Victoria Zumbrum (tore923@aol.com) |
| The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I loved the Twilight series. I couldn't put the books down. This is one of the best series I have read. |
| Charlotte zimmerman |
| Blind Spot by Nancy Bush |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Fantastic Romantic Suspense. I would happily recommend to all! |
| Linda B |
| Lying Eyes and Alibis by J. T. Schultz |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Janelle Hart was tired of her boyfriend's lying, cheating and violence. It became so bad that Dominic Mecellini was one of the Falcons, an infamous rogue and truest form of organized crime involving motorcycle gangs --- and she hated him with every fiber of her being. Now that she knew that she finally had her chance to leave Albany, she hustled her daughter, Shelby, and their cat into their newly purchased Jeep, thanks to Dom's lottery ticket, and headed south. Josh Sutter found himself an instant dad now that his ex and her latest boyfriend wrapped their car around a tree. He was not husband material, just "Mr. Love them and leave them". But now that Brooke was living with him, he needed to clean up his act. Talk about a depressing sex life! Several months ago he had chatted with Janelle Hart and they became good friends. Time quickly passed and he knew almost everything but he never got her to leave. She stopped chatting with him but he never forgot her. Wow, does Ms. Schultz tell a powerful and intriguing story or what? Readers will definitely enjoy this book!! |
| Fran |
| The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A spine chilling, edge of your seat thriller! Beware or the surgeon will get you! A fun summer read. |
| Rosalie Leon (roboat52@msn.com) |
| The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
sent from my daughter- Mom, I want to thank you for the book you sent. I am half way through, not by choice of my own, but by time. I steal every second I can to take in a page or five. I am in love with the book and at that point where I notice the pages left are becoming fewer and fewer. I have this debate in my mind on whether to speed up and cross the finish line or slow down and coast on the comfy words. The author speaks so delicately through her characters. She writes as exquisite as her foods must taste. There is nothing better for a foodie than to read about someones life, described through the essence of ingredients, enjoying and savoring every word as if licking the last bit of something from a spoon. This, mom, was an excellent choice for me, and I will be sure to pass it along to a special friend. |
| Julie H. |
| The Clouds Beneath the Sun by Mackenzie Ford |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
When Dr. Natalie Nelson arrives in Kenya at the archeological dig of her dreams, little does she know how much her world will change. It's 1961 and against a backdrop of quite a bit of political and social strife as Kenya begins its' journey to independence, the very existence of the Deacon's Kihara dig is jeopardized by murder. The tribal customs of the Masai are well presented as are many of the dig protocols. I found this methodical pace to be daunting at times, but I suppose the pace echoes the care and slowness carried out on a dig. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was laughing out loud as I read this. Stephanie Plum, the bounty hunter is back along with Lula, Joe, Ranger and all the usual characters. And I do mean characters. Ranger needs Stephanie's help to figure out who is breaking into his security customer's houses and businesses. |
| Julie H. |
| A Killer Plot by Ellery Adams |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Oyster Bay, North Carolina better be careful, or it's going to fall off of Time's Top "Ten Best Kept Vacation Secrets" list! Wealthy Olivia Limoges has returned to the town and is part of its re-vitalization by being a restaurant owner and a landlord to many of the new businesses in town. Olivia's poodle, Captain Haviland, seems to be her best friend in life until the Bayside Book Writers group invite her to join them. A murder in town, coupled with haiku clue, get the writers group involved in some detecting. Adams's secondary characters, like rollerskating Dixie, gentle, yet deep police chief Rawlings and all of the Bayside writers shine in this debut novel. I definitely look forward to their next mystery. |
| Julie H. |
| Digging Up Trouble by Heather S. Weber |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Nina Quinn and her crew from Taken by Surprise, a garden design company return in another great story. Nina is hired by her ex's former in-laws to beautify a yard, only to discover it's not their yard and the owner is as mad as ever. Death, murder and accounting issues ensue! Nina is surrounded by some great characters, I look forward to the next mystery. |
| Julie H. |
| Spells by Aprilynne Pike |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Laurel, who has just learned she is a fall fairy and will blossom every year, heads to Avalon for most of the summer to play catch up with her fairy education. Pike does a nice job of explaining the hierarchy of their world and the importance of protecting the gates from outsiders. After Laurel returns home, the trolls continue to be a threat and an interesting third party, also tracking trolls, is introduced. |
| PJ Hess (pjhess55@hotmail.com) |
| A Glimpse of Evil by Victoria Laurie |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Abby Cooper is back. She and her boyfriend have moved to Austin where they are both working for the FBI. Trying to solve cold cases Abby is convinced that several are connected and she and her old partner Candice are sure they can solve it. Lots of surprises and a great story line make this a great read. |
| Glenn |
| Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a pretty provocative sci-fi story that does make one think about censorship being taken to the max and ALL books being banned. What would a world without books be like? I wouldn't want to be a part of that --- it has far reaching impacts beyond what we could probably even contemplate. |
| kaye |
| Wild Irish Sea by Loucinda McGary |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Once again Loucinda McGary managed to mentally transport me to Ireland entertaining me along the way with a little bit of romance, mixed in with a few dangerous characters and some magical elements. Let's just say I'll never look at a seal again with the same feelings. Are they really seals? Some of it may have been a stretch of the imagination, but it still made for a fun story. I really liked the strong main characters along with the minor ones. The side plot thread of attempted murder, smugglers and dirty police just added to the intensity of the story. It may have been chilly and rainy in Ireland but anywhere near Amber and Kevin, it was hot and sultry! McGary is definitely a "show me," not a "tell me," type of writer. Despite the book having one of "those" covers, I did enjoy it. Honestly, the cover would have grabbed me just with the spume beating against the rocks and the thatched cottage in the background. I guess it's supposed to denote hot and steamy. All in all, another perfect, summer beach read. |
| Kaye |
| Grace Under Pressure by Julie Hyzy |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the first in Julie's new Manor House Mystery series and it starts off with a bang! Literally. When a short disturbance in the manor's tea room is followed by a gunshot, recently hired curator, Grace Wheaton, immediately goes into action to see what all the hoopla is about. Abe, the mansion's head curator /director has been fatally shot. The crime's location was in an upstairs private study. Grace comes to the conclusion that the shot may not have been meant for Abe but for Bennett Marshfield, the manor's owner. Within the first two chapters we are introduced to the key players, there's a disturbance in the "Birdcage" and then a murder. Phew! Needless to say I was hooked immediately. Now Grace's years long dream to be in charge of the manor may come true...but at what price? Grace finds out there is a lot more involved than she had anticipated; not just a murderer but also a swindler has cropped up. Hopefully after Bennett's exposing testimony, that will be one less thing to worry about. Or, maybe not! There are some family secrets to be unearthed and a lot of relatives wanting a piece of the Marshfield pie. Can Grace sift through all this and solve the crime before someone decides to take a pot shot at her? The mystery was well plotted with Hyzy playing fair with her readers supplying some good motives and clues. Grace's two roommates added some delightfully quirky characters to the mix. I really liked Hyzy's new lead character. Grace is a strong protagonist and I look forward to more of her adventures. GRACE UNDER PRESSURE is a great start to an exciting new series. |
| Kaye |
| The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It's another scandalous news day in Washington, D.C. with prominent public relations firm owner, Alex Hodder, being investigated for bribing Congressman Anthony Licata. Unfortunately, his young lobbyist, Dempsey, is caught in the crossfire with him. Vulnerable and naive she might have been but that changes quickly as she realizes what a ninny she was to believe her ever-so-sleazy boss. After having lost her job and her self respect, and fearing that no one will hire her, she visits her father in Miami to escape the reporters and gain some perspective. When her father throws her a lifeline, she reluctantly agrees to fix up Birdsong, an old family home that her father just inherited. It might need a little work before flipping it, or so her father tells her. When Dempsey arrives in Guthrie, Georgia, she finds a dilapidated house that needs more than just a little paint. A total makeover is more like it! Dempsey finds to her consternation that the house also comes with a surprise; 79 year old Ella Kate, some sort of distant relative, has taken up residence and she's not budging. It will take more than a stick of dynamite to get that stubborn old lady out of the house. As the house begins to take shape, so does Dempsey. She becomes more confident, gains a better understanding of her family, finds a little romance and even works on her relationship with Ella Kate. When Dempsey finds her resolve to not let Alex get away with trashing her life, things get mighty interesting. THE FIXER UPPER captivated me immediately. I really liked Dempsey and could feel her pain and her sense of hopelessness at the beginning of her predicament. Andrews, with her signature humor, has the southern atmosphere and family dynamics down to perfection. She aptly captured the small town feel where it seems everyone knows your "bidness" even though they don't know you. The ending was a sheer delight! If you haven't read this one, get ready to be charmed with these endearing characters. Even the prickly Ella Kate started to grow on me! I guarantee the pages will just fly by. Such fun! |
| Kaye |
| This Must Be the Place by Kate Racculia |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This book has a lot of things going on; grief, friendship, coming of age, teen angst, family dynamics, the power of love and how it affects our lives. The story also made me question the reality of those we love; how well do we know them and what makes them tick. Actually, from the short synopsis on the cover, I thought the book would be more about Mona and Arthur but Oneida took up a lot of the story. Mona really interested me and I would liked to have seen more about her motivations why she did what she did. I did like the plot line of Mona's and Oneida's relationship with each other. Racculia's character development of Amy through the voices of Mona and Arthur really brought her back to life. Most of the characters were very well fleshed out, especially Oneida. Honestly though, I think I would have liked to have seen less about Oneida's journey through high school and the side thread of her friend and his family. The author did a great job of placing me in the scene when she described Ruby Falls through Arthur's eyes. I felt as if I were in the taxi with him. For a debut novel, this is quite good. A little tighter editing would have fixed a few of the bogged down spots in the middle of the book where Racculia tended to go off on a tangent that didn't necessarily enhance the storyline and made me think, ooh, TMI about that character! THIS MUST BE THE PLACE was a satisfying read, even though there were enough hints about the big "secret" that by the time it was revealed, I was not surprised. The quirky enough characters not only made them interesting but also memorable. Overall, Racculia is a talented writer and I would certainly read any follow up works. |
| Louise |
| Don't Look Twice by Andrew Gross |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's been awhile since I found a book I didn't want to put down and it sure felt good! It grabbed me before the first short chapter was over. I liked the fairly fast pace, the excellent writing and the short chapters. I really hope that Ty Hauck will become a regular like Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, Elvis Cole, etc. So far, there are two others that I know of and I can hardly wait to read them. |
| Sean from OHIO |
| Gypsy In Amber by Martin Cruz Smith |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Martin Cruz Smith is literally my favorite author. So, when I found an copy of this at a flea market I was overjoyed. However, after reading it, I'm kind of wishing I wasn't so lucky. The book has a quirky sarcastic lead, like Arkady Renko, but beyond that there are little to no similarity to the Renko series which is utter gold. This is a just a writer learning and perfecting his craft. Just part of the process but sadly, a part I could have skipped. |
| kaye |
| Revenge Served Cold by Jackie Fullerton |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
REVENGE SERVED COLD is billed as a mystery/suspense book but unfortunately, for me anyway, there was almost no suspense and not much of a mystery. There were two viable suspects introduced in the first couple of chapters and it was so easy to figure out the murderer and the motives. I thought the characters were not fleshed out at all and what was revealed about them was entirely implausible. Do you honestly think that the prime suspect's lawyer would have Anne, a law student, look over the case file and ask her if she sees something missing? Not likely! Would police detectives not question the neighbors to see if they saw anything unusual? When Anne brings certain facts to the detectives attention, he has a Homer Simpson moment and asks "why didn't we think of that?" I could almost picture him saying "DUH" as he smacked his forehead. How could this book be improved? If the author wanted to keep the paranormal and amateur sleuth elements in the story, it would be better to call this a cozy. There is a lot more leeway in the unbelievable in a cozy. Readers almost expect the amateur sleuth to solve the crime but even in a cozy the characters are not so cliched and situations are not quite as contrived. I could go on and on but I want potential readers to make up their own mind. Maybe other readers won't mind not being able to connect with any of the characters or the very unrealistic dialogue throughout the book but for me these things do matter so the book did not work for me at all. It didn't pull me in at the beginning and it never managed to grab me for the rest of the story. |
| Sean from OHIO |
| The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I know many people who were disappointed with this book based on the previous two. I agree, its not up to par with the first two, but that doesn't mean the book wasn't really good. I enjoyed every single line of dialogue or inner monologue by Lisbeth Salander. That alone is worth the price of the book. I do think that the book spends a lot time in the court room by the outcome of that is very worth the wait. The ending was predictable but it was about the only thing I ever saw coming in the entire three books. Its sad that these will be the last books by Larsson as his voice was unique. |
| Kris |
| Take Good Care of the Garden and the Dogs by Heather Lende |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Life was good until author Heather Lende was hit by a truck while riding her bicycle in her hometown of Haines, Alaska. About to depart on a book tour for her first book "If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name," the accident leaves her with a broken pelvis and a long climb ahead, both physically and emotionally. In sincere and funny prose, she writes of her evolving life and family in small-town Alaska, highlighting that each day holds a new possibility. |
| Jackie S |
| Deliver Us from Evil by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I couldn't get into this book at all and I normally love David Baldacci books. I very rarely stop reading a book once I start but this one was an exception. |
| Erin Cook (erincook@cfl.rr.com) |
| Crashers by Dana Haynes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Intelligent, heartfelt and fueled by adrenaline! An action-packed thriller filled with characters from all walks of life. In Oregon, a plane has crashed and a team of experts ranging from doctors to engineers to cops is put together to investigate. In LA, a mysterious and sexy gunrunner and an Irishman meet in a bar. All of their paths will cross in the coming days. |
| Jackie S |
| The Last Surgeon by Michael Palmer |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a great mystery novel and he really makes his characters come to life. There is also more suspense in this one. |
| gretchen (grkwrk@bellsouth.net) |
| The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I'm just a third of the way through, it's going slowly but I am intrigued. |
| Autumn |
| The Virgin of Small Plains by Nancy Pickard |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was really interesting. I didn't know what to expect. The plot twists and turns were quite exciting and different. The 'whodunit' and 'why' wasn't what I was expecting. |
| Kathy Valleee |
| Howl Deadly by Linda O. Johnston |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Lawyer and pet sitter Kendra finds herself in the middle of another murder but this time, the police think her high power rich boyfriend did it. But as secrets come out, Kendra wonders herself. So she must go and lend a hand to find out if if she is with a killer or someone is just leading the police on. The bad part of this book is that you can figure out who did the killing before the end so I found myself unwilling to finish it. |
| Deanne Donica |
| The Next Thing on My List: by Jill Smolinski |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
So far it is good. |
| Anita Nowak |
| The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Mr. Nesbo is from Norway and his books have been translated --- this was the first I have read,and it was certainly very intriguing! It is a mystery that takes place in the year 2000 but also reverts back to WWII. You really have to pay close attention, since these two periods of time play a major role in this novel. I thought the writing was wonderful and the characters were portrayed excellently. Elderly people are being killed and the police are wondering if it is a serial killer, or if there is some motive involved connecting all of them. The only fault I found was that at the end there were still some mysteries unsolved. That bothered me --- perhaps there is a sequel coming that will clear things up. Other than that I really enjoyed this book, and hope to read more by this author. |
| Kellie (acountkel@bellsouth.net) |
| Turning Angel by Greg Iles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was a really engrossing and suspenseful book. It was about a murder in a small town. Penn Cage is a former lawyer turned writer. His best friend, Drew Elliot, confesses to having an affair with an 18 year old whose body has been found by a river. Penn will do anything he can do exonerate his friend. But as he gets deeper and deeper into the case, he learns things about the teenagers, the town, the drug trade, the discrimination, the politics and everything that is wrong about the small Mississippi town --- and he's shocked. I've read one other book by Iles and liked it. He has a unique style. He keeps the action going so you are riveted from beginning to end. I didn't want to put the book down and when I did, I couldn't wait to get back to it. That is a definite sign of a good read. Penn Cage is a character from a previous book by Iles called THE QUIET GAME which is going on my wish list as we speak. |
| Kathleen H. |
| Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I've really enjoyed the Eve Duncan books and was interested in reading more of Jane's story. This wasn't my favorite Iris Johansen book, I think there are others that are much better for a thrill. That said, the book did engage me. The Field of Blood image and how that concept was used was very interesting. The descriptions made it very easy to visualize. I had never really thought about the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas but since it popped up in this book and they play a role in Jim Butcher's books I'm going to have to look into that. I like books that make we want to go out and do some research. From the pure thriller point of view, I think this book might be a three star book, but for me personally, it was a solid four star. |
| MarisaP |
| A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Back in the 1770s in England an impoverished "lady" with connections marrying a slave-trading ship owner was considered a respectable trade. This book brilliantly shocks the conscience with its intimate and unsparing portrait of slavery. It's a romance, but not a sentimental one, built around the impossible love between white slave owner Frances Scott Cole and the black African Mehuru, a priest and adviser to his king before being kidnapped and designated as property. A strength of the book is that although Gregory, as usual, makes us feel the second-class status of 18th century women, she draws no cheap comparison between Frances's status as silk-clad chattel (to her gaspingly ambitious slave-trader husband, Josiah's) and the rigors and terrors of a black slave's life. Superb portraits abound, especially that of Josiah's sister, Sarah, a cranky spinster who makes poetry of her pride in being a member of the trading class, eagle-eyed at the account books. Gregory's vivid portrait leaves one feeling complicit; as the abolitionist Doctor Hadley notes: "the cruelty we have learned will poison us forever." |
| Marsha |
| Takeover by Lisa Black |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a thrilling novel of suspense, and a hostage drama packed with surprises featuring forensic scientist Therese MacLean. I hope we hear more about her. |
| Cheryle |
| The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The author has captured in non-fiction, suspense and intrigue with a story of book passion, collection and theft through the ages. It's a very interesting history of one of the worst offenders of book theft, but also conveys the feeling that most true bibliophiles feel going into a book store, that of awe and "where do I start"? |
| Cheryle |
| Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just finished the latest James Patterson and Maxine Paetro offering. I almost can't read as fast as he is publishing new ones. This one is very good, up to par with previous books by these authors. |
| Cheryle |
| The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I just started this one because I am finishing two others. I am already hooked and can hardly wait for lunch break to read more! |
| Jan (janscat2010@gmail.com) |
| A Better View of Paradise by Randy Sue Coburn |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a coming-into-one's-own story with beautiful descriptions of island life that paints a verbal picture for those who've never been, and a stark reminder of it's beauty for those who've walked the islands and wish to return. Although a typical tale, with little mystery to its plot line, this one is well-told and left me wanting more. |
| MarisaP |
| April & Oliver by Tess Callahan |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great story of young lovers who have bad timing and botched encounters and smoldering passion. They are childhood friends and are later separated by time and an unhappy shared history, but they come together again when April's beloved younger brother dies in a car accident. By then, unfortunately, there is another woman in the picture; decent Oliver, who is in law school, is engaged to Bernadette, who teaches disabled children with saintly joy, but it is troubled and troubling April, whom Oliver can't forget. With her unstudied sexiness, vulnerability and intelligence, April exerts an irresistible attraction: She's a girl in need of protection from her own grief and bad choices, and Oliver wants desperately to help her. As we get to know these two characters the story builds to the question of 'will Oliver actually marry Bernadette'? Or will he and April finally end up together, because they are truly soul mates? The ending is superb and very well done. |
| Lora |
| Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Police chief Kate Burkholder is investigating the murder of seven members of an Amish family. Kate 'The Killer' didn't leave behind any clues. This is a very graphic story and not for the faint of heart. I found it CAPTIVATING! |
| Anna |
| The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
The aliens invade! Humans are forced to relocate to Arizona! 11-year-old girl saves the human race! And all this in a tale well-told that includes comics and photos and my, oh, my! Yes, it's aimed at a young audience, but adults are most likely to catch the irony. It's sci-fi that's more humorous than frightening. |
| Martha |
| Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Jackson has taken a minor character from her first novel, GODS IN ALABAMA, and created Ro Grandee, an abused wife who is a fascinating character with an attention-grabbing story. When I read the description of the topic of this novel, I was expecting a sorrowful, depressing tale of woe. The abuse this woman suffers, first from her father, then from her husband is certainly dreadful, but the character and relationships grab and even entertain the reader as Rose tries several paths of escaping her life . The situations are unique and the supporting characters always outside the norm. The dramatic ending has such a twist and you find the theme of maternal love that is indeed classic This is Jackson's fourth novel and it may be my favorite of the four. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This was an exciting story about an Amish family of seven who were all murdered in their home. Ohio Chief of Police Kate Burkholder is consumed with finding the perpetrators. The book is very graphically violent, and at times I thought it was just too much. I did enjoy the Amish setting, and it sounds as though the author really does know a lot about this group of people. This is a sequel to SWORN TO SILENCE, and that book is on my TBR pile. "So many books, so little time." |
| Marsha |
| Long Lost by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a chilling thriller. When Myron Bolitar is asked by an old girlfriend to meet him in Paris with an urgent message, he is caught up in the strangest case he has ever imagined. Bodies pile up and the word terrorist is involved. The things get wild. |
| Jane Squires (jrs362@hotmail.com) |
| Love on A Dime by Cara Lynn James |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
You can get so much from this story. Miss Lilly Westbrook writes romance stories with a message of faith and hope. High Society does not allow their women to work. It is a rule. They look down upon them and oust the family if their children don't live up to their high standards --- sounds a lot like the Amish shunning to me. Lilly keeps her ministry hidden from both her parents for this reason and is afraid to let anyone but her best friend know. Yet she has this compelling feeling to write. She doesn't need the money. She does it so she can donate it all to a Women's Shelter. She does not write under her own name. How many of us can relate to rules, even in a church, and try to live up to what other people think instead of walking in our freedom to serve God in the ministry as he would like. Jack felt beneath Lilly's family and because of what he overhears before he can ask for Lilly's hand in marriage, he leaves for six years. He doesn't write or correspond in any way with Lilly while he is trying to fit into high society. When we are in love most of us would admit that sometimes we don't feel good enough for the one we love. I know I didn't. I was poor and my husband had more than me and I didn't think he could love me for me. But I have been married 31 years. Lilly almost marries to please her family but when it comes down to it she just cannot do it. She wants there to be love. This book shows how all of us sometimes hide behind a mask instead of showing the world the people we really are. I enjoyed it and found it hard to put down once I got into it. |
| Vanetta Q |
| Here Comes the Trouble by Donna Kauffman |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a story of a women who opens a bread and breakfast in a small town of Vermont. A "sexy biker" comes along and sweeps the "older" women off her feet. An Ultimate Gambling game wins her heart! Sexy and very Emotional! A must read! |
| Sandy |
| Line of Vision by David Ellis |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Yesterday our power went out, oh darnn!! No cooking, vacuuming, etc. But It was still daylight so I could read and I finished this book! It was awesome! It was a spellbinding legal drama with a surprise ending! Just the kind I love. |
| Susan J. |
| The Profiler by Pat Brown |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
3 1/2 stars. Because of a murder that occurred in her community and a suspect who was a boarder in her home, Pat Brown became a profiler. Her book explains how she developed her career and chronicles some of the cases she worked. I find the subject fascinating and am glad I read the book. For my tastes, it fell short in a couple of areas. The first 80 or so pages was devoted to the first case and how Brown became involved. While the case was interesting, there was just too much irrelevant detail. I didn't want so much detail about her homeschooling and I didn't want to know how long she breastfed her children. I very much enjoyed her description of her earlier career as a sign language interpreter in a hospital, especially her telling how some of the people she was helping would show one persona for the medical staff and an entirely different one when she was the only person with them. It frustrated me, although I'm sure not nearly as much as it frustrates the author, that there was so little to prove her theories correct, at least officially. There were often political roadblocks and a lack of police cooperation. There were also instances where she drew conclusions that I didn't think logical. I think that perhaps that is because there were details in her thinking that were left out. Still, she usually did explain why she drew the conclusions that she did, and I liked that look into her mind. The work that she does for families and individuals is pro bono, a remarkable generosity on her part. She more than once used the phrase "have his way with her," and that annoyed me more than it should have. If it is rape, call it rape. She also wrote about why tracking dogs couldn't find a girl's scent. Her theories about that were that a person picked her up and carried her or that "the dogs just weren't any good." I know that there could be many reasons why the dogs weren't able to track her other than not being good tracking dogs, and it is unfair to think that her two reasons were the only possible ones. I know I'm nitpicking here. It seems to me that there was more criminal investigation than there was actual profiling. Both added to the story, but I was surprised by how much plain old detective work was involved. While the cases themselves were tragic, I enjoyed reading about Brown's insight and conclusions, honing in on things that may have been overlooked. The book is well worth reading for anyone interested in criminal investigation. |
| FO |
| My Enemy's Cradle by Sara Young |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Sara Young's novel depicting the story of a half Dutch, half Jewish woman hiding in the Nazi Lebensborn program was an amazing story. Although it is fiction, it tells the story of the German program designed to increase the availability of pure bread soldiers to further Nazi goals. Although I've read numerous fiction and non-fiction books on WWII and the Holocaust, I have never heard of this program before and was fascinated by the story told from the perspective of a woman hiding in plain sight. Within this story is the fictional account of a brave woman who is face-to-face with her enemy and struggling to maintain some semblance of herself in the face of mortal danger. The story had a love story component to it along with the depiction of women's lives during the Holocaust during the time period. Wow! Quite frankly this is the best book I've read this year (so far!) |
| CC |
| House Rules by JODI PICOULT |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is an Interesting book about a young man with Asperger's Disease who is charged with murder. I liked the book --- but had solved the "mystery" within the first few pages. |
| Sharon |
| The White Queen by Philippa Gregory |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Ms Gregory is leaving Henry VIII for a moment as she writes about Lady Elizabeth Grey and her marriage to Edward IV King of England. His reign occurred during the War of the Roses. It would be helpful to be somewhat familiar with this time period of English history where the crown was passed back and forth and any friend or brother may betray the king at any time. Yet the king and queen had a relatively happy marriage despite his absences and his infidelity. When he dies she must try to keep the kingdom together for her children instead of Prince Richard. And she has two boys from her first marriage. She feels a need to keep these children close to her. She also fears the Tower of London. Elizabeth's story tells about how difficult it was to maintain power in a ruthless country. I enjoyed it immensely. |
| T. Thomas |
| Changeless by Gail Carriger |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this as much as "Soulless" and am looking forward to "Blameless". |
| Tanya |
| Brava Valentine by Adriana Trigiani |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the second installment to "Very Valentine". It's a great story of an Italian family in New York that owns a family shoe business. Good light reading with great characters. |
| Carol G |
| Piranha to Scurfy by Ruth Rendell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a collection of short stories, the last is my favorite, written in an Alfred Hitchcock-esque voice. Loved it. |
| Lita |
| Blind Justice by Bruce Alexander |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is my introduction to a Sir John Fielding mystery. The year is 1768, and I was engaged in the story from page one. The main character is a Magistrate and he is also blind. If you like historical mysteries, I highly recommend this author. |
| Lita |
| Summer by the Sea by Susan Wiggs |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A fun romance of a mature woman meeting a man she knew in her childhood. She is the owner of a very special Italian Restaurant As a bonus there are several Italian recipes and definitions. |
| Lita |
| Named of the Dragon by Susanna Kearsley |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is a strange novel involving a literary agent traveling from London to Wales over the Christmas Holidays with one of her authors. She is strongly urged by her boss to try and sign another author at the house party; and later urged to sign a very reclusive playwright. The writing is almost poetic. Throw into the mix the mythic stories of King Arthur, haunting dreams and an unwed mother fearing for the life of her child for a very odd read. I kept telling myself that I would quit reading this book, but kept going back for a few more pages. It took about a third of the book to feel I even caught on enough to finish. This is not my normal kind of fiction, but I will check out any of her books I find any more of her writing. |
| Marsha |
| The Book Thief by Markus Zusak |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a book that should be read by everyone. The Narrator is Death and the locale is Nazi Germany. Although it sounds grim and in places it certainly is, the story is a beautiful narrative about friendship, endurance and survival. Read it. |
| marion Miller (lamamil@aol.com) |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
I liked this book in spite of the fact that I already had an idea of what was going to happen. The characters were well portrayed and you had sympathy for them when you read about their backgrounds. |
| Phyllis |
| Crashers by Dana Haynes |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoy reading a book that takes me into new territory while it remains entertaining and CRASHERS by Dana Haynes did just that. It is a story of a "Go Team" from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and their investigation into a plane crash that seems to have no root problem. Being inside an investigation from the beginning to the end and the details of the work of the different team members was fascinating. The characters and story are strong and well developed. Dana Haynes has created a very believable plot that could be taken from today's headlines with the combination of plane crash and a group of terrorist. I read that there would be a sequel and I am looking forward to reading about the group again. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| Free Fall by Kyle Mills |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I enjoyed this FBI agent Mark Beamon thriller very much. Mills knows his material and fleshed out his characters very will. I will read more of his books. |
| Linda Bentzen |
| The Kills by Linda Fairstein |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Fairstein is a good writer of suspense and fiction. However, I enjoy other authors more. |
| Melissa Jordan |
| Caught by Harlan Coben |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Another winner! |
| Mark Freeburg |
| War by Sebastian Junger |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Second platoon, of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, is entrenched on a bloody hill in the Korengal Valley. This deadly place is located in the rugged terrain of eastern Afghanistan and is considered one of the most dangerous places occupied by American forces. The mortality rate is disturbingly high. Junger made several extended visits to this platoon, from 2007 to 2008. He lived with them, ate with them, went on patrols and nearly died with them. Junger captures their story here, with amazing depth and poignancy. The boredom, the blood-lust, the profanity and the deep bond that soldiers hold for one another. This is not a political look at war, politics are not mentioned, instead it peers at the psychology of the soldier. Fear and bravery are scrutinized and their meanings reveal truths that may surprise the reader. The author tells the story with grit and a vivid honesty. I highly recommend this book. It is a must read. |
| Jen |
| Consequences by Penelope Lively |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This is the story of a family and the consequences of life choices. The book would have been among my favorites if the author had done a better job of character development. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
I struggled through "Sizzling Sixteen". It was tedious. I think Evanovich is spewing them out too quickly without regards to quality. I couldn't decide at first if I would give it one star or two stars then I noticed it had taken me more than a week to finish this paltry publication. The book didn't grab me from the start --- the information on the front fly was bullet points rather than paragraphs, the first page was visibly meager with margins that seemed larger than the text, which was at least a 14 font. The story plodded, Ranger and Morelli were relegated to cameo appearances, little Grandma, next to know Mr. and Mrs. Plum. "Sizzling Sixteen" sputters. I think Ms. Evanovich needs to pay more attention to quality than quantity. Rarely have I felt sorry I spent the time on a book. This one definitely falls under that category. |
| Louise |
| The Spirit to Serve by JW Marriott, Jr & Kathi Ann Brown |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was acquainted with the Marriott family (I could have been one of them if my mother had accepted the proposal, instead of marrying his best friend, instead No one deserves the success more. "The Spirit to Serve" is exactly what they put into their labors. Rather than being self-oriented, they truly care about their employees, their customers, etc. |
| SallyAnn |
| Sidney Sheldon's After the Darkness by Sidney Sheldon and Tilly Bagshawe |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Having been a fan of Sidney Sheldon, I looked forward to reading this book. It is the story of a billionaire man and his young wife. We get the drift that they really do love each other and so when he fails to return on a boat ride there is no suspicion of foul play. When the stock fails and a deeper probe is conducted into the death, foul play is found. The young wife is arrested and all turn their back on her. It's a story with twists and turns that keep you reading but it also has too many of them so you get bored waiting to read more of the real story. It was a good book but not on the level of Sidney Sheldon's writing. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Victim Six by Gregg Olsen |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Kendall Stark and her partner Josh Anderson are detectives with the Kitsap County Sheriff's Department and are investigating the disappearance of a young woman. Since the woman was from El Salvador, they did not give much time to investigating her disappearance and thought that she had returned to her home country. Then, the second woman disappeared. Did they have a serial murderer in their quiet town of Port Orchard, Washington? When the local newspaper publishes facts as soon as the police find a lead, Josh is accused of revealing discoveries found during the investigation since he has been dating the newspaper's lead reporter. Although he swears he has not revealed anything, how is she getting her facts? Gregg Olsen's books are very suspenseful and this is no exception. A great book that will be hard to put down until you get to the last page. |
| Kristen |
| Changes by Jim Butcher |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Yet another amazing book for the Harry Dresden Series. This book almost reads as if it is a conclusion to the series and I am really hoping it isn't because it has been a great adventure this far. It captures you from the beginning and holds you in it's grasp so that you want to call into work so you can finish it. I won't summarize the story because it would be a spoiler for those that haven't read the series at all or even for those who haven't read the book yet. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Live to Tell by Wendy Corsi Staub |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Lauren Walsh and her husband Nick have been happily married until she became pregnant with Sadie. Then, Nick found himself a girlfriend and he and Lauren were divorced. When Sadie loses her pink stuffed rabbit at Grand Central Station, Lauren asks Nick to retrieve it from Lost and Found. When Nick searches through the lost stuffed animals, he forgot what type of animal it was but found a pink stuffed dog and brought it to Sadie. This wouldn't do for Sadie. They are unaware that the pink rabbit was snatched off of her stroller and a flash drive was inserted into the body of the rabbit. The drive held incriminating evidence regarding a State Congressman who was running for governor and had to be retrieved. Where was the pink rabbit? A suspenseful book. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Dark of the Moon by John Sandford |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
As Vigil Flowers was driving toward Bluestem, he noticed a huge fire up on a ridge. Exiting the interstate, he drove toward the fire which turned out to be the Judd mansion. Although extremely wealthy, Judd was hated around the area due to fleecing some of the landowners in a get-rich-quick scheme. When Virgil saw the sheriff at the fire, he went and spoke with him. According to the sheriff, no one really knew what happened but he asked Virgil to help with the investigation. The fire was so hot that not many bones were found but everyone assumed Judd was murdered. Several nights later, a retired doctor and his wife were found brutally murdered. Virgil felt there was a connection somewhere but where? A good book. |
| Jean M |
| Deliver Us From Evil by David Baldacci |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
The second in the series featuring Shaw and Katie James, this one is another great page-turner. I hope there is another in process! |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Breathless by Dean Koontz |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
As Grady and his dog Merlin walk through the woods, they arrive at a sunny meadow. They stop and watch as two creatures playfully frolic in the grass. What are these creatures? Although they resemble dogs, Grady realizes they are not dogs. When Grady and Merlin are spotted, the creatures dart back into the trees. That night at the house, Grady is visited by the creatures as they look in the windows, and he calls his veterinarian friend Cammy to come and see them. Together, they try to find out what the creatures are and where they came from. A good book. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This was one of the best books I've read in awhile. Lily Davis married at 17 and only had two weeks with her husband Drew before he was shipped out during WWII. She was too young to get married but Lily was headstrong and would not listen to her father. While her husband was away, Lily lived at home with her parents. Also a day-dreamer, Lily didn't manage to get the new home put together and now Drew would be home within the month. As Lily was driving to her home, she noticed a fireworks display lighting up the sky and stopped the car to watch. She ran in the field where the display was set up and met the young man who was responsible for the displays. She had never met a man like Jake before and they met many times for lunch. Ultimately, they fell in love. But what should she do when her husband was returning? Her family was well-to-do and leaving her husband would embarrass everyone. Should she stay with her husband and risk being unhappy or should she go with Jake? A beautiful love story which you will long remember. |
| Renee |
| Girl with A Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I was hooked from chapter one. It's the best crime/human fiction I've read in years. Unforgettable characters. |
| Angie L |
| ghostgirl: Homecoming by Tonya Hurley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A fantastic sequel to "ghostgirl" --- even better than the original, in my opinion! Funnier, more plot and more hilarious After Death occupations! I enjoyed it thoroughly and am now devouring the third book coming out this month --- ghostgirl: Lovesick. Too unique to ignore! |
| Dorothy |
| Sizzing Sixteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was very enjoyable like all her books but not as funny since her grandmother didn't play a big part. |
| Angie L |
| ghostgirl by Tonya Hurley |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Though sometimes I don't always respond to the sarcastic humor of the novel, the originality and interesting perspective of the novel about a girl who was always invisible to everyone and is now dead and can be seen by someone is enough to overcome that. It has a great tone and is fast-paced! YA is truly for all ages! |
| Wendy Catalano (wendycatalano@hotmail.com) |
| Wench by Dolen Perkins-valdez |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a wonderfully well-written story of four female black slaves that travel with their owners to a resort every summer. Not only was this story heart breaking, it was captivating as well. |
| Wendy Catalano (wendycatalano@hotmail.com) |
| Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a great second book to this series! I can hardly wait to read the next one. |
| Coral Harrison |
| The Kitchen House by Kathleen Brissom |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a story written before the Civil War. The Captain has a ship and when he comes home he brings Lavina a white seven-year-old girl. She is an indentured slave and lives in the Kitchen House with the house help. It probably could have happened but thankfully times have changed. I found it quite interesting and fairly easy to read. It makes one think. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Game Over by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is the latest book involving the Vigilantes. In this book, the girls feel that they have been mislead by President Connor and she will not issue their pardons as she promised when they helped her win the presidency. How do they get her to keep her promise? An easy and enjoyable book to read. |
| esp |
| Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Barcelona, Spain is a character in this well written and compelling sort of a mystery. A young author decides to write from the heart instead of for the publishers. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| The Vision by Heather Graham |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Gen Wallace is an experienced diver. She and her group of fellow divers are searching the waters off of Key West for the remains of a ship and its treasure. She finds a body of a woman and the body opens its eyes and holds out her arms to Gen while mouthing the word "Beware". As Gen rushes to the surface and tells the others what she has found, other divers head to the spot but are unable to find anything. Gen knows what she saw even though everyone is making fun of her. When a body is washed ashore, everyone assumes that this is the body that Gen saw. But she knows otherwise. Then another woman is killed and one of Gen's friends goes missing. Who is the killer? A great book. |
| Linda H. (linda604b@yahoo.com) |
| Original Sin by Allison Brennan |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This book was not one of the suspenseful mysteries usually written by Allison Brennan but dealt with the paranormal world of witchcraft. Original Sin is the first in a series and has Moira O'Donnell turning her back on the black magic she has grown up with and forming an alliance with a Catholic priest and his followers to battle evil. Moira's mother is a powerful leader of the witches and has plans to call forth demons which will make her all-powerful. Moira and her friends must stop her. |
| Pat Miller |
| Private by James Patterson/Maxine Paetro |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
What can I say, anything by James Patterson is worth reading. I read this in 1-1/2 days. |
| Pat Miller |
| Mr. and Mrs. Anonymous by Fern Michaels |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
It's about sperm donors. I can't really say I liked it. It's not one of Fern Michaels' best. |
| Helen |
| The Thief of Venice by Jane Langton |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm in the process of reading all 18 of Langton's Homer Kelly mysteries. After this one I will have two that I haven't read already. I love love Jane Langton. |
| Judy O. (joswood@msn.com) |
| Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
Ro Grandee is married to an abusive man. She has lived with violence all her life, because her father also use her for a punching bag. She lives in Amarillo, TX; and she finally has the nerve to leave her husband and flee to her hometown of Fruiton, AL. So, begins a big adventure. This is an exciting, compelling book; and I loved the author's way with words. |
| Reva Wamsley (prwamsley@roadrunner.com) |
| 1st To Die by James Patterson |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I decided to start with the first book of The Woman's Murder Club series and I enjoyed it very much. It starts with Lindsay, who is a cop and is best friends with Claire, a medical examiner. Then she meets Cindy, a reporter and later on they bring in Jill, a judge. |
| julie |
| The Lacuna by Barbara Kinglsolver |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I'm halfway through this book and it's got me hooked. It was a little slow in the beginning but I persevered and am glad I did. This is the story of the coming of age of a boy in Mexico during the depression. |
| Barry Bennett |
| Gone 'til November by Wallace Stroby |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
A friend and I are both avid mystery readers. When he finishes a book, he sends them to me. This book came in the mail about two weeks ago and I started it since I had not heard of the book or author. It had me from the beginning. The characters became like friends and Stroby's dialogue was outstanding. Each character is flawed in some way and this makes them even more appealing. A good mystery that has compelled me to order his first two novels, the first I am reading now ("The Barbed-wire Kiss"). Certainly a recommended read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller. |
| Rita Powell |
| Harvest by Tess Gerritsen |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I'm still trying to get into this book and so far it I just wouldn't bother to not finish it. It had good reviews and I don't understand it. The pace is slow and I keep thinking I should just keep reading and like a lot of suspense/mysteries, it will grab me eventually. |
| Marsha |
| A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a juicy, thought-provoking story of a woman who answers an ad for a "reliable wife". She claims to be a "simple and honest" woman but is anything but. Each page demands you keep on reading. Nobody is what you think in the beginning. Wow! |
| Rebecca Booth |
| Out of the Darkness by Lilly Gayle |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Vincent Maxwell is a vampire who wants to be human again and discovers that Dr. Megan Harper has discovered a possible cure to vampirism, so he worms his way into her research and into her heart as well. Can a vampire and a mortal find a way to blend their lives and in the process find happiness together? The plot turns and the familiar settings and the sexual scenes between Megan and Vincent were a fantastic, I can't put it down. The surprising ending was superb, with supporting characters such as a compelling vixen (Sonia), and a best friend (Tina). Of course, as an added attraction there were very chilling villains. OUT OF THE DARKNESS is Lilly Gayle's first novel, but I'm sure there will be many more entertaining novels in the future. |
| Fran |
| House Rules by Jodi Picoult |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
An interesting mystery with a main character who has Asperger's Syndrome. I enjoyed the book overall, but found her depiction of an Asperger's person to be a little too textbook. She did a beautiful job of catching the family dynamics of a family with Asperger's, especially through the eyes of Theo, Jacob's brother. As with all Picoult books, it was a good read. |
| Margie B. |
| The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I haven't enjoyed Laurie R. King's Sherlock Holmes and Mary Russell books as much recently, but I'm happy to say this one was an exception. The secondary characters are fascinating, there's more humor and the story is not quite as dark. I recommend it. |
| Pat Miller |
| Family Ties by Danielle Steel |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a great story about a successful woman who takes on her nieces and nephew after her sister/brother-in-law are killed. One of Danielle Steel's best. |
| Anne |
| The Winter Rose by Jennifer Donnelly |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful and memorable family saga. |
| pearl |
| Serendipity by Louise Shaffer |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's a wonderful novel that was emotional and beautiful. |
| ruth |
| People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's a captivating and unique novel which is heartrending and beautiful. |
| Mary Ann |
| The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
What an excellent love and adventure story about two people in a small plane crash and how they survived. Ben, the main character, is suffering from demons regarding the separation from his wife and children and Ashley was to be married in two days. Several months later you can see the results. |
| Ellie |
| A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is excellent historical fiction that is well written and enthralling. |
| Kathleen Sneider |
| Somewhere Inside: One Sister's Captivity in No by Laura and Lisa Ling |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Well written account of this dramatic and true tale. The sisters are blessed to have each other. The plight of people in North Korea is brought to light. It's a good read and highly recommended. |
| Barbara B. |
| Moon Spinners by Sally Goldenbaum |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is the third in a series of cozy mysteries that center around four friends who knit together at one of the friend's yarn studio. The scene is Cape Ann, MA, where the foursome always solve the crime. I love the characters and wish I could join them for Friday night deck supper at Nell & Ben's. These books take you to another place and if you like to knit, as I do, you should find them especially appealing. |
| Robin Coker (hillcoker@yahoo.com) |
| The Burning Wire: A Lincoln Rhyme Novel by Jeffery Deaver |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
I wanted to like this book because I love Deaver and his Rhyme series. But it took me a month to finish it. It did not seem to build up the characters that I have grown to love. The use of electricity as a weapon was a new and different way to go. But way too much detail about how all that worked. It was just not my favorite book. Normally I'm sad to be done with one of his books but I was very glad to finally finish this one! |
| Nancy Taylor |
| The Nobodies Album by Catherine Parkhurst |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a beautifully written novel exploring the complex relationship between mother and child. Beautifully written. |
| Nance40 |
| The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Superb writing, careful development of characters and plot --- all the while increasing the degree of tension and mystery. I believe it will become a classic in the Gothic genre. |
| Dara Berryhill (dara34293@aol.com) |
| Zeitoun by Dave Eggers |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's a fantastic tale of a family dealing with the effects of Hurricane Katrina. This true story takes place in New Orleans |
| Marjorie (marjbird@lightbound.com) |
| All 10 in the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I read them one after the other. What fun! Perhaps a little too much blood for my taste. HA! |
| Deborah |
| The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
I had not read this author before and picked up this book not knowing that it was one of a series. The story is a continuation of the previous book in the series and offers no explanation of who the characters are and what previously occurred in the plot. It jumps right into the action. I found myself totally lost and frustrated at first, but after about a 1/4 of the book I got into the story and was able to figure out enough of what was happening to enjoy the book. A fast-moving story with plenty of action and interesting characters, devoid of long-winded descriptive passages. I will look forward to the sequel. |
| Gail Coulson |
| Nowhere to Run by C.J. Box |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is another great book by C.J. Box in the Joe Pickett series. The descriptions of the mountains and backwoods are wonderful, but the author also does a great job of making you aware of the dangers that lurk there --- both animal and human. |
| shutchie |
| The Hungry Season by T. Greenwood |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Just found her! She uses words like "dabs of paint" with a light hand. I love it! She is like a Jodi Picoult with editing and a sharper ear for just the right word. |
| Elizabeth V |
| A Field of Darkness by Cornelia Read |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
Cornelia Read is an excellent writer, as I could tell from page one. So I kept reading this book long after I would normally have given up on it. I still say she's an excellent writer; her sentences are delightful. But this book is billed as a thriller and thrilling it is not. But this is a 2006 book. I also have a copy of her latest book so will give that a try. |
| Bonnie |
| In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a wonderful uplifting (without being cheesy) memoir. White was a white-collar criminal sent to a prison that also housed lepers in Louisiana. This is the story of his time spent there and the many individuals he met along the way, both inmates and patients. It's an amazing story and fascinating in its history of Hansen's disease, aka leprosy, in the US. |
| GladysMP |
| The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
THE TRUTH ABOUT LORD STONEWALL by Sabrina Jeffries is delightful. It would make great summer reading or great reading anytime. |
| peromy |
| Shadows Still Remain by Peter Dejonge |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
It is grimly plotted and absorbing. The author's lead characters (NYPD detectives Darlene O'Hara and Serge Krekorian) pursue a savage killer in what, I hope, is just the first in a series of superior novels of suspense. |
| EC |
| The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is a wonderfully written book that explores people's motives for survival. Also, the reader gains a little more knowledge about Hong Kong during WWII. |
| susan spencer (sue_spencer_england@hotmail.com) |
| The Crazed by Hi Jin |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I really enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting. |
| Joy M |
| Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
This is an interesting look at internment for the Japanese in Seattle, along with a wonderful love story. But it is told from a different point of view --- a Chinese man. |
| Sharon Elliott-Fox |
| How to Read The Air by Dinaw Mengestu |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
It is impossible for me to identify with any of the characters. First person "memoir" of the great divide between the immigrant parents and their American born son. It's lies, abuse, lies, cheating, lies, loss of trust and lies. |
| Sharon Elliott-Fox |
| The Yellow House by Patricia Falvey |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
A historical fiction about the Irish Revolution during the early 20th century and also about the life and working conditions in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, it deals with family secrets and the damage they cause along with love, marriage and betrayal. |
| Marie |
| Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
It might be time for Janet to end the franchise. It was a chore to read this book. It seems like she is just whipping these books out for the money. The fun of the books just isn't there with this one. |
| Susan J. |
| The Tale of Halcyon Crane by Wendy Webb |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
"'It all sounds quite Gothic,' he said. 'A huge old house, stuck on an island in bad weather, an unsolved murder, mysterious encounters with ghosts and rude townspeople, even the eerie old maid.'" That pretty much sums up the plot. Set on the fictitious Grand Manitou Island, which is modeled on Mackinac Island, the atmosphere is perfect for a ghost story. Even though the story is contemporary, there are no cars allowed on the island and no cell phone reception, giving it that Gothic feel. A woman comes to the island for the reading of a will and is caught up in the secrets of her family and of the island, and there seems to be ghosts everywhere. The book is thoroughly entertaining for anyone wanting a quick and somewhat spooky read. |
| Jeanie |
| The Last Child by John Hart |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Thirteen year old Johnny searches for his twin sister who was abducted. His search appears to be more thorough than the local police department's search. This is an nteresting story with lots of twists and turns. |
| Linda M. Johnson (tcheer4life@yahoo.com) |
| Holidays on Ice by David Sedaris |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
This was an audible book mostly read by the author, but included his sister, Amy. I know there are people who think Sedaris is hilarious. I'm not one, so far. Is it because I'm reading the books in order and therefore since this is #2 he hasn't developed his style yet? I won't give up on reading or listening, but so far, in my opinion, he's o.k. Sedaris writes essays taken from (or fictionalized from) his personal life. |
| Marilyn Parker |
| This Body of Death by Elizabeth George |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
I am glad that Inspector Lynley is back and in the groove of solving mysteries. |
| Elizabeth V |
| One Good Dog by Susan Wilson |
| Rating: 2 Stars |
|
ONE GOOD DOG by Susan Wilson is the story of Adam, a highly paid business executive who has a breakdown and loses everything as a result, including his marriage. He gets stuck with a pit bull and ends up loving it. I admit: I'm a sucker for good animal stories. And many other dog lovers had given the book high reviews. I believed them. That's the reason I bought ONE GOOD DOG. But I am a well read adult who appreciates truly good books and depends on truly honest reviews. None of the reviews I read bothered to mention that ONE GOOD DOG is a book for younger readers, not adults. It's marketed to adults and I can't for the life of me figure out why. This is a book I may have liked when I was 12. Everything in the story is predictable. I knew what was going to happen pages before it happened. Seriously, Susan Wilson would be better off with a publisher who would market this book to younger readers. |
| Elizabeth V |
| The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
It's the 1860s. An English couple, Ernestina and Charles, walk together along a beach. He is a member of the aristocracy; she is spoiled and rich. They see from afar a mysterious woman standing still, staring out to sea. Ernestina tells Charles that the woman is variously called "the French lieutenant's whore" and "Tragedy"; she had an affair with a French lieutenant who went home and was never heard from again. Charles becomes curious. The mysterious woman, Sarah, will keep you guessing throughout, right to the very end. You'll think she's pitiful, then you'll wonder if she's crazy, then you think she may be mean and around and round. THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN by John Fowles, written in 1969, is a Victorian-sounding novel. Fowles mimics the style of, maybe, Jane Austen or maybe Charles Dickens. At the same time, he interjects his own voice and compares the Victorian age with modern (1969) times. This book is, although long, is not long enough. When you read it, get very comfortable; you won't want to put it down. And you'll hate to see it end. |
| Gaymarie Hartman |
| 61 Hours by Lee Child |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
|
Yet another outstanding book about Jack Reacher and the trouble that seems to be attracted to him. This book is a page turner that I couldn't wait to see what would happen in South Dakota in the wind, snow and below zero weather and yet I didn't want it to end. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| Home by Marilynne Robinson |
| Rating: 3 Stars |
|
Much better, in my opinion, than "Gilead". There is more movement/plot to this work. It's really a thinking person's novel, however. |
| F Tessa Bartels |
| A Case of Imagination by Jane Tesh |
| Rating: 1 Stars |
|
This is barely okay. It is about a former beauty pageant winner turned private investigator. It is such weak plotting and weak character development. |
| Gail Coulson |
| The Poacher's Son by Paul Doiron |
| Rating: 4 Stars |
|
This is a good story comparable to the Joe Pickett novels by C.J. Box, but I believe C.J. Box does a better job of creating atmosphere in his stories. |
| Jeanie |
| How High the Moon by Sandra Kring |
| Rating: 5 Stars |
| If you loved THE BOOK OF BRIGHT IDEAS by Sandra Kring, you will enjoy this story of Teaspoon, a ten year old who has aspirations of becoming a famous singer. Her mother left her to find her own dream and Teaspoon was left with her mother's boyfriend. I enjoyed seeing the world though the innocence of a child. Great read! |
