Missing You by Harlan Coben

Kat Donovan is a NYPD detective.  Lonely, and looking for someone new in her life, her best friend Stacy sets up a profile on a popular online dating site.  While there she discovers the photo of the love of her life, Jeff, who dumped her eighteen years ago.  She hesitates about whether or not to communicate with him. It appears all is not what it seems.  Kat is approached by a young man whose mother has disappeared after meeting someone on the website.  At first reluctant to pursue the young man's concerns, Katy ends up digging deeper into the web of deceit.

Kat is also embroiled in determining who killed her father so long ago.  An open wound that will not heal, she is bent on finding out the who's and why's no matter what the cost.

I like Harlan Coben's books as a rule.  One of my favorite's was Promise Me. Unfortunately this title while good, was not great.  In my opinion the author would have done better to stick with one story plot and run with it.

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Prayer by Philip Kerr

Gil Martins is an FBI agent with the Domestic Terrorism Unit.  He becomes embroiled in two cases simultaneously.  His personal life is in a shambles and he begins to question the validity of God.

Gil revisits an old case where he believes he wrongly supported the conviction of a man to death row and becomes involved in a case involving a serial killer who seems bent on killing a number of religious individuals.  In the midst of it all, Gil begins to unravel and question his life.

A fast-paced thriller by a prolific author.

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The Bear by Claire Cameron

A family of four, two adults and two small children are on a camping trip on a remote island.  Anna, the five-year-old wakes up in the middle of the night to the screams of her mother.  The parents were attacked by a black bear. While her mother lay dying, Anna is encouraged to take her brother and paddle away from the island in the canoe. The children learn to fend for themselves in the wilderness braving a storm, hunger and loneliness.

The story is told from the perspective of Anna.  Well-written, the reader is drawn to the desperation of the young girl. Seeing things through the eyes of a young person helps us to understand the resilience of the human spirit. The reader begins to  hope with every breath that they will be rescued in a timely fashion.

The second book for this author.  Her first was entitled The Line Painter.  I do not think it will be her last.

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Suspicion by Joseph Finder

Danny Goodman is a single parent.  He is also a writer.  His only daughter Abby is attending a prestigious school for girls in the Boston area.  Falling on hard times financially, he agrees to borrow money from one of Abby's classmate's father and the intrigue begins.

Mr. Galvin recognizes Danny's dilemma and decides to offer him a $50,000 loan.  Reluctantly, Danny agrees to take the money but promises to pay it back.  As soon as the money is wired into his account, the DEA comes knocking at his door and Danny becomes embroiled in a cat and mouse game.

I've read several of Mr. Finder's previous novels including High Crimes and Power Play.  The author seems to have a knack for meaty, thrillers and this latest entry proves the point.

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Counterfeit Lies by Oliver North

Jake Kruse is an undercover FBI agent in this latest thriller by veteran writer, Oliver North.

International intrigue abounds as the reader becomes immersed in a dark world of espionage.  Kruse is forced to decide what is the best path toward doing the right thing.

A fast-paced story that could be read in one sitting.  If you've read Heroes Proved, you'll not want to miss this one.  If not, and you like international espionage and the thrill of the chase, pick up this novel.  It's well written and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Cure for the Common Breakup by Beth Kendrick and Always With You by Andrea Hurst

Sometimes it's a good thing to read some romantic light stories and these two books are of that genre.

Ms. Kendrick's book is about the breakup of Summer Benson and her travels to a small town called Black Dog Bay.  Here she learns to pick up the pieces her life, make new friends, get a new job and begin a new romance.  A light-hearted story with a few laughs for good measure.   Having read one of this author's previous novels entitled The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service, I was not unfamiliar with her writing style.
A great beach book!

Andrea Hurst's novel was a bit more serious.  It involves two high school friends reconnecting.  Cathy is a single lady, divorced and running a B&B.  Pam is married and has a small child.  Pam and her family move into Cathy's home while Pam's husband is looking for a job.  One thing leads to another and Cathy ends up falling in love with Pam's husband. This novel has an interesting ending.  Again, this is a light foray into romantic relationships.  This author's description of food was particularly tantilizing.  A good read for a hot summer day in a cool quiet place.

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