by Whitney Gaskell
On the worst day of her life - she is fired from her job and finds her boyfriend cheating on her in her bed - Lucy Parker buys a lottery ticket. When she wins a multi-million dollar jackpot, she soon finds out that all that money can't buy her out of her mess of a life. In fact, it creates more problems - who can she trust and who is she really? Lucy escapes to her friend's house in Palm Beach to hide out and escape the media frenzy, while she puzzles out the answers to those questions.
This book was a quick read and very engaging. The characters are real and complex. The question of "What would you do if you won the lottery?" is asked and answered in a way that made me think. Winning a bunch of money doesn't solve everything. You still have your friends, your family and your past to deal with. And who can you trust? Who still likes you for your and who wants a handout? Lucy is ill-equipped to deal with all these questions, but finds that she must find the answers quickly. And when she meets two men who know nothing of her and her past, what will happen when they find out who she really is? Or when she finds out who they really are? Overall, a fun book. I have read another book by this author before, "Mommy Tracked" and would check out some more of her books.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Death By Panthose
by Laura Levine
Jaine Austen is hired to write jokes for a local feminist comic, Dorcas. When she goes to watch her act, she meets the cast of characters that surround Dorcas and her life. So it is really no surprise when Dorcas' chief rival Vic is found strangled with a pair of Dorcas' signature pantyhose. Jaine is back on the case, trying to find the real murderer.
Another entertaining Jaine Austen mystery. As always, the victim is well-hated by almost everyone who knew him, so Jaine list of possible suspects includes just about everyone. Luckily, she is able to piece it all together in the end.
If you haven't started reading this series yet, hurry up. Summer is almost over and quick and fun reads like this are definite summer reads!
Jaine Austen is hired to write jokes for a local feminist comic, Dorcas. When she goes to watch her act, she meets the cast of characters that surround Dorcas and her life. So it is really no surprise when Dorcas' chief rival Vic is found strangled with a pair of Dorcas' signature pantyhose. Jaine is back on the case, trying to find the real murderer.
Another entertaining Jaine Austen mystery. As always, the victim is well-hated by almost everyone who knew him, so Jaine list of possible suspects includes just about everyone. Luckily, she is able to piece it all together in the end.
If you haven't started reading this series yet, hurry up. Summer is almost over and quick and fun reads like this are definite summer reads!
The Shack
by William Young
Mack Phillips' youngest daughter Missy is abducted and presumed dead while on a family vacation. Four years later, Mack receives a letter inviting him to visit "The Shack", the last place Missy was known to be. Who awaits him there will change his life forever after.
Okay. So this is one of those books that everyone is talking about. "It changed my life", "Profound and moving", all that kind of thing. Mack's weekend with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit was indeed moving and overwhelming for him. It was a very well written story. Young gives us God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in forms we can relate to and even attempts to explain issues that many Christians may struggle with. But overall, it just wasn't the deep spiritual experience I had heard that so many people have had with the book.
Mack works his way through redemption, forgiveness and understanding in the course of a weekend. He is finally able to release his guilt and despair over losing his youngest daughter and see that she is indeed in a better place. That itself made the story worth reading.
But the biggest issue I had is one that was a somewhat minor point of the story. God and Jesus tell Mack that church is not necessary. That God doesn't want people to get together every week to worship and sign hymns and collect money and all that. The sense is that God wants you to live a in a godly way every minute of your life and church is not necessary to do that. And I agree with that. However, as someone who usually gets a great deal out of a church service, it made sitting in church the following Sunday somewhat tedious. In the back of my mind, all I could hear was "God doesn't want you to do this, this isn't want He expects". And that right there, ruined the book for me. Because now I don't know if I can sit through church again without thinking that.
A lot of people found great spiritual hope in the book. I wish I was one of them. However, all that being said, I did enjoy the book for the story of Mack's journey through grief and acceptance. If you read it and find it spiritually moving, I'm glad.
Mack Phillips' youngest daughter Missy is abducted and presumed dead while on a family vacation. Four years later, Mack receives a letter inviting him to visit "The Shack", the last place Missy was known to be. Who awaits him there will change his life forever after.
Okay. So this is one of those books that everyone is talking about. "It changed my life", "Profound and moving", all that kind of thing. Mack's weekend with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit was indeed moving and overwhelming for him. It was a very well written story. Young gives us God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in forms we can relate to and even attempts to explain issues that many Christians may struggle with. But overall, it just wasn't the deep spiritual experience I had heard that so many people have had with the book.
Mack works his way through redemption, forgiveness and understanding in the course of a weekend. He is finally able to release his guilt and despair over losing his youngest daughter and see that she is indeed in a better place. That itself made the story worth reading.
But the biggest issue I had is one that was a somewhat minor point of the story. God and Jesus tell Mack that church is not necessary. That God doesn't want people to get together every week to worship and sign hymns and collect money and all that. The sense is that God wants you to live a in a godly way every minute of your life and church is not necessary to do that. And I agree with that. However, as someone who usually gets a great deal out of a church service, it made sitting in church the following Sunday somewhat tedious. In the back of my mind, all I could hear was "God doesn't want you to do this, this isn't want He expects". And that right there, ruined the book for me. Because now I don't know if I can sit through church again without thinking that.
A lot of people found great spiritual hope in the book. I wish I was one of them. However, all that being said, I did enjoy the book for the story of Mack's journey through grief and acceptance. If you read it and find it spiritually moving, I'm glad.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The PMS Murder
by Laura Levine
Jaine Austen's best friend Kandi is getting married, which means Jaine needs to find a new friend to fill up her days. When she meets Pam, it seems destined that they will be close friends. Pam invites Jaine to her PMS meeting - a group of women who get together for margaritas and guacamole to talk and complain. At the second meeting however, Marybeth drops dead. And Jaine finds herself back in the murder mystery business.
It seems that everywhere poor Jaine goes, someone falls over dead! No, but seriously, this series continues to entertain and interest this reader. There are a few more in this series and I look forward to reading the rest.
Jaine Austen's best friend Kandi is getting married, which means Jaine needs to find a new friend to fill up her days. When she meets Pam, it seems destined that they will be close friends. Pam invites Jaine to her PMS meeting - a group of women who get together for margaritas and guacamole to talk and complain. At the second meeting however, Marybeth drops dead. And Jaine finds herself back in the murder mystery business.
It seems that everywhere poor Jaine goes, someone falls over dead! No, but seriously, this series continues to entertain and interest this reader. There are a few more in this series and I look forward to reading the rest.
Shoes to Die For
by Laura Levine
Our favorite free-lance writer/part-time detective Jaine Austen is back and ready to put this murder stuff behind her. When her neighbor Lance takes her for a make-over to his favorite boutique Passions, she has no idea that she is about to become embroiled in yet another murder.
This time Jaine isn't solving the murder to protect herself or her friends - she is hired by one of the sales clerks Becky, who is a prime suspect. Like all of Jaine's murder mysteries, there are numerous people who would have reason to kill the victim. Sorting through them all and discovering their motives will keep Jaine busy for sure.
Another fast, easy read by Levine, with some of our now familiar and favorite characters popping up for an appearance. Jaine's mother and father continue to be a constant e-mail presence, Mr. Goldman and the writing group, and of course, Prozac, her beloved cat. For a good escape book, I highly recommend this series.
Our favorite free-lance writer/part-time detective Jaine Austen is back and ready to put this murder stuff behind her. When her neighbor Lance takes her for a make-over to his favorite boutique Passions, she has no idea that she is about to become embroiled in yet another murder.
This time Jaine isn't solving the murder to protect herself or her friends - she is hired by one of the sales clerks Becky, who is a prime suspect. Like all of Jaine's murder mysteries, there are numerous people who would have reason to kill the victim. Sorting through them all and discovering their motives will keep Jaine busy for sure.
Another fast, easy read by Levine, with some of our now familiar and favorite characters popping up for an appearance. Jaine's mother and father continue to be a constant e-mail presence, Mr. Goldman and the writing group, and of course, Prozac, her beloved cat. For a good escape book, I highly recommend this series.
True Colors
by Kristin Hannah
The Grey sisters, Winona, Aurora and Vivi Ann, have been close since their mother died when they were young. In their small Washington town, where everyone knows everything about everyone, secrets are hard to keep. But when Vivi Ann starts dating Luke, Winona's long-time secret crush, and wedge is driven between the sisters that will take years to dislodge. The arrival of a mysterious farmhand sets into motion events that no one could have seen coming.
I worried at first that this book would end up being a romance novel. (Which are not really my thing.) But this story really was compelling and emotional. The conflict between the main two sisters, Winona and Vivi Ann, shows how complex family relationships can be. Can we ever, as adults, outgrow the roles we are cast in a children? Winona was always the oldest, the smartest, the sister who had everything under control. Vivi Ann was the youngest, the wildest, the star of the family. Admitting to themselves and the rest of their family that these roles aren't accurate anymore is one of the hardest tasks these sisters face.
I would have liked to know more about Aurora, but it probably would haven't have been important to the plot. I was just curious about her and her life, outside of the constant desire to smooth things over between her sisters.
This was a good book and I would read more by this author.
The Grey sisters, Winona, Aurora and Vivi Ann, have been close since their mother died when they were young. In their small Washington town, where everyone knows everything about everyone, secrets are hard to keep. But when Vivi Ann starts dating Luke, Winona's long-time secret crush, and wedge is driven between the sisters that will take years to dislodge. The arrival of a mysterious farmhand sets into motion events that no one could have seen coming.
I worried at first that this book would end up being a romance novel. (Which are not really my thing.) But this story really was compelling and emotional. The conflict between the main two sisters, Winona and Vivi Ann, shows how complex family relationships can be. Can we ever, as adults, outgrow the roles we are cast in a children? Winona was always the oldest, the smartest, the sister who had everything under control. Vivi Ann was the youngest, the wildest, the star of the family. Admitting to themselves and the rest of their family that these roles aren't accurate anymore is one of the hardest tasks these sisters face.
I would have liked to know more about Aurora, but it probably would haven't have been important to the plot. I was just curious about her and her life, outside of the constant desire to smooth things over between her sisters.
This was a good book and I would read more by this author.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Hurry Down Sunshine
by Michael Greenberg
Michael Greenberg's 15-year-old daughter Sally is suddenly "struck mad". He admits her to a psych ward, where he and the rest of Sally's family is sent head-first into the land of psychologists, medication and the other residents.
In a rare foray into non-fiction for me, I don't recall how this book ended up on my book list. But I needed a non-fiction for my summer reading game card and so I made the unusual trip to the second floor of the Kalamazoo Public Library to find it. I liked this very much. Sally is manic, convinced she knows how to find the genius in everyone, if only someone would stop and listen to her. Her father is lost in knowing how to help her. Her mother is little help. Her stepmother tries to be supportive, but is unsure of her role with Sally's mother around. All in all, Sally's trip to the psych ward serves as an impetus for the adults in her life to figure out what they're doing.
I was a little concerned about this book at first for a lot of personal reasons. It's non-fiction, which I generally struggle with. I have also recently read a book that was supposed to be about someone having a breakdown and it was quite lacking in details. And, I'll admit, I was a little put off at first by the author referring to his daughter being "struck mad" or "having a crack up". But soon I was drawn into Sally's story, and that of her family. Greenberg gives the reader a glimpse into the other residents in the wards and the doctors struggles with finding a medication that will help Sally, yet not render her helpless.
I enjoyed this book. I would give it a high recommendation.
Michael Greenberg's 15-year-old daughter Sally is suddenly "struck mad". He admits her to a psych ward, where he and the rest of Sally's family is sent head-first into the land of psychologists, medication and the other residents.
In a rare foray into non-fiction for me, I don't recall how this book ended up on my book list. But I needed a non-fiction for my summer reading game card and so I made the unusual trip to the second floor of the Kalamazoo Public Library to find it. I liked this very much. Sally is manic, convinced she knows how to find the genius in everyone, if only someone would stop and listen to her. Her father is lost in knowing how to help her. Her mother is little help. Her stepmother tries to be supportive, but is unsure of her role with Sally's mother around. All in all, Sally's trip to the psych ward serves as an impetus for the adults in her life to figure out what they're doing.
I was a little concerned about this book at first for a lot of personal reasons. It's non-fiction, which I generally struggle with. I have also recently read a book that was supposed to be about someone having a breakdown and it was quite lacking in details. And, I'll admit, I was a little put off at first by the author referring to his daughter being "struck mad" or "having a crack up". But soon I was drawn into Sally's story, and that of her family. Greenberg gives the reader a glimpse into the other residents in the wards and the doctors struggles with finding a medication that will help Sally, yet not render her helpless.
I enjoyed this book. I would give it a high recommendation.
Disquiet
by Julia Leigh
Olivia leaves her abusive husband and returns to her mother's home with her two young children. Also in the house are her brother and his wife, Sophie, who have just suffered a stillbirth. Sophie continues to carry the dead baby like a doll, unable to bury her just yet. The family tries to mend past grievances and help Sophie deal with the death of her baby.
This is a very short story and could be easily read in one sitting. The main character is most often referred to as the woman (Olivia). There is little detail describing the trouble the woman and her mother have suffered in the past, other than her mother telling Olivia that she told her not to marry him (her husband). All in all, this is a family coming together to help each other heal old wounds and to help Sophie bury her baby.
Olivia leaves her abusive husband and returns to her mother's home with her two young children. Also in the house are her brother and his wife, Sophie, who have just suffered a stillbirth. Sophie continues to carry the dead baby like a doll, unable to bury her just yet. The family tries to mend past grievances and help Sophie deal with the death of her baby.
This is a very short story and could be easily read in one sitting. The main character is most often referred to as the woman (Olivia). There is little detail describing the trouble the woman and her mother have suffered in the past, other than her mother telling Olivia that she told her not to marry him (her husband). All in all, this is a family coming together to help each other heal old wounds and to help Sophie bury her baby.
Last Writes
by Laura Levine
When Jaine Austen's best friend Kandi gets her a job writing for the sitcom Muffy & Me, Jaine is thrilled to finally have a paying job. Her happiness is short-lived however, when one of the stars of the show is murdered and Kandi is the prime suspect. Jaine puts her detective hat back on and sets out of clear her friend.
Same formula as "This Pen for Hire", Jaine finds herself juggling her e-mail relationship with her parents, her friends and her need to eat in order to get through the day. We are introduced to the entire cast of Muffy & Me (which sounds a bit like Hannah Montana to me), all of whom have reason to want to kill Quinn. Jaine solves her mysteries less by actual detective work than more sure dumb luck. But these stories are entertaining and light-hearted and a nice break if you're reading heavier, more intense books.
When Jaine Austen's best friend Kandi gets her a job writing for the sitcom Muffy & Me, Jaine is thrilled to finally have a paying job. Her happiness is short-lived however, when one of the stars of the show is murdered and Kandi is the prime suspect. Jaine puts her detective hat back on and sets out of clear her friend.
Same formula as "This Pen for Hire", Jaine finds herself juggling her e-mail relationship with her parents, her friends and her need to eat in order to get through the day. We are introduced to the entire cast of Muffy & Me (which sounds a bit like Hannah Montana to me), all of whom have reason to want to kill Quinn. Jaine solves her mysteries less by actual detective work than more sure dumb luck. But these stories are entertaining and light-hearted and a nice break if you're reading heavier, more intense books.
This Pen for Hire
by Laura Levine
Jaine Austen - no, not Jane Austen - is a freelance writer, barely making ends meet in Los Angeles. She and her cat, Prozac, muddle through everyday single life, not looking for any adventure. In fact, Jaine doesn't even want to date, after her disastrous marriage to her ex, The Blob. But when she is hired to write a love letter to gorgeous fitness instructor Stacy, Jaine has no idea how badly this will all end.
An easy to read mystery without all the gore of the Jack Daniels series, Levine gives us plenty of humor and still finds time to write an intriguing mystery. Jaine doesn't set out to solve a mystery, she has no training and no desire, but when she finds herself concerned about Howard, who had hired her to write the letter, she decides to do a little investigating on her own. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters who are all likely suspects in Stacy's death. Will Jaine solve this mystery in time to get home for a bubble bath and a tub of Ben & Jerry's? This book was good in that it wasn't easy for the reader to solve, yet the murderer wasn't someone who came out of nowhere. I hate that.
I'm reading a few others from this same author in this series at the recommendation of Jenni. Stay tuned.
Jaine Austen - no, not Jane Austen - is a freelance writer, barely making ends meet in Los Angeles. She and her cat, Prozac, muddle through everyday single life, not looking for any adventure. In fact, Jaine doesn't even want to date, after her disastrous marriage to her ex, The Blob. But when she is hired to write a love letter to gorgeous fitness instructor Stacy, Jaine has no idea how badly this will all end.
An easy to read mystery without all the gore of the Jack Daniels series, Levine gives us plenty of humor and still finds time to write an intriguing mystery. Jaine doesn't set out to solve a mystery, she has no training and no desire, but when she finds herself concerned about Howard, who had hired her to write the letter, she decides to do a little investigating on her own. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters who are all likely suspects in Stacy's death. Will Jaine solve this mystery in time to get home for a bubble bath and a tub of Ben & Jerry's? This book was good in that it wasn't easy for the reader to solve, yet the murderer wasn't someone who came out of nowhere. I hate that.
I'm reading a few others from this same author in this series at the recommendation of Jenni. Stay tuned.
Cherry Bomb
by J.A. Konrath
In the latest installment of the Lt. Jack Daniels mysteries, the book starts with a funeral, tying in with the ending of "Fuzzy Navel". At the funeral, Jack's cell phone rings, bringing her right back into the world of Alex Kork and her psychotic games.
Jack's grief at her loss (no, I won't tell you who!) turns to anger as she dives into finding Alex again. Officially banned from the case for being too closely involved - really?! - everyone knows Jack won't be able to stay away. The FBI agents from previous books return and there is a new character, Slappy. Slappy gives the reader some much needed humor during what is otherwise a dark book.
I enjoyed this book as much as the others in this series. I hope there will be more to follow and I suspect there will be, since there are so many more crazy murderers out there for Jack to stop.
In the latest installment of the Lt. Jack Daniels mysteries, the book starts with a funeral, tying in with the ending of "Fuzzy Navel". At the funeral, Jack's cell phone rings, bringing her right back into the world of Alex Kork and her psychotic games.
Jack's grief at her loss (no, I won't tell you who!) turns to anger as she dives into finding Alex again. Officially banned from the case for being too closely involved - really?! - everyone knows Jack won't be able to stay away. The FBI agents from previous books return and there is a new character, Slappy. Slappy gives the reader some much needed humor during what is otherwise a dark book.
I enjoyed this book as much as the others in this series. I hope there will be more to follow and I suspect there will be, since there are so many more crazy murderers out there for Jack to stop.
The Crying Tree
by Naseem Rakha
Irene and Nate Stanley move their kids, Shep and Bliss, from Southern Illinois to Oregon. They are away from their family, their friends and everything they've ever known. As they are getting settled into their new lives, 15-year-old Shep is shot and killed by a young man who is caught breaking into their home. Years later, Irene receives a letter that the murderer is going to be executed, and Irene finds she cannot let him die without making peace with what happened. Her attempt to reach out to Robbins sets off a chain reaction that no one can stop.
This book was very clever. It started off as a story that I thought would be about Irene and Robbins connection and the Stanley family coming to terms with Shep's murder. But there soon came to light that there may have been more to Shep's death than anyone suspected. Why doesn't Robbins want to file any further appeals? Can Irene forgive Robbins for what happened? And what really happened that afternoon so many years ago when Shep was killed? And when she lays it all out for the reader, there were a few times when I went back and reread earlier parts of the book, wondering how I missed it.
This is not a book advocating or critcizing the death penalty. All sides of the story are shown, the Stanley family, Robbins, and the prison warden who is responsible for making Robbins' death happen. This book is more about forgiveness and truth. I recommend it.
Irene and Nate Stanley move their kids, Shep and Bliss, from Southern Illinois to Oregon. They are away from their family, their friends and everything they've ever known. As they are getting settled into their new lives, 15-year-old Shep is shot and killed by a young man who is caught breaking into their home. Years later, Irene receives a letter that the murderer is going to be executed, and Irene finds she cannot let him die without making peace with what happened. Her attempt to reach out to Robbins sets off a chain reaction that no one can stop.
This book was very clever. It started off as a story that I thought would be about Irene and Robbins connection and the Stanley family coming to terms with Shep's murder. But there soon came to light that there may have been more to Shep's death than anyone suspected. Why doesn't Robbins want to file any further appeals? Can Irene forgive Robbins for what happened? And what really happened that afternoon so many years ago when Shep was killed? And when she lays it all out for the reader, there were a few times when I went back and reread earlier parts of the book, wondering how I missed it.
This is not a book advocating or critcizing the death penalty. All sides of the story are shown, the Stanley family, Robbins, and the prison warden who is responsible for making Robbins' death happen. This book is more about forgiveness and truth. I recommend it.
Fuzzy Navel
by J.A. Konrath
Lt. Jack Daniels finally has things in order. She's engaged to Latham, her mother is living with her and safe, and there are no psychotic murderers on the loose. Oh wait, maybe we spoke too soon about that. When Jack receives news that Alex Kork, the psychotic murderer to beat all psychotic murderers, killed herself while in prison, she also receives a call from her mother asking her to come home. And when she gets home, she finds that everything is not as it seems at all.
This book is action through and through. Everyone close to Jack that we've met in the past shows up for this book. The ending leaves the reader dangling, and while some people may hate that, it didn't bother me much. That's probably because I already had the next and most recent book on reserve at the library, so I knew I wouldn't have to wait long. Now if I had to wait until next summer, I might be a little less forgiving.
All in all, another great Jack Daniels mystery. Will she ever get a chance to breathe and be happy? Well, if she did, why would we want to read THAT book?
Lt. Jack Daniels finally has things in order. She's engaged to Latham, her mother is living with her and safe, and there are no psychotic murderers on the loose. Oh wait, maybe we spoke too soon about that. When Jack receives news that Alex Kork, the psychotic murderer to beat all psychotic murderers, killed herself while in prison, she also receives a call from her mother asking her to come home. And when she gets home, she finds that everything is not as it seems at all.
This book is action through and through. Everyone close to Jack that we've met in the past shows up for this book. The ending leaves the reader dangling, and while some people may hate that, it didn't bother me much. That's probably because I already had the next and most recent book on reserve at the library, so I knew I wouldn't have to wait long. Now if I had to wait until next summer, I might be a little less forgiving.
All in all, another great Jack Daniels mystery. Will she ever get a chance to breathe and be happy? Well, if she did, why would we want to read THAT book?
Dirty Martini
by J.A. Konrath
Lt. Jack Daniels must stop a poisoner who calls himself "The Chemist" from killing hundreds of people in the City of Chicago. And on top of that, her so-called personal life is a disaster: her partner Herb has put in for a transfer, her boyfriend Latham was to get married, and her long-dead father may not be dead after all. Can Jack stop The Chemist amid all this chaos?
Well, of course she can. She's Lt. Jack Daniels and she hasn't let us down yet. I especially like this book in the way we are inside The Chemist's head without definitively revealing his identity. This book also had a lot of "No, don't open that door!" moments, where I just wasn't sure how Jack or anyone else was going to survive until the end. Gripping, and a nice break from the Gingerbread Man and his psychotic family.
If I haven't convinced you to check out this series yet, don't worry. There are two more books in this series for me to tell you about! I'll make a believer out of you yet!
Lt. Jack Daniels must stop a poisoner who calls himself "The Chemist" from killing hundreds of people in the City of Chicago. And on top of that, her so-called personal life is a disaster: her partner Herb has put in for a transfer, her boyfriend Latham was to get married, and her long-dead father may not be dead after all. Can Jack stop The Chemist amid all this chaos?
Well, of course she can. She's Lt. Jack Daniels and she hasn't let us down yet. I especially like this book in the way we are inside The Chemist's head without definitively revealing his identity. This book also had a lot of "No, don't open that door!" moments, where I just wasn't sure how Jack or anyone else was going to survive until the end. Gripping, and a nice break from the Gingerbread Man and his psychotic family.
If I haven't convinced you to check out this series yet, don't worry. There are two more books in this series for me to tell you about! I'll make a believer out of you yet!
Rusty Nail
by J. A. Konrath
Lt. Jack Daniels is back and her nemesis, The Gingerbread Man, has found a way to terrorize the City of Chicago yet again. Jack receives a copy of snuff video that appears to be the classic work of the Gingerbread Man. Her partner Herb is hospitalized and unable to help, so Jack sets off on her own to discover that the Gingerbread Man was the least of his family's sick members.
Konrath's third Jack Daniels mystery was as entertaining as the first two. The regular cast of characters is back to help, or hurt, Jack. As always, for anyone looking for a Stephanie Plum mystery, be warned that this is more Kay Scarpetta medical detail than Stephanie Plum. But the humor and characters who surround Jack give it a lighter air that makes the books less intense and an easier read. I can't say enough about this series.
Lt. Jack Daniels is back and her nemesis, The Gingerbread Man, has found a way to terrorize the City of Chicago yet again. Jack receives a copy of snuff video that appears to be the classic work of the Gingerbread Man. Her partner Herb is hospitalized and unable to help, so Jack sets off on her own to discover that the Gingerbread Man was the least of his family's sick members.
Konrath's third Jack Daniels mystery was as entertaining as the first two. The regular cast of characters is back to help, or hurt, Jack. As always, for anyone looking for a Stephanie Plum mystery, be warned that this is more Kay Scarpetta medical detail than Stephanie Plum. But the humor and characters who surround Jack give it a lighter air that makes the books less intense and an easier read. I can't say enough about this series.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bloody Mary
by J. A Konrath
Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels is back. When random body parts start turning up that link back to her, Jack must not only find the murderer, but find a way to ensure he ends up in prison where he belongs. Along the way, both Jack's mother and her ex-husband show up, making her already complicated life a little more complicated.
This is book 2 of the Jack Daniels mystery series and I enjoyed this one as well. It's a little more gory than the Stephanie Plum series, but that's not a problem for me. There were some laugh out loud moments and some "Ewww" moments. But it all ties together nicely. Jack's mess of a personal life comes into play as well, lending to a shocker of an ending.
I started the next book in this series, Rusty Nail, right after finishing Bloody Mary, so I think it's safe to assume that I enjoyed these books. They are easy to read and thoroughly entertaining. Maybe not for the weak-stomached, but if you think you can handle it, give them a try.
Lt. Jacqueline "Jack" Daniels is back. When random body parts start turning up that link back to her, Jack must not only find the murderer, but find a way to ensure he ends up in prison where he belongs. Along the way, both Jack's mother and her ex-husband show up, making her already complicated life a little more complicated.
This is book 2 of the Jack Daniels mystery series and I enjoyed this one as well. It's a little more gory than the Stephanie Plum series, but that's not a problem for me. There were some laugh out loud moments and some "Ewww" moments. But it all ties together nicely. Jack's mess of a personal life comes into play as well, lending to a shocker of an ending.
I started the next book in this series, Rusty Nail, right after finishing Bloody Mary, so I think it's safe to assume that I enjoyed these books. They are easy to read and thoroughly entertaining. Maybe not for the weak-stomached, but if you think you can handle it, give them a try.
Gone Too Far
by Suzanne Brockmann
Navy SEAL Sam Starrett heads to Florida to finalize his divorce from his estranged wife Mary Lou. When he arrives however, he finds a dead body in the kitchen and no trace of his baby daughter. When it comes to light that Mary Lou may have unwittingly become involved with a terrorist plot to assassinate the President a few months earlier, Sam engages in a race against time to find Mary Lou and his daughter before the bad guys.
Apparently, this is part of a series, but each book stands on its own. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. There were several other characters, some of whose stories are told in earlier books and some whose stories will hopefully be told later. Someone on my Facebook recommended this author to me and I was very glad they did. I think I fell a little bit in love with sad Sam Starrett and his unpleasant past.
Navy SEAL Sam Starrett heads to Florida to finalize his divorce from his estranged wife Mary Lou. When he arrives however, he finds a dead body in the kitchen and no trace of his baby daughter. When it comes to light that Mary Lou may have unwittingly become involved with a terrorist plot to assassinate the President a few months earlier, Sam engages in a race against time to find Mary Lou and his daughter before the bad guys.
Apparently, this is part of a series, but each book stands on its own. I enjoyed this book quite a bit. There were several other characters, some of whose stories are told in earlier books and some whose stories will hopefully be told later. Someone on my Facebook recommended this author to me and I was very glad they did. I think I fell a little bit in love with sad Sam Starrett and his unpleasant past.
False Pretenses
by Catherine Coulter
On trial for her husband's murder, young Elizabeth Carleton is acquitted based on the testimony of a surprise witness that gives her an alibi. The problem? Elizabeth had never seen nor heard of the man until he appeared on the stand. At odds with her husband's wealthy family, Elizabeth strives to run his financial empire. As a trio of men move in and out of her life, Elizabeth must determine who she can trust and who is out to get her.
This book left some huge holes. At the beginning, Elizabeth is a scared, wimpy widow on trial for murder. Once she is acquitted, she runs off to Paris to lick her wounds and recover. There she meets a man who helps her get over this trauma. When she finds out he is working for her in-laws, all of a sudden, she morphs into Super-Business woman. She suddenly knows everything about business and sets out to destroy everyone that stands in her way. And even some that don't. Apparently, she just wants to destroy them for fun.
I didn't care much for this book. I liked Elizabeth a lot in the beginning and by the middle, I was hoping someone would come along and kill her. Unfortunately, no one did. Then I was left trying to figure out how a perfectly nice guy fell in love with her and made her change back into a likeable character.
On trial for her husband's murder, young Elizabeth Carleton is acquitted based on the testimony of a surprise witness that gives her an alibi. The problem? Elizabeth had never seen nor heard of the man until he appeared on the stand. At odds with her husband's wealthy family, Elizabeth strives to run his financial empire. As a trio of men move in and out of her life, Elizabeth must determine who she can trust and who is out to get her.
This book left some huge holes. At the beginning, Elizabeth is a scared, wimpy widow on trial for murder. Once she is acquitted, she runs off to Paris to lick her wounds and recover. There she meets a man who helps her get over this trauma. When she finds out he is working for her in-laws, all of a sudden, she morphs into Super-Business woman. She suddenly knows everything about business and sets out to destroy everyone that stands in her way. And even some that don't. Apparently, she just wants to destroy them for fun.
I didn't care much for this book. I liked Elizabeth a lot in the beginning and by the middle, I was hoping someone would come along and kill her. Unfortunately, no one did. Then I was left trying to figure out how a perfectly nice guy fell in love with her and made her change back into a likeable character.
Girl With a Pearl Earring
by Tracy Chevalier
In 17th-century Holland, sixteen-year-old Griet is sent to work for the painter Johannes Vermeer and his family. As she works in the kitchen and at the laundry, she finds herself drawn to the painter and his work. Soon, she finds herself as his assistant and in way over her head.
This was a quick read - I think I finished it in an afternoon. I'm generally not much of a historical fiction fan but this was easy enough, probably because I didn't have much knowledge of the actual history to compare it to. Griet seems at once mature for her age and helplessly naive. When her life quickly spirals beyond her control, she finds that she is not at all prepared to deal with the fallout. Perhaps this is how it was for girls then - expected to take over the running of the household, yet sheltered from any idea of sex and attraction.
I don't think I'd read much more of this kind. This is not a reflection on this book or the author. It's simply because this genre is not of much interest to me.
In 17th-century Holland, sixteen-year-old Griet is sent to work for the painter Johannes Vermeer and his family. As she works in the kitchen and at the laundry, she finds herself drawn to the painter and his work. Soon, she finds herself as his assistant and in way over her head.
This was a quick read - I think I finished it in an afternoon. I'm generally not much of a historical fiction fan but this was easy enough, probably because I didn't have much knowledge of the actual history to compare it to. Griet seems at once mature for her age and helplessly naive. When her life quickly spirals beyond her control, she finds that she is not at all prepared to deal with the fallout. Perhaps this is how it was for girls then - expected to take over the running of the household, yet sheltered from any idea of sex and attraction.
I don't think I'd read much more of this kind. This is not a reflection on this book or the author. It's simply because this genre is not of much interest to me.
Hadrian's Walls
by Robert Draper
After serving 15 years in prison on a murder charge, Hadrian Coleman escapes and lives the next several years on the run. When his best childhood friend and current prison director Sonny Hope secures a pardon for Hadrian, he returns home to face his past. But coming home means reuniting with Sonny and Hadrian soon learns that his pardon comes with strings attached.
The premise of this book was good. Hadrian's troubled past, along with Sonny's golden life, provide an interesting conflict. In a small Texas town where everyone either works for the prison or is in the prison, there isn't much chance for big dreams. There was always this question in the back of my head: Once he got his pardon, why didn't Hadrian just leave Shepherdsville, Texas and make a life for himself somewhere else? The answer: Because then there would be no story.
Because Hadrian was 15 when he went into prison, maybe it never occurred to him that he had choices and could leave. He had an entire lifetime of being told what to do and when to do it. I think that's the key to this whole book. Until Hadrian really learns what freedom is, and how to use it, he would be trapped in Shepherdsville and under Sonny's thumb forever.
After serving 15 years in prison on a murder charge, Hadrian Coleman escapes and lives the next several years on the run. When his best childhood friend and current prison director Sonny Hope secures a pardon for Hadrian, he returns home to face his past. But coming home means reuniting with Sonny and Hadrian soon learns that his pardon comes with strings attached.
The premise of this book was good. Hadrian's troubled past, along with Sonny's golden life, provide an interesting conflict. In a small Texas town where everyone either works for the prison or is in the prison, there isn't much chance for big dreams. There was always this question in the back of my head: Once he got his pardon, why didn't Hadrian just leave Shepherdsville, Texas and make a life for himself somewhere else? The answer: Because then there would be no story.
Because Hadrian was 15 when he went into prison, maybe it never occurred to him that he had choices and could leave. He had an entire lifetime of being told what to do and when to do it. I think that's the key to this whole book. Until Hadrian really learns what freedom is, and how to use it, he would be trapped in Shepherdsville and under Sonny's thumb forever.
A Painted House
by John Grisham
Seven-year-old Luke Chandler lives and farms with his family in 1952 Arkansas. When his family hires 10 Mexicans and a family of "Hill People" to help them bring in the cotton that fall, no one knew what troubles would unfold for everyone involved or how they would change Luke's life forever.
This is not a John Grisham legal thriller. It is a simple story told by a simple narrator. But I think I'd have to put it down as one of my favorites of his. There are a host of characters in this book, but surprisingly, not hard to keep everyone straight. Perhaps because each is drawn out so it is easy to keep track. Even the absent Uncle Ricky, who is in Korea, feels like a true character. The best part is that everyone is seen through the eyes of Luke, who is often overlooked by the other characters because of his age.
As his family struggles to bring in the cotton, they are faced with various issues that make a difficult everyday life even more difficult. The Mexicans and Hill People don't get along, the Latcher neighbors release a troubling secret and the weather is not cooperating. But through it all, seven-year-old Luke longs for the fall to pass so he can return to his beloved baseball and the family life that he adores.
Give this a read. You won't be sorry.
Seven-year-old Luke Chandler lives and farms with his family in 1952 Arkansas. When his family hires 10 Mexicans and a family of "Hill People" to help them bring in the cotton that fall, no one knew what troubles would unfold for everyone involved or how they would change Luke's life forever.
This is not a John Grisham legal thriller. It is a simple story told by a simple narrator. But I think I'd have to put it down as one of my favorites of his. There are a host of characters in this book, but surprisingly, not hard to keep everyone straight. Perhaps because each is drawn out so it is easy to keep track. Even the absent Uncle Ricky, who is in Korea, feels like a true character. The best part is that everyone is seen through the eyes of Luke, who is often overlooked by the other characters because of his age.
As his family struggles to bring in the cotton, they are faced with various issues that make a difficult everyday life even more difficult. The Mexicans and Hill People don't get along, the Latcher neighbors release a troubling secret and the weather is not cooperating. But through it all, seven-year-old Luke longs for the fall to pass so he can return to his beloved baseball and the family life that he adores.
Give this a read. You won't be sorry.
Moon Music
by Faye Kellerman
In the desert of Las Vegas, the mutilated corpse of a young woman is found. Detective Sergeant Romulus Poe is leading up the investigation. What he finds however, links his closest childhood friend and her husband to the continuing deaths. In a story that takes the reader from glitzy Las Vegas to atomic bomb testing Nevada Test Site, Poe follows a trail that leads him to his past and the killer.
I don't think I've ever read anything by Faye Kellerman before. The reviews on Amazon say that her other books - which is apparently a series - are much better. I didn't think that was bad at all. I had some trouble keeping the characters straight at the beginning. Kellerman let us see inside the heads of most of the main characters and until I got into it and figured out who was who, it was a little confusing. In fact, I thought maybe this was a series book and I had missed the first couple that would have helped me keep everything straight. But if it is, I didn't see that anywhere.
What seemed to be a straight-forward murder mystery evolved to include a supernatural element that I quite liked. But that of course is my thing. (You don't read everything Stephen King has ever written and NOT enjoy supernatural elements.)
I would give Faye Kellerman another try. I read a book by her son Jesse that I also enjoyed and would give her books another shot just for that reason alone. Maybe I'll try that series a lot of folks on Amazon seemed to like.
In the desert of Las Vegas, the mutilated corpse of a young woman is found. Detective Sergeant Romulus Poe is leading up the investigation. What he finds however, links his closest childhood friend and her husband to the continuing deaths. In a story that takes the reader from glitzy Las Vegas to atomic bomb testing Nevada Test Site, Poe follows a trail that leads him to his past and the killer.
I don't think I've ever read anything by Faye Kellerman before. The reviews on Amazon say that her other books - which is apparently a series - are much better. I didn't think that was bad at all. I had some trouble keeping the characters straight at the beginning. Kellerman let us see inside the heads of most of the main characters and until I got into it and figured out who was who, it was a little confusing. In fact, I thought maybe this was a series book and I had missed the first couple that would have helped me keep everything straight. But if it is, I didn't see that anywhere.
What seemed to be a straight-forward murder mystery evolved to include a supernatural element that I quite liked. But that of course is my thing. (You don't read everything Stephen King has ever written and NOT enjoy supernatural elements.)
I would give Faye Kellerman another try. I read a book by her son Jesse that I also enjoyed and would give her books another shot just for that reason alone. Maybe I'll try that series a lot of folks on Amazon seemed to like.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
