Concrete Blond by Michael Connelly
Series featuring Harry Bosch
They called him the Dollmaker, the serial killer who stalked Los Angeles call girls and left a grisly calling card on the faces of his female victims. With a single faultless shot, Detective Harry Bosch thought he had ended the city's nightmare. Now, 4 years later, the dead man's widow is suing Harry and the LAPD for killing the wrong man. This accusation rings terrifyingly true when a new victim is discovered with the Dollmaker's macabre signature. Now, for the second time, Harry must hunt down a death-dealer who is very much alive, before he strikes again. It's a blood-tracked quest that will take Harry from the hard edges of the L.A. night to the last place he ever wanted to go — the darkness of his own heart.
I had read a later story featuring Bosch and wanted to know more about him. He has a very complicated background and we learn why he has such a hard time opening up to women. His own mother was killed in an un-solved crime when he was 12 years old. He spent the rest of his teenage years in foster care or a boy's home. He is not the cop out there but he does try to bring justice to the dead.
Connelly writes in a very interesting voice. Will need to catch up!
Earlier titles in the series:
Black Ice
Black Echo
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh
While returning to the school after a Christmas spent with her great-aunts in the country, Frances Allard encounters Lucius Marshall, Viscount Sinclair, and becomes stranded with him for a couple of days when they are both overtaken by an unexpectedly harsh snowstorm. It is a traumatic encounter, but Frances declines the less than honorable offer Lord Sinclair makes her at the end of it and persuades herself that she will be quite content never to see him again.
Lucius has just promised his dying grandfather and the rest of his family that he will marry before the end of summer, and the perfect bride has already been picked out for him. For a brief interlude he is distracted by his encounter with Frances, but on the whole he considers himself fortunate when she rejects his offer. He will be--or so he tells himself--quite happy never to see her again.
Fortune, however, has other plans in store for Frances and Lucius, who are fated to meet again at a soiree in Bath. And after that neither can be sure that they will never meet again. Indeed, one of them sets out actively to make sure that they will--in London, where Lucius's potential bride awaits his offer of marriage as a certainty and Frances's past waits just as eagerly to catch up with her.
I had read many reviews of this author's work so decided to give it a try. It was interesting and kind of fluffy read. I'm not sure I buy into the getting stranded bit in which they end up having sex with no consequences except they fall in love later. It seemed a bit modern to me. I guess I always enjoyed the Barbara Cartland type of romance where you let your imagination take over. Lots of swooning, etc. It is supposed to be the first book in a quartet featuring four teachers at Miss Martin's School for Girls in Bath. It felt dis-jointed to me as I didn't feel like this book needed any sequels or made me want to know more about these teachers. It almost felt like I had missed a few books before hand to be honest.
While returning to the school after a Christmas spent with her great-aunts in the country, Frances Allard encounters Lucius Marshall, Viscount Sinclair, and becomes stranded with him for a couple of days when they are both overtaken by an unexpectedly harsh snowstorm. It is a traumatic encounter, but Frances declines the less than honorable offer Lord Sinclair makes her at the end of it and persuades herself that she will be quite content never to see him again.
Lucius has just promised his dying grandfather and the rest of his family that he will marry before the end of summer, and the perfect bride has already been picked out for him. For a brief interlude he is distracted by his encounter with Frances, but on the whole he considers himself fortunate when she rejects his offer. He will be--or so he tells himself--quite happy never to see her again.
Fortune, however, has other plans in store for Frances and Lucius, who are fated to meet again at a soiree in Bath. And after that neither can be sure that they will never meet again. Indeed, one of them sets out actively to make sure that they will--in London, where Lucius's potential bride awaits his offer of marriage as a certainty and Frances's past waits just as eagerly to catch up with her.
I had read many reviews of this author's work so decided to give it a try. It was interesting and kind of fluffy read. I'm not sure I buy into the getting stranded bit in which they end up having sex with no consequences except they fall in love later. It seemed a bit modern to me. I guess I always enjoyed the Barbara Cartland type of romance where you let your imagination take over. Lots of swooning, etc. It is supposed to be the first book in a quartet featuring four teachers at Miss Martin's School for Girls in Bath. It felt dis-jointed to me as I didn't feel like this book needed any sequels or made me want to know more about these teachers. It almost felt like I had missed a few books before hand to be honest.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
In usual fashion Stephanie finds herself in danger when she discovers that a woman is following her. This woman who threatens her and waves a gun around claims to be Carlos Manoso's (aka Ranger) wife! When she ends up dead and Ranger's daughter is discovered kidnapped from Miami by Ranger himself Stephanie knows something is up! A doppleganger has stolen parts of Ranger's identity, marrying the strange woman, kidnapping Ranger's daughter and then wants to go after Stephanie herself. Now she gets to pay Ranger back for all the times he helped her out in a jam. But she'll need the help of both Ranger and Morelli.
Meanwhile she and Lulu are trying to pick up as many FTA's people who skipped their count appearance before Vinnie goes bankrupt. They have to start hiring new bounty hunters and the interviews are so funny! They end up hiring a FTA Stephanie is able to hunt down, a sad sack named Melvin Pickle, who had been arrested for indecent exposure in the multi-plex. Plus Lula, Sally, and Grandma Mazur start up a rock band and find new costumes for each gig!
You can't help but laugh out loud at all the quirky characters but I have to admit that this one had more depth than previous ones. It even ends with Ranger feeding Stephanie cake. yum...
In usual fashion Stephanie finds herself in danger when she discovers that a woman is following her. This woman who threatens her and waves a gun around claims to be Carlos Manoso's (aka Ranger) wife! When she ends up dead and Ranger's daughter is discovered kidnapped from Miami by Ranger himself Stephanie knows something is up! A doppleganger has stolen parts of Ranger's identity, marrying the strange woman, kidnapping Ranger's daughter and then wants to go after Stephanie herself. Now she gets to pay Ranger back for all the times he helped her out in a jam. But she'll need the help of both Ranger and Morelli.
Meanwhile she and Lulu are trying to pick up as many FTA's people who skipped their count appearance before Vinnie goes bankrupt. They have to start hiring new bounty hunters and the interviews are so funny! They end up hiring a FTA Stephanie is able to hunt down, a sad sack named Melvin Pickle, who had been arrested for indecent exposure in the multi-plex. Plus Lula, Sally, and Grandma Mazur start up a rock band and find new costumes for each gig!
You can't help but laugh out loud at all the quirky characters but I have to admit that this one had more depth than previous ones. It even ends with Ranger feeding Stephanie cake. yum...
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
#12 Echo Park
Lincoln Lawyer
Featuring Bosch's half brother, Mickey Haller, who is a lawyer in LA. He's called a Lincoln Lawyer because his office is out of the trunk of his Lincoln Town-Car. I do not believe that Bosch is in this book though.
Closers by Michael Connelly
#11 in the Harry Bosch series and the first book I've read by Connelly. I actually listened to it on CD driving to and from work. It sucked me in and I really wanted to know what happened to am interested in reading some of the earlier works to see who it compares. The readerhas a very interesting voice and it wasn't distracting as he changed his voice to be various characters.
After three years out of the LAPD, Harry Bosch returns, to find the department a different place from the one he left. A new Police Chief has been brought over from New York to give the place a thorough clean up from top to bottom. Working with his former partner, Kiz Rider, Harry is assigned to the department's Open-Unsolved Unit, working on the thousands of cold cases that haunt the LAPD's files. These detectives are the Closers—they put a shovel in the dirt and turn over the past.
Harry and Kiz are given a politically sensitive case when a DNA match connects a white supremacist to the 1988 murder of Rebecca Verloren, a sixteen-year-old girl. Becky was of mixed race, and the case appears to have a racial angle. This was LA before the riots and Rodney King; the city was a powder keg waiting for a match. The detectives who worked the case all those years ago seem to have done a decent job, but something doesn't fit. Meanwhile Harry's nemesis, Deputy Chief Irving, is watching him waiting for him to split apart like a retread tire. But while Bosch kind of flaunders around he manages to get the answer in the end.
#10 Narrows
#9 Lost Light
#8 City of Bones
#7 Darkness More Than Night
#6 Angels Flight
#5 Trunk Music
#4 Last Coyote
#3 Concrete Blond
They called him the Dollmaker, the serial killer who stalked Los Angeles call girls and left a grisly calling card on the faces of his female victims. With a single faultless shot, Detective Harry Bosch thought he had ended the city's nightmare. Now, 4 years later, the dead man's widow is suing Harry and the LAPD for killing the wrong man. This accusation rings terrifyingly true when a new victim is discovered with the Dollmaker's macabre signature. Now, for the second time, Harry must hunt down a death-dealer who is very much alive, before he strikes again. It's a blood-tracked quest that will take Harry from the hard edges of the L.A. night to the last place he ever wanted to go — the darkness of his own heart.
I had read a later story featuring Bosch and wanted to know more about him. He has a very complicated background and we learn why he has such a hard time opening up to women. His own mother was killed in an un-solved crime when he was 12 years old. He spent the rest of his teenage years in foster care or a boy's home. He is not the cop out there but he does try to bring justice to the dead.
#2 Black Ice
#1 Black Echo
Lincoln Lawyer
Featuring Bosch's half brother, Mickey Haller, who is a lawyer in LA. He's called a Lincoln Lawyer because his office is out of the trunk of his Lincoln Town-Car. I do not believe that Bosch is in this book though.
Closers by Michael Connelly
#11 in the Harry Bosch series and the first book I've read by Connelly. I actually listened to it on CD driving to and from work. It sucked me in and I really wanted to know what happened to am interested in reading some of the earlier works to see who it compares. The readerhas a very interesting voice and it wasn't distracting as he changed his voice to be various characters.
After three years out of the LAPD, Harry Bosch returns, to find the department a different place from the one he left. A new Police Chief has been brought over from New York to give the place a thorough clean up from top to bottom. Working with his former partner, Kiz Rider, Harry is assigned to the department's Open-Unsolved Unit, working on the thousands of cold cases that haunt the LAPD's files. These detectives are the Closers—they put a shovel in the dirt and turn over the past.
Harry and Kiz are given a politically sensitive case when a DNA match connects a white supremacist to the 1988 murder of Rebecca Verloren, a sixteen-year-old girl. Becky was of mixed race, and the case appears to have a racial angle. This was LA before the riots and Rodney King; the city was a powder keg waiting for a match. The detectives who worked the case all those years ago seem to have done a decent job, but something doesn't fit. Meanwhile Harry's nemesis, Deputy Chief Irving, is watching him waiting for him to split apart like a retread tire. But while Bosch kind of flaunders around he manages to get the answer in the end.
#10 Narrows
#9 Lost Light
#8 City of Bones
#7 Darkness More Than Night
#6 Angels Flight
#5 Trunk Music
#4 Last Coyote
#3 Concrete Blond
They called him the Dollmaker, the serial killer who stalked Los Angeles call girls and left a grisly calling card on the faces of his female victims. With a single faultless shot, Detective Harry Bosch thought he had ended the city's nightmare. Now, 4 years later, the dead man's widow is suing Harry and the LAPD for killing the wrong man. This accusation rings terrifyingly true when a new victim is discovered with the Dollmaker's macabre signature. Now, for the second time, Harry must hunt down a death-dealer who is very much alive, before he strikes again. It's a blood-tracked quest that will take Harry from the hard edges of the L.A. night to the last place he ever wanted to go — the darkness of his own heart.
I had read a later story featuring Bosch and wanted to know more about him. He has a very complicated background and we learn why he has such a hard time opening up to women. His own mother was killed in an un-solved crime when he was 12 years old. He spent the rest of his teenage years in foster care or a boy's home. He is not the cop out there but he does try to bring justice to the dead.
#2 Black Ice
#1 Black Echo
Thursday, August 10, 2006
What's the Worst That Could Happen? by Donald E. Westlake
When billionaire hotshot Max Fairbanks, who has caught Dortmunder burgling his Long Island estate, tells the arresting police that the good-luck ring on Dortmunder's finger was stolen from him (when it was in fact a gift from Dortmunder's girlfriend, May), Max's fate, no matter how well protected he may be, is sealed.
Dortmunder makes repeated attempts to get his ring back, hitting on ingenious ways to get into the billionaire's lavish Times Square and Watergate apartments, making off each time with considerable more loot with each heist. But while Dortmunder is not unhappy with the loot he is really after only the ring. It's a pride thing.
When Fairbanks goes off to his huge casino/hotel/theme park in Las Vegas, in a deliberate attempt to entrap Dortmunder, does the dour vengeance-seeker shift into really high gear. Other friends from previous Dortmunder outings are collected into a formidable army, pitted against the best security Max's millions can buy, all leading to a showdown only Westlake could have conceived.
Fabulous! This is the most elaborate heist ever! Plus we get to see everyone travel, by bus, by air and by motor home! Kelp finds his own lady friend, Anne Marie, whom he picked up in New York while he was helping Dortmunder break into Fairbank's apartment. Anne Marie who was drowning her sorrows in the bar after her husband left her to go back to Kansas quickly jumps in to lend a hand. She has a knack for it too. Can't wait to read more of this fun, fun, fun series.
When billionaire hotshot Max Fairbanks, who has caught Dortmunder burgling his Long Island estate, tells the arresting police that the good-luck ring on Dortmunder's finger was stolen from him (when it was in fact a gift from Dortmunder's girlfriend, May), Max's fate, no matter how well protected he may be, is sealed.
Dortmunder makes repeated attempts to get his ring back, hitting on ingenious ways to get into the billionaire's lavish Times Square and Watergate apartments, making off each time with considerable more loot with each heist. But while Dortmunder is not unhappy with the loot he is really after only the ring. It's a pride thing.
When Fairbanks goes off to his huge casino/hotel/theme park in Las Vegas, in a deliberate attempt to entrap Dortmunder, does the dour vengeance-seeker shift into really high gear. Other friends from previous Dortmunder outings are collected into a formidable army, pitted against the best security Max's millions can buy, all leading to a showdown only Westlake could have conceived.
Fabulous! This is the most elaborate heist ever! Plus we get to see everyone travel, by bus, by air and by motor home! Kelp finds his own lady friend, Anne Marie, whom he picked up in New York while he was helping Dortmunder break into Fairbank's apartment. Anne Marie who was drowning her sorrows in the bar after her husband left her to go back to Kansas quickly jumps in to lend a hand. She has a knack for it too. Can't wait to read more of this fun, fun, fun series.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Transgressions Vol. 1 edited by Ed McBain
Includes novelas by Merely Hate by Ed McBain, Hostages by Anne Perry, Walking Around with Money by Donald E. Westlake, Forever by Jeffrey Deaver and Resurrection Man by Sharyn McCrumb.
MERELY HATE, was part of the 87th Precinct. It is post 9/11 in Isola, and the detectives are called to investigate the murder of a Muslim cab driver. As usual it isn't a cut and dry serial killer. I was surprised by who the murder ended up being.
WALKING AROUND MONEY focuses on the bumbling crook John Dortmunder. Typical Dortmunder, makes me laugh out loud!
HOSTAGES, in which the head of the Protestant cause in Ireland refuses to step down for a more moderate leader, even when he and his family are taken hostage by men who will stop at nothing, even murder, to have their politics accepted. It was a good story especially the ending.
FOREVER, introduces Tal Simms, a mathematician/statistician working for Westbrook County Sheriff's Department. Simms is considered a "computer geek" by the rest of the detective squad, especially homicide detective Greg "Bear" LaTour. Simms and his eventual partner LaTour are confronted with several suspicious suicides. Older rich couples are killing themselves under dubious circumstances. In most respects, the underdog character Simms is every bit as likable as Lincoln Rhymes.
RESURRECTION MAN tells the tale of a slave who is purchased to be a grave robber for a medical college in the South just a few years before the Civil War. At first it was my least favorite story but by the time I got used to her mixing the past and present together I was ready for more. I haven't read much lately by Sharyn McCrumb so need to start up again. She has such a great storytelling voice.
FOREVER was the longest and I really enjoyed it the best. I actually wanted to hear this CD because of Westlake (I'm a big Dortmunder fan). It was good too.
Includes novelas by Merely Hate by Ed McBain, Hostages by Anne Perry, Walking Around with Money by Donald E. Westlake, Forever by Jeffrey Deaver and Resurrection Man by Sharyn McCrumb.
MERELY HATE, was part of the 87th Precinct. It is post 9/11 in Isola, and the detectives are called to investigate the murder of a Muslim cab driver. As usual it isn't a cut and dry serial killer. I was surprised by who the murder ended up being.
WALKING AROUND MONEY focuses on the bumbling crook John Dortmunder. Typical Dortmunder, makes me laugh out loud!
HOSTAGES, in which the head of the Protestant cause in Ireland refuses to step down for a more moderate leader, even when he and his family are taken hostage by men who will stop at nothing, even murder, to have their politics accepted. It was a good story especially the ending.
FOREVER, introduces Tal Simms, a mathematician/statistician working for Westbrook County Sheriff's Department. Simms is considered a "computer geek" by the rest of the detective squad, especially homicide detective Greg "Bear" LaTour. Simms and his eventual partner LaTour are confronted with several suspicious suicides. Older rich couples are killing themselves under dubious circumstances. In most respects, the underdog character Simms is every bit as likable as Lincoln Rhymes.
RESURRECTION MAN tells the tale of a slave who is purchased to be a grave robber for a medical college in the South just a few years before the Civil War. At first it was my least favorite story but by the time I got used to her mixing the past and present together I was ready for more. I haven't read much lately by Sharyn McCrumb so need to start up again. She has such a great storytelling voice.
FOREVER was the longest and I really enjoyed it the best. I actually wanted to hear this CD because of Westlake (I'm a big Dortmunder fan). It was good too.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
How to Seduce a Ghost by Hope McIntyre
aka Caroline Upcher
New series featuring Lee Bartholomew - a neurotic 38 year old with a curious reluctance to settle down with her boyfriend of eight years. Lee is a ghostwriter whose assignments have an unnerving tendency to involve her in murder investigations. She lives alone - by choice - in her parent's giant London house in Notting Hill yet every night she lies awake quaking with fear at the thought of the violent crime erupting just the other side of her front door.
Someone is setting fire to houses in the area - along with their occupants and Lee's neighbor, Children's TV prsenter Astrid McKenzie, is the first victim. Wen she lands the plum job of ghosting the autobiography of American soap star Selma Walker, Lee finds herself unwittingly not only at the center of the arson/murder investigations, but also in the arms of a new and highly dangerous lover.
This was a rather more complicated book than it first appeared. Many different complex characters that I would like to know about.
The ending was really fast with more fires and kidnapping and who the hell is really the bad guy here?!? But I would be interested in reading another in the series.
aka Caroline Upcher
New series featuring Lee Bartholomew - a neurotic 38 year old with a curious reluctance to settle down with her boyfriend of eight years. Lee is a ghostwriter whose assignments have an unnerving tendency to involve her in murder investigations. She lives alone - by choice - in her parent's giant London house in Notting Hill yet every night she lies awake quaking with fear at the thought of the violent crime erupting just the other side of her front door.
Someone is setting fire to houses in the area - along with their occupants and Lee's neighbor, Children's TV prsenter Astrid McKenzie, is the first victim. Wen she lands the plum job of ghosting the autobiography of American soap star Selma Walker, Lee finds herself unwittingly not only at the center of the arson/murder investigations, but also in the arms of a new and highly dangerous lover.
This was a rather more complicated book than it first appeared. Many different complex characters that I would like to know about.
The ending was really fast with more fires and kidnapping and who the hell is really the bad guy here?!? But I would be interested in reading another in the series.
Friday, July 21, 2006
Hunter's Moon by C. J. Adams & Cathy Clamp
Hit man Tony Giodone has seen some wacky whack jobs but this takes the cake. Sue Quentin, winner of a huge lottery jackpot, wants him to off her. She is so desperate to get away from her obnoxiously calculating and avaricious family, she feels that death is the only escape. Tony, meanwhile, has made a miscalculation. Ever since he was bitten by one of his targets, he has experienced three days of amnesia at the full moon, during which he turns into a wolf, so he usually locks himself away in a soundproof suite in the Plaza. Fortunately, he wakes up this time to find that Sue is still alive and well. A powerful bout of lovemaking leaves Tony certain that he has found his mate, and he will do anything for Sue, even kill her if that's what she wants.
This is a very complicated story as though it is from Tony's point of view a lot revolves around Sue. Some annoying things is how much he relies on smells and suddenly he and Sue are one person and can experience each one's thoughts and experiences while they are separated. Luckily for her as towards the end Sue is kidnapped and Tony is able to get there to save the day.
It was alright.
Sequel:
Moon's Web
Hit man Tony Giodone has seen some wacky whack jobs but this takes the cake. Sue Quentin, winner of a huge lottery jackpot, wants him to off her. She is so desperate to get away from her obnoxiously calculating and avaricious family, she feels that death is the only escape. Tony, meanwhile, has made a miscalculation. Ever since he was bitten by one of his targets, he has experienced three days of amnesia at the full moon, during which he turns into a wolf, so he usually locks himself away in a soundproof suite in the Plaza. Fortunately, he wakes up this time to find that Sue is still alive and well. A powerful bout of lovemaking leaves Tony certain that he has found his mate, and he will do anything for Sue, even kill her if that's what she wants.
This is a very complicated story as though it is from Tony's point of view a lot revolves around Sue. Some annoying things is how much he relies on smells and suddenly he and Sue are one person and can experience each one's thoughts and experiences while they are separated. Luckily for her as towards the end Sue is kidnapped and Tony is able to get there to save the day.
It was alright.
Sequel:
Moon's Web
Monday, July 17, 2006
I'd Kill for That
By Gayle Lynds, Rita Mae Brown, Marcia Talley, Lisa Gardner, Linda Fairstein, Kay Hooper, Kathy Reichs, Julie Smith, Heather Graham, Jennifer Crusie, Tina Wainscott, Anne Perry, and Katherine Neville.
Thirteen of today's hottest female novelists spice up the whodunit in an unputdownable, rollicking serial novel of murder and mayhem, larceny and love....
On the banks of the scenic Truxton River, nestled in rolling woodlands just minutes away from our nation's capital, lies Gryphon Gate. Drawn to its breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay, Henry Drysdale selected this waterfront location to create a premiere gated community where the affluent and privileged residents live, work and play. Tempers flare when Vanessa, Henry's ex-, decides to build Forest Glen, a 300-unit condominium development on an adjoining tract of land. The Gryphon Gate town meeting disintegrates into a free-for-all as environmentalists, developers, residents and the media clash. Then the violence turns ugly—a body is found in a sandtrap off the 6th tee. Called in to head the investigation, Police Captain Diane Robards races against the clock to sort her allies from her enemies, as together she and an odd-ball cast of characters attempt to uncover the secrets behind the serene facade of Gryphon Gate and unmask a dangerous and ruthless killer.
It was interesting to read this book as each chapter was written by a different author. Each person had their own twist or ideas of the mystery and the characters so things could radically change from one chapter to the next.
By Gayle Lynds, Rita Mae Brown, Marcia Talley, Lisa Gardner, Linda Fairstein, Kay Hooper, Kathy Reichs, Julie Smith, Heather Graham, Jennifer Crusie, Tina Wainscott, Anne Perry, and Katherine Neville.
Thirteen of today's hottest female novelists spice up the whodunit in an unputdownable, rollicking serial novel of murder and mayhem, larceny and love....
On the banks of the scenic Truxton River, nestled in rolling woodlands just minutes away from our nation's capital, lies Gryphon Gate. Drawn to its breathtaking view of the Chesapeake Bay, Henry Drysdale selected this waterfront location to create a premiere gated community where the affluent and privileged residents live, work and play. Tempers flare when Vanessa, Henry's ex-, decides to build Forest Glen, a 300-unit condominium development on an adjoining tract of land. The Gryphon Gate town meeting disintegrates into a free-for-all as environmentalists, developers, residents and the media clash. Then the violence turns ugly—a body is found in a sandtrap off the 6th tee. Called in to head the investigation, Police Captain Diane Robards races against the clock to sort her allies from her enemies, as together she and an odd-ball cast of characters attempt to uncover the secrets behind the serene facade of Gryphon Gate and unmask a dangerous and ruthless killer.
It was interesting to read this book as each chapter was written by a different author. Each person had their own twist or ideas of the mystery and the characters so things could radically change from one chapter to the next.
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Jack Reacher series by Lee Child
Killing Floor
First in the series introducing Jack Reacher, a casualty of the Army's peace dividend who's drifted into town idly looking for traces of a long dead black jazzman. Not only do the local cops arrest him for murder, but the chief of police turns eyewitness to place him on the scene, even though Reacher was getting on a bus in Tampa at the time. Two surprises follow: The murdered man wasn't the only victim, and he was Reacher's brother whom he hadn't seen in seven years. So Reacher, who so far hasn't had anything personal against the crooks who set him up for a weekend in the state pen at Warburton, clicks into overdrive.
Banking on the help of the only two people in Margrave he can trust—a Harvard-educated chief of detectives who hasn't been on the job long enough to be on the take, and a smart, scrappy officer who's taken him to her bed— he sets out methodically in his brother's footsteps, trying to figure out why his cellmate in Warburton, a panicky banker whose cell-phone number turned up in Joe's shoe, confessed to a murder he obviously didn't commit; trying to figure out why all the out-of-towners on Joe's list of recent contacts were as dead as he was; and trying to stop the local carnage or at least direct it in more positive ways.
This was a very intense, complicated and gritty thriller. Lots of carnage mostly at the hands of Reacher as it is "kill or be killed" and he never hesitates. I will probably read more of this series but spread it out a bit as the violence is graphically described.
Killing Floor
First in the series introducing Jack Reacher, a casualty of the Army's peace dividend who's drifted into town idly looking for traces of a long dead black jazzman. Not only do the local cops arrest him for murder, but the chief of police turns eyewitness to place him on the scene, even though Reacher was getting on a bus in Tampa at the time. Two surprises follow: The murdered man wasn't the only victim, and he was Reacher's brother whom he hadn't seen in seven years. So Reacher, who so far hasn't had anything personal against the crooks who set him up for a weekend in the state pen at Warburton, clicks into overdrive.
Banking on the help of the only two people in Margrave he can trust—a Harvard-educated chief of detectives who hasn't been on the job long enough to be on the take, and a smart, scrappy officer who's taken him to her bed— he sets out methodically in his brother's footsteps, trying to figure out why his cellmate in Warburton, a panicky banker whose cell-phone number turned up in Joe's shoe, confessed to a murder he obviously didn't commit; trying to figure out why all the out-of-towners on Joe's list of recent contacts were as dead as he was; and trying to stop the local carnage or at least direct it in more positive ways.
This was a very intense, complicated and gritty thriller. Lots of carnage mostly at the hands of Reacher as it is "kill or be killed" and he never hesitates. I will probably read more of this series but spread it out a bit as the violence is graphically described.
Monday, July 03, 2006
Bleeding hearts
China Bayles Herbal Mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert
Coach Tim Duffy's Pecan Springs high school football team has won the state championships two years in a row -- and in Texas, that makes him a demigod. But when China's stepson's principal asks her to conduct a sensitive investigation concerning accusations of sexual misconduct lodged against Duffy, she becomes embroiled in a dark drama that, if exposed, could destroy families and ruin lives. Statutory rape and cold-blooded murder are just the beginning of this mystery…
China struggles to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of a beloved high school football coach and the alleged suicide of a woman who was once one of his students. A handmade quilt, sewn by a woman who went through cancer treatments, is missing from the quilt show that Ruby is in charge of. In typical New Age style Ruby decides to ask the Ouija Board to help guide her to the guilty party. Plus to complicate matters China's mother asks her to get some papers that were found after her husband's secretary's death. What China finds will rock her to the bone.
Interesting enough China's husband is out of town for most of the book. We get to see more of China interacting with other women and friends.
China Bayles Herbal Mysteries by Susan Wittig Albert
Coach Tim Duffy's Pecan Springs high school football team has won the state championships two years in a row -- and in Texas, that makes him a demigod. But when China's stepson's principal asks her to conduct a sensitive investigation concerning accusations of sexual misconduct lodged against Duffy, she becomes embroiled in a dark drama that, if exposed, could destroy families and ruin lives. Statutory rape and cold-blooded murder are just the beginning of this mystery…
China struggles to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of a beloved high school football coach and the alleged suicide of a woman who was once one of his students. A handmade quilt, sewn by a woman who went through cancer treatments, is missing from the quilt show that Ruby is in charge of. In typical New Age style Ruby decides to ask the Ouija Board to help guide her to the guilty party. Plus to complicate matters China's mother asks her to get some papers that were found after her husband's secretary's death. What China finds will rock her to the bone.
Interesting enough China's husband is out of town for most of the book. We get to see more of China interacting with other women and friends.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Enchanted Inc. by Shanna Swendson
Katie Chandler, a 20something, small-town Texas girl, who finds that being average in New York City is anything but. She is still adjusting to life in the big city while working a for a nightmare boss when she gets a fantastic offer to work for a mysterious company, MSI, Inc.
Through her new job and the magical folk she meets, Katie comes to find out she isn't quite as average as she thought; and the fairy tale life she has longed for begins to come true in surprising ways. What Katie doesn't realize is how rare and important being ordinary can be. In fact, it is her ordinary characteristics that make her the perfect secret weapon for MSI, Inc. Now she has magicians and fairies meddling in her attempted romances, a secret life she needs to keep hidden from her non-magical friends, not to mention that dangerous pull she feels for Owen, an attractive but shy wizard who might be the most powerful magic man since Merlin.
Kind of a play on Sex and the City (aka Hex and the City). Very sweet story with a few bumps in the road but all is overcome in this "happily ever after" style mode.
Once Upon Stilettos is the sequel or at least some the same characters.
Katie Chandler, a 20something, small-town Texas girl, who finds that being average in New York City is anything but. She is still adjusting to life in the big city while working a for a nightmare boss when she gets a fantastic offer to work for a mysterious company, MSI, Inc.
Through her new job and the magical folk she meets, Katie comes to find out she isn't quite as average as she thought; and the fairy tale life she has longed for begins to come true in surprising ways. What Katie doesn't realize is how rare and important being ordinary can be. In fact, it is her ordinary characteristics that make her the perfect secret weapon for MSI, Inc. Now she has magicians and fairies meddling in her attempted romances, a secret life she needs to keep hidden from her non-magical friends, not to mention that dangerous pull she feels for Owen, an attractive but shy wizard who might be the most powerful magic man since Merlin.
Kind of a play on Sex and the City (aka Hex and the City). Very sweet story with a few bumps in the road but all is overcome in this "happily ever after" style mode.
Once Upon Stilettos is the sequel or at least some the same characters.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Aunt Dimity and the Next of Kin
by Nancy Atherton
Lori Shepherd, feeling a touch world-weary, decides to become a volunteer at the Radcliffe Infirmary, where she can spread a little good cheer in the community. There she meets Elizabeth Beacham, a kind, retired legal secretary with no family except a brother who has mysteriously disappeared. Lori is saddened when Miss Beacham passes away suddenly after only a few visits. But when she receives an envelope containing a set of keys and a letter Miss Beacham wrote to her just a few days before her death, it becomes clear that there was much more to the gentle invalid than met the eye. Notices start arriving around the village of the large bequests made before her death. And Lori finds that Miss Beacham’s flat is filled with priceless antiques—an inheritance too precious to remain unclaimed. Armed with a few clues and Aunt Dimity’s help, Lori begins to unearth Miss Beacham’s secrets and, ultimately, the surprising truth about her next-of-kin.
#10 is this interesting series. I get a little tired of the main character so I haven't read any of this series for quite a while. But I thought I would give it a try with this one. This was one of the better stories as it gives Lori some humility which she really needed.
by Nancy Atherton
Lori Shepherd, feeling a touch world-weary, decides to become a volunteer at the Radcliffe Infirmary, where she can spread a little good cheer in the community. There she meets Elizabeth Beacham, a kind, retired legal secretary with no family except a brother who has mysteriously disappeared. Lori is saddened when Miss Beacham passes away suddenly after only a few visits. But when she receives an envelope containing a set of keys and a letter Miss Beacham wrote to her just a few days before her death, it becomes clear that there was much more to the gentle invalid than met the eye. Notices start arriving around the village of the large bequests made before her death. And Lori finds that Miss Beacham’s flat is filled with priceless antiques—an inheritance too precious to remain unclaimed. Armed with a few clues and Aunt Dimity’s help, Lori begins to unearth Miss Beacham’s secrets and, ultimately, the surprising truth about her next-of-kin.
#10 is this interesting series. I get a little tired of the main character so I haven't read any of this series for quite a while. But I thought I would give it a try with this one. This was one of the better stories as it gives Lori some humility which she really needed.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Saddlemaker's Wife by Earlene Fowler
Ruby McGavin, grieving over the recent death of her husband, Cole, is shocked to discover that Cole lied to her about his family. They're not all dead, as he told her, but very much alive, and in his will, he has left her his share of the family ranch in California. Ruby heads to tiny Cardinal, Calif., with Cole's ashes, intent on selling her share of the ranch, but she quickly realizes that Cole had hidden many things from her. Cole's younger brother, Lucas, who has fled his life as a lawyer in San Francisco, has returned to Cardinal, where he scrapes out a life as a saddlemaker. Slowly Ruby and Lucas edge closer to the truth of a secret that haunts both their lives.
This was a very interesting story. You really feel like you are in this small town and getting to know the characters. I've tried to read her other quilting stories and while I enjoyed it but not as much as this story. It will be interesting to see if she writes more with these characters.
Ruby McGavin, grieving over the recent death of her husband, Cole, is shocked to discover that Cole lied to her about his family. They're not all dead, as he told her, but very much alive, and in his will, he has left her his share of the family ranch in California. Ruby heads to tiny Cardinal, Calif., with Cole's ashes, intent on selling her share of the ranch, but she quickly realizes that Cole had hidden many things from her. Cole's younger brother, Lucas, who has fled his life as a lawyer in San Francisco, has returned to Cardinal, where he scrapes out a life as a saddlemaker. Slowly Ruby and Lucas edge closer to the truth of a secret that haunts both their lives.
This was a very interesting story. You really feel like you are in this small town and getting to know the characters. I've tried to read her other quilting stories and while I enjoyed it but not as much as this story. It will be interesting to see if she writes more with these characters.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Whales on Stilts! by M. T. Anderson
Lily Gefelty's father works for a mad scientist who wears a sack over his head. When she overhears him say that he wants to take over the world, her oblivious father assures her, "Honey, sometimes adults use irony. They don't really mean what they say." Nonetheless, the 12-year-old calls on her two best friends, Katie Mulligan, the star of the "Horror Hollow" novels (think "Goosebumps"), and Jasper Dash, also known as the Boy Technonaut (think "Tom Swift"), to investigate. The trio soon learns that Larry does indeed plan to conquer the world using mind-controlled whales on stilts with laser-beam eyes. No adult will believe them, so it's up to the kids to save the Earth.
This was a very fun entertaining read. Book 2 is already in the works. I love how it shows sometimes the kids do know best.
Lily Gefelty's father works for a mad scientist who wears a sack over his head. When she overhears him say that he wants to take over the world, her oblivious father assures her, "Honey, sometimes adults use irony. They don't really mean what they say." Nonetheless, the 12-year-old calls on her two best friends, Katie Mulligan, the star of the "Horror Hollow" novels (think "Goosebumps"), and Jasper Dash, also known as the Boy Technonaut (think "Tom Swift"), to investigate. The trio soon learns that Larry does indeed plan to conquer the world using mind-controlled whales on stilts with laser-beam eyes. No adult will believe them, so it's up to the kids to save the Earth.
This was a very fun entertaining read. Book 2 is already in the works. I love how it shows sometimes the kids do know best.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely. While on a cruise he is thrown overboard and became lost. While he lived with Abilene he just existed. He never listened to Abilene's stories or understood what it ment to be alone and never loved Abilene though she loved him.
His adventues take him from part of the world to another as he is chosen and lost by several different people who need him at the time. He learns to listen and love and be loved. He discovers that everyone matters and has a story to tell. It is another beautiful story by DiCamillo and the color plates illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline really adds to the story. This would make a great read-a-loud or to read at bedtime. It is lovely.
Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely. While on a cruise he is thrown overboard and became lost. While he lived with Abilene he just existed. He never listened to Abilene's stories or understood what it ment to be alone and never loved Abilene though she loved him.
His adventues take him from part of the world to another as he is chosen and lost by several different people who need him at the time. He learns to listen and love and be loved. He discovers that everyone matters and has a story to tell. It is another beautiful story by DiCamillo and the color plates illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline really adds to the story. This would make a great read-a-loud or to read at bedtime. It is lovely.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer
A story of romance and action story, written by two experts in the genres. Jenny Crusie writes Lucy Armstrong, a film director with family problems--why is her sister so depressed, her niece so unhappy, and her ex-husband so intent on getting her back--and career problems--why is the star so determined to do his own stunts, the ingenue so determined to seduce the stunt double, and that Green Beret stunt double so damn attractive? Bob Mayer writers J. T. Wilder, a Green Beret who has his own troubles including the goofball actor he's doubling for, the stunt coordinator who's gunning for him (literally), and the director who looks like Wonder Woman and keeps distracting him from his mission. And that's before the CIA, the Russian mob, and the one-eyed alligator show up.
I've read other books by Jennifer Cruise and she always makes a fun read. Interesting to see her work combined with Boy Mayer who I have not read before. I got kind of tired of the young niece being the comic relief plus the ending was a little predictable to me. A good book to take on vacation or read on the beach.
A story of romance and action story, written by two experts in the genres. Jenny Crusie writes Lucy Armstrong, a film director with family problems--why is her sister so depressed, her niece so unhappy, and her ex-husband so intent on getting her back--and career problems--why is the star so determined to do his own stunts, the ingenue so determined to seduce the stunt double, and that Green Beret stunt double so damn attractive? Bob Mayer writers J. T. Wilder, a Green Beret who has his own troubles including the goofball actor he's doubling for, the stunt coordinator who's gunning for him (literally), and the director who looks like Wonder Woman and keeps distracting him from his mission. And that's before the CIA, the Russian mob, and the one-eyed alligator show up.
I've read other books by Jennifer Cruise and she always makes a fun read. Interesting to see her work combined with Boy Mayer who I have not read before. I got kind of tired of the young niece being the comic relief plus the ending was a little predictable to me. A good book to take on vacation or read on the beach.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
My Name is Stilton, Geronimo Stilton by Geronimo Stilton
Kids in my library love this series - it is never on the shelf so I thought I would try one and it is not the first in the series. We are introduced to his young assistant editor, Pinky Pick, who is only thirteen years old! Geronimo is a nervous, mild-mannered mouse who would like nothing better than to live a quiet life, but he keeps getting involved in far-away adventures with Thea, Trap and Benjamin. The books are written as though they are autobiographical adventure stories. The author is identified only as Geronimo Stilton, and references are occasionally made to past and future books in the series.
The series originated in Italy and has become the most popular children's book series in that country. The books are bright with color pictures and the text changes font styles and colors to match what is happening in the storyline to highlight a certain word. It was distracting to me but I can see why kids like it.
Kids in my library love this series - it is never on the shelf so I thought I would try one and it is not the first in the series. We are introduced to his young assistant editor, Pinky Pick, who is only thirteen years old! Geronimo is a nervous, mild-mannered mouse who would like nothing better than to live a quiet life, but he keeps getting involved in far-away adventures with Thea, Trap and Benjamin. The books are written as though they are autobiographical adventure stories. The author is identified only as Geronimo Stilton, and references are occasionally made to past and future books in the series.
The series originated in Italy and has become the most popular children's book series in that country. The books are bright with color pictures and the text changes font styles and colors to match what is happening in the storyline to highlight a certain word. It was distracting to me but I can see why kids like it.
Monday, June 12, 2006
John Rain books by Barry Eisler
Rain Fall
John Rain was born of an American mother and a Japanese father, Rain is a businessman based in Tokyo, living a life of meticulously planned anonymity. Trained by the U.S. Special Forces and a veteran of Vietnam, he is a cool, self-contained loner—and he has built a steady business over the past twenty-five years specializing in death by "natural causes." He is also a man struggling with his own divided nature: Japanese/American; soldier/assassin; samurai/ronin. He is given an assignment to kill a man on a train but to make it look like a heart attack. When he notices an american man going through the dead man's pockets Rain's carefully ordered world begins to unravel. Unknown agents from within and without the international intelligence communities have been circling him for years and, having connected him to the subway job, now have the scent they have been seeking. At the same time, Rain is drawn outside his private world by an alluring jazz pianist, the dead man's daughter, who is the key to the very secrets that her father died trying to reveal.
Fascinating read. You really get a feel like you are in Tokyo and walking beside him. Looking forward to reading more.
Hard Rain
Rain Storm
Killing Rain
Last Assassin
Rain Fall
John Rain was born of an American mother and a Japanese father, Rain is a businessman based in Tokyo, living a life of meticulously planned anonymity. Trained by the U.S. Special Forces and a veteran of Vietnam, he is a cool, self-contained loner—and he has built a steady business over the past twenty-five years specializing in death by "natural causes." He is also a man struggling with his own divided nature: Japanese/American; soldier/assassin; samurai/ronin. He is given an assignment to kill a man on a train but to make it look like a heart attack. When he notices an american man going through the dead man's pockets Rain's carefully ordered world begins to unravel. Unknown agents from within and without the international intelligence communities have been circling him for years and, having connected him to the subway job, now have the scent they have been seeking. At the same time, Rain is drawn outside his private world by an alluring jazz pianist, the dead man's daughter, who is the key to the very secrets that her father died trying to reveal.
Fascinating read. You really get a feel like you are in Tokyo and walking beside him. Looking forward to reading more.
Hard Rain
Rain Storm
Killing Rain
Last Assassin
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Babymouse graphic novels by sister and brother team Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Babymouse: Queen of the World!
Queen of the World! introduces Babymouse and her nemesis, a popular cat named Felicia Furrypaws. Babymouse desperately wants an invitation to Felicia's slumber party (which she feels could confer "queen" status), although her best friend Wilson the Weasel expects her to watch monster movies with him that night. Fantasy sequences testify to Babymouse's reading habit and active imagination: in one reverie, she's Babymouserella, transformed into a princess by "fairy godweasel" Wilson, but undone by Felicia on the way to the ball ("In 'Cinderella,' the mouse pulls the carriage. Duh!").
These 3 tone comic style books in pink, black and white offer a tweeny look at life. Much like Captain Underpants but for 9-10 year old girls. Well done!
Babymouse: Our Hero
Babymouse: Beach Babe
Babymouse: Queen of the World!
Queen of the World! introduces Babymouse and her nemesis, a popular cat named Felicia Furrypaws. Babymouse desperately wants an invitation to Felicia's slumber party (which she feels could confer "queen" status), although her best friend Wilson the Weasel expects her to watch monster movies with him that night. Fantasy sequences testify to Babymouse's reading habit and active imagination: in one reverie, she's Babymouserella, transformed into a princess by "fairy godweasel" Wilson, but undone by Felicia on the way to the ball ("In 'Cinderella,' the mouse pulls the carriage. Duh!").
These 3 tone comic style books in pink, black and white offer a tweeny look at life. Much like Captain Underpants but for 9-10 year old girls. Well done!
Babymouse: Our Hero
Babymouse: Beach Babe
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)