Boy it has been forever since I posted. Things have been crazy busy with school and trying to get ready for graduation, so my reading has almost ceased. Anyways, I have been reading No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay for awhile and finally finished it. I enjoyed the book and give it a B.
From Amazon:
Barclay (Bad Guys) tugs hard on the heartstrings with the tragic tale of Cynthia Bigge, whose parents and brother vanished without a trace the day after she had a tempestuous teenage argument with her father. Twenty-five years later, raising a daughter with her husband, Terrence Archer, in Milford, Conn., but still haunted by her family's disappearance, Cynthia goes on TV to talk about what happened and plead for clues. A mysterious phone call leads her to believe her father, at least, may still be alive, but as her excitement grows, so do Terrence's worries. It soon appears that someone is playing a unexpectedly vicious game with Cynthia's emotions, and that her family held secrets she never suspected.
I was a bit disappointed by this book. I have loved all of Mr. Barclay's books and this is his first stand-alone. Everywhere I read they said it was such a great suspense, and to me it was all right, but nothing Earth-shattering. Maybe because it took me so long to read broke up the suspense, but I didn't find it to live up to the reviews. Not to say that it wasn't a great book, I was just a little underwhelmed. I also really didn't care for Cynthia, the main character's wife. She had been through a lot, but to me seemed like she was a little too intense and took somethings out on her husband that she shouldn't have. Actually, the more I think about it, that is kind of the case in all of Mr. Barclay's books. I always enjoy the main character, but the wife seems to come across as too brash. Anyways, it is a good book and I recommend it.
Not sure what I am going to read next or how long it will take me. I really miss reading, but I leave the house at 6:30, get home around 4:30 and then am doing work for school, checking papers, etc. If I didn't have to do so much for graduation, I know I would have more time. I am really enjoying school and am going to miss everyone when I leave in December. I won't be missing college though. I look forward to taking a little bit of time off until I start my Masters. Anyways, I hope everyone else is reading some good books and I expect that when I have time to do more bloghopping, I will have a ton of books to look out for. Happy Reading everyone and have a great weekend!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Honeymoon by James Patterson
After reading The Quickie by James Patterson, I decided to look on my TBR shelves and found Honeymoon. I started reading it Tuesday and read it real quickly and am definitely thinking I need to check out more of his books. I give this an A-.
From Amazon:
When FBI agent John OHara first sees her, she seems perfect. She has the looks. The career. The clothes. The wit. The sophistication. The tantalizing sex appeal. The whole extraordinary packageand men fall in line to court her. So why is the FBI so interested in Nora Sinclair? Because mysterious things keep happening to people around her, especially the men. With the irresistible attraction of the greatest Hitchcock thrillers, HONEYMOON is a sizzling, twisting tale of a woman with a deadly appetite and the men who dare to fall for herand James Patterson will keep readers guessing until the last deadly kiss.
This book really had a lot of twists and turns and really kept me turning the pages. Maybe that is part of the reason why I enjoy his books so much since I can't figure everything out all of the time. Some of it didn't leave me guessing, but enough did that it was a great suspense. I loved how Mr. Patterson alternates between Nora and the other main character which allows us to see in both of their minds and their motivations for all that they do. I also enjoy the short chapters since lately I have to grab a few minutes to read whenever I can get them and I am so anal that I have to stop at the end of the chapter or a page break. I am looking forward to the new series that starts tonight that is based on Mr. Patterson's Women's Murder Club. I hope it is as well written as his books are (or at least the two I have read!)
Not sure what I will read next. I am going to look at the shelves and take whatever grabs my attention. I hope to get a lot of work done this weekend and I don't have any plans so I am looking forward to hibernating, especially since the temps. have fallen so much! If anyone has any recommendations for more of Mr. Patterson's please let me know! Everyone have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When FBI agent John OHara first sees her, she seems perfect. She has the looks. The career. The clothes. The wit. The sophistication. The tantalizing sex appeal. The whole extraordinary packageand men fall in line to court her. So why is the FBI so interested in Nora Sinclair? Because mysterious things keep happening to people around her, especially the men. With the irresistible attraction of the greatest Hitchcock thrillers, HONEYMOON is a sizzling, twisting tale of a woman with a deadly appetite and the men who dare to fall for herand James Patterson will keep readers guessing until the last deadly kiss.
This book really had a lot of twists and turns and really kept me turning the pages. Maybe that is part of the reason why I enjoy his books so much since I can't figure everything out all of the time. Some of it didn't leave me guessing, but enough did that it was a great suspense. I loved how Mr. Patterson alternates between Nora and the other main character which allows us to see in both of their minds and their motivations for all that they do. I also enjoy the short chapters since lately I have to grab a few minutes to read whenever I can get them and I am so anal that I have to stop at the end of the chapter or a page break. I am looking forward to the new series that starts tonight that is based on Mr. Patterson's Women's Murder Club. I hope it is as well written as his books are (or at least the two I have read!)
Not sure what I will read next. I am going to look at the shelves and take whatever grabs my attention. I hope to get a lot of work done this weekend and I don't have any plans so I am looking forward to hibernating, especially since the temps. have fallen so much! If anyone has any recommendations for more of Mr. Patterson's please let me know! Everyone have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Monday, October 8, 2007
The Quickie by James Patterson
I won The Quickie from Emily's blog contest, and I was excited to read it. It was my first James Patterson's novel and all I heard about him was true. This book was great and I read it quickly. An A-.
From Amazon:
Lauren Stillwell is not your average damsel in distress.When the NYPD cop discovers her husband leaving a hotel with another woman, she decides to beat him at his own game. But her revenge goes dangerously awry, and she finds her world spiraling into a hell that becomes more terrifying by the hour. In a further twist of fate, Lauren must take on a job that threatens everything she stands for. Now, she's paralyzed by a deadly secret that could tear her life apart. With her job and marriage on the line, Lauren's desire for retribution becomes a lethal inferno as she fights to save her livelihood--and her life.Patterson takes us on a twisting roller-coaster ride of thrills in his most gripping novel yet. This story of love, lust and dangerous secrets will have readers' hearts pounding to the very last page.
This book was really good. I know that sounds so bland, but it really sums up how I feel. The reader is constantly being led by red herrings throughout the story and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved getting in the mind of Lauren and all that she goes throughout the story. I enjoyed reading a good suspense novel where there wasn't a serial murderer on the loose (though I do love those types of books) and the detectives track them down. We are taken through the whole experience with Lauren and most of it isn't through an investigation. I highly recommend this book. The only downside I have with the book is it was so short. The font was big, the chapters short, and only 347 pages. With a going price of $27.99, I truly find it to be disgusting that publishers try and get that much money out of us for such a short book. I mean I haven't been reading a whole lot lately and I finished it so fast. I think I will read future Patterson books, but through the library or UBS.
Not sure what is up next. I don't have any library books out right now so I am going to look on the TBR shelves and see what grabs my attention. Hope everyone is staying cool since this heat wave has taken over us. 90 degrees on October 8 in Michigan! I love it but it is going to change tonight. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Lauren Stillwell is not your average damsel in distress.When the NYPD cop discovers her husband leaving a hotel with another woman, she decides to beat him at his own game. But her revenge goes dangerously awry, and she finds her world spiraling into a hell that becomes more terrifying by the hour. In a further twist of fate, Lauren must take on a job that threatens everything she stands for. Now, she's paralyzed by a deadly secret that could tear her life apart. With her job and marriage on the line, Lauren's desire for retribution becomes a lethal inferno as she fights to save her livelihood--and her life.Patterson takes us on a twisting roller-coaster ride of thrills in his most gripping novel yet. This story of love, lust and dangerous secrets will have readers' hearts pounding to the very last page.
This book was really good. I know that sounds so bland, but it really sums up how I feel. The reader is constantly being led by red herrings throughout the story and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved getting in the mind of Lauren and all that she goes throughout the story. I enjoyed reading a good suspense novel where there wasn't a serial murderer on the loose (though I do love those types of books) and the detectives track them down. We are taken through the whole experience with Lauren and most of it isn't through an investigation. I highly recommend this book. The only downside I have with the book is it was so short. The font was big, the chapters short, and only 347 pages. With a going price of $27.99, I truly find it to be disgusting that publishers try and get that much money out of us for such a short book. I mean I haven't been reading a whole lot lately and I finished it so fast. I think I will read future Patterson books, but through the library or UBS.
Not sure what is up next. I don't have any library books out right now so I am going to look on the TBR shelves and see what grabs my attention. Hope everyone is staying cool since this heat wave has taken over us. 90 degrees on October 8 in Michigan! I love it but it is going to change tonight. Happy Reading!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Stone Rain by Linwood Barclay
So ever since last year when I discovered Mr. Barclay's books while looking on the shelves at the library, I have been obsessed with them. I picked up Mr. Barclay's fourth book in the Zack Walker series from the library and just absolutely loved it. I grade it an A-.
From Amazon:
Metropolitan newspaper writer Zack Walker has a knack for stumbling onto deadly stories. But it’s one that his good friend Trixie Snelling doesn’t want told that’s about to unleash a storm of trouble. As a professional dominatrix in the suburbs, Trixie has her share of secrets, but Zack has no idea what she’s really hiding when a local newspaperman threatens to do an exposé on her…not until Zack finds a dead body strapped to the bondage cross in her basement dungeon.
Now Zack is implicated in a murder, Trixie is missing, and everything he thought he knew about his friend, his town, even his own marriage, reveals a darker side. Zack’s twisted trail to the truth will lead to a long-unsolved triple homicide, bikers, drug wars, and a stone-cold killer hell-bent on revenge. It’s a story that’s already cost him his job and possibly his wife, and, if Zack’s not very lucky, it will cost him his life.
Zack is such a lovable character who always seems to be falling into trouble. While I would be hard pressed to label these books as mysteries, since we always know who the bad guys are, they keep me reading and turning those pages. There is always humor and you really get a great feel that Zack is just a great family man who is trying to do right by those he loves. The first couple of books were laugh out loud funny, and this one had a few chuckles. It wasn't as funny of the earlier ones, but still real enjoyable. While you certainly do not have to read these books in order, I would recommend it. To anyone who enjoys Carl Hiassen's books, I would urge you to try one of Mr. Barclays books.
Mr. Barclay recently released a stand alone book that is titled No Time for Goodbye which was just released. This book sounds a bit darker and not so much an action book as a a suspense novel. I have it on hold at my library and hope it will get in soon! If you haven't tried his books, run to your nearest library and check his books out!
Up next is The Quickie by James Patterson. I won three books on Emily's blog a bit ago and this was one of the books I selected. I saw the tv commercials for it and it really interested me, so I hope this will be a great read. I have high hopes for getting through a book a bit quicker, especially since I have all day to read. I got a lot done today, so tomorrow should be a bit easier and relaxed. This week is too be crazy, so I want to get some reading in. Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Metropolitan newspaper writer Zack Walker has a knack for stumbling onto deadly stories. But it’s one that his good friend Trixie Snelling doesn’t want told that’s about to unleash a storm of trouble. As a professional dominatrix in the suburbs, Trixie has her share of secrets, but Zack has no idea what she’s really hiding when a local newspaperman threatens to do an exposé on her…not until Zack finds a dead body strapped to the bondage cross in her basement dungeon.
Now Zack is implicated in a murder, Trixie is missing, and everything he thought he knew about his friend, his town, even his own marriage, reveals a darker side. Zack’s twisted trail to the truth will lead to a long-unsolved triple homicide, bikers, drug wars, and a stone-cold killer hell-bent on revenge. It’s a story that’s already cost him his job and possibly his wife, and, if Zack’s not very lucky, it will cost him his life.
Zack is such a lovable character who always seems to be falling into trouble. While I would be hard pressed to label these books as mysteries, since we always know who the bad guys are, they keep me reading and turning those pages. There is always humor and you really get a great feel that Zack is just a great family man who is trying to do right by those he loves. The first couple of books were laugh out loud funny, and this one had a few chuckles. It wasn't as funny of the earlier ones, but still real enjoyable. While you certainly do not have to read these books in order, I would recommend it. To anyone who enjoys Carl Hiassen's books, I would urge you to try one of Mr. Barclays books.
Mr. Barclay recently released a stand alone book that is titled No Time for Goodbye which was just released. This book sounds a bit darker and not so much an action book as a a suspense novel. I have it on hold at my library and hope it will get in soon! If you haven't tried his books, run to your nearest library and check his books out!
Up next is The Quickie by James Patterson. I won three books on Emily's blog a bit ago and this was one of the books I selected. I saw the tv commercials for it and it really interested me, so I hope this will be a great read. I have high hopes for getting through a book a bit quicker, especially since I have all day to read. I got a lot done today, so tomorrow should be a bit easier and relaxed. This week is too be crazy, so I want to get some reading in. Hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
Monday, October 1, 2007
Gone Baby Gone by Dennis Lehane
As I mentioned in my previous post, I decided to read this book after hearing about the movie to be released shortly and how the premiere has been pushed back because of the Madeline McCann case in London. This was my first Dennis Lehane book, and boy was it powerful. I give it an A.
From Amazon:
Vanished, in this complex and unsettling fourth case for PIs Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro is four-year-old Amanda McCready, taken one night from her apartment in Dorchester, a working-class section of Boston, where her mother had left her alone. Kenzie and Gennaro, hired by the child's aunt and uncle, join in an unlikely alliance with Remy Broussard and Nick Raftopoulos, known as Poole, the two cops with the department's Crimes Against Children squad who are assigned to the case. In tracing the history of Amanda's neglectful mother, whose past involved her with a drug lord and his minions, the foursome quickly find themselves tangling with Boston's crime underworld and involved in what appears to be a coup among criminals. Lehane develops plenty of tension between various pairs of parties: the good guys looking for Amanda and the bad guys who may know where she is; the two PIs and the two cops; various police and federal agencies; opposing camps in the underworld; and Patrick and Angie, who are lovers as well as business partners. All is delivered with abundant violence?e.g., bloated and mutilated corpses; gangland executions; shoot-outs with weapons of prodigious firepower; descriptions of sexual abuse of small children; threats of rape and murder?that serves to make Amanda's likely fate all the more chilling.
This book was great. I loved getting into the heads of Angie and Patrick and seeing how they all change throughout the book based on all of the evidence that is developing. While the book really tugs at a lot of heartstrings and really gets the reader thinking, it is still a good suspense book. It touches on a lot of really tough topics such as child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the fate of all of some missing children.
This book had me thinking and changing my mind often. It was hard to decide just exactly who the bad guys were and what the appropriate conclusion should be. It really was a heartbreaking story and at times had me upset, but was well worth it. It was so well written, and even though it took me a little less than a weekend, it kept me turning the pages. I will definitely will be looking and picking out more books by Mr. Lehane in the future. However, I am not sure if I will be able to see the movie, because I think it may ruin the book for me. I highly recommend this book to everyone even if you are not a big fan of suspense books.
Hopefully, the next book I read will not take me as long to read. Things have just been crazy with school and with something going on every weekend, I am having a hard time finding reading time. Hope everyone else's reading is going better! Happy reading!
From Amazon:
Vanished, in this complex and unsettling fourth case for PIs Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro is four-year-old Amanda McCready, taken one night from her apartment in Dorchester, a working-class section of Boston, where her mother had left her alone. Kenzie and Gennaro, hired by the child's aunt and uncle, join in an unlikely alliance with Remy Broussard and Nick Raftopoulos, known as Poole, the two cops with the department's Crimes Against Children squad who are assigned to the case. In tracing the history of Amanda's neglectful mother, whose past involved her with a drug lord and his minions, the foursome quickly find themselves tangling with Boston's crime underworld and involved in what appears to be a coup among criminals. Lehane develops plenty of tension between various pairs of parties: the good guys looking for Amanda and the bad guys who may know where she is; the two PIs and the two cops; various police and federal agencies; opposing camps in the underworld; and Patrick and Angie, who are lovers as well as business partners. All is delivered with abundant violence?e.g., bloated and mutilated corpses; gangland executions; shoot-outs with weapons of prodigious firepower; descriptions of sexual abuse of small children; threats of rape and murder?that serves to make Amanda's likely fate all the more chilling.
This book was great. I loved getting into the heads of Angie and Patrick and seeing how they all change throughout the book based on all of the evidence that is developing. While the book really tugs at a lot of heartstrings and really gets the reader thinking, it is still a good suspense book. It touches on a lot of really tough topics such as child abuse, including sexual abuse, and the fate of all of some missing children.
This book had me thinking and changing my mind often. It was hard to decide just exactly who the bad guys were and what the appropriate conclusion should be. It really was a heartbreaking story and at times had me upset, but was well worth it. It was so well written, and even though it took me a little less than a weekend, it kept me turning the pages. I will definitely will be looking and picking out more books by Mr. Lehane in the future. However, I am not sure if I will be able to see the movie, because I think it may ruin the book for me. I highly recommend this book to everyone even if you are not a big fan of suspense books.
Hopefully, the next book I read will not take me as long to read. Things have just been crazy with school and with something going on every weekend, I am having a hard time finding reading time. Hope everyone else's reading is going better! Happy reading!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
