Down the Darkest Road by Tami Hoag

Lauren Lawton has been the recipient of several of life's tragedies. Her eldest daughter was abducted and remains missing and her husband was killed in an automobile accident.

These two happenings would be enough to make a person depressed. To make matters worse, Lauren knows who abducted her daughter but can't get the local police to arrest him for lack of evidence. Lauren is in a downward spiral as she becomes her own worst enemy in an effort to have the suspect arrested.

To ensure that she and her younger daughter can begin anew, they move to a new town in hopes that they can put the past behind them. It turns out, this is not to be as Lauren discovers that the suspect is now living in the same town.

The author plants clues for the reader along the way until the final reveal, making the reader a real part of the case. Excellent writing will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Ladybookbug!

Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

and yet another great thriller from one of the consumate thriller writers.

This entry is all about Charlene aka Charlie, a radio dispatcher for a police department who works the graveyard shift. She is convinced someone is out to kill her and basis this assumption on the fact that her two best friends were murdered a year apart on the same day.

Charlie lives in fear and has equipped herself with a gun and practices at the local shooting range on a regular basis. In addition, she has taken up boxing and tries to keep herself in great physical shape. She decides to enlist the aid of D.D. Warren, Gardners popular character to help her.

A fast-paced thriller that will string you along wanting to discover who's after Charlie. My only complaint about the story was in regard to the unveiling of the person who is trying to kill Charlie. I thought the author could have placed more clues in the story to lead up to the climax of the book.

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The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings

Usually, I tend to write in this blog about new novels and non-fiction. However, I'd like to make an exception in this case. I must admit I was interested in knowing before hand what all the fuss was about this oscar-nominated movie.

This is a very interesting story and I found myself picturing George Clooney in his role as Matt, the father and main character. Matt's wife, Joanie has been involved in a boating accident that has left her in a coma. Matt must learn to cope with the fact that she may never awake and also learn to be a father to his two daughters.

Matt's never been involved in the day-to-day lives of his daughters. One was off to boarding school and the other he gave cursory glances to on his way to work. His wife was the main caregiver. Thus Matt must come to terms with this change in his life. It does not come to him without challenges and the reader struggles along with him.

The reader can come to the conclusion that Matt was just a figurehead but must now reach down deep inside and find out who he really is in spite of the tragedy in his life.

I'm glad I read the novel before seeing the movie. You may want to do this too!

Ladybookbug!

The Odds by Stewart O'Nan

A contemporary story about a middle-aged couple who are on the brink of bankruptcy. They decide to visit Niagra Falls, the place of their honeymoon. While there they plan to play in the casino and hope to recoup some of their money. They do a bit of sight-seeing by day and play roulette by night.

An honest look at what it takes to save yourself from the brink of emotional and financial disaster.

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Fifth Victim by Zoe Sharp

Charlie Fox, ex-Special Forces soldier has been assigned to bodyguard the daughter of a rich banker in the Hamptons. A series of kidnappings has the parents in the area concerned about the welfare of their offspring.

Charlie discovers that watching over a tough customer is not easy. She begins to look more closely at the crimes and discovers that it is an inside job. She is able to pinpoint the perpetrators after having a close call.

This is a fast-paced, well constructed thriller written by someone who knows her craft well.

Ladybookbug!

Need You Now by James Grippando

This latest entry is a fast-paced thriller with all the bells and whistles.

Patrick Lloyd is an advisor on Wall Street. He and his girlfriend Lilly become immeshed in the loss of billions of dollars from some unsavory investors. Lilly soon realizes that the information she has could be deadly. She and Patrick join together in an attempt to reveal the truth.

Witness Protection, the mob, the FBI and some nebulous characters all come together to create this "hard to put down" mystery.

Lady Bookbug!

The Bungalow by Sarah Jio

A gentle novel which takes place on the island of Bora Bora during WWII, this is the second entry for this author.

Anne, an upper-crust young lady decides to forgo her impending wedding nuptials in favor of traveling to Bora Bora to be an army nurse. During her tour of duty she discovers a little bungalow on the beach and it becomes a tryst for Anne and her new love.

A murder takes place and Anne and her friend witness it. Anne recovers the murder weapon and decides to hide it in the sand. She and her friend keep the secret for over 40 years.

While the ending is predictable, this is still worth a read.

Ladybookbug!