Where the Bough Breaks by Jonathan Kellerman
Introduces Dr. Alex Delaware
Dr. Alex Delaware is an adolescent psychologist is in a funk. During the first 1/3 of the book we learn his background - by 24 he has his PhD in child Psychology and has been practicing ever since. In the last few months a child molester is arrested and Alex spends his time helping the children and their families deal with the trauma. Just as everyone seems to be getting better he discovers the body of the molester dead in his office. After weeks of apathy Alex knows he's in trouble, but there is really no one to turn to. He can barely function when cop Milo shows up to question him about the suicide. From his own military experiences Milo recognizes Alex's symptoms and does what he can to help. Talking to Milo about the case sparks Alex's interest and he starts finding his way back into an active life.
Then Milo calls for him for help. He has a grisly double murder to solve and a possible witness is a seven year old girl. Milo wants Alex to question her hoping he can get information without further traumatizing the child. Trying to help the child leads Alex to suspect many more children like her are at risk as he investigates the bazarre past of several well respected men who are linked to the crime.
I have have heard a lot over the years about Kellerman's series featuring Alex Delaware but have never read one before. Since I had to wait over 4 hours for my car to be fixed I had a lot of time to quickly read this book. It had many interesting elements but I found it almost exhausting to get through. I found myself saying "What?!?" when the crazy twist came about 3/4 way through the book as all these people were suddenly tied together and made it a convenient way to end the book. But I did enjoy the interactions between Alex & Milo which I would have enjoyed more of. So I'm thinking down the road to try a more recent one in the series.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie
First in the series featuring Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Sergeant Gemma James of Scotland Yard
Kincaid is taking advantage of a vacation at a timeshare in Yorkshire which his cousin has offered him. He is looking forward to the time away from Scotland Yard and it is his first experience at a time-share along with several other guests. But he quickly finds his holiday anything but relaxing, as when he arrives at the elegant estate, he overhears a heated argument between the snobbish caretaker and her sarcastic assistant manager. Later that evening, the assistant is electrocuted in the Jacuzzi. Since Kindcaid is the first on the scene he assumes an active role in the investigation, to the consternation of Yorkshire police. When two more deaths occur it is a race for Kincaid to discover who the murderer is and to figure out how these murders are connected and why the murders are happening.
We are introduced to Sgt. Gemma James, a pragmatic single mother, who works with Kindcaid as he calls upon her to dig for additional clues in London about the other guests. You can sense the chemistry between them even though both are trying to be professional.
I find this series fascinating as the author is from Texas yet gives such an authentic British feel to the series. I have read various books and have kept meaning to re-read this one so I listened to it on CD and really enjoyed it. It's nice to read a British murder mystery that doesn't take place in a country town or in London so it feels very original. Plus we see how a police officer has to deal with death in his own backyard and with people he knows while still trying to keep a professional attitude to getting the job done.
First in the series featuring Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and Sergeant Gemma James of Scotland Yard
Kincaid is taking advantage of a vacation at a timeshare in Yorkshire which his cousin has offered him. He is looking forward to the time away from Scotland Yard and it is his first experience at a time-share along with several other guests. But he quickly finds his holiday anything but relaxing, as when he arrives at the elegant estate, he overhears a heated argument between the snobbish caretaker and her sarcastic assistant manager. Later that evening, the assistant is electrocuted in the Jacuzzi. Since Kindcaid is the first on the scene he assumes an active role in the investigation, to the consternation of Yorkshire police. When two more deaths occur it is a race for Kincaid to discover who the murderer is and to figure out how these murders are connected and why the murders are happening.
We are introduced to Sgt. Gemma James, a pragmatic single mother, who works with Kindcaid as he calls upon her to dig for additional clues in London about the other guests. You can sense the chemistry between them even though both are trying to be professional.
I find this series fascinating as the author is from Texas yet gives such an authentic British feel to the series. I have read various books and have kept meaning to re-read this one so I listened to it on CD and really enjoyed it. It's nice to read a British murder mystery that doesn't take place in a country town or in London so it feels very original. Plus we see how a police officer has to deal with death in his own backyard and with people he knows while still trying to keep a professional attitude to getting the job done.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Case of the Missing Library Books by Iam Samson
Mobile Library Mysteries
Israel Armstrong is one of those people who doesn't stand out. He's a bit chubby, nervous, clumsy, headache prone, and very much an underachiever. After only a phone interview he is hired to be a librarian in small, rural Northern Irish town of Tumdrum and boy does he stand out. Maybe it's because he is obviously a city boy from London or that he is half Jewish and half Irish (from his long deseased Father's side) or a vegetarian. After a series of missing connections and miscommunications, he finally arrives to his new town to find no one to pick him up and his housing is really a farm's chicken coup on a working farm. The news just keeps getting worse, as he discovers that the library is closed and his position retitled "Outreach Support Officer" and driver of the decrepit mobile library. But the books he's supposed to fill it with have disappeared. Worse yet, his new boss will accept his resignation only if he finds the missing books first. Between Israel's inept sleuthing and the general unhelpfulness of the locals, it looks as if he'll be in Tumdrum a long, long time.
But as he combs the countryside for overdue library books he begins to connect with the locals and finds some literary souls to talk about books with. Many of the locals have unmet dreams so he begins to connect with them as he wonders trying to find the missing library books. The ending was a bit confusing but satisfactory as Israel finds himself more attached to these people in a strange town. Obviously it is a series as I've seen at least a sequel on Amazon. Not sure at this point if I'll read it but maybe in a year or so as I felt a bit depressed after I finished it.
Mobile Library Mysteries
Israel Armstrong is one of those people who doesn't stand out. He's a bit chubby, nervous, clumsy, headache prone, and very much an underachiever. After only a phone interview he is hired to be a librarian in small, rural Northern Irish town of Tumdrum and boy does he stand out. Maybe it's because he is obviously a city boy from London or that he is half Jewish and half Irish (from his long deseased Father's side) or a vegetarian. After a series of missing connections and miscommunications, he finally arrives to his new town to find no one to pick him up and his housing is really a farm's chicken coup on a working farm. The news just keeps getting worse, as he discovers that the library is closed and his position retitled "Outreach Support Officer" and driver of the decrepit mobile library. But the books he's supposed to fill it with have disappeared. Worse yet, his new boss will accept his resignation only if he finds the missing books first. Between Israel's inept sleuthing and the general unhelpfulness of the locals, it looks as if he'll be in Tumdrum a long, long time.
But as he combs the countryside for overdue library books he begins to connect with the locals and finds some literary souls to talk about books with. Many of the locals have unmet dreams so he begins to connect with them as he wonders trying to find the missing library books. The ending was a bit confusing but satisfactory as Israel finds himself more attached to these people in a strange town. Obviously it is a series as I've seen at least a sequel on Amazon. Not sure at this point if I'll read it but maybe in a year or so as I felt a bit depressed after I finished it.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz
Book 5 in the Arcane Society series
Ex-cop Luther Malone, lifelong member of the secretive paranormal organization known as the Arcane Society, is waiting to meet Grace Renquist. Hired as an aura-reading consultant in the quest for a murder suspect, she’s got zero field experience. She’s from tiny Eclipse Bay, Oregon. She’s a librarian, for heaven’s sake.As for Grace, she’s not expecting much either from Malone, who walks with a cane and isn’t so good with a gun. Nice résumé for a bodyguard .
But even before they reach their hotel in Maui—where they’ll be posing as honeymooners—Grace and Luther feel the electric charge between them. Problem is, they need to remain vigilant day and night, because it soon becomes clear there’s more going on here. Rogue sensitives—operatives for the underground group Nightshade—are pouring into the luxury resort like there’s a convention. Grace recognizes those dark spikes in their auras. She saw the same pattern in someone else in another life—a life she hasn’t revealed to Luther or anyone else. And she understands how dangerous these people can be . . . especially with those para-hunters at their sides.
While the pair’s employers at Jones & Jones scramble to get them backup, Luther and Grace have to think on their feet. The criminals in their midst aren’t just high-level sensitives: They’ve enhanced their talents with a potent—and unpredictable— drug. And as Grace knows all too well, if you don’t control your powers, your powers will control you.
I enjoy all of Krentz's books and liked how this one incuded some interesting secondary characters that I can see her developing more later.
Book 5 in the Arcane Society series
Ex-cop Luther Malone, lifelong member of the secretive paranormal organization known as the Arcane Society, is waiting to meet Grace Renquist. Hired as an aura-reading consultant in the quest for a murder suspect, she’s got zero field experience. She’s from tiny Eclipse Bay, Oregon. She’s a librarian, for heaven’s sake.As for Grace, she’s not expecting much either from Malone, who walks with a cane and isn’t so good with a gun. Nice résumé for a bodyguard .
But even before they reach their hotel in Maui—where they’ll be posing as honeymooners—Grace and Luther feel the electric charge between them. Problem is, they need to remain vigilant day and night, because it soon becomes clear there’s more going on here. Rogue sensitives—operatives for the underground group Nightshade—are pouring into the luxury resort like there’s a convention. Grace recognizes those dark spikes in their auras. She saw the same pattern in someone else in another life—a life she hasn’t revealed to Luther or anyone else. And she understands how dangerous these people can be . . . especially with those para-hunters at their sides.
While the pair’s employers at Jones & Jones scramble to get them backup, Luther and Grace have to think on their feet. The criminals in their midst aren’t just high-level sensitives: They’ve enhanced their talents with a potent—and unpredictable— drug. And as Grace knows all too well, if you don’t control your powers, your powers will control you.
I enjoy all of Krentz's books and liked how this one incuded some interesting secondary characters that I can see her developing more later.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Caldecott Award winner
The house in the night / written by Susan Marie Swanson and illustrated by Beth Krommes
A timeless good-night book for the very young, inspired by the pattern of the traditional poem, "This is the key of the kingdom”. What a lovely bedtime book, the illustrations were really amazing and I love the use of color (yellow) to highlight something in the darkness.
(Theodor Seuss) Geisel Award Winner
Are you ready to play outside? / by Mo Willems
Elephant and Piggy adventure. This adorable reader have to deal with a rainy day which at first seems like they won't have any fun but then becomes more fun than a sunny one. Mo Willems is excellent as always - he really knows the voice of preschoolers.
Newberry Award Winner
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The story begins with a man named Jack who has just murdered 3 people and is looking for the 4th, a just walking toddler who escapes to the graveyard at the top of the hill. The ghosts of the graveyard protect the boy and name him Nobody Owens. Bod grows to be an unusual boy who is the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. But when he tries to not stand out in the real world he finds it more difficult than he thinks it will be. Plus he is determined to find out who murdered his family.
Gaiman has this way of telling a story that is part horrific yet draws you in to find out the ending. I listened to this on CD and it was told by Gaiman and he did an excellent job telling the story. I liked the music as well as it has this folk like touch.
The house in the night / written by Susan Marie Swanson and illustrated by Beth Krommes
A timeless good-night book for the very young, inspired by the pattern of the traditional poem, "This is the key of the kingdom”. What a lovely bedtime book, the illustrations were really amazing and I love the use of color (yellow) to highlight something in the darkness.
(Theodor Seuss) Geisel Award Winner
Are you ready to play outside? / by Mo Willems
Elephant and Piggy adventure. This adorable reader have to deal with a rainy day which at first seems like they won't have any fun but then becomes more fun than a sunny one. Mo Willems is excellent as always - he really knows the voice of preschoolers.
Newberry Award Winner
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The story begins with a man named Jack who has just murdered 3 people and is looking for the 4th, a just walking toddler who escapes to the graveyard at the top of the hill. The ghosts of the graveyard protect the boy and name him Nobody Owens. Bod grows to be an unusual boy who is the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade. But when he tries to not stand out in the real world he finds it more difficult than he thinks it will be. Plus he is determined to find out who murdered his family.
Gaiman has this way of telling a story that is part horrific yet draws you in to find out the ending. I listened to this on CD and it was told by Gaiman and he did an excellent job telling the story. I liked the music as well as it has this folk like touch.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Life as we knew it by Susan Beth Pfeffer
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options.
Told in diary entries we see the shock and fear that develop when the world seems like it is coming to an end. Is there hope or even a chance of life going back to normal? Who knows? How would you react if the same situation? Would it be only yourself first or would you help others? This book really makes you think about what would happen if I was in her place? What really matters is one keeps their humanity yet still survive.
I had read about this book before and found the story really intriguing. Because of the diary entries the fear and horror of death is distant but yet it is there on the edge creeping in. This is for both teens and adults as it is something that could be our future.
It's almost the end of Miranda's sophomore year in high school, and her journal reflects the busy life of a typical teenager: conversations with friends, fights with mom, and fervent hopes for a driver's license. When Miranda first begins hearing the reports of a meteor on a collision course with the moon, it hardly seems worth a mention in her diary. But after the meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes, all the things Miranda used to take for granted begin to disappear. Food and gas shortages, along with extreme weather changes, come to her small Pennsylvania town; and Miranda's voice is by turns petulant, angry, and finally resigned, as her family is forced to make tough choices while they consider their increasingly limited options.
Told in diary entries we see the shock and fear that develop when the world seems like it is coming to an end. Is there hope or even a chance of life going back to normal? Who knows? How would you react if the same situation? Would it be only yourself first or would you help others? This book really makes you think about what would happen if I was in her place? What really matters is one keeps their humanity yet still survive.
I had read about this book before and found the story really intriguing. Because of the diary entries the fear and horror of death is distant but yet it is there on the edge creeping in. This is for both teens and adults as it is something that could be our future.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Whose body? by Dorothy L. Sayers
When Lord Peter Wimsey is called in by Her Grace the Dowager Duchess (AKA Mother) to help extricate the timid Mr. Thipps from a case of body in the bathtub he finds himself embroiled in for far more than he has bargained. For one thing, the church architect's excess body, naked except for a Gold pince-nez, appears to be inexplicable. When it turns out that Sir Reuben Levy, an important financier is missing, the police become convinced that the body is that of Levy, and seize Thipps and the maid as the guilty party, despite all evidence to the contrary. Now Wimsey must work quickly with his friend Inspector Parker to solve both crimes and save both Thipps and the leaking church roof.
Accompanying Lord Peter is his most excellent manservant Bunter, who served with him in the war and has become a loyal and true companion. Bunter is the straight man for many of Wimsey's quips and quotes, but has a wry wit of his own, and is probably the first forensic photographer in detective fiction. Lord Peter's other aide in this and ensuing tales is Inspector Parker who is of the same age and equally bright in his own right.
This was the first book to introduce Lord Peter Wimsey and it is very different that than the later books. But is interesting to see just a taste of his character and know what he will become. The ending is a bit strange and really you could have no clue as to the outcome. I listened to this on CD and it was very well done.
When Lord Peter Wimsey is called in by Her Grace the Dowager Duchess (AKA Mother) to help extricate the timid Mr. Thipps from a case of body in the bathtub he finds himself embroiled in for far more than he has bargained. For one thing, the church architect's excess body, naked except for a Gold pince-nez, appears to be inexplicable. When it turns out that Sir Reuben Levy, an important financier is missing, the police become convinced that the body is that of Levy, and seize Thipps and the maid as the guilty party, despite all evidence to the contrary. Now Wimsey must work quickly with his friend Inspector Parker to solve both crimes and save both Thipps and the leaking church roof.
Accompanying Lord Peter is his most excellent manservant Bunter, who served with him in the war and has become a loyal and true companion. Bunter is the straight man for many of Wimsey's quips and quotes, but has a wry wit of his own, and is probably the first forensic photographer in detective fiction. Lord Peter's other aide in this and ensuing tales is Inspector Parker who is of the same age and equally bright in his own right.
This was the first book to introduce Lord Peter Wimsey and it is very different that than the later books. But is interesting to see just a taste of his character and know what he will become. The ending is a bit strange and really you could have no clue as to the outcome. I listened to this on CD and it was very well done.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vanishing act by Thomas Perry
Jane Whitefield is half Native American and is in the business of helping people disappear. She has spent the last ten years of her life hiding people with the full knowledge that if they can disappear, without leaving a trail, and stay hidden for two or three months, the chance of ever being found drops considerably. Her clients run the gamut from wives escaping spousal abuse to informants escaping the mob -- all innocent people who cannot be suitably protected without some kind of help. Jane is considered a "guide". She guides people out of their fragile situations with the aid of her network of willing accomplices who help her with new identifications and transport for these runaways.
Now an alleged new victim has invaded Jane's upstate New York house: John Felker claims that he's a cop-turned-accountant, is being framed as an embezzler and has a contract out on his life. Almost immediately, the men chasing Felker appear, and Jane leads him to Oregan so he can build a new life. But as they go along she introduces him to people who help her hide people and tells him more than she should. After he seems to have left for his new life she quickly discovers that John is not who he says he was and people are starting to die, people she led him to. Now she must hunt him down before he kills her.
This book had many flaws as Jane seems too trusting of John for someone who helps people disappear. But the time period is in the mid-1990's before everyone had computers and it took a lot more effort to establish someones identity. I did find the connection she feels for her native american side as she has to look inside herself for the strength to finish the job.
I would definitely read more as I know that this series has more and I'm curious how it has developed.
Jane Whitefield is half Native American and is in the business of helping people disappear. She has spent the last ten years of her life hiding people with the full knowledge that if they can disappear, without leaving a trail, and stay hidden for two or three months, the chance of ever being found drops considerably. Her clients run the gamut from wives escaping spousal abuse to informants escaping the mob -- all innocent people who cannot be suitably protected without some kind of help. Jane is considered a "guide". She guides people out of their fragile situations with the aid of her network of willing accomplices who help her with new identifications and transport for these runaways.
Now an alleged new victim has invaded Jane's upstate New York house: John Felker claims that he's a cop-turned-accountant, is being framed as an embezzler and has a contract out on his life. Almost immediately, the men chasing Felker appear, and Jane leads him to Oregan so he can build a new life. But as they go along she introduces him to people who help her hide people and tells him more than she should. After he seems to have left for his new life she quickly discovers that John is not who he says he was and people are starting to die, people she led him to. Now she must hunt him down before he kills her.
This book had many flaws as Jane seems too trusting of John for someone who helps people disappear. But the time period is in the mid-1990's before everyone had computers and it took a lot more effort to establish someones identity. I did find the connection she feels for her native american side as she has to look inside herself for the strength to finish the job.
I would definitely read more as I know that this series has more and I'm curious how it has developed.
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Second Sight by Amanda Quick (aka Janye Ann Krentz)
#1 in the Arcane Society series
Photographer Venetia Milton considers herself a spinster in Victorian London. Economically strapped, she's also the sole support of her aunt and younger siblings. Things start to look up when she is chosen to photograph a collection of artifacts belonging to the Arcane Society, a 200-year-old clandestine organization founded by an alchemist. The collection is housed in an isolated gothic mansion, and Venetia finds herself there in the company of handsome and mysterious Gabriel Jones. Deciding that it's now or never for love, Venetia seduces him, only to lose the man of her dreams in a fire set by an unknown enemy.Venetia resourcefully moves on, opening a portrait shop and assuming the persona of Gabriel's grieving widow. Venetia, now the talented photographer, Mrs. Jones, has becomes the toast of London, when her dead husband shows up her doorstep very much alive. Now she has to figure out how to adapt herself to this latest turn of events.
As usual Amanda Quick (aka Janye Ann Krentz) is great at merging suspense, romance and some good old fashioned paranormal in the mix for a fun historical romance novel.
I'm more found of her more science fiction romance books she writes under the name Jayne Castle but I had heard about this series so thought I would give it a try. Of course it seemed familiar as I realized I had read it just over 2 years ago right before I moved back to Phoenix. But I read it again anyway, just to freshen my memory. She is a fun and easy read.
#1 in the Arcane Society series
Photographer Venetia Milton considers herself a spinster in Victorian London. Economically strapped, she's also the sole support of her aunt and younger siblings. Things start to look up when she is chosen to photograph a collection of artifacts belonging to the Arcane Society, a 200-year-old clandestine organization founded by an alchemist. The collection is housed in an isolated gothic mansion, and Venetia finds herself there in the company of handsome and mysterious Gabriel Jones. Deciding that it's now or never for love, Venetia seduces him, only to lose the man of her dreams in a fire set by an unknown enemy.Venetia resourcefully moves on, opening a portrait shop and assuming the persona of Gabriel's grieving widow. Venetia, now the talented photographer, Mrs. Jones, has becomes the toast of London, when her dead husband shows up her doorstep very much alive. Now she has to figure out how to adapt herself to this latest turn of events.
As usual Amanda Quick (aka Janye Ann Krentz) is great at merging suspense, romance and some good old fashioned paranormal in the mix for a fun historical romance novel.
I'm more found of her more science fiction romance books she writes under the name Jayne Castle but I had heard about this series so thought I would give it a try. Of course it seemed familiar as I realized I had read it just over 2 years ago right before I moved back to Phoenix. But I read it again anyway, just to freshen my memory. She is a fun and easy read.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton
Spoken in Frankie's voice we introduced to the friendship of the Wednesday Sisters.
The story revolves around no-nonsense, athletic Linda, super smart Brett, quiet Frankie, Southern Belle Kath & shy Ally, friends who first meet every Wednesday in the park for play time with their kids, but where they eventually start to discuss what books they've been reading and the general small talk of forming friendships. Later, they discover that each has had a small desire in one way or another to become writers, so the Wednesday meetings change to writing critiques, as they each try to help the other into becoming better writers. We see their hopes, dreams and challenges of young families and budding friendships. We get a glimpse into 5 years of their friendship and watch through their eyes as the world is changing around them (the story starts in the summer of 1967) and how they themselves grow as individuals with the rest of the world.
It is an interesting view into a slice of American history we don't hear much about. Late 1960's in Palo Alto, CA before the computer & big dot.com boom. You really feel like you are living their lives as they meet weekly to support one another and each one in their own way become writers. Some more successfully than others. We see them struggle to find their own identity of the world is changing for women and Americans. Each friend has their own struggle, some physically and some emotionally but they are there for each other through it all.
I found myself really drawn into this story that at first I thought would be really superficial but ended up being thought provoking and enjoyable.
Spoken in Frankie's voice we introduced to the friendship of the Wednesday Sisters.
The story revolves around no-nonsense, athletic Linda, super smart Brett, quiet Frankie, Southern Belle Kath & shy Ally, friends who first meet every Wednesday in the park for play time with their kids, but where they eventually start to discuss what books they've been reading and the general small talk of forming friendships. Later, they discover that each has had a small desire in one way or another to become writers, so the Wednesday meetings change to writing critiques, as they each try to help the other into becoming better writers. We see their hopes, dreams and challenges of young families and budding friendships. We get a glimpse into 5 years of their friendship and watch through their eyes as the world is changing around them (the story starts in the summer of 1967) and how they themselves grow as individuals with the rest of the world.
It is an interesting view into a slice of American history we don't hear much about. Late 1960's in Palo Alto, CA before the computer & big dot.com boom. You really feel like you are living their lives as they meet weekly to support one another and each one in their own way become writers. Some more successfully than others. We see them struggle to find their own identity of the world is changing for women and Americans. Each friend has their own struggle, some physically and some emotionally but they are there for each other through it all.
I found myself really drawn into this story that at first I thought would be really superficial but ended up being thought provoking and enjoyable.
Monday, February 02, 2009
Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs
Popular Cooking with Gusto! host Augusta Gus Simpson, a widowed mother of two adult daughters who's about to turn 50, is tiring of her many obligations, which include throwing an annual birthday bash for herself. But to add to her worries is that her show is not as popular as in the past and there is a risk of it being canceled! When she is told she has to do a live taping of her show she decides to do her best and go with it. Throw into the mix the introduction of saucy former beauty queen and YouTube star Carmen Vega as Gus's cohost: Carmen is younger, hotter and very tight with the boss. Plus she films the show with her adult children and other friends to help balance it out. But the battle lines have been drawn between Gus and Carmen.
It's soon apparent on the set that this new situation isn't working, so the everyone is packed off to a corporate team-building weekend, complete with New Age guide. When the resort's head chef calls in sick, a team-building opportunity presents itself. There is much sexual tension between various relationships plus between Gus and Carmen on their cooking style. We see each others point of view by alternating chapters from each other's point of view.
Now this book is a bit over the top in some ways but I enjoyed the slight digs to reality TV and Food Network. I watch a lot of Food Network and Bravo reality shows so caught quite a few of the references.
I listened to this on CD and at first found it a bit annoying but got used to the reader and just enjoyed the ride.
Popular Cooking with Gusto! host Augusta Gus Simpson, a widowed mother of two adult daughters who's about to turn 50, is tiring of her many obligations, which include throwing an annual birthday bash for herself. But to add to her worries is that her show is not as popular as in the past and there is a risk of it being canceled! When she is told she has to do a live taping of her show she decides to do her best and go with it. Throw into the mix the introduction of saucy former beauty queen and YouTube star Carmen Vega as Gus's cohost: Carmen is younger, hotter and very tight with the boss. Plus she films the show with her adult children and other friends to help balance it out. But the battle lines have been drawn between Gus and Carmen.
It's soon apparent on the set that this new situation isn't working, so the everyone is packed off to a corporate team-building weekend, complete with New Age guide. When the resort's head chef calls in sick, a team-building opportunity presents itself. There is much sexual tension between various relationships plus between Gus and Carmen on their cooking style. We see each others point of view by alternating chapters from each other's point of view.
Now this book is a bit over the top in some ways but I enjoyed the slight digs to reality TV and Food Network. I watch a lot of Food Network and Bravo reality shows so caught quite a few of the references.
I listened to this on CD and at first found it a bit annoying but got used to the reader and just enjoyed the ride.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Silver Master by Jayne Castle (aka Jayne Ann Krentz)
Part of the Harmony series
Celinda Ingram is a professional matchmaker and has been living in Cadence for four months. Her particular paranormal ability as a para-resonator makes it possible for her to feel whether two people are compatible and would make good candidates for a full Covenant Marriage. She lives in the Old City part of town with her dust bunny Araminta and just wants to get on with her life after the horrible scandal in Old Frequency, her hometown.
Davis Oakes is the owner of Oakes Security and is a fourth generation descendant of a ghost hunter family. His is able to produce silver light which allows him to have special abilities, and while his ties to the Guild are strong he is not a ghost hunter himself. After suffering a traumatic experience while rescuing a kidnapped child, he cannot afford to pull any ghost light because his ability comes from a spectrum of color unknown to most people. Using it has unusual and possibly deadly consequences.
They meet when Davis is on the hunt for the powerful relic that Celinda supposedly bought as a toy for her pet dust bunny. When her dust bunny runs off with the relic it soon becomes apparent that this no plastic toy but some kind of psychic tool that Celinda resonates with. But she is not the only one who can use it as their lives quickly become in risk and the chase is on.
Lots of references in the final section of the previous books. Again the dust bunnies are important to the storyline but thankfully in not such an obnoxious way as in some of the previous books. A fun, quick read. Good chemistry between the main characters and the baggage does not feel contrived but something could happen to anyone.
Part of the Harmony series
Celinda Ingram is a professional matchmaker and has been living in Cadence for four months. Her particular paranormal ability as a para-resonator makes it possible for her to feel whether two people are compatible and would make good candidates for a full Covenant Marriage. She lives in the Old City part of town with her dust bunny Araminta and just wants to get on with her life after the horrible scandal in Old Frequency, her hometown.
Davis Oakes is the owner of Oakes Security and is a fourth generation descendant of a ghost hunter family. His is able to produce silver light which allows him to have special abilities, and while his ties to the Guild are strong he is not a ghost hunter himself. After suffering a traumatic experience while rescuing a kidnapped child, he cannot afford to pull any ghost light because his ability comes from a spectrum of color unknown to most people. Using it has unusual and possibly deadly consequences.
They meet when Davis is on the hunt for the powerful relic that Celinda supposedly bought as a toy for her pet dust bunny. When her dust bunny runs off with the relic it soon becomes apparent that this no plastic toy but some kind of psychic tool that Celinda resonates with. But she is not the only one who can use it as their lives quickly become in risk and the chase is on.
Lots of references in the final section of the previous books. Again the dust bunnies are important to the storyline but thankfully in not such an obnoxious way as in some of the previous books. A fun, quick read. Good chemistry between the main characters and the baggage does not feel contrived but something could happen to anyone.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Writing Class by Jincy Willett
Amy Gallup, is the teacher of the Writing Class. She is overweight and plain and bordering on agoraphobic. In her early twenties, she published a successful novel, but from there, her career went steadily downhill. Teaching an adjunct university writing class is her salvation, but she doesn't know it yet. She'd much rather stay at home with her basset hound, Alphonse, who doesn't like her much. Amy's students run the gamut from professional writers to those who are there to meet the opposite sex. Several are extremely talented.
The first two student excerpts, one about how to choose the rope you will use to commit suicide, are incredibly good. Amy's suggestions are usually right on the mark, especially when she tells her class not to assume the writer of the suicide poem is writing about her own life. When she discovers that one of the students writes nasty commentaries on other students work Amy isn't sure what to do. When the nasty comments turn to personal harassment Amy decides to cancel the class as she can't risk something worse happening. The writing class decides that the class will go on by meeting at one of the classmates homes as they won't let anyone stop their experience of becoming a better writer. But when one of the classmates is killed it is apparent that the nasty commentator is really a sociopath and who knows who will be next!
We get to read the murderer's letters and diary entries, as well as his/her comments on student papers. This lets us participate in trying to find the killer. There's some humor as well, most of it centering on Carla, a student who has taken Amy's class five times. It is a really interesting way of approaching a murder mystery plus I really enjoyed the various writing assignments the students had. Willett is a very gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Amy Gallup, is the teacher of the Writing Class. She is overweight and plain and bordering on agoraphobic. In her early twenties, she published a successful novel, but from there, her career went steadily downhill. Teaching an adjunct university writing class is her salvation, but she doesn't know it yet. She'd much rather stay at home with her basset hound, Alphonse, who doesn't like her much. Amy's students run the gamut from professional writers to those who are there to meet the opposite sex. Several are extremely talented.
The first two student excerpts, one about how to choose the rope you will use to commit suicide, are incredibly good. Amy's suggestions are usually right on the mark, especially when she tells her class not to assume the writer of the suicide poem is writing about her own life. When she discovers that one of the students writes nasty commentaries on other students work Amy isn't sure what to do. When the nasty comments turn to personal harassment Amy decides to cancel the class as she can't risk something worse happening. The writing class decides that the class will go on by meeting at one of the classmates homes as they won't let anyone stop their experience of becoming a better writer. But when one of the classmates is killed it is apparent that the nasty commentator is really a sociopath and who knows who will be next!
We get to read the murderer's letters and diary entries, as well as his/her comments on student papers. This lets us participate in trying to find the killer. There's some humor as well, most of it centering on Carla, a student who has taken Amy's class five times. It is a really interesting way of approaching a murder mystery plus I really enjoyed the various writing assignments the students had. Willett is a very gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Sookie Stackhouse is an ordinary waitress in small town Bea temp, Louisana
It is a world very much like our own - except for one difference, 4 years ago Vampires "came out of the coffin" and are now a legal part of USA society. In this way it's somewhat like the situation in the Anita Blake (author Laurel Hamilton) novels.
Sookie herself is unusual with a disability, she's a telepath, and that makes dating a virtual impossiblity until a vampire comes to town and she discovers he's her (almost) perfect man. Unfortunatley, at the same time people start getting killed, which most of the locals see as an unlikely co-incidence, and in a small town that can almost be deadly itself.
Full of Southern charm and very erotic prose Harris finds a way to make being the undead fun. I've been watching the series True Blood on HBO and was impressed by how closely the series follows the books so far. I'm looking forward to catching up with this fun series.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
Newly divorced, Eloise "Weezie" Foley, from blue-blood architect Talmadge Evans III, but she still living in a carriage house in the backyard of their restored mansion. But to add insult to injur she suffers the indignity of having her ex's sexy fiance, Caroline DeSantos, living in the main house Weezie restored herself. As a "picker," Weezie earns her living foraging for discarded treasures in Dumpsters and at estate sales. She enjoys the thrill of the search and the indepence it offers her. But her main goal is to find that piece of junk is really a rare antique and get enough cash to open her own store. She is starting to find her own network of influencial friends too.
During one of her stakeouts Weezie discovers Caroline's corpse in a historic manor house and now Weezie is the prime suspect in her murder. To compound her quandary, Weezie's attorney her closeted Uncle James, an ex-Catholic priest is having an affair with a man from the DA's office. Factor in her on-again, off-again romance with old high school flame Daniel Stipanek, counterfeit antiques and her mom's alcoholism Weezie has a very complicated life.
Not a terribly complicated mystery but honestly I did not see the real murder so I guess that is one up on me. I will probably read more down the road.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris
22 essays featuring Sedaris ramblings about his memories and life in general and how he observes it. I really enjoyed the section how he quit smoking and we find out how he got the title for the book. I listened to the CD which featured 4 live recordings which were really interesting to hear the audience laugh along with me. All 22 essays were read by Sedaris which at first was a bit disconserting but got used to his speech patterns pretty quickly.
He isn't for everyone so if language and talking about sex and gay people are offensive then he is not for you but if you are like me and often wonder inappropriate things while observing life happening around me than give him a try. I have not read any others books by him except his Holidays on Ice which I enjoyed about half the stories so I can read a book of his maybe every couple of years.
22 essays featuring Sedaris ramblings about his memories and life in general and how he observes it. I really enjoyed the section how he quit smoking and we find out how he got the title for the book. I listened to the CD which featured 4 live recordings which were really interesting to hear the audience laugh along with me. All 22 essays were read by Sedaris which at first was a bit disconserting but got used to his speech patterns pretty quickly.
He isn't for everyone so if language and talking about sex and gay people are offensive then he is not for you but if you are like me and often wonder inappropriate things while observing life happening around me than give him a try. I have not read any others books by him except his Holidays on Ice which I enjoyed about half the stories so I can read a book of his maybe every couple of years.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
The Official 411 Degrassi generations by Kathryn Ellis
This book takes us behind the scenes of "Degrassi: The Next Generation, Degrassi High, Degrassi Junior High," and "The Kids of Degrassi Street." We find out from the past and present actors and crew what it's like to be a part of one of TV's most successful teen series.
This was one of my favorite teen shows I watched in the 1980's on PBS. I loved everything Degrassi, I'm sure it was because I could live vicariously through their mistakes. I read the books, followed it online once the internet came along. The only thing I have not done is watch the Degrassi: the Next Generation or purchased any of the DVD's which I know have come out. But when I saw this at my local library I had to check it out just so I could read more about some of my favorite characters from the original show. I enjoyed reading about how the show came about and where the characters are now but I guess I've gotten too old to appreciate the DNG.
So I then tried to read one of the manga books "Turning Japanese: Degrassi Extra Credit #1 (Degrassi: The Next Generation)" and it was just too much. Maybe I'm past all the teen angst or problems they have I don't know but I just skimmed it turned it back into the library.
This book takes us behind the scenes of "Degrassi: The Next Generation, Degrassi High, Degrassi Junior High," and "The Kids of Degrassi Street." We find out from the past and present actors and crew what it's like to be a part of one of TV's most successful teen series.
This was one of my favorite teen shows I watched in the 1980's on PBS. I loved everything Degrassi, I'm sure it was because I could live vicariously through their mistakes. I read the books, followed it online once the internet came along. The only thing I have not done is watch the Degrassi: the Next Generation or purchased any of the DVD's which I know have come out. But when I saw this at my local library I had to check it out just so I could read more about some of my favorite characters from the original show. I enjoyed reading about how the show came about and where the characters are now but I guess I've gotten too old to appreciate the DNG.
So I then tried to read one of the manga books "Turning Japanese: Degrassi Extra Credit #1 (Degrassi: The Next Generation)" and it was just too much. Maybe I'm past all the teen angst or problems they have I don't know but I just skimmed it turned it back into the library.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Wolfsbane and Mistletoe
A short story collection featuring stories about werewolves and Christmas by Charlaine Harris, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Dana Cameron, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Dana Stabenow, Keri Arthur, Joe Konrath, Patricia Briggs, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Rob Thurman and Toni L. P. Kelner.
The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year’s morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.
This was a really fun read, not all the stories were the best but I did enjoy reading such variety. I was amazed by how they could make Christmas and Santa Claus so dark and creepy. Some I had read other works and many I had not so am looking forward to trying some new authors out.
A short story collection featuring stories about werewolves and Christmas by Charlaine Harris, Donna Andrews, Simon R. Green, Dana Cameron, Kat Richardson, Alan Gordon, Carrie Vaughn, Dana Stabenow, Keri Arthur, Joe Konrath, Patricia Briggs, Nancy Pickard, Karen Chance, Rob Thurman and Toni L. P. Kelner.
The holidays can bring out the beast in anyone. They are particularly hard for lycanthropes. Whether wolfing down a holiday feast (use your imagination) or craving some hair of the dog on New Year’s morning, the werewolves in these frighteningly original stories will surprise, delight, amuse, and scare the pants off readers who love a little wolfsbane with their mistletoe.
This was a really fun read, not all the stories were the best but I did enjoy reading such variety. I was amazed by how they could make Christmas and Santa Claus so dark and creepy. Some I had read other works and many I had not so am looking forward to trying some new authors out.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Bodyguard by Christy Tillery French
Natasha Chamberlain - Nattie to her friends - is a young woman with many skills. She is efficient and has a quick mind and wit plus served her time keeping Investigative Services, Inc. in Knoxville Tennessee running smoothly for three years. In her off hours she plays soccer with a go-for-the-jugular mentality. Both on and off the soccer field, Nattie can dish it out as well as take it. She has a feisty way about her, and a hair trigger temper. Nattie has two goals in life: to become a crack investigator and to climb her sexy and mysterious boss like a tree.
Jonce Striker is the founder of I.S.I. He's a man blessed with intimidating size and power, of Cherokee lineage, who keeps his secret past to himself. Nattie has had a crush on him for three years but never dared to make her feelings known. When he agrees to let her guard a wealthy client, the fur begins to fly.
Roger Valentine is a nerdy billionaire who hires I.S.I. to protect him when his life is threatened. Roger is seriously lacking in social skills. When this lonely, isolated man with an overbearing mother meets up with Nattie and her colleagues, his life is changed in more ways than one. His bodyguards soon become the friends and family Roger never had, and their friendship humanizes a once nerdy recluse.
The action is intense as the bodyguards track more than one evil doer out to kill Roger. Nattie's courage under fire, coupled with her zany personality, both impresses and infuriates her boss, adding humor to the mix. And the simmering sexual chemistry between Striker and Nattie finally ignites with mixed results for all concerned. Can they keep their mind on business long enough to save Roger's life?
I had read some reviews of a later book in the series so thought I would give this a try. Not a difficult read but not as good as I hoped. I guess I just felt like the relationships were convenient and a bit contrived. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy this book more. I will look for others in this series to see if it improves.
Natasha Chamberlain - Nattie to her friends - is a young woman with many skills. She is efficient and has a quick mind and wit plus served her time keeping Investigative Services, Inc. in Knoxville Tennessee running smoothly for three years. In her off hours she plays soccer with a go-for-the-jugular mentality. Both on and off the soccer field, Nattie can dish it out as well as take it. She has a feisty way about her, and a hair trigger temper. Nattie has two goals in life: to become a crack investigator and to climb her sexy and mysterious boss like a tree.
Jonce Striker is the founder of I.S.I. He's a man blessed with intimidating size and power, of Cherokee lineage, who keeps his secret past to himself. Nattie has had a crush on him for three years but never dared to make her feelings known. When he agrees to let her guard a wealthy client, the fur begins to fly.
Roger Valentine is a nerdy billionaire who hires I.S.I. to protect him when his life is threatened. Roger is seriously lacking in social skills. When this lonely, isolated man with an overbearing mother meets up with Nattie and her colleagues, his life is changed in more ways than one. His bodyguards soon become the friends and family Roger never had, and their friendship humanizes a once nerdy recluse.
The action is intense as the bodyguards track more than one evil doer out to kill Roger. Nattie's courage under fire, coupled with her zany personality, both impresses and infuriates her boss, adding humor to the mix. And the simmering sexual chemistry between Striker and Nattie finally ignites with mixed results for all concerned. Can they keep their mind on business long enough to save Roger's life?
I had read some reviews of a later book in the series so thought I would give this a try. Not a difficult read but not as good as I hoped. I guess I just felt like the relationships were convenient and a bit contrived. I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't enjoy this book more. I will look for others in this series to see if it improves.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
'Tis the Season! by Lorna Landvik
The story starts with tabloid coverage of Caroline Dixon, an heiress who's lost her way and thinks she finds roadmaps in alcohol and bad behavior. We see her world crumble as she goes from one drunken brawl to another alienating herself from her friends.
We start to see the story via three other characters from Caroline's past and present who eventually connect with her to help her find a better way back. It's written entirely in e-mails and letters which is a bit disconserting at first but does help the story flow. This has some romantic overtones as several of the characters connect romantically but it is not the main focus of the story.
I found myself smiling as I read the emails sent to and fro and friendships develope by chance. It is Christmas after all!
'Tis the Season! by Lorna Landvik
The story starts with tabloid coverage of Caroline Dixon, an heiress who's lost her way and thinks she finds roadmaps in alcohol and bad behavior. We see her world crumble as she goes from one drunken brawl to another alienating herself from her friends.
We start to see the story via three other characters from Caroline's past and present who eventually connect with her to help her find a better way back. It's written entirely in e-mails and letters which is a bit disconserting at first but does help the story flow. This has some romantic overtones as several of the characters connect romantically but it is not the main focus of the story.
I found myself smiling as I read the emails sent to and fro and friendships develope by chance. It is Christmas after all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)