Author:
Joan Pence
Stars:
3
Review by: Saraswati
This book takes Angie and her Sister, Cat, to Europe to try and clear her
sister's name. They get involved with an international murder mystery and both
Angies S.O. and Cat's husband come to their rescue. Fun summer read.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Sail
Author:
James Patterson & Howard Roughan
Stars:
Review by: Patti K
This was my first ever James Patterson novel. A friend loaned it to me a week or so ago and I put it aside..."Take a Voyage Into Fear" didn't sound like something I wanted to read before bed. I started it this morning and here I am 14 hours later ~ finished the book, LOVED the book ~ but didn't get any laundry done and don't have one piece of clean clothes for work in the morning. Oh well...fun day of reading.
Stars:
Review by: Patti K
This was my first ever James Patterson novel. A friend loaned it to me a week or so ago and I put it aside..."Take a Voyage Into Fear" didn't sound like something I wanted to read before bed. I started it this morning and here I am 14 hours later ~ finished the book, LOVED the book ~ but didn't get any laundry done and don't have one piece of clean clothes for work in the morning. Oh well...fun day of reading.
French by Heart: An American's Family's Adventures in La Belle France
Author:
Rebecca Ramsey
Stars: 2
Review by: Smudge
Memoir of an American family's four-year stay in the Auvergne region of France. Light reading with few culutural insights.
Stars: 2
Review by: Smudge
Memoir of an American family's four-year stay in the Auvergne region of France. Light reading with few culutural insights.
Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Titanic Tragedy
Author:
William Seil
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Bobjam
Holmes and Watson are on a secret government mission they must solve and get off the boat in time! Entertaining....could use more deductive reasoning. Thank goodness this detective never dies!
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Bobjam
Holmes and Watson are on a secret government mission they must solve and get off the boat in time! Entertaining....could use more deductive reasoning. Thank goodness this detective never dies!
15 Seconds
Author:
Andrew Gross
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
I love Andrew Gross. If you like fast paced, page turning thrillers without the gore but with lots of suspense, this guy has it!
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
I love Andrew Gross. If you like fast paced, page turning thrillers without the gore but with lots of suspense, this guy has it!
The House of Mirth
Author:
Edith Wharton
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Carol
Intense, meaningful, but tedious writing.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: Carol
Intense, meaningful, but tedious writing.
Birds of a Feather
Author:
Jacqueline Winspear
Stars: 4
Review by: Barbie
This is the second in the Maisie Dobbs series. A bit slow to get into, but a good story.
Stars: 4
Review by: Barbie
This is the second in the Maisie Dobbs series. A bit slow to get into, but a good story.
The Next Always
Author:
Nora Roberts
Stars: 5
Review by: Patti K
I'm a long-time Nora Roberts fan ~ and this book didn't disappoint. Love Nora ~ loved this book. It's Book One in a trilogy ~ can't wait to read the rest.
Stars: 5
Review by: Patti K
I'm a long-time Nora Roberts fan ~ and this book didn't disappoint. Love Nora ~ loved this book. It's Book One in a trilogy ~ can't wait to read the rest.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
New This Week
Close Your Eyes by Iris Johansen (St.
Martin ’s Press)
Using carefully honed sensory
skills gleaned from a childhood spent blind to solve cases, music therapist
Kendra Michael is tapped by former FBI agent Adam Kyle, who is investigating
the work of a serial killer who may be responsible for the disappearance of
Kendra's ex.
Creole Belle by James Lee Burke (Simon and Schuster)
This book begins where the
last book in the Dave Robicheaux series, The
Glass Rainbow, ended. Dave is in a recovery unit in New Orleans
Fallen Angel by Daniel Silva (Harper Collins)
When a body is found beneath
Michelangelo's dome, Gabriel Allon is summoned to secretly investigate the
death that has been ruled a suicide--a case that brings about an unthinkable
act of sabotage.
The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian (Doubleday)
Presents the parallel stories
of a young woman who falls in love with an Armenian soldier while aiding
victims of the Armenian genocide in the early twentieth century, and a young
woman who researches her Armenian heritage and discovers a terrible family
secret.
Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann (Little Brown)
ick and her cousin, Helena,
have grown up sharing sultry summer heat, sunbleached boat docks, and midnight
gin parties on Martha's Vineyard in a glorious
old family estate known as Tiger House. In the days following the end of the
Second World War, the world seems to offer itself up, and the two women are on
the cusp of their 'real lives': Helena is off to Hollywood and a new marriage,
while Nick is heading for a reunion with her own young husband, Hughes, about
to return from the war. Soon the gilt begins to crack. Helena
When in Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison (St. Martin ’s Press)
Dedicating herself to her
culinary patrons, private chef Gemma Craig goes home every night to boxed
cereals until an unexpected event compels a confrontation with the past and an
unexpected romance.
Home Front
Author:
Kristin Hannah
Stars: 5
Review by: KeeRead
This book gives you an inside view of what military families go through when one is deployed and comes back injured. Although it is fiction, it has given me a new perspective on what our freedom costs.
Stars: 5
Review by: KeeRead
This book gives you an inside view of what military families go through when one is deployed and comes back injured. Although it is fiction, it has given me a new perspective on what our freedom costs.
November Hunt
Author:
Jess Lourey
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.
Really enjoy this "murder by month" series, and this book was no exception!
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.
Really enjoy this "murder by month" series, and this book was no exception!
Catching Fire
Author:
Suzanne Collins
Stars: 5
Review by: Marian
The evil is horrible but it does not out-weigh the sacrificing that takes place so that good happens for the people of the districts. I am looking forward to book three.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marian
The evil is horrible but it does not out-weigh the sacrificing that takes place so that good happens for the people of the districts. I am looking forward to book three.
The Shoemaker's Wife
Author:
Adriana Trigiani
Stars: 4
Review by: BigDa
Everything Italian: Alps, family, food, loyalty, immigration and more.
Stars: 4
Review by: BigDa
Everything Italian: Alps, family, food, loyalty, immigration and more.
Afterglow
Author:
Cherry Adair
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
A fast paced para-military in the typical Adair style. Old lost love reunited, families betrayed, murder and mayhem all rolled in a sexy, easy read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
A fast paced para-military in the typical Adair style. Old lost love reunited, families betrayed, murder and mayhem all rolled in a sexy, easy read.
Friday, July 13, 2012
White Truffles in Winter
Author:
N.M. Kelby
Stars: 5
Review by: Smudge
The great chef Escoffier reminisces about love, war, and, of course, food.
Stars: 5
Review by: Smudge
The great chef Escoffier reminisces about love, war, and, of course, food.
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Author:
Paul Torday
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
Fantastic and fast read with plenty of real world facts to feel like more than a fiction novel.
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
Fantastic and fast read with plenty of real world facts to feel like more than a fiction novel.
The Hypnotist's Love Story
Author:
Liane Moriarty
Stars: 2
Review by: Tartu
I did not like it as much as previous novel, What Alice Forgot, and wondered several times, what the point was.
Stars: 2
Review by: Tartu
I did not like it as much as previous novel, What Alice Forgot, and wondered several times, what the point was.
The Last Kind Words
Author:
Tom Piccarelli
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu
The characters were really great in spite of being so flawed; they were accepting of their feelings toward Collie and his impending execution and made no apologies.
Stars: 4
Review by: Tartu
The characters were really great in spite of being so flawed; they were accepting of their feelings toward Collie and his impending execution and made no apologies.
The Dog Who Danced
Author:
Susan Wilson
Stars: 4
Review by: smiley september
A lot of soul searching and sadness within the story. I had to place it down, so I wouldn't get depressed but started to realize that life can be hard in many different ways.
Stars: 4
Review by: smiley september
A lot of soul searching and sadness within the story. I had to place it down, so I wouldn't get depressed but started to realize that life can be hard in many different ways.
On Borrowed Time
Author:
David Rosenfelt
Stars: 4
Review by: syd
A different book theme for Rosenfelt but held my attention. Somewhat futuristic.
Stars: 4
Review by: syd
A different book theme for Rosenfelt but held my attention. Somewhat futuristic.
Betrayal
Author:
Fern Michaels
Stars: 3.5
Review by: syd
Quick read but I could see this happening in reality.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: syd
Quick read but I could see this happening in reality.
50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True
Author:
Guy P. Harrison
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
WOW-NOT A BOOK for the strong believing and not willing to change mind. I picked this up thinking it was a "Ripley's" type book BUT NO! I was slapped in the face with reality. I almost felt it in reality. I tried to read this from cover to cover but was too bruised so I went at it as a "myth of the day" type thing. I may agree with the author's quote,"We all believe in silly things. What matters is how silly and how many." I kind of agree with. His "hatred: of those that still believe in the face of fact is even worst. He almost despises those that believe no matter what even though they hurt themselves and others. I agree to be aggravated or upset but I don't want to slap them around. I finally read this book a little at a time. I understood the falsehoods and the author's frustration but I still believe in the wonder of the world and what it will bring to us. A tough book but an eye opener. I recommend it just to make you think!
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
WOW-NOT A BOOK for the strong believing and not willing to change mind. I picked this up thinking it was a "Ripley's" type book BUT NO! I was slapped in the face with reality. I almost felt it in reality. I tried to read this from cover to cover but was too bruised so I went at it as a "myth of the day" type thing. I may agree with the author's quote,"We all believe in silly things. What matters is how silly and how many." I kind of agree with. His "hatred: of those that still believe in the face of fact is even worst. He almost despises those that believe no matter what even though they hurt themselves and others. I agree to be aggravated or upset but I don't want to slap them around. I finally read this book a little at a time. I understood the falsehoods and the author's frustration but I still believe in the wonder of the world and what it will bring to us. A tough book but an eye opener. I recommend it just to make you think!
Once Burned: A Night Prince Novel
Author:
Jeaniene Frost
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
I know, another vampire book about Vlad and a semi-cozy...but it does give Vlad some "excuses" for his behavior and how he has made it up since. A somewhat powerful read that leads the reader right up to the next book due...Spring 2013. I guess I have to wait!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
I know, another vampire book about Vlad and a semi-cozy...but it does give Vlad some "excuses" for his behavior and how he has made it up since. A somewhat powerful read that leads the reader right up to the next book due...Spring 2013. I guess I have to wait!
Tuesdays with Morrie
Author:
Mitch Albom
Stars: 2
Review by: Barbie
With so many deaths in my family lately, I cried through the whole book. Selfishly most of the tears was for myself rather than Morrie and Mitch.
Stars: 2
Review by: Barbie
With so many deaths in my family lately, I cried through the whole book. Selfishly most of the tears was for myself rather than Morrie and Mitch.
On the Island
Author:
Tracey Gravis-Graves
Stars: 5
Review by: Marian
A 16 year old cancer surviver and his 30 year old tutor crash land in the Indian Ocean. The story is about their efforts to live on an island until rescue...and beyond.
Stars: 5
Review by: Marian
A 16 year old cancer surviver and his 30 year old tutor crash land in the Indian Ocean. The story is about their efforts to live on an island until rescue...and beyond.
Plain Truth
Author:
Jodi Picoult
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
A story centered around the Pennsylvania Amish and a complicated trial concerning the death of a newborn. As always, Picoult held my interest.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
A story centered around the Pennsylvania Amish and a complicated trial concerning the death of a newborn. As always, Picoult held my interest.
Return to Sullivan's Island
Author:
Dorothea Benton Frank
Stars: 3
Review by: Marian
Easy summer read about growing up one summer in the low country.
Stars: 3
Review by: Marian
Easy summer read about growing up one summer in the low country.
Criminal
Author:
Karin Slaughter
Stars: 4
Review by: BookHunter
Slaughter is an excellent crime writer and this read was another thriller.
Stars: 4
Review by: BookHunter
Slaughter is an excellent crime writer and this read was another thriller.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Vicious Circle
Author:
Todd Ritter
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
Love Todd Ritter. Great local author. This is a book available on Kindle only.
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
Love Todd Ritter. Great local author. This is a book available on Kindle only.
Gone Girl
Author:
Gillian Flynn
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
Took a while to get into it but once I did it was one of the craziest, psychological thrillers I have ever read. I flew through it once I got past about 100 pages.
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
Took a while to get into it but once I did it was one of the craziest, psychological thrillers I have ever read. I flew through it once I got past about 100 pages.
Fifty Shades of Grey
Author:
E.L. James
Stars: 2
Review by: Sarah F.
Interesting read. Expected more from the hype!
Stars: 2
Review by: Sarah F.
Interesting read. Expected more from the hype!
The Facts Speak for Themselves
Author:
Brock Cole
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
Great book. Bit graphic for YA but dramatic, sad read for adults.
Stars: 4
Review by: Sarah F.
Great book. Bit graphic for YA but dramatic, sad read for adults.
The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Big Horn
Author:
Nathaniel Philbrick
Stars: 3
Review by: Sarah F.
Good overview. Not enough about Custer or Sitting Bull. Audio speaker is great!
Stars: 3
Review by: Sarah F.
Good overview. Not enough about Custer or Sitting Bull. Audio speaker is great!
The Last Man
Author:
P.T. Deutermann
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Masada, the legendary Jewish fortress, is the site of this novel, that mixes romance,intrigue,and a surprising ending.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Masada, the legendary Jewish fortress, is the site of this novel, that mixes romance,intrigue,and a surprising ending.
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Author:
John Boyne
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Carol
Bruno is an innocent 9 year old who has no clue as to where he lives and what his father does.
The ending is really shocking.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Carol
Bruno is an innocent 9 year old who has no clue as to where he lives and what his father does.
The ending is really shocking.
Lullaby
Author:
Ace Atkins
Stars: 4
Review by: Karen
Ace Atkins did a good job of capturing Parker's rhythm.
Stars: 4
Review by: Karen
Ace Atkins did a good job of capturing Parker's rhythm.
The Hunger Games
Author:
Suzanne Collins
Stars: 3
Review by: Barbie
How does someone think up such horrid brutality?
Stars: 3
Review by: Barbie
How does someone think up such horrid brutality?
A Glimpse of Evil: A Psychic Eye Mystery
Author:
Victoria Laurie
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This book has our crew staring their new jobs in Texas trying to solve cold cases. The tie in mystery is that of a series of missing children. There is is the usual skeptics and converts to the psychic eye. The story reads fast and has a lot of nice sides to make it fun.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This book has our crew staring their new jobs in Texas trying to solve cold cases. The tie in mystery is that of a series of missing children. There is is the usual skeptics and converts to the psychic eye. The story reads fast and has a lot of nice sides to make it fun.
The Hypnotist's Love Story
Author:
Liane Moriarty
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
After seeing another's post about this book, I picked it up for 2 reasons: 1-I enjoyed "What Alice Forgot" last summer and 2-One of my relatives is going through a stalker-chic thing right now. Unlike the fictional character, the real stalker is much more violent. I use to wonder what was going through the mind of a stalker and after reading this I think I have a pretty clear picture. In Moriarty style, there is an examination of conscience and reflecting on what's truly important in life. A great read.
Stars: 5
Review by: Saraswati
After seeing another's post about this book, I picked it up for 2 reasons: 1-I enjoyed "What Alice Forgot" last summer and 2-One of my relatives is going through a stalker-chic thing right now. Unlike the fictional character, the real stalker is much more violent. I use to wonder what was going through the mind of a stalker and after reading this I think I have a pretty clear picture. In Moriarty style, there is an examination of conscience and reflecting on what's truly important in life. A great read.
Definitely Not Mr. Darcy
Author:
Karen Doornebos
Stars: 3
Review by: Smudge
Falling in love with Mr. Darcy as a TV reality show.
Stars: 3
Review by: Smudge
Falling in love with Mr. Darcy as a TV reality show.
The Orphanmaster
Author:
Jean Zimmerman
Stars: 4
Review by: line82
Couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the mystery with a historical perspective.
Stars: 4
Review by: line82
Couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the mystery with a historical perspective.
The Book Lover
Author:
Maryann McFadden
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Carol
Couldn't wait to see how the intertwined plots would be resolved. The ending, however, seems a bit "fairy-tale-ish".
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Carol
Couldn't wait to see how the intertwined plots would be resolved. The ending, however, seems a bit "fairy-tale-ish".
Die a Stranger
Author:
Steve Hamilton
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
A detailed account of events that take place in a few days.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
A detailed account of events that take place in a few days.
Vision Impossible: A Psychic Eye Mystery
Author:
Victoria Laurie
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the next to the latest book in this series and really takes one for a loop. There is the background psychic stuff but the international intrigue make the read special. There is also the bottom line that true love can conquer most things. For a long standing series, this was an awesome read!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the next to the latest book in this series and really takes one for a loop. There is the background psychic stuff but the international intrigue make the read special. There is also the bottom line that true love can conquer most things. For a long standing series, this was an awesome read!
Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls: A Ghost Hunter Mystery
Author:
Victoria Laurie
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This Ghost Hunter Mystery examines one's dedication to money or other things. Our team finds themselves in Scotland chasing a very evil ghost. A love affair being questioned, fighting for what is right and truly "sealing" the deal makes this an exciting summer read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
This Ghost Hunter Mystery examines one's dedication to money or other things. Our team finds themselves in Scotland chasing a very evil ghost. A love affair being questioned, fighting for what is right and truly "sealing" the deal makes this an exciting summer read.
The Line Between Here and Gone
Author:
Andrea Kane
Stars: 5
Review by: BookHunter
An infant battles for his life while the search is on for his father to try to save him. This is a great suspense read you won't want to put down.
Stars: 5
Review by: BookHunter
An infant battles for his life while the search is on for his father to try to save him. This is a great suspense read you won't want to put down.
Lone Wolf
Author:
Jodi Picoult
Stars: 2
Review by: L.Z.
Very hard to relate to the character who chose to go into the wild and live as a wolf. I wanted to keep reading to find out the big secrets that were eluded to by the other characters, but it took a loooong time to get to much of their story, and it wasn't all that surprising or moving once I got there. Not the worst book that I've read, but pretty far from the best.
Stars: 2
Review by: L.Z.
Very hard to relate to the character who chose to go into the wild and live as a wolf. I wanted to keep reading to find out the big secrets that were eluded to by the other characters, but it took a loooong time to get to much of their story, and it wasn't all that surprising or moving once I got there. Not the worst book that I've read, but pretty far from the best.
The House Next Door
Author:
Anne Rivers Siddons
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
A very different story from Siddons about a house where all the good of its residents seem to be destroyed. Is the house haunted or are the narrators peculiar?
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
A very different story from Siddons about a house where all the good of its residents seem to be destroyed. Is the house haunted or are the narrators peculiar?
Flash and Bones
Author:
Kathy Reichs
Stars: 4
Review by: Liza
Not as much actual anthropology as I'd like, but enjoyable nonetheless
Stars: 4
Review by: Liza
Not as much actual anthropology as I'd like, but enjoyable nonetheless
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows
Author:
Alan Bradley
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
The latest Flavia de Luce mystery. She is a twelve year old chemist living in England at Buckshaw estate. Somehow she always gets involved in the local murder mystery! She is sassy and smart--the best pint size detective ever!
Stars: 5
Review by: libraryaimee
The latest Flavia de Luce mystery. She is a twelve year old chemist living in England at Buckshaw estate. Somehow she always gets involved in the local murder mystery! She is sassy and smart--the best pint size detective ever!
I Remember Nothing
Author:
Nora Ephron
Stars: 3
Review by: bd
Parts were laugh-out-loud funny, other parts were too esoteric. But I miss Nora just the same.
Stars: 3
Review by: bd
Parts were laugh-out-loud funny, other parts were too esoteric. But I miss Nora just the same.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Outer Banks Mysteries and Seaside Stories
Author:
Charles H. Whedbee
Stars: 3
Review by: Mich D
Cute book that tells about legends in and around the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Includes a few ghost stories.
Stars: 3
Review by: Mich D
Cute book that tells about legends in and around the Outer Banks, North Carolina. Includes a few ghost stories.
Ghouls Gone Wild: A Ghost Hunter Mystery
Author:
Victoria Laurie
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
4th book in this series brings our team to London to face one of the most powerful and vengeful spirits so far. Murder, romantic friction and twisted pasts make for an exciting read. No matter how powerful the spirits are, nothing is as powerful as the living taken over by greed.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
4th book in this series brings our team to London to face one of the most powerful and vengeful spirits so far. Murder, romantic friction and twisted pasts make for an exciting read. No matter how powerful the spirits are, nothing is as powerful as the living taken over by greed.
Carol Masek
Author:
Lisa See
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Carol
Wonderful read emphasizing fascinating customs and personal relationships.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: Carol
Wonderful read emphasizing fascinating customs and personal relationships.
East Is East
Author:
T.C. Boyle
Stars: 4
Review by: bd
Classic T.C. Boyle...either you love him or hate him, I think. I had never heard of this book (published in 1990) and was surprised and excited to have discovered it by accident. In a nutshell: a half-Japanese fugitive jumps ship (literally) and ends up hiding out at an artist's colony on an island in Georgia. Dark and funny, edgy and loquacious (and there were several words I had to look up!) It's not a story for everyone, but I enjoyed it very much.
Stars: 4
Review by: bd
Classic T.C. Boyle...either you love him or hate him, I think. I had never heard of this book (published in 1990) and was surprised and excited to have discovered it by accident. In a nutshell: a half-Japanese fugitive jumps ship (literally) and ends up hiding out at an artist's colony on an island in Georgia. Dark and funny, edgy and loquacious (and there were several words I had to look up!) It's not a story for everyone, but I enjoyed it very much.
11th Hour
Author:
James Patterson
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Vintage James Patterson. Formulaic and a very easy read; no words to look up.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
Vintage James Patterson. Formulaic and a very easy read; no words to look up.
Aunt Dimity's Death
Author:
Nancy Atherton
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the 1st book in the Aunt Dimity series. It was a very pleasant read. It starts with our main character, Lori, hitting rock bottom in her life. She then finds out that the main character from her childhood stories, Aunt Dimity, is real but unfortunately deceased. This leads her to an adventure that brings her childhood stories to life and allows her to heal. The story adds some history, paranormal activity and matchmaking to make it a very enjoyable, comforting read. I hope the rest of the series stays at the same level.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
This is the 1st book in the Aunt Dimity series. It was a very pleasant read. It starts with our main character, Lori, hitting rock bottom in her life. She then finds out that the main character from her childhood stories, Aunt Dimity, is real but unfortunately deceased. This leads her to an adventure that brings her childhood stories to life and allows her to heal. The story adds some history, paranormal activity and matchmaking to make it a very enjoyable, comforting read. I hope the rest of the series stays at the same level.
Snow Child
Author:
Eowyn Ivey
Stars: 3
Review by: deckreader
Too supernatural for my liking but it kept my interest.
Stars: 3
Review by: deckreader
Too supernatural for my liking but it kept my interest.
Zero Day: A Novel
Author:
David Baldacci
Stars: 3
Review by: deckreader
Too many acronyms....too much about weapons, but kept my interest.
Stars: 3
Review by: deckreader
Too many acronyms....too much about weapons, but kept my interest.
Heartbroken
Author:
Lisa Unger
Stars: 4
Review by: BookHunter
If you haven't read any of Unger's books you should. This is thriller that I did not want to put down once I started.
Stars: 4
Review by: BookHunter
If you haven't read any of Unger's books you should. This is thriller that I did not want to put down once I started.
Queen Elizabeth and Her Church
Author:
John Hall
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
A look behind the scenes of royal coronations, the building and restoration of Westminster Abbey
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
A look behind the scenes of royal coronations, the building and restoration of Westminster Abbey
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Author:
Cheryl Strayed
Stars: 4
Review by: bookmom3
Couldn't put it down!
Stars: 4
Review by: bookmom3
Couldn't put it down!
Grace
Author:
Richard Paul Evans
Stars: 4.5
Review by: mystery lover
A young teenage boy helps a runaway. Good to see a story about someone caring about another person no matter what.
Stars: 4.5
Review by: mystery lover
A young teenage boy helps a runaway. Good to see a story about someone caring about another person no matter what.
Some Assembly Required
Author: Anne Lamott
Stars: 3
Review by: bd
I love Anne Lamott and have read all of her non-fiction, so this was a must-read for me. I enjoyed the story but got a little weary of it at times. There were a few lines that made me laugh out loud. Not her best but I'm still glad I read it.
Stars: 3
Review by: bd
I love Anne Lamott and have read all of her non-fiction, so this was a must-read for me. I enjoyed the story but got a little weary of it at times. There were a few lines that made me laugh out loud. Not her best but I'm still glad I read it.
The House of Velvet and Glass
Author:
Katherine Howe
Stars: 4
Review by: Jambob
This was an interesting read and one of the many fictional books created to commenorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic. It is of course based in the early 1900's with flash backs to the late 1800's. The time is one where spiritualism became a fad and the setting is Boston. There is the intertwinning of drug use which was not illegal at the time. This is the author's second novel and she is an interesting story teller. The book would have been given a higher rating had she made the story a little tighter in fewer pages. But romance, nostalgia, precognition and the Titanic tragedy are all there!
Stars: 4
Review by: Jambob
This was an interesting read and one of the many fictional books created to commenorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic. It is of course based in the early 1900's with flash backs to the late 1800's. The time is one where spiritualism became a fad and the setting is Boston. There is the intertwinning of drug use which was not illegal at the time. This is the author's second novel and she is an interesting story teller. The book would have been given a higher rating had she made the story a little tighter in fewer pages. But romance, nostalgia, precognition and the Titanic tragedy are all there!
Make the Bread, Buy the Butter
Author:
Jennifer Reese
Stars: 3
Review by: pla
If you like to read cookbooks, this was a chatty, fun read with easy recipes for familiar favorites.
Stars: 3
Review by: pla
If you like to read cookbooks, this was a chatty, fun read with easy recipes for familiar favorites.
Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun: A Ghost Hunter Mystery
Author:
Victoria Laurie
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
The 3rd book in this series has our team heading out to CA to film a TV show called, "Haunted Possessions." The show takes a back seat while the real haunting takes place in the hotel they are staying with. This story adds some international intrigue to make it fun reading. It also introduces us to a new member of the team and a new direction for the story line.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
The 3rd book in this series has our team heading out to CA to film a TV show called, "Haunted Possessions." The show takes a back seat while the real haunting takes place in the hotel they are staying with. This story adds some international intrigue to make it fun reading. It also introduces us to a new member of the team and a new direction for the story line.
Doom With a View: A Psychic Eye Mystery
Author:
Victoria Laurie
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
The 7th book in this series has our dynamic duo being asked to assist the FBI in a multiple missing persons case. They are assigned to a very skeptical Agent that constantly test's their ability. This book was faster paced and had a few added twist to make it stand out from the other books in the series while maintaining the base story line. The end of the story leads the reader to another beginning and wanted to read the next book. On the side, I wish I had a "crew" to watch out for me like they do in the story.
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
The 7th book in this series has our dynamic duo being asked to assist the FBI in a multiple missing persons case. They are assigned to a very skeptical Agent that constantly test's their ability. This book was faster paced and had a few added twist to make it stand out from the other books in the series while maintaining the base story line. The end of the story leads the reader to another beginning and wanted to read the next book. On the side, I wish I had a "crew" to watch out for me like they do in the story.
New This Week
The After Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer (Ballantine
Books)
As she pours out her grief and questions to a tree in her
backyard after her husband's death, reality show producer Hannah is astonished
when the tree appears to respond, prompting Hannah's discovery that she can
communicate with the dead.
Backfire by Catherine Coulter (Putnam)
When a San Francisco
15 Seconds by Andrew Gross (Harper Collins)
When a random act of violence plunges him into a nightmarish
world, Henry Steadman, a successful surgeon accused of murdering two people,
must clear his name and discover who is trying to destroy him in order to save
himself and his family.
The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (William
Morrow)
In this hilariously
heartwarming sequel to Call Me Irresistible, Lucy Jorik, the daughter of the
former president of the U.S.
I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson (Little Brown)
Detective Michael Bennett
takes his family to upstate New York in an
effort to escape a lawless crime wave erupting in Manhattan
Night Watch by Linda Fairstein (Dutton)
While assisting in the case
of a high-profile politician who has been arrested for allegedly attacking a
maid in his hotel, Alexandra Cooper begins to suspect a connection to a murder
case with ties to her boyfriend, restaurateur Luc Rouget.
You Know When the Men Are Gone
Author:
Siobhan Fallon
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy
Interesting novel reflecting the effects of war on families who are left at home.
Stars: 4
Review by: Judy
Interesting novel reflecting the effects of war on families who are left at home.
The KenKen Killings
Author:
Parnell Hall
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mystery lover
This author keeps you interested throughout the book. One mystery writer that doesn't follow the usual format, so far.
Stars: 3.5
Review by: mystery lover
This author keeps you interested throughout the book. One mystery writer that doesn't follow the usual format, so far.
A Land More Kind Than Home
Author:
Wiley Cash
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
told in the first person - except it was several "first persons" - in a laconic but surprisingly riveting manner.
Stars: 3
Review by: BigDa
told in the first person - except it was several "first persons" - in a laconic but surprisingly riveting manner.
The Dukan Diet Cookbook: The Essential Companion to the Dukan Diet
Author:
Dr. Pierre Dukan
Stars: 1
Review by: Saraswati
Being from a family with known insulin resistance, I've been researching this disease and diets for years. I saw this book on the new book list and decided to see if it was something new. Sorry to say it's just Atkins but French. The only program difference I saw was that during maintenance you need to maintain 1 day as all protein vs keeping a balance. Dr. Dukan does believe that we overeat and gain weight due to psychological reasons such as pleasure. (No mention of the body's ability to adapt or homeostatic imbalances.) His diet is based on finding foods that fulfill the psyche and nutritional need. The recipes are modern and appear to be relatively simple. There are the "Dr. Dukan" products that are used but he provides the reader with the QR code so you can go right to the ordering website. The recipes do not have any nutritional information along with them nor do they tell you when they should be use best. On the plus side, he does add more plant protein info into the mix. In the end...SSDD. I will post comments as I try some of the recipes.
Stars: 1
Review by: Saraswati
Being from a family with known insulin resistance, I've been researching this disease and diets for years. I saw this book on the new book list and decided to see if it was something new. Sorry to say it's just Atkins but French. The only program difference I saw was that during maintenance you need to maintain 1 day as all protein vs keeping a balance. Dr. Dukan does believe that we overeat and gain weight due to psychological reasons such as pleasure. (No mention of the body's ability to adapt or homeostatic imbalances.) His diet is based on finding foods that fulfill the psyche and nutritional need. The recipes are modern and appear to be relatively simple. There are the "Dr. Dukan" products that are used but he provides the reader with the QR code so you can go right to the ordering website. The recipes do not have any nutritional information along with them nor do they tell you when they should be use best. On the plus side, he does add more plant protein info into the mix. In the end...SSDD. I will post comments as I try some of the recipes.
Wanted: Undead or Alive
Author:
Kerrelyn Sparks
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
The latest book in this series tackles the age old taboos of inter-species (Vampire vs Were) love affairs and female independence. This along with a good vs bad fight makes for a fun para-normal read. In the end, love conquers all at least in fiction.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
The latest book in this series tackles the age old taboos of inter-species (Vampire vs Were) love affairs and female independence. This along with a good vs bad fight makes for a fun para-normal read. In the end, love conquers all at least in fiction.
Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
Author:
Piper Kerman
Stars: 4
Review by: bd
While the story kept me interested and engaged, I felt somewhat disconnected to the author. There were short glimpses of her emotional state as she dealt with serving a 13-month term in a minimum-security federal prison, but left me wanting to know more about how she felt, not just what happened. But a good read overall.
Stars: 4
Review by: bd
While the story kept me interested and engaged, I felt somewhat disconnected to the author. There were short glimpses of her emotional state as she dealt with serving a 13-month term in a minimum-security federal prison, but left me wanting to know more about how she felt, not just what happened. But a good read overall.
Swan
Author:
Frances Mayes
Stars: 3
Review by: Smudge
The descriptions were beautiful, but the story had no resolution. Maybe I just prefer stories that have an ending.
Stars: 3
Review by: Smudge
The descriptions were beautiful, but the story had no resolution. Maybe I just prefer stories that have an ending.
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict
Author:
Trenton Lee Stewart
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
A prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy. The writing is superb as always, and although classified as a children's book, has much to interest adults a well.
Stars: 5
Review by: BookWorm2
A prequel to the Mysterious Benedict Society trilogy. The writing is superb as always, and although classified as a children's book, has much to interest adults a well.
Beautiful Ruins
Author:
Jess Walter
Stars: 5
Review by: BigDa
An eminently readable novel weaving both different time periods and several plots into a satifying conclusion
Stars: 5
Review by: BigDa
An eminently readable novel weaving both different time periods and several plots into a satifying conclusion
Till Death Do Us Purl
Author:
Anne Canadeo
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.
Fun mystery. If you've liked the others in this series, you'll likely enjoy this one, too!
Stars: 4
Review by: L.Z.
Fun mystery. If you've liked the others in this series, you'll likely enjoy this one, too!
Death of a Kitchen Diva
Author:
Lee Holis
Stars: 3
Review by: L.Z.
Quick, fun read. Author may have tried a little too hard to have every demographic represented in the characters, but in a way, that added some humor to the story.
"First in a new series;" I'm not holding my breath until the next one comes out, but I'd probably pick it up if I stumble across it on the library shelves!
Stars: 3
Review by: L.Z.
Quick, fun read. Author may have tried a little too hard to have every demographic represented in the characters, but in a way, that added some humor to the story.
"First in a new series;" I'm not holding my breath until the next one comes out, but I'd probably pick it up if I stumble across it on the library shelves!
Grace Among Thieves: A Manor House Mystery
Author:
Julie Hyzy
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
The latest installment of this series has Grace recouping after her latest, unexpected crisis. While do so, there is a film crew at the House, a thief and a murderer. The story really sends Grace on a loop-d-loop. Fun, enjoyable, easy read.
Stars: 3
Review by: Saraswati
The latest installment of this series has Grace recouping after her latest, unexpected crisis. While do so, there is a film crew at the House, a thief and a murderer. The story really sends Grace on a loop-d-loop. Fun, enjoyable, easy read.
The Columbus Affair
Author:
Steve Berry
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
Christopher Columbus, _converso_ and putative founder of a Jewish homeland in the New World. These are ideas that have been bounced around previously by academics, but never within the context of a thriller. Interesting premise.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marianne S.
Christopher Columbus, _converso_ and putative founder of a Jewish homeland in the New World. These are ideas that have been bounced around previously by academics, but never within the context of a thriller. Interesting premise.
Vets Might Fly
Author:
James Herriot
Stars: 1
Review by: Judy
Very disappointing. I really enjoyed his other books but this was boring.
Stars: 1
Review by: Judy
Very disappointing. I really enjoyed his other books but this was boring.
A Place in the Country
Author:
Elizabeth Adler
Stars: 4
Review by: BookHunter
Excellent story and another great book by Adler. It had me captivated from the moment I started to the finish.
Stars: 4
Review by: BookHunter
Excellent story and another great book by Adler. It had me captivated from the moment I started to the finish.
The Union Quilters
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
A historical fiction about a group of women and their families in Pennsylvania and the effects the Civil War had on them. A good story with interesting information on the war.
Stars: 4
Review by: Marian
A historical fiction about a group of women and their families in Pennsylvania and the effects the Civil War had on them. A good story with interesting information on the war.
Tough Customer
Author:
Sandra Brown
Stars: 3
Review by: Marian
Another intriguing story by Sandra Brown. Likable characters with a good story line.
Stars: 3
Review by: Marian
Another intriguing story by Sandra Brown. Likable characters with a good story line.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Author: Jane Austen & Seth Grahame Smith
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK
For Jane Austen fans with a sense of humor. The familiar society of the Bennets and Darcys is hindered only by a plague of zombies attacking the gentle folk on their daily rounds of morning visits, teas, balls and weekend visits. Elizabeth and her sisters are revealed to be fierce warriors trained in the Deadly Arts to vanquish and behead every Unmentionable in their path, garden or kitchen. A wacky & well-crafted back story of characters who daily balanced social teas with ninja attacks.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK
For Jane Austen fans with a sense of humor. The familiar society of the Bennets and Darcys is hindered only by a plague of zombies attacking the gentle folk on their daily rounds of morning visits, teas, balls and weekend visits. Elizabeth and her sisters are revealed to be fierce warriors trained in the Deadly Arts to vanquish and behead every Unmentionable in their path, garden or kitchen. A wacky & well-crafted back story of characters who daily balanced social teas with ninja attacks.
Fall of Giants
Author:
Ken Follett
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK
Follett repeats his success with historical fiction, this time shining light on everyday life during World War I. Blending the lives of Welsh miners, Russian peasants, British aristocrats, German soldiers and an American diplomat, Fall is a social, political and economic epic with several love stories woven in at opportune moments.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK
Follett repeats his success with historical fiction, this time shining light on everyday life during World War I. Blending the lives of Welsh miners, Russian peasants, British aristocrats, German soldiers and an American diplomat, Fall is a social, political and economic epic with several love stories woven in at opportune moments.
The Age of Miracles
Author:
Karen Walker Thompson
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK
The earth's rotation is slowing. As people struggle to cope with longer days & nights, stronger gravity and other changes, 12 year old Julia also struggles to cope with peer pressure, her parents strained marriage, a troubled boyfriend. Told from Julia's point of view, the gradual changes are confusing but often seem less important than a friend who moves away.
Stars: 4
Review by: Mary NK
The earth's rotation is slowing. As people struggle to cope with longer days & nights, stronger gravity and other changes, 12 year old Julia also struggles to cope with peer pressure, her parents strained marriage, a troubled boyfriend. Told from Julia's point of view, the gradual changes are confusing but often seem less important than a friend who moves away.
Bonefire of the Vanities: A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery
Author:
Carolyn Haines
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
The latest book in this series takes us to the aftermath of their latest caper. Our dynamic duo is called to "watch over" an elder, very wealthy woman, by the resident precog. While watching, there is murder, intrigue, love and adventure. The end has a twist I didn't see coming, and I saw a few. Have fun and read this book!
Stars: 4
Review by: Saraswati
The latest book in this series takes us to the aftermath of their latest caper. Our dynamic duo is called to "watch over" an elder, very wealthy woman, by the resident precog. While watching, there is murder, intrigue, love and adventure. The end has a twist I didn't see coming, and I saw a few. Have fun and read this book!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Just Jennifer
The Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan (Forge, September
2012)
If you have never read a mystery by Hank Phillippi Ryan it
is time you did and The Other Woman is a brilliant place to start. This is the first book
to feature news reporter Jane Ryland and Detective Jake Brogan. Jane Ryland thought she had it all as a
rising television star with Channel 11 news in Boston ; when the station is hit with, and
loses, a slander suit after Jane refuses to reveal her source, Jane finds
herself jobless and a known in the local press as “Wrong-Guy Ryland”. The editor at the Boston Register is willing to give Jane a chance as a favor to Jake
Brogan who has worked with Jane in the past and with whom Jane shares a mutual
attraction, though they both know, especially know, they must not even give a
hint of impropriety. The first
assignment Jane is given is to cover the Senate candidate, and former
governor’s wife, Moira Lassiter, who has all but vanished from the campaign
trial. Not pleased with the puff piece
assignment, Jane keeps her mouth shut, happy to have any assignment at all, but
beings to poke around more than her editor asked. Jake is working on two murder cases, both
women found dead near bridges in the Charles River . Residents of Boston
are concerned there is a serial killer loose, but Jake assures them that the
deaths are unfortunate coincidences and there are a lot of bridges spanning the
Charles River .
When a third body is found, Jane is stunned as it is the body of the
witness she protected at trial. Jake
suspects the woman is Jane’s source, as does her newspaper. As Jane learns more about the latest death,
she realizes there may be a way to clear her name without admitting to her
source and is able to convince Jake he may need to take a closer look at the
first two deaths as Jane thinks she has found a connection between the three
young women. At the same time, Jane is
tracking down leads as to why Moira has been staying out of the spotlight and
what her husband Owen has been up to in his spare time.
Ryan misses no detail.
Everything in this story is there for a reason and it is up to the
reader to figure out why and what importance a person or event has. The plotting is tight, the pacing tense but
brisk. The outcome of the Bridge Killer
is not impossible to figure out, though there is one nice twist for Jane. What comes out of Jane’s investigation into
Moira Lassiter is surprising as are the details surrounding Owen’s campaign for
Senator. Jane and Jake are
well-developed characters who can go in as many directions as Ryan chooses to
take them. A pitch-perfect thriller with
the best words to see in a description of a book: First in a New Series.