The Last Resort-A Wanderlust Mystery by April Star

Another new author to this reader. This was an okay mystery. The setting is an RV park. The story opens with David and Laura discovering a bottle in the water. Inside the bottle is what looks to be sand but as the story unravels, we discover that it is something else.

This was definitely NOT a Harlan Coben, nor a Lisa Gardner nor a Lee Child mystery. Those are fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat thrillers which I enjoy immensely. This was more in the line of Diane Mott Davidson, Dorothy Cannell, or Jill Churchill. What I like to call “light” mysteries.

The story was alright. Nothing too devious or too out of the ordinary. Quite predictable even down to the poisoning and what was used. This book had entirely too much verbiage for this reader. Just so you know this is the second book in the “Wanderlust Mystery” series. I, for one, do not think I’ll read another one.

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The Drowning River by Kim Byrne

Another first time author—there have been many this year—and some have been good and some not-so-good.

The Drowning River takes place on the campus of a small New England college. Elsie Moloney has arrived at the college to take up graduate coursework. Upon her arrival, a fellow classmate spots her and exclaims, “I thought you were dead”.

The mystery surrounds the birth of twin baby girls two decades prior to the beginning of this story. One of the twins was kept by the birth mother and the other twin was adopted by another family. Neither of the twins ever knew she was a twin. One of the twins suffers a mysterious death at a bridge, while the other moves to the same campus to continue her graduate studies.

The reader is led on a path of deception which results in the uncovering of many secrets held by classmates in regard to the death of Hannah. It was quite a surprise to discover at the end of the book who the perpetrator was.

A good, fast-paced mystery.

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Heroic Measures by Jill Ciment

Do you realize one could possibly write a story about those ordinary circumstances that occur during your daily life? This is one of those stories.

This was my first exposure to this author although the author has written several novels, a collection of short stories and a memoir. I’ve already placed a hold on her memoir because I’d like to know more about this author.

This is the story of Dorothy (a 12-year old beloved pet), Alex (an artist) and Ruth (a former school teacher. The setting is New York City. Alex and Ruth have just decided to sell their apartment and are amazed that they will be getting close to one million dollars for it. They are a bit concerned about moving to another place but Ruth feels that the end is encroaching upon them and it’s time for a major move.

Dorothy‘s hind legs have collapsed and she is in pain. Alex and Ruth take her out of the apartment on a cutting board and carry her down the stairs into the street until they are able to get a taxi to the veterinarian hospital.

This is their story. A day filled with angst in a city that is perhaps the most stress filled in the world. It is the type of story that a friend might relay to another friend.

I liked this story. I guess I’ll have to admit that I cheated and went to the end of the book early on to make sure Dorothy did not meet her demise. In that way I avoided a tearful, stressful time on my part. Now that you know, you can just read away till the end.

A good book. I think you’ll like it.

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Something Missing by Matthew Dicks

This novel was written by a first-time author. It is a great story. The premise is plausible and constructed in a coherent manner.

It is the story of Martin, an uncommon house thief. He refers to the people he robs as his “clients”. One visit is never enough and Martin returns to the houses many times. His clients leave when they have children or move. He has specific criteria he follows before he “visits” a home for the first time and seldom deviates from his usual routine.

This story is filled with attention to detail and while the reader does not necessarily applaud Martin for his choice of occupation, he does have some redeeming qualities which are revealed at the end of the novel.

I really liked this book and would recommend it to someone for light summer reading or perhaps during a rainy cold winter’s night. I finished it in one sitting and relished it.

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Liars Anonymous by Louise Ure

Jessie Dancing, a real tough cookie, is the central character in this mystery. Formerly accused of murder, Jessie was determined not guilty by a jury. She did not escape the experience without scars. She is currently estranged from her family (two parents and six siblings) and is employed by a roadside assistance operator.

One day a call comes in from a Darren Markson and Jessie’s life is turned inside out. She becomes embroiled in a mystery and as luck would have it, turns up in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fraught with frustration, Jessie tries to reconnect with her family and put her past behind her. Unfortunately, her past is right with her every step of the way. Her former attorney tries to convince her not to get involved but there seems to be an intrinsic need for Jessie to be in the middle of it all.

In the end, Jessie makes a decision to right a major wrong in her life and suffers the consequences.

This was a lukewarm mystery for this reader. However, Ure has earned a Shamus Award(given by the Private Eye Writers of America to honor excellent work in the private eye genre) for best first novel-Forcing Amaryllis- in the past, and perhaps a look at one of her previous books might be worthwhile.

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Killer Summer by Ridley Pearson

This was a new author to me. Although familiar with his co-authoring of Peter and the Starcatchers, I had not read anything by this author in the past.

This was an interesting premise. The location is Sun Valley and the happening is a wine auction in which wine of varying degrees of value (mostly over-the-top) are to be auctioned off to the rich and famous who are attending the auction.

Actually, the auction is only part of the story. There is more subterfuge involved in this caper and the author does a fine job of keeping the reader in suspense as the main character, Walt Fleming, tries to unravel the mystery.

This was a quick-read for me (about 8 hours or so). I may find myself picking up one or two of his books in the future. No rush!

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April & Oliver and The Forgotten Garden

April & Oliver by Tess Callahan

Unimpressed by this first novel, I continued reading it to the end. For me the story had no “punch”. Nothing about it warranted me using my time to read it. But I always want to give new authors the benefit of the doubt, so I shuffled on to the end.

April and Oliver have grown up together been each other’s soul mate from early on. At the point of the book where the story begins they are estranged from each other—Oliver newly engaged and a law student—April having difficulty separating herself from an abusive relationship.

From there the story continues to unravel and becomes a journey into the abyss.

Not worth the time it takes to read the title.


The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Released in 2008, this is not a brand-new book. I’m not really sure where I heard about it but I loved it.

The chapters in the book are set up as specific time periods- 1913, 1975 and 2005.

In 1913, the story opens and we meet a four-year old girl left on a dock in Australia. The dock master finds her and takes her home to his wife. Together they raise the child as “Nell”.

In 1975 “Nell” is informed by her father that she is not his and is given a suitcase that was with her when she was found in 1913. She begins a journey to find out all about her roots and in the process purchases a cottage in England.

In 2005, “Nell” passes away at the age of 95 and bequeaths everything she owns to her granddaughter Cassandra including a cottage on a cliff in England. Cassandra begins her own search to discover the real person behind her grandmother.

Interspersed throughout the story are fairytales, written by Eliza Makepeace, The Authoress, who proves to be integral to the story and its unfolding.

Ms. Morton has told a wonderful tale. It is beautifully written and engages the reader every step of the way.

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Summer House and Dark of Night

Summer House by Nancy Thayer

A weathered house on a large piece of property is the focal point of this new novel by Nancy Thayer.

Charlotte Wheelwright, granddaughter of the family matriarch, has had some difficulty deciding what she wants to do with the rest of her life. She is deep in pursuit of developing an organic garden and selling her wares to local restaurants and the community at large. With a modicum of success, her plans include further development of the family land, much to the consternation of the rest of the family.

This is basically a gentle story about a family whose summer house is located on the island of Nantucket. While there are some secrets to be revealed, it is not particularly earth-shattering but more like a gentle soap opera.

If you like Maeve Binchy, Jude Deveraux or Jane Green, add this author to your list.




Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann

Troubleshooters, Inc. are back. James Nash is presumed dead. Tess is deep in the throes of computer sleuthing. Lawrence Decker is in the middle of things, trying to protect Jimmy’s life and then there’s Tracy, the seemingly innocuous receptionist who proves there is much more to her than meets the eye.

The hunt is on to find out who wants key members of Troubleshooters Inc. dead.

This is a fast-paced thriller with characters we’ve grown to know and like.

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The Geometry of Sisters and The Castaways

The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice

Maura, mother of three, newly hired English teacher, recently relocated to Newport, Rhode Island, has kept a secret for almost sixteen years. An unexpected accident changes everything and Maura must pick up the pieces and move forward.

This then is a story about betrayal, hope, and strength. It is also the story of the bond between sisters no matter how estranged they may be.

A good story about families and loyalties.

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

Ah……another story by one of my personal favorites. This then is the saga of four couples who are very close friends. They travel together to London, Las Vegas and other exotic ports. They have soirees together at a friend’s home on a regular basis. They sit for one another’s kids. They share their lives.

One night while on a romantic re-kindling sail, a tragedy happens which drastically affects the lives of the other three couples. The remainder of the book deals with how the three couples react to the tragedy.

Each section of this book is about one member of the three remaining couples.

Hilderbrand gives us quite a bit of information about the people involved in this story and we leave it feeling as if we’ve lost our best friends.

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Water, Stone, Heart and Best Intentions

Water, Stone, Heart by Will North
This was a highly anticipated novel (at least by this reader). North’s first entry entitled “The Long Walk Home” was a wonderful foray into a gentle romance. His descriptions were on point and it was thoroughly enjoyable.

I was very disappointed in this second attempt. The writing did not draw me in. I was lukewarm about what had happened thus far in the story and truth be told I have a stack waiting for me in the next room. I did not get beyond Chapter 3. I put the book down. Perhaps another visit at a later date.



Best Intentions by Emily Listfield

This is the story of Lisa Barkley, a seemingly with it professional in a promising career, happily married, the mother of two girls and moving quite nicely in the six figure track.
So what’s to write about you ask?

Well Lisa and her husband are struggling financially, Lisa overhears a whispered telephone message, four college friends meet over dinner, a rekindled love affair begins and Lisa begins to doubt the sanctity of her marriage, the permanency of her career and looks to others to confirm her doubts. The unraveling commences.

I really liked this author’s previous work, Waiting to Surface, this one-not so much.

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Finger-lickin Fifteen and Brooklyn

Finger Lickin fifteen by Janet Evanovich

“Laugh—I’m telling yah”… Ms. Evanovich has not let her readers down. She’s written another great saga in the Stephanie Plum Series.

Enter Lula who is being chased by some mob figures because she witnesses a murder. Shots are fired, a fire-bomb is hurled, a fireman enters her love life and Lula comes to live with Stephanie.

Enter Ranger, owner of Rangeman (a high-tech security firm). Someone is hitting some of Ranger’s best clients and walking away with the goods. Ranger thinks it’s an inside job and he hires Stephanie to work inside the firm to find out what’s going on.

There are some steamy scenes with Stephanie and Ranger per usual and some not-so-romantic scenarios with Morelli.

Grandma is here up to her usual antics and joining with Lula to participate in a barbeque contest.

All in all--this is a laugh out loud romp.


Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

I enjoyed this book. I chose it because I liked the cover and it conveyed to me a simpler time. The story takes place just after WWII, a time which is not completely foreign to me as my parents were young people at that time and they often reminisced about big bands, soda fountains, parties and fun.

Eilis Lacey comes to America from a small Irish town. Her sister and mother encourage her to seek her fortune in another country with the help of a parish priest. Toibin’s writing is right on the mark and you find yourself thinking you are standing right next to Eilis on her journey.

If I had a shade of disappointment it was with the ending….I might have liked a different one. But it does beg for more of the story and perhaps that is the point.

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The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The time is 1962. The place is Jackson, Mississippi. Aibileen, Constantine, Minny, Pascagoula and others are the help AND Skeeter Phelan (daughter of a cotton farmer aka plantation owner is a writer extraordinaire.

Skeeter Phelan decides to embark on a project where she will interview the colored maids in her town. They will share their stories. Both she and the interviewees will remain anonymous.

This is the story of a courageous young woman who recognizes that there are voices that need to be heard. It is also the story of courageous black women who stand up for themselves and speak of their joys and sorrows. These are the voices of the oppressed, of the overworked, and underpaid.

I lived through the time this story takes place. However, I was insulated from what was happening in the Deep South. My only exposure to the deliberate delineation of blacks and whites was during a visit. At that time I was made acutely aware of separate bathrooms, water fountains and housing. I found it to be disturbing and remember asking my parents why. Their answer was “that’s just the way they do things down here.”

This is a wonderfully written book. From the beginning I found myself immersed in each character’s story. I know I have said it before but- I could not put this book down. As the writer leads us deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters, I had to read on. My disappointment came when the story ended.

Please read this book and please send me your comments.

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Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom

I seldom say this but----this is a must read! Of course I am a bit biased having read all of this author’s previous work and having seen all of the movies that were made from his books.

The premise of the book is that the author has been asked to give the eulogy for his former Rabbi. The man is not dying yet and the author is a bit confused as to why he was chosen for the task. He meets with the Rabbi over a period of years and gets to know him and we, the readers, get to know him as well. In addition, we are introduced to Pastor Covington, a preacher in the poor section of Detroit. The two men have some common bonds and Mr. Albom shows us what they are by relating stories about each.

This book is filled with anecdotes that are keepers. I found myself reading portions of the book out loud to family and friends because the stories were too precious to keep to oneself.

If you are looking for something uplifting and concise, read this latest entry from Mitch Albom.

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Below Zero & A Reliable Wife

Below Zero by C.J. Box

Looking at the title of this book you might think it takes place in Antarctica OR you may think it’s about a frozen body but you would be wrong in both instances. The term is actually about reducing debt and reducing your carbon footprint.

Joe Pickett is back—hooray! --in Box’s latest entry. There’s also a reappearance of April who seems to have survived the massacre described in Winterkill.

This is the story of a mobster named Stenko who is dying and wants to leave this earth with no debt. His son, Robert is an environmentalist who wants his father to make peace with the crimes against the environment that he has committed in his lifetime. Both go on a wild spree across the country with a girl named April. Joe Pickett is in hot pursuit (along with the FBI) to capture them.

It was good to read about Joe Pickett again.


A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

A 54 year old gentleman in a remote Wisconsin town advertises in the newspaper for a wife and so this story begins. It takes place in the early 1900’s, a time of decadence and despair.

Catherine Land responds to the ad and a conversation by mail ensues until Mr. Truitt sends her train tickets to come to Wisconsin.

This is the story of two souls who have been ravaged and experienced great sorrows in their lives. Neither one knows the full story about the other. Catherine has had a torrid past and carries it with her into the new relationship. Mr. Truitt has his own secrets and reveals them to Catherine after she saves his life.

Both start their relationships with lies and subterfuge and both attempt to create beauty in their life together.

This is a well-written, engrossing story that you will not soon forget.
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Knock Out and Roadside Crosses

In Knock Out our favorite FBI agents are back. Savich and Sherlock are right in the midst of things in this exciting new thriller.

A child with a gift for mental telepathy, a sheriff in the boondocks, and two bank-robbers on the run create two distinct cases in which Savich and Sherlock are involved. The author switches back and forth between the two cases which may seem confusing but in actuality works quite well. It may just be that she has used this method before and I am familiar with it.

Autumn is the child and she and her mother travel to visit an uncle after a family death and are thrown into a strange and unusual cult which wants Autumn (with her highly-skilled gift) to join them. Her mother has other ideas. The second case is about two bank robbers who were involved in a bank heist where Savitch happened to be at the time. They are on the run and the FBI is hot on their trail.

I have to admit I was not immediately entranced by the topic of this new entry but I stuck with it and read it to the end. Having finished it I can easily say it was not my favorite Coulter book, but it was good.


Roadside Crosses by Jeffery Deaver

Kathryn Dance of the California Bureau of Investigation is the lead investigator in the apparent crime spree of a troubled teen who is being attacked on a popular blog because of his role in a fatal car accident.

During the investigation the teen vanishes and Dance becomes frustrated as the killings begin, prefaced by roadside crosses placed by the side of the road.

As if one investigation was not enough, Dance’s mother is arrested for the mercy killing of a patient in her care and Dance has to stay out of it so that the case is not compromised in any way.

In true Deaver fashion, this are mysteries fraught with twists and turns and the reader may find herself switching from one possible perpetrators to another and being surprised when the true murderers are revealed.

Not to be missed.

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Crazy Love and Die For You

Crazy Love by Leslie Morgan Steiner

Former editor of Seventeen magazine, Ms. Steiner was married to an abusing man for several years.

Her story is fraught with instances of low self-esteem, lack of confidence and succumbing to the violent behavior of her husband. This was a difficult story to read because we have Ms. Steiner, with her own “baggage”, who has managed to get beyond her problem-ridden childhood and land a respectable job with a popular magazine.

In spite of overcoming great obstacles during her teen years, she allowed an abusive man to run rampant over her life; even to the point of withdrawing an application on the way toward acceptance at a prestigious business school in order that her husband, who was not accepted, would not resort to more violence and abuse.

Hardly an “entertaining” book, it never-the-less has value in the field of domestic abuse and offers encouragement to those affected by this syndrome. Ms. Steiner’s experiences offer hope that those who suffer great difficulties can still find the courage to change their circumstances.


Die for You by Lisa Unger

How well do you really “know” a person, even someone to whom you are married? In this latest entry by Ms. Unger, Isable Raine has everything people wish for- a fine career, a loving and successful husband, and a beautiful home.

One evening her husband fails to come home and after repeated attempts to contact him, visits his office only to be attacked and lands up in the hospital. Upon returning home, she finds that her apartment has been ransacked. Working with a NYC detective, Isabel becomes reflective and begins to see “clues” rising up over the past five years.

As this story unravels, the reader is invited to journey along with Isabel to determine what happened to upset her perfect life. This is an adventurous story, but not the fast-paced thriller of Coben or Gardner.

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Reunion & Boy Alone

Reunion by Therese Fowler

This author was a first for me. She has written another novel besides this entry. Her writing is reminiscent of Elin Hilderbrand (Blue Bistro and Barefoot among others).

This is the story of Harmony Blue, a 19 year-old, unmarried, pregnant girl giving birth in a narrow bed when the story opens. She makes a difficult decision about the baby and her life changes in dramatic ways.

Later on in the story (after achieving success) she seeks to find the baby she gave up so long ago, not fully recognizing the ramifications of the search.

This is a gentle story about a young woman discovering who she really is.

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Boy Alone by Karl Taro Greenfeld
Sometimes you pick up a book because you like the cover, or the title or the author and sometimes you don’t know why you pick up a book until after you’ve read it—this is the case with this book.

Boy Alone is billed as a memoir and that it is. It’s the continuing story of Noah Greenfeld, a child born with autism. It’s also the story of Karl Greenfeld (Noah’s older brother) and his journey from childhood into manhood.

This story affected me profoundly. Although I’ve never had a great deal of interaction with an autistic person, several have crossed my path. This story made me want to know more about this affliction. While I recall having read A Child Called Noah in college this book gave me insight into what it was like being the sibling of an autistic person and what day-to-day life was like.

This book also gives a historical record of the treatment or lack thereof for persons with autism. It speaks openly about the controversies surrounding different modalities and the frustration of people caring for these individuals.

Greenfeld points out that while early intervention is a catch term and several programs focus on the young autistic person, autistics do grow up and he believes they are forgotten in the process.

Although the author has had a rather raucous adolescent and early adult period, he admits it would be wrong to blame his experiences totally on his brother’s affliction. Rather he takes ownership of his bad choices.

Throughout the telling of this story with all its heartache, frustration and disappointment, one is still reminded of the stalwartness of the power of love and what one family is willing to sacrifice for the sake of a child.

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The Last Child & The Way Home

The Last Child by John Hart
This story opens and it’s all about procuring an eagle’s feather because in Indian Lore it represents power and strength.

Johnny Merrimon is a 13 year old twin in a desperate search for his missing twin who police believe was abducted about a year ago. In addition, his father walked out on him and his mother after a particularly brutal argument. His mother is now involved in a difficult relationship with a man who is physically and verbally abusive.

Detective Hunt of the local police force is a man who refuses to give up on the case of the missing girl. Although they have no leads, he is determined and obsessed about this case.
While working on the case, another young girl goes missing in the small town. Johnny becomes involved in this case as well.

This is a fast-paced, well-written thriller. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Hart throws the reader a curve and you find yourself looking at more than one character as the perpetrator of the crime.

If you like Lisa Gardner and Harlan Coben, then pick up this latest entry from John Hart, you will not be disappointed.

The Way Home by George Pelecanos

I picked up this book because the title grabbed me. Who doesn’t in that deep part of whom we are want to know the way home?

This is the story of Chris, a bad boy. He grows up in an affluent neighborhood, an only child on his way toward being the best he can be. Unfortunately, somewhere around his teenage years, his good intentions go awry and he becomes a misfit, truant, robber and genuine pain in the neck for his parents. Eventually he ends up in a juvenile facility where he learns the rudiments of survival.

He is released and takes stock of where he is. His father gives him a job laying carpet and also employs one of his roommates from juvenile detention. Actually, his Dad is a regular guy and goes out of his way to help some of Chris’ wayward friends get back on their feet.

One day Chris and Ben make a discovery underneath the floorboards in a room where they are to lay a new carpet. Chris makes a decision and Ben reluctantly goes along with it. From this point on, the story twists and turns a bit until a conclusion is reached.

This is a story of hope and redemption. The author also wrote and produced the award-winning program entitled The Wire. It is worth a read, especially if you’ve ever been inclined to give up on someone.

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Buffalo Lockjaw and It's About Your Husband

Buffalo Lockjaw by Greg AmesI picked this book up to read because it’s a first novel. The story takes place in Buffalo, New York. It is a REAL- like REAL man- story.

A young man named James Fitzroy is struggling with his life. An author of greeting cards, he is conflicted and focused on the gradual demise of his mother who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. On a trip home for Thanksgiving, he vacillates between wanting to rekindle former relationships and behave like a teenager or take the role of a man and do everything he can think of to help his mother, including contemplating matricide.

Greg Ames hits the nail on the head in this contemporary novel. Throughout this book the reader will find it easy to identify with Fitzroy’s feelings of helplessness as his mother is taken over by this insidious disease, his competitive attitude toward his sister, his relationship with his father, and his struggle to find the best place in his life. In addition to the story, we are treated to a myriad of trivia facts about the illustrious city of Buffalo which, incidentally, is where the author grew up.

Not a bad story for the first time out---not a new story but well written and engaging.


It’s About Your Husband by Lauren LiptonAnother first- time-out–of- the- gate novel. The author has gone on to write a second.

If you’ve read Emily Giffin of Love the One You’re With fame and Sophie Kinsella of the Shopaholic series, then you are in a prime state to read this book. It’s light, funny and you might learn something along the way like, spraying your bare feet with antiperspirant before putting on those to die for shoes and walking the pavement. It will spare you the unsightly and painful experience of blisters. There are a few more tips at the back of the book.

It’s About Your Husband is a story about Iris Hedge who left her husband, her job and the sunny state of California in search of more. Unfortunately “more” turns out to be less as she quickly becomes unemployed due to a restructuring of the firm she works for. Looking for some additional income, she quickly volunteers to shadow a friend’s husband in search of signs of infidelity.

The shadowing turns into a tale of twists and turns, funny and serious moments where Iris takes stock of who she is and what she knows and how to put it to the best use.

A light look at a serious topic that is very hip right now—unemployment- this book will give you a few laughs and perhaps some insight.

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It Sucked and then I cried & Look Again

It Sucked and Then I Cried by Heather B. Armstrong So this is one of those titles where I’m reading the book and I pause to wonder why am I reading this book? Do I have anything in common with the author? Well, yes……we both gave birth to a child, she is of the female gender, she is married and has parents and that’s about it.

Actually I read this book because I read a review of it and it looked interesting. It is interesting if you want to know what suffering from depression and having a baby have in common. Perhaps it would have been more enjoyable if I was the same age as the author and currently going through some of the same experiences. Is that being too biased?

I actually visited the author’s award-winning blog and saw first-hand the photographs and her current day-to-day ramblings. She does have a way with words—I’ll grant her that and if my own pregnancy was less than a life-time away, I’d more than likely gravitate toward her quips and quibbles.

However, I would be remiss if I just tossed it aside and spouted it wasn’t worth the paper it was printed on because it very well could be a book not to be missed by those of you who are more in line with what the author has happening in her life. AND please check out her blog dooce.com. It’s very current.


Look Again by Lisa Scottoline

A single newspaper reporter falls in love with a very ill baby and decides to adopt him.
The unmarried parents of the baby boy sign off and the reporter’s lawyer processes the adoption. When the story opens, the boy is about three years old and the reporter is raising him alone with the help of a nanny.

One day the reporter comes home from work and discovers a pamphlet in her mailbox which has several pictures on it of missing children. She gives it a cursory glance at first but something continues to nag at her and she takes a closer look. One of the photos shows an uncanny resemblance to her adopted son.

Through a series of thorough searches, the reporter decides to look up the parents of the missing child. The story takes an interesting turn at this point and it has a surprise ending.

I’m sure I’ve read some of Ms. Scottoline’s previous books. I would classify this as a fairly light mystery.

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Long Lost by Harlan Coben and Until It's Over by Nicci French

And so, in an effort to clean up my database and get you to read more titles, I will be reviewing two at a time for a few weeks.

The first for this week is by one of my favorite authors. The second is by a husband and wife team of authors.

Long Lost by Harlan CobenLet me begin by saying “I’ve changed my mind” about Coben’s Myron Bolitar. I have read most of Mr. Coben’s books and up to this point in time was not particularly impressed with one of his early “Myron Bolitar” books. However, after reading Long Lost, I’m really ready to go back and read them all.

This story is about frozen embryos, terrorists, a “long lost” love affair, friendship, good police work and an interesting plot. The setting is New York, Paris and London and some very mysterious places in between.

Myron receives a phone call from a previous lover asking him to come to Paris. When he arrives he discovers her ex has been murdered under mysterious circumstances and some DNA discovered at the scene indicates a connection with an offspring who died in a car accident many years before.

As is usual in this author’s style, this story is fast-paced. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and encourages you to read it to the end. To me, this is what great writing is all about. When you come to the end of the story and discover what all the threads lead to, the story becomes plausible and scary at the same time.

Although initially disappointed that this was not a “stand alone” mystery but a revisiting of Bolitar, I was far from unhappy once I got into it. If you’ve liked his previous books such as “Promise Me”, “Hold Tight” and “The Woods”, you must add this to the list.

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Until It’s Over by Nicci French

Another new author for me, this was an okay title. The author is actually a husband and wife writing team. This book is in two parts. The first part is all about the crimes that were committed beginning in a tight-knit community on Maitland Road. As time goes by, the police are able to determine a common denominator and the reader thinks they have found the perpetrator.

The story continues in part two being related by the perpetrator of the crimes who fills in all the blank spaces.

I was a bit put off by some of the English “slang” in the book. Having read my share of English mysteries, I was able to figure out what they were talking about for the most part.

I might read another one of the books by this author, but then again maybe not.

Ladybookbug!

Sworn to Silence & A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy

Just back from a week's vacation. The plan was to read about 25 books by various authors and write blogs about each. The plan flopped. It was just too darn hot to read so... I skimmed over some, tossed some back into the collection and came away with two reviews.

I'll start with Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo. A well-read patron recommended this title. It's the author's first but I'm certain it is not her last. The story takes place in Amish Country in the state of Ohio. The main character is Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, who is incidentally a former member of the Amish community.

A heinous crime has been committed and the Chief (after discovering several more) embarks on an intensive mission to solve the murders. She is aided in her investigation by John Tomasetti, a member of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. This is a well-written thriller. Honestly it was not until three-quarters of the way through that I was able to identify the perpetrator.

The second title, A Girl's Guide to Modern European Philosophy by Charlotte Greig was a total disappointment. I found it to be trashy (a kind word for something much more distasteful). This was also a first entry into the field of writing novels. A quote on the cover indicates that it "......is profoundly funny and beautifully written". I disagree on both counts. Perhaps I tend to me melancholy and that is the reason why I never laughed. The writing was okay but I would not say it was beautifully written. This is the second novel of this type that I have read over the past year and both left me feeling sorry I spent the time reading them. In an effort to be diplomatic, I will admit that it is possible this is an age thing. Perhaps a younger person might find this funny. (I hope not!) The predicament that Susannah lands herself in is the result of immature and selfish motives. Her redeeming quality is that she presses on toward her goal of completing her dissertation.

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First Family by David Baldacci

One of the great things about this title is that it is two great mysteries in one. The first is about the First Family and begins with the trusty duo of Michelle and Sean being contacted by the First Lady. The second involves Michelle directly and her personal family.

Mr. Baldacci leads the reader on a winding road through both mysteries, keeping the reader interested and eager to find out what is going to happen. This is a large book 454 pages but it is not daunting in the least.

If you like reading about Washington DC, add this suspenseful mystery to your list.

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Food Matters by Mark Bittman

Okay, so I picked up this book because I liked the title. It’s written by a New York Times Columnist and cookbook author. The subtitle is “A Guide to Conscious Eating”.
It’s filled with interesting facts about food consumption such as how much energy is expended to produce meat and how we are moving toward higher consumption of fat and processed food.

In addition to the variety of statistical information provided, there are also numerous recipes in the back of the book. The recipes offer fish and poultry or just plain vegan ingredients. I haven’t tried any of them yet, but I plan to.

As someone who already limits her diet to non-processed foods, my plan is to drastically reduce the amount of meat I consume as well. For me it’s not so much about losing weight (although that’s just what this author did) but more about feeling better about myself and the planet.

If you’d like to take a closer look at your diet and how you might change for the better, check out this book.

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Life's That Way by Jim Beaver

This is a memoir of the life of Jim Beaver, actor, father, husband during the year from October, 2003 to October, 2004. It is actually a series of e-mail messages sent to friends late at night. The messages were meant to keep family and friends apprised of what was happening to his beloved Cecily during her courageous fight with lung cancer.

These are so much more than words or e-mails because they convey the depth of love he felt for his wife and child and the depth of despair during his wife’s illness and after her death.

One of the most poignant aspects of the memoir, in my opinion, is that he recognizes that his plight is not unique but rather that many people experience great loss every day. It is in this recognition coupled with his honest entries that Jim seems to become an old friend.

If you are interested in reading words and experiencing emotions behind the words, then read Life’s That Way. It does not take on the angle of woe is me but faces the challenges of life head on and in doing so validates our feelings during similar circumstances.

Thank you Jim Beaver for the courage to publish your personal thoughts.

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Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson

There was a time when I would only read specific authors. This would cause me to wait impatiently for their next book to arrive. Now that I have expanded my “horizons” I find there are several books at a time arriving for different authors and I never run out of something to read.

I have read all of the “Goldy” series by Diane Mott Davidson. She was the first author I was aware of who incorporated recipes into her books. In fact, I actually used a recipe from one of her earlier books at a party. It was a big hit! It was a pizza made with Spanish onions, brie and pears.

Her latest books brings back many of her prime characters including Tom, Marla, Arch, and Julian. She’s into catering a wedding in this entry which includes a myriad of delicious sounding recipes as well. I really think she should compile all of her recipes in a cookbook. Maybe she will at a later date.

Ms. Davidson’s books are what I would call “light” mysteries. In this latest entry a favorite town doctor and his vehicle are found in a ravine. It appears to be an accident. Further on in the story, another character dies. The two deaths have something in common and Goldy is just the person to unravel what it is.

If you are not into thrillers or horror and just enjoy a good tale, this one’s for you!

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The Kindness of Strangers by Katrina Kittle

The reason I was interested in this book was because it had a subject heading of Asperger’s Syndrome, which is a condition on the autism spectrum.

In this story Jordan, the son of Courtney (an oby-gyn doctor) and Mark is seen walking slowly in the pouring rain on a school day. His next-door neighbor Sarah sees him and offers him a ride. He reluctantly gets into her van and off they go. What happens next is “the straw that broke the camel’s back” so to speak. The seemingly ordinary life of a young family unravels with the discovery of an unspeakable crime.

Jordan and his neighbor Danny were once good friends but their friendship has deteriorated and Danny has no idea why until, he discovers some discs in Jordan’s backpack.

This is a story about betrayal between friends and not really knowing who your neighbors are. This is Ms. Kittle’s third entry into the field of novels. I hope it is not her last. This was a well-written book with attention to detail in regard to the crime and the parties involved.

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The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner

Speaking of Gardner, this is a MUST read. I know I’ve mentioned before that I really enjoy this author. Her stories are undoubtedly thrillers in the highest sense of the word.
This latest entry is no different.

It’s interesting to note that the author has become apprised of the intricacies of how the Internet works and this makes this particular story all the more plausible.

Sandra and Jason Jones are a young couple with a 4 year-old child. Sandra works as a school teacher and Jason is on the staff of a local newspaper. They are really into raising their child and keep mostly to themselves. One of the more unusual aspects of their family relationship is that Sandra and Jason work alternative shifts. Essentially, they are like “ships that pass in the night”.

One day Jason arrives home only to discover that their child is asleep in her bed and his wife has gone missing. The police are called, Jason is categorized as a “person of interest”, they discover that a pedophile is living down the street, and the pursuit to find Sandra begins.

This was the kind of story when you want to turn to the back of the book and find out what happens. Oh no, I did not do that! Please keep right on reading this until the end. It’s worth it!

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Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child

Jack Reacher is travelling on the New York subway early in the morning when he spots a woman on the train who meets all of the overt criteria for a suicide bomber. He carefully approaches the woman, identifying himself as a cop. What happens next results in an intricate web of paths leading toward the ultimate prize.

Susan Mark was an employee of the government. As such she was familiar with the intricacies of meritorious awards which are a key ingredient of this new novel by Lee Child. Manhattan, Afghanistan, the United States Government, Homeland Security, Delta Force, the NYPD and others, all work together to keep the reader on edge, wanting to find out what happens in the end.

This is a grip the edge of your book story. Child’s vivid descriptions of every scene go a long way toward propelling the reader to read on. This is a story fraught with lies, big and little and it is up to Reacher to find the truth.

Great Read!

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The Spare Room by Helen Garner

This is the story of a friendship between two women. It is the story of what happens to each of them during a difficult time. It is the story of commitment and destruction, of hope and despair, of fortitude and weakness, of fondness and something less.

How resilient would we be when faced with tremendously difficult odds affecting someone that we care a great deal about? This story covers it all, the rage, hurt, anger and deep intimacy between long time friends.

It is a short book, but well worth the read.

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Still Life by Joy Fielding

The wife of an upstanding citizen is on her way back from an impromptu lunch with close friends whose main topic of conversation is the caliber of champagne they are drinking. She is suddenly hit by a car and sent flying into the air. She regains her hearing in the hospital room where she is for all intents and purposes in a coma.

As she listens to people in conversation around her, the mystery unfolds. She becomes very frustrated because she would like to contribute her opinion but is precluded from doing so by her physical constraints.

If you like being put on the edge of your seat-read this book!

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The Second Opinion by Michael Palmer

The auspicious head of a large medical facility located in Massachusetts is struck down by a hit and run driver. The medical facility is prominent in the field of treating cancer patients with experimental drugs and putting them in remission.

Father of four grown children (two of which have Asperger’s Syndrome), the administrator remains in a “locked in” state, unable to communicate until one of his doctor daughters notices some eye-movement. Through a series of eye movement and letter identification, the daughter is given a clue which starts her on an investigation into what has been happening at the facility.

This was an entertaining medical thriller of the highest caliber. Well worth the read!

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Runner by Thomas Perry

Let me start this review by expressing my gratitude to one of our patrons at the library. She recommended this title to me and I was not disappointed.

This is the sixth book in the Jane Whitefield Series after about a nine-year hiatus. It is the first book I have read by this author.

A fast-paced story about a “guide” who helps hide people who are being pursued. Perry’s attention to detail helps the reader to have a clear understanding of what is transpiring. His character, Jane Whitefield, is well-developed and the reader has a real sense of what she is about.

My plan is to go backwards and read the entire series and other books by this author.

A nice addition to my long (and getting longer) list of favorite authors.

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Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

Without exception (well maybe one or two) I enjoy reading this author’s work.

Her latest entry is about a young child who is diagnosed with O.I. which essentially means she suffers from brittle bone disease. The author has obviously researched this topic well and integrates her findings into the storyline with ease.

This is a story about taking a risk for what appears to be a valid reason. It makes the reader think about what they might do in a similar situation. As usual, Ms. Picoult’s expertise lies in the telling of stories that are not black and white but rather shades of gray.

A predictable ending when you consider some of this author’s other endings but none-the-less worth reading, especially if you are one of her diehard fans.

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Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood

What do a high-spirited newspaper reporter, a FBI man, a sharp-shooter and a research study on wolves have in common? It’s the makings of a thriller.

In this latest entry by Garwood, Sophie Rose, embarks on a story about a marathon runner. Taking copious amounts of recorded interviews, Rose appears at the latest run and the runner goes missing.

This is a story fraught with angles but the main theme prevails. An okay read but nothing to get excited about.

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Run for Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Detective Michael Bennett returns as a NYPD detective in this fast-paced thriller about a killer who calls himself “Teacher”. In usual Patterson fashion, this story moves us along quickly. This reader found herself on the edge of her seat waiting with baited breath to discover the outcome.

There are those who complain that Patterson belts his stories out too quickly but you know, we keep reading ‘em anyway. The story lines are innovative and sometimes a bit quirky but I am seldom disappointed.

If you’re a Patterson fan, don’t forget to add this one to your list. If you’re not—this is a great introduction.

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Heart & Soul by Maeve Binchy

Delightful! Delightful! Delightful!

A gentle story about a variety of characters, each vignette is complete from beginning to end. This author draws you into her story and you feel as if you are an integral part of it. In addition, if you are familiar with this author you will feel right at home as she mentions Quentin’s, White Thorn Woods, Evening Class and Scarlet Feather Catering.

We are also re-introduced to such characters as Shane, Fiona and Vonni. We pick them up later on in their lives and meet new characters as well. If you have fond memories from previous books by this author, this entry will add to them.

If you want a read that is pure delight—this one’s for you.

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