September 7, 2012

Each year we have a tradition where we take the “first day of school” photo at the lamppost in front of the house. This year, I think sensing my “over-the-top” emotions about this being the LAST time I will do this as Cory is a high school senior, he actually obliged me with a smile and did not give me his usual hard time about marking this occasion. Then he hopped in his car and headed off to school…no school bus for seniors, I have been told. However, lest I think he is slipping away too soon, he did stall in the driveway (first time in a while for that), which, if I was writing a novel, I would call some kind of symbolism!

Our Outer Banks vacation was wonderful. After two summers where we were in the path of hurricanes, this time we had nothing but warm weather and mostly cloudless blue skies, albeit with really high humidity. My husband played golf, Cory and his friend Josh moved around as a unit emerging for snack foods, golf, kayaking and meals, and thus I was left to blissfully float and read. And I read and read and read. You can see my Vacation Reading Blog here with brief comments on 12 books that I read, including THE PANTHER by Nelson DeMille, LOW PRESSURE by Sandra Brown, A WANTED MAN by Lee Child, and others by names that may be less familiar, but whose words completely captivated me and made them household names for me. Such a pleasure to spend time like this.

I had 47 books and manuscripts with me; I know, it was insane, but I had zip time to hone down the stack before I left, and somehow it was rather liberating to make my way to the room at the beach where I had them stacked up and just pluck what I wanted to read. Advance reading copies won over hardcovers since I did not want to get them wet in the pool, and I devoured a lot fewer manuscripts than I planned since they resided on my iPad and that was not getting close to water either. I know many people wrap their eReaders in plastic baggies, but it was not something I was game to try.

Do note that there were other books that were started, but were put aside as not “perfect vacation reading.” They are in a stack that I will finish…but somehow they were either too “heavy” or just not striking the right chord for this week. And I was definitely reading for pleasure while Cory and Josh were making their way through required summer reading for school that looked so dull that I was not even volunteering to pick their books up to read along and discuss. I am soooo glad that required school summer reading is behind us. I literally loathe it and see no way that it instills a lifelong love of reading, something that I am really so sad about in the education system today.

While I often zip off to bookstores and one of my favorite yarn shops while I am on the Outer Banks, this time I stayed put. I “traveled” through the pages of the books I read instead and reveled being more hermit-like than social. Most days I did my version of a triathlon at the end of the day --- a bike ride to the beach, a walk on the beach, and then back to swim laps in the big pool. By the way, Cory was so surprised that I was not going yarn shopping that he actually wrote and dated a note about this for my memoirs. We had pizza on the 4 x 4 beach one night, and to get a perspective on just how idyllic this is, see the photo above. There was a full blue moon one of the nights as well. Can you tell this was a perfect vacation?

We have a huge lineup for you this week…..so here you go…

First up, we have a review of Mitch Albom’s much-anticipated new book, THE TIME KEEPER. I read a final manuscript of this one on a flight to California in July, and it’s the kind of book you will find yourself reflecting back on. The inventor of the first timepiece is punished for trying to measure God’s greatest gift: time. He is banished to a cave destined to listen to the voices of those seeking more days, more years, until he is given a chance to redeem himself. He must teach two earthly people the true meaning of time. Our reviewer, Norah Piehl says, "THE TIME KEEPER is a fable of sorts; although readers likely won't feel preached at, they also should come prepared for a story that weaves together religion, philosophy and common sense in a way that results in a very defined message or even moral. The moral, which comes to all three characters in different ways, is certainly one that busy modern readers will be able to get behind.” I always say that time is my enemy --- never enough of it --- but reading this gave me a new perspective.

We’ve been featuring Linwood Barclay and his new book, TRUST YOUR EYES, in our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight. This week, we have our review from Joe Hartlaub and an interview he conducted with Linwood. In this latest thriller, a map-obsessed schizophrenic named Thomas Kilbride spends his days traveling the world all from the safety of his bedroom using a computer program. However, one day he stumbles onto an image of a woman being murdered. Will Thomas be able to get over his schizophrenia to save her in time? Joe says, “Barclay starts lobbing hand grenades out of the pages about a third of the way into the novel and doesn’t stop doing so until the very end. We’re not talking flash grenades, either; there won’t be a door in your house that won’t be blown off its hinges once you finish this book.”

Here is a measure of how much Joe likes this book. He wrote me that he skipped watching “Breaking Bad” one Sunday night to finish TRUST YOUR EYES --- and fans of that show know what THAT means. Click here to read the interview with Linwood and find out what his future writing plans are. Next week, I am going to tell you why I am picking this as a Bookreporter.com Bets On!

We have a new Sneak Peek: An Early Look at an Upcoming Book feature for you this week. We’re giving 25 readers the opportunity to win specially formatted early reader editions of ORPHAN TRAIN and let us know what they think of it. Christina Baker Kline’s latest novel introduces readers to Vivian Daly, a now-90-year-old woman who has had a chaotic past --- from her difficult childhood in Ireland to her turbulent adulthood Midwest. However, this story specifically documents the “orphan trains” that transported more than 200,000 orphaned, abandoned and homeless children to the Midwest for indentured servitude. I absolutely loved it. Those of you who read THE CHAPERONE will remember that its plot touched on the Orphan Train. It left me wanting to hear more about it, which made this book even more of a delight. Christina did very extensive research, which authenticates her characters. You have until Thursday, September 20th at noon ET to enter to read an early copy.

Back to reviews… We have a review of THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY by Louise Penny, who brings back Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, this time to investigate the murder of a renowned choir director at a monastery. He discovers that one of the monastery’s brothers has been contemplating murder. As the peace of the monastery crumbles, Gamache is forced to confront some of his own demons. Reviewer Roz Shea says, “If it’s possible for Penny to outdo herself, she has accomplished it.... In THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY, she casts the meditative spell of Plainchant on the human spirit. With riveting suspense to the very last paragraph, Penny weaves a deepening web of intrigue...”

Susan Wiggs returns to the familiar town of Avalon in this latest installment of The Lakeshore Chronicles. In RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE, Sonnet Romano expects to come home to help her mother through her pregnancy and then hightail out of town. But when a devastating diagnosis is given, Sonnet must make some life-altering decisions quickly. Reviewer Terry Miller Shannon says, "Fans know that Susan Wiggs specializes in emotion-filled stories revolving around both family connections and the joys of romantic love --- and they will not be disappointed with Sonnet Romano's tale in RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE." Susan always delivers, and RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE is no exception.

Hank Phillippi Ryan has a brand-new series, and it kicks off with THE OTHER WOMAN. Jane Ryland, the former rising star of television news, tracks a candidate’s secret mistress just days before an important Senate election. Meanwhile, Detective Jake Brogan investigates a possible serial killer. But when their paths cross, Jake and Jane find themselves facing a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to silence scandal. Reviewer Amie Taylor says, "With Washington, D.C. currently in the spotlight due to the presidential election, readers will especially love gaining an inside glimpse at this fictional account of the dirty games that frequently accompany a life in politics." I so agree with Amie. By the way, for those of you who do not know, Hank is a broadcast journalist from Boston and thus reading about how Jane attacks a story is something Hank comes to from experience; she’s created a character that I look forward to reading more about. Also, for audio aficionados, Hank has shared that she and Lee Child interview each other as a bonus on the audio version!

To celebrate the release of THE GOOD WOMAN, the first installment of Jane Porter’s Brennan Sisters trilogy, we’re giving 25 readers a chance to win a copy of the book. Tired of being good, Meg is burned out and more disconnected from her increasingly distant husband than ever. On a trip to the London Wine Fair with her boss, he confesses his long-standing love. Suddenly, Meg is questioning every choice she’s ever made. I read this right after I saw Jane in Anaheim in July and loved where she is taking this series. The story is ripe for book group discussion, and we have a discussion guide for you here. The deadline for contest entries is Tuesday, October 2nd at noon ET.

We’ve updated our New in Paperback feature for September with such books as MICRO by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston, WHEN SHE WOKE by Hillary Jordan, WHAT IT IS LIKE TO GO TO WAR by Karl Marlantes, and PURE by Julianna Baggott. Click here for all the September paperback roundups.

Our Books on Screen update for this month includes The Eye of the Storm, based on Nobel Prize winner Patrick White’s 1973 novel; The Perks of Being a Wallflower, an adaptation of Stephen Chbosky’s popular YA novel; and three programs airing on PBS: "Wallander III", Death and the Civil War and "Call the Midwife." Click here for all the movies, TV shows and DVDs you can catch this month. By the way, I hope you caught the miniseries "Coma" last weekend. I really enjoyed it --- and what a cast!

After weeks of Olympics watching, as well as both political conventions, I was prompted to circle back to you with a version of a poll question that we asked you four years ago:

“Did you watch the Olympics or the political conventions?” Click here to let us know!

Enter our Word of Mouth contest for a chance to win the aforementioned LOW PRESSURE by Sandra Brown and A WANTED MAN: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child, along with FATHER NIGHT: A McClure/Carson Novel by Eric Van Lustbader.

Phew...lots of news, and the staff was only in the office four days this week!

Relaxing weekend ahead here for me while Tom has a two-day golf tournament, Cory has the ACT test, and Greg is headed out geocaching. I am trying to hide from the reality of a five-day work/school week next week. Wish me luck with that --- and the same to all of you with school-aged children.

Carol Fitzgerald (Carol@bookreporter.com)

THE TIME KEEPER by Mitch Albom (Fiction)
The inventor of the world's first clock is punished for trying to measure God's greatest gift. He is banished to a cave for centuries and forced to listen to the voices of all who come after him seeking more days, more years. Eventually, with his soul nearly broken, Father Time is granted his freedom, along with a magical hourglass and a mission: a chance to redeem himself by teaching two earthly people the true meaning of time. Reviewed by Norah Piehl.

-Click here to read more about the book.

In Linwood Barclay’s new thriller, TRUST YOUR EYES, Thomas Kilbride, a schizophrenic man who believes he’s employed by the CIA, stumbles across an image of a murder taking place in New York City on “Whirl360,” a street-view website. This sudden revelation leaves Thomas with something much more dangerous than his delusions to contend with as he is drawn into a fatal scheme. In this interview, conducted by Bookreporter.com’s Joe Hartlaub, Barclay talks about the joys of virtual travel, the difference between writing stand-alone novels and books that are part of a series, and his future projects --- which include a sequel to 2007’s NO TIME FOR GOODBYE.

TRUST YOUR EYES by Linwood Barclay (Thriller)
Thomas Kilbride is a map-obsessed schizophrenic so affected that he rarely leaves the self-imposed bastion of his bedroom. But with a computer program called Whirl360.com, he travels the world while never so much as stepping out the door. Then he sees something that anyone else might have stumbled upon --- but has not --- in a street view of downtown New York City: an image in a window. An image that looks like a woman being murdered.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read a review.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here to read critical praise.
-Click here to watch the book trailer.
-Click here to read Linwood Barclay’s bio.
-Connect with Linwood Barclay on Facebook and Twitter.
-Click here to see the 25 winners selected to read and comment on the book.
-Click here to read more in our Suspense/Thriller Author Spotlight.

At Bookreporter.com, we have the opportunity to read many great books well in advance of their release dates. Now, with our Sneak Peek Feature/Contest, we are offering our readers the chance to preview select early picks --- and share feedback on them. We know that readers champion books that they love, and we want you to be part of the excitement of upcoming releases as early as possible.

Our latest Sneak Peek Feature spotlights ORPHAN TRAIN by Christina Baker Kline, a powerful novel of upheaval and resilience, of second chances, of unexpected friendship, and of the secrets we carry that keep us from finding out who we are. We have 25 specially formatted early reader editions to give away to readers who would like to preview the book, which releases in April 2013, and share their comments about it. To enter, fill out this form by Thursday, September 20th at noon ET.

More about ORPHAN TRAIN:
Nearly 18, Molly Ayer knows she has one last chance. Just months from “aging out” of the child welfare system, and close to being kicked out of her foster home, a community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping her out of juvie and worse.

Vivian Daly has lived a quiet life on the coast of Maine. But in her attic, hidden in trunks, are vestiges of a turbulent past. As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly discovers that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. A young Irish immigrant orphaned in New York City, Vivian was put on a train to the Midwest with hundreds of other children whose destinies would be determined by luck and chance. The closer Molly grows to Vivian, the more she discovers parallels to her own life.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read critical praise for Christina Baker Kline’s books.
-Click here to read Christina Baker Kline’s bio.
-Click here to visit Christina Baker Kline’s official website.
-Click here to connect with Christina Baker Kline on Twitter.

THE BEAUTIFUL MYSTERY: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel by Louise Penny (Mystery)
When the renowned choir director at a monastery is murdered, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and Jean-Guy Beauvoir of the Sûreté du Québec are called in to investigate. They learn that one of the brothers, in this life of prayer and contemplation, has been contemplating murder. As the peace of the monastery crumbles, Gamache is forced to confront some of his own demons, as well as those roaming the remote corridors. Reviewed by Roz Shea.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.

RETURN TO WILLOW LAKE by Susan Wiggs (Romance)
Sonnet Romano is leading a seemingly perfect life until her mother drops the news that she’s expecting and the pregnancy is high risk. Sonnet feels compelled to put everything else on hold and return home to Avalon. Although she plans to pick up her life where she left off once her mother is out of danger, a devastating diagnosis is given, forcing Sonnet to make life-altering decisions. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.
-Click here for the reading group guide.

THE OTHER WOMAN by Hank Phillippi Ryan (Mystery)
Jane Ryland, once a rising star in television news, now finds herself tracking down a candidate’s secret mistress just days before a pivotal Senate election. Meanwhile, Detective Jake Brogan is investigating a possible serial killer. As the body count rises and the election looms closer, it becomes clear to Jane and Jake that their cases are connected…and that they may be facing a ruthless killer who will stop at nothing to silence a scandal. Reviewed by Amie Taylor.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.

ZOO by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge (Thriller)
All over the world, brutal attacks are crippling entire cities. Jackson Oz, a young biologist, watches the escalating events with an increasing sense of dread. When he witnesses a coordinated lion ambush in Africa, the enormity of the violence to come becomes terrifyingly clear. With the help of ecologist Chloe Tousignant, Oz races to warn world leaders before it's too late. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

-Click here to read more about the book.
-Click here to read an excerpt.

September’s New in Paperback roundups include the following highlights:

WHEN SHE WOKE by Hillary Jordan (Dystopian Thriller)
In a distant American future, Hannah Payne awakens after being infected with a virus that has turned her skin red. Chroming is her punishment for her crime of murder --- for terminating the pregnancy of her unborn child. Because of her refusal to identify the father or name the abortionist, she is forced to live in permanent disgrace.

MICRO by Michael Crichton and Richard Preston (Science Fiction/Thriller)
Three men are found dead in the locked second-floor office of a Honolulu building, with no sign of struggle except for the ultrafine, razor-sharp cuts covering their bodies. The only clue left behind is a tiny bladed robot, nearly invisible to the human eye.

WHAT IT IS LIKE TO GO TO WAR by Karl Marlantes (Memoir)
Karl Marlantes takes a deeply personal and candid look at what it is like to experience the ordeal of combat, critically examining how we might better prepare our soldiers for war. He weaves riveting accounts of his combat experiences with thoughtful analysis, self-examination, and his readings --- from Homer to The Mahabharata to Jung.

BEST FRIENDS, OCCASIONAL ENEMIES: The Lighter Side of Life as a Mother and Daughter by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella (Humor/Essays)
New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline and her daughter, Francesca Serritella, are the best of friends --- 99.9% of the time. In other words, they’re just like every mother and daughter in the world. Now they’re dishing about it all: their lives, their relationship, and their carb count.

PURE by Julianna Baggott (Post-Apocalyptic Horror)
There are those who escaped the apocalypse unmarked. Pures. They are tucked safely inside the Dome that protects their healthy, superior bodies. Yet Partridge, whose father is one of the most influential men in the Dome, feels isolated and lonely. When a slipped phrase suggests his mother might still be alive, Partridge risks his life to leave the Dome to find her.

-Find out what's New in Paperback for the weeks of September 3rd, September 10th, September 17th and September 24th.

The official end of summer is nearing, and these early days of fall will be perfect for some futuristic crime-fighting and a dash of family drama. While you’re wishing for those warmer days to stay a little bit longer, be sure you check out these releases on both the big and small screens.

Get ready to go back to high school as author Stephen Chbosky brings his coming-of-age story to life in the highly-anticipated The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Meanwhile, two nurses, a housekeeper and a solicitor attend to Elizabeth Hunter as her expatriate son and daughter convene at her deathbed in The Eye of the Storm, based on the novel by Nobel Prize winner Patrick White. And those looking for some action and adventure should check out Dredd, a 3D sci-fi film inspired by the 2000 AD comic strip Judge Dredd.

On the small screen, “Dexter” begins its seventh season on Showtime, while CBS offers a contemporary update of Sherlock Holmes’ detective stories in “Elementary.”

PBS is busy this month with “Wallander III,” three gripping new Kurt Wallander cases based on the character created by Henning Mankell; Death and the Civil War, Ric Burns’ adaptation of the groundbreaking book THIS REPUBLIC IS SUFFERING by Drew Gilpin Faust; and the US premiere of the runaway British hit “Call the Midwife,” a six-part series based on a bestselling trilogy by the late Jennifer Worth.

Those who missed A&E’s “Coma,” based on Robin Cook’s 1977 medical thriller of the same name, can view the entire four-hour miniseries online here.

And last but certainly not least are the movies releasing on DVD this month: The Avengers, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Snow White and the Huntsman, What to Expect When You’re Expecting and The Woman in the Fifth.
 

ReadingGroupGuides.com

THE UNFINISHED GARDEN by Barbara Claypole White
We are celebrating the release of THE UNFINISHED GARDEN by Barbara Claypole White --- a love story about grief, OCD and dirt --- with a special contest. 60 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book, which is now in stores, for their group. The deadline for entries is Friday, October 5th at noon ET

THE SONG OF ACHILLES by Madeline Miller
We are celebrating the release of THE SONG OF ACHILLES by Madeline Miller --- a tale of gods and goddesses, kings and queens, immortal fame and the human heart --- with a special contest. 30 readers will have the opportunity to each win a copy of the book, which is now in stores, for their group. The deadline for entries is Tuesday, September 25th at noon ET.

Teenreads.com

ENCLAVE by Ann Aguirre
Looking for a great book that is sure to generate lots of discussion in your reading group? Then check out the post-apocalyptic novel ENCLAVE, Ann Aguirre's first book for young adults. Teenreads.com is giving away up to 20 copies of the paperback edition to the winning book club. The deadline for entries is Friday, September 21st at noon ET.

Grab Bag of Books
Each month in our Grab Bag of Books contest, five readers are awarded a Teenreads.com signature tote bag filled with some of the hottest books --- and may even include a sneak peek at titles that haven’t been released yet! Winners of our latest Grab Bag of Books contest will each receive a copy of OVER YOU by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus and THE RAFT by S. A. Bodeen. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, September 19th at noon ET.

FaithfulReader.com

WESTWARD HEARTS: Homeward on the Oregon Trail, Book 1 by Melody Carlson
We are celebrating the release of WESTWARD HEARTS with a special contest that will give 75 readers the opportunity to win a copy of this first installment in Melody Carlson's Homeward on the Oregon Trail series. The deadline for entries is Thursday, September 13th at noon ET.

DIGITAL WINTER by Mark Hitchcock and Alton Gansky
We are celebrating the release of DIGITAL WINTER by Mark Hitchcock and Alton Gansky with a special contest that will give 75 readers the opportunity to win a copy of this suspenseful and fast-moving story of life after a massive cyber attack. The deadline for entries is Thursday, September 13th at noon ET.

OVER THE EDGE: The Kincaid Brides, Book 3 by Mary Connealy
We are celebrating the release of OVER THE EDGE with a special contest that will give 50 readers the opportunity to win a copy of this third installment in Mary Connealy's The Kincaid Brides series. The deadline for entries is Thursday, September 13th at noon ET.

ABDUCTED: Pacific Coast Justice Series, Book 2 by Janice Cantore
We are celebrating the release of ABDUCTED with a special contest that will give 10 readers the opportunity to win a copy of this second installment in Janice Cantore's Pacific Coast Justice series. The deadline for entries is Thursday, September 13th at noon ET.

FaithfulReader.com’s Monthly Contest
In our latest monthly contest, five readers each will be awarded a copy of THE REUNION by Dan Walsh, in which a Vietnam vet who came home from the war and lost everything is about to be found. The deadline for entries is Thursday, September 13th at noon ET.

THE TOMBS: A Fargo Adventure by Clive Cussler and Thomas Perry (Thriller/Adventure)
Husband-and-wife Sam and Remi Fargo and their friend hunt for Attila the Hun's tomb, which supposedly contained a vast amount of treasure. They follow a trail that leads them across the eastern hemisphere and pits them against others who are hungry for Attila's treasure. Reviewed by Judy Gigstad.

GONE by Randy Wayne White (Mystery/Thriller)
Hannah Smith makes her living as a fishing guide, but her friends, neighbors and clients also know her as an uncommonly resourceful woman with a keen sense of justice. Her methods can be unorthodox, though, and those on the receiving end of them often wind up very unhappy --- and sometimes very violent. When a girl goes missing, and Hannah is asked to find her, that is exactly what happens. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

A SUNLESS SEA: A William Monk Novel by Anne Perry (Historical Mystery)
As commander of the River Police, William Monk is accustomed to violent death, but the mutilated body of a female moves him with horror and pity. The victim’s name is Zenia Gadney. Her waterfront neighbors can tell him little --- only that the same unknown gentleman had visited her once a month for many years. What sinister secrets could have made poor Zenia worth killing? And why does the government keep interfering in Monk’s investigation? Reviewed by Ray Palen.

THE DOUBLE GAME by Dan Fesperman (Thriller)
A few years before the fall of the Berlin Wall, spook-turned-novelist Edwin Lemaster revealed to up-and-coming journalist Bill Cage that he’d once considered spying for the enemy. For Cage, the news story created a brief but embarrassing sensation and heralded the beginning of the end of his career in journalism. More than two decades later, Cage receives an anonymous note hinting that he should have dug deeper into Lemaster’s pronouncement. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

A WILDERNESS OF ERROR: The Trials of Jeffrey MacDonald by Errol Morris (True Crime)
Academy Award-winning filmmaker and former private detective Errol Morris examines the nature of evidence and proof in the infamous Jeffrey MacDonald murder case. A WILDERNESS OF ERROR shows us that almost everything we have been told about the case is deeply unreliable, and crucial elements of the case against MacDonald simply are not true. Reviewed by Jesse Kornbluth, founder of HeadButler.com.

WE SINNERS by Hanna Pylväinen (Fiction)
The Rovaniemis and their nine children belong to a deeply traditional church in modern-day Michigan. A normal family in many ways, the Rovaniemis struggle with sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and forming their own unique identities in such a large family. But when two of the children venture from the faith, the family fragments and a haunting question emerges: Do we believe for ourselves, or for each other? Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman.

THE FOREVER MARRIAGE by Ann Bauer (Fiction)
Carmen wishes Jobe, the husband she never loved, dead --- only to fall in love with him after he is gone. As she helps her three children grieve, she discovers, after a tryst with her most recent lover, that her own life may be in danger. Her emotions reeling, Carmen reflects on the fateful days of her youth that made her the person she has become: privileged suburban wife, unfaithful widow, mother of a child with Down syndrome, fierce friend. Reviewed by Terry Miller Shannon.

HARRY LIPKIN, PRIVATE EYE by Barry Fantoni (Mystery)
Harry Lipkin is a tough-talking, soft-chewing, rough-around-the-edges, slow-around-the-corners private investigator who specializes in the sort of cases that cops can't be bothered with. His latest client, Mrs. Norma Weinberger, informs him that someone is stealing sentimental trinkets and the occasional priceless jewel from her; someone she employs, trusts, cares for, and treats like family. It is up to Harry to figure out whodunit before the thief strikes again. Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

SHAKE OFF by Mischa Hiller (Thriller)
Intelligence operative Michel Khoury has one mission: the peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict that upended his life. As his relationship with Helen, a pretty English girl, develops, he is unable to tell her about his past --- or the collection of passports and unmarked bills he's concealed in the bathroom they share. When Michel's secrets turn deadly, they find themselves on the run from the very people they thought they could trust. Reviewed by Kate Ayers.

THE 13th TARGET by Mark de Castrique (Thriller)
In an age of Wall Street meltdowns and downgrading of the U.S. credit rating, the secretive Federal Reserve is compromised. Rusty Mullins and Amanda Church don’t know whom to trust. Evidence points to an external terrorist attack, but the web of deceit appears woven from within, a web that threatens to destroy the heart of America’s financial system. Twelve targets are known. The clock is ticking. What, or who, is the 13th? Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub.

Did you watch the Olympics or the political conventions? Please check as many as apply.

I was a multi-channel Olympics junkie.
As much Olympics coverage as I could
Some Olympics coverage
None of the Olympics
All of the Republican National Convention
Some of the Republican National Convention
Just the last night of the Republican National Convention
None of the Republican National Convention
All of the Democratic National Convention
Some of the Democratic National Convention
Just the last night of the Democratic National Convention
None of the Democratic National Convention

Tell us your current reading recommendations with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from September 7th to September 21st, FIVE lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of FATHER NIGHT: A McClure/Carson Novel by Eric Van Lustbader, LOW PRESSURE by Sandra Brown and A WANTED MAN: A Jack Reacher Novel by Lee Child.

To make sure other readers will be able to find the books you write about, please include the full title and correct author names (your entry must include these to be eligible to win). For complete rules and guidelines, click here.

-To see reader comments from previous contest periods, click here.