I read a lot of hype about Obedience by Will Lavender on a lot of blogs and had to place this book on hold from the library. It finally came in and I got around to it, and boy, it was nothing like I have ever read before. I don't know what to think about it, as it really threw me through a loop. I guess I will give it a B+.
From Amazon:
When the students in Winchester University’s Logic and Reasoning 204 arrive for their first day of class, they are greeted not with a syllabus or texts, but with a startling assignment from Professor Williams: Find a hypothetical missing girl named Polly. If after being given a series of clues and details the class has not found her before the end of the term in six weeks, she will be murdered.At first the students are as intrigued by the premise of their puzzle as they are wary of the strange and slightly creepy Professor Williams. But as they delve deeper into the mystery, they begin to wonder: Is the Polly story simply a logic exercise, designed to teach them rational thinking skills, or could it be something more sinister and dangerous?The mystery soon takes over the lives of three students as they find disturbing connections between Polly and themselves. Characters that were supposedly fictitious begin to emerge in reality. Soon, the boundary between the classroom assignment and the real world becomes blurred—and the students wonder if it is their own lives they are being asked to save.
This book was so incredibly different from anything that I have ever read before. There were so many twists and turns and I didn't know what to think. I am still somewhat confused at certain aspects of it but it was really well-written. I did find some parts of the book unbelieveable, but just seemed to go with the book. I don't think I can really write a very good review of it right now because so many things are going through my mind about it right now.
Up next is Easy Innocence by Libby Fischer Hellmann, another book I have heard a lot about on the blogosphere. It is also my second to last book I have from the library, so soon I will have to start tackling my Mt. TBR. I haven't bought any books lately, so that is good. School is also keeping me very busy, but I will always find time to read!
I did a good amount of reading this month, especially considering I was working two jobs. I finished 13 books this month, bringing this year's total so far to 69 books. The lowest rating I gave a book this month was a B-, so I also read a lot of good books. All together, a great month of reading. Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Addiction by G.H. Ephron
I enjoyed the earlier book I read by G.H. Ephron and had one other checked out from the library, so I decided to read this one next. It was a quick, suspenseful read and I enjoyed it. I rate Addiction a B+.
From Amazon:
Amnesia, G.H. Ephron's acclaimed debut, introduced forensic neuropsychologist and expert defense witness Dr. Peter Zak. Returning in Addiction, Peter is back in the thick of things at the Pearce Psychiatric Center, coping with patients as well as everyday average administrative nightmares at the hospital, like budgetary concerns, construction, and colleagues' drug trials. And then the worst nightmare of all-the murder of a colleague.Such an event, if it weren't devastating enough, rekindles Peter's memories of the murder of his wife, which left Peter emotionally shattered and isolated; he's only recently begun to emerge. But he can't retreat this time; he must use his expertise to help reconstruct this baffling and intensely personal killing.Peter discovers his friend and former lover, Pearce psychiatrist Channing Temple, dead from a gunshot wound on hospital grounds. Her 16-year-old daughter Olivia is standing over the body, holding a gun. Did Olivia, who has been abusing Ritalin and other drugs, kill her mother? Peter thinks not, but she is quickly arraigned for murder, and he has only two weeks to find the killer before Olivia is sent to prison. In this tense and compelling second installment in a highly lauded series, the talented writing team known as G.H. Ephron tackles the dangers and misconceptions surrounding addiction...and the chaos of murder.
I really like Dr. Zak and there is good character development and we understand why he acts the way he is. I also love books centered around psychologists because it is a topic that really interests me. I always think that if I wasn't going to be a teacher, I would love to be counselor or psychologist. I guess in some senses, the two jobs are not really that far apart. There are a lot of medical terms used in the book but did not make it difficult to understand. I really felt for the teenager, Olivia, and I think that a reader could really relate to what she was going through and feeling. This series is definitely one that I will continue to check out.
Up next is Obedience by Will Lavender. I have heard a lot of buzz about this book around the blogosphere and I have to admit the premise definitely seems very interesting. I can't remember reading anything else that has the same premise and I hope it holds up to the promise. I hope to get through it quickly, though, because I have two more books that I picked up Friday from the library and they need to be returned in two weeks. I know I won't be able to renew them because there is a hold on them for other patrons. I always like to quickly return books that people are waiting for because I hate waiting! I hope everyone else had a good weekend and a good start to a new week! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Amnesia, G.H. Ephron's acclaimed debut, introduced forensic neuropsychologist and expert defense witness Dr. Peter Zak. Returning in Addiction, Peter is back in the thick of things at the Pearce Psychiatric Center, coping with patients as well as everyday average administrative nightmares at the hospital, like budgetary concerns, construction, and colleagues' drug trials. And then the worst nightmare of all-the murder of a colleague.Such an event, if it weren't devastating enough, rekindles Peter's memories of the murder of his wife, which left Peter emotionally shattered and isolated; he's only recently begun to emerge. But he can't retreat this time; he must use his expertise to help reconstruct this baffling and intensely personal killing.Peter discovers his friend and former lover, Pearce psychiatrist Channing Temple, dead from a gunshot wound on hospital grounds. Her 16-year-old daughter Olivia is standing over the body, holding a gun. Did Olivia, who has been abusing Ritalin and other drugs, kill her mother? Peter thinks not, but she is quickly arraigned for murder, and he has only two weeks to find the killer before Olivia is sent to prison. In this tense and compelling second installment in a highly lauded series, the talented writing team known as G.H. Ephron tackles the dangers and misconceptions surrounding addiction...and the chaos of murder.
I really like Dr. Zak and there is good character development and we understand why he acts the way he is. I also love books centered around psychologists because it is a topic that really interests me. I always think that if I wasn't going to be a teacher, I would love to be counselor or psychologist. I guess in some senses, the two jobs are not really that far apart. There are a lot of medical terms used in the book but did not make it difficult to understand. I really felt for the teenager, Olivia, and I think that a reader could really relate to what she was going through and feeling. This series is definitely one that I will continue to check out.
Up next is Obedience by Will Lavender. I have heard a lot of buzz about this book around the blogosphere and I have to admit the premise definitely seems very interesting. I can't remember reading anything else that has the same premise and I hope it holds up to the promise. I hope to get through it quickly, though, because I have two more books that I picked up Friday from the library and they need to be returned in two weeks. I know I won't be able to renew them because there is a hold on them for other patrons. I always like to quickly return books that people are waiting for because I hate waiting! I hope everyone else had a good weekend and a good start to a new week! Happy Reading!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Other Woman by Diana Diamond
I have gushed and gushed about Diana Diamond, so I decided to quickly read this book next. However, this one was a bit disappointing, and probably my least favorite book by him. I could only give The Other Woman a B- rating.
From Amazon:
Pam Leighton is a smart, ambitious, and sexy aide to a handsome Washington lobbyist named John Duke. For the last two years, she’s also been his lover. It’s an open secret that his glamorous and social-climbing wife, Catherine, tolerates—to a point. After the President nominates Duke for a cabinet post, Catherine sees her opportunity and delivers an ultimatum: either fire Pam or get ready for a very public, very ugly divorce. Duke’s sharply honed political instincts tell him exactly what he needs to do. In one abrupt, brutal meeting, Duke ends the relationship and fires her from the job she loves. But Pam is not about to go quietly: A powerful New York publisher is offering her big money for what could be the ultimate Washington tell-all. But when people around her begin dying, Pam realizes that finishing the book may be a matter of life and death—her own.
The topic of this book was somewhat boring. The inner workings of Washington D.C., especially about the corruption of our government. I already know that everything is not how it seems, and living in the Detroit area, we have plenty of corruption in the city of Detroit's mayor, whose is a total disgrace to the whole area. Anyways, the psychological suspense that are usually the best part of his books was sincerely lacking. I also felt like that I didn't learn anything about the main character's past and that gave me a hard time understanding of some of the motivation for her. If you are going to try and read one of this author's books, I wouldn't recommend this one when he has so many better one. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Pam Leighton is a smart, ambitious, and sexy aide to a handsome Washington lobbyist named John Duke. For the last two years, she’s also been his lover. It’s an open secret that his glamorous and social-climbing wife, Catherine, tolerates—to a point. After the President nominates Duke for a cabinet post, Catherine sees her opportunity and delivers an ultimatum: either fire Pam or get ready for a very public, very ugly divorce. Duke’s sharply honed political instincts tell him exactly what he needs to do. In one abrupt, brutal meeting, Duke ends the relationship and fires her from the job she loves. But Pam is not about to go quietly: A powerful New York publisher is offering her big money for what could be the ultimate Washington tell-all. But when people around her begin dying, Pam realizes that finishing the book may be a matter of life and death—her own.
The topic of this book was somewhat boring. The inner workings of Washington D.C., especially about the corruption of our government. I already know that everything is not how it seems, and living in the Detroit area, we have plenty of corruption in the city of Detroit's mayor, whose is a total disgrace to the whole area. Anyways, the psychological suspense that are usually the best part of his books was sincerely lacking. I also felt like that I didn't learn anything about the main character's past and that gave me a hard time understanding of some of the motivation for her. If you are going to try and read one of this author's books, I wouldn't recommend this one when he has so many better one. Happy Reading!
Friday, July 25, 2008
Nightlife by Thomas Perry
Thomas Perry is a new-to-me author that I discovered when I went hunting at the local library. It had a very interesting premise and I decided to pick it up. I am glad I did, as I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Thomas Perry’s novels of suspense have been celebrated for their “dazzling ingenuity” (The New York Times Book Review) and for writing that is “as sharp as a sushi knife” (Los Angeles Times). By turns horrifying and erotic, Perry’s new thriller takes us on a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that pits two women against each other: a beautiful serial killer and the detective who is determined to stop her.When the cousin of Los Angeles underworld figure Hugo Poole is found shot to death in his Portland, Oregon, home, police find nothing at the scene of the crime except several long strands of blond hair hinting that a second victim may have been involved. Hotel security tapes from the victim’s last vacation reveal an out-of-focus picture of a young blond woman entering and leaving his room. Could she also be a murder victim?Portland homicide detective Catherine Hobbes is determined to solve the case and locate the missing blonde, but her feelings, and the investigation, are complicated when Hugo hires private detective Joe Pitt to perform a parallel investigation. As the Joe and Catherine form an uneasy alliance, the murder count rises–and both realize that the pretty young woman in the security tapes is not a victim at all. As Catherine follows the evidence, she finds herself in a deadly contest with an unpredictable adversary capable of changing her appearance and identity at will. Catherine must use everything she knows, as a homicide detective and as a woman, to stop a murderer who kills on impulse and with ease, and who becomes more efficient and elusive with each crime.
This book was a bit spooky. I love when authors allow the reader to get inside the mind of psychopathic murdered, and Mr. Perry does an excellent job with that in Nightlife. The murderer is amazing with what she is able to do and convince people off, and I am not even sure what her real name was in the end of the book. I felt like everything in the book happened for a reason and lately it seems with longer books that is not always true. It took me awhile to read this, but that was because of being busy with work and other stuff. I noticed that Mr. Perry has a long backlist, and I will be sure to check out more of his books.
Work is going well, though I have been keeping very busy. These kids need a ton of help and I have so much to teach them in three and a half weeks. I gave them a pretest and no one had a score above 50%. I have been getting some positive feedback from the kids, though, saying that they are understanding things that they didn't get from their other teachers. They also seem to like a lot of the shortcuts I am teaching them that makes it easier for them. I hope they take the post-test serious though, because that reflects on my succees and I feel like some of them may not take it that serious. However, last night I made up index cards of problems we worked on this week and the students actually liked it and said we should do it everyday! I was floored!
I am to ten books for the month and am hoping to get at least one read this weekend. I think my next one is going to be the other Diana Diamond book I have from the library. I still have three other books from the library and two more just came in that I have to pick up this afternoon. I hope everyone else is reading some excellent books and having a good week! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Thomas Perry’s novels of suspense have been celebrated for their “dazzling ingenuity” (The New York Times Book Review) and for writing that is “as sharp as a sushi knife” (Los Angeles Times). By turns horrifying and erotic, Perry’s new thriller takes us on a dangerous cat-and-mouse game that pits two women against each other: a beautiful serial killer and the detective who is determined to stop her.When the cousin of Los Angeles underworld figure Hugo Poole is found shot to death in his Portland, Oregon, home, police find nothing at the scene of the crime except several long strands of blond hair hinting that a second victim may have been involved. Hotel security tapes from the victim’s last vacation reveal an out-of-focus picture of a young blond woman entering and leaving his room. Could she also be a murder victim?Portland homicide detective Catherine Hobbes is determined to solve the case and locate the missing blonde, but her feelings, and the investigation, are complicated when Hugo hires private detective Joe Pitt to perform a parallel investigation. As the Joe and Catherine form an uneasy alliance, the murder count rises–and both realize that the pretty young woman in the security tapes is not a victim at all. As Catherine follows the evidence, she finds herself in a deadly contest with an unpredictable adversary capable of changing her appearance and identity at will. Catherine must use everything she knows, as a homicide detective and as a woman, to stop a murderer who kills on impulse and with ease, and who becomes more efficient and elusive with each crime.
This book was a bit spooky. I love when authors allow the reader to get inside the mind of psychopathic murdered, and Mr. Perry does an excellent job with that in Nightlife. The murderer is amazing with what she is able to do and convince people off, and I am not even sure what her real name was in the end of the book. I felt like everything in the book happened for a reason and lately it seems with longer books that is not always true. It took me awhile to read this, but that was because of being busy with work and other stuff. I noticed that Mr. Perry has a long backlist, and I will be sure to check out more of his books.
Work is going well, though I have been keeping very busy. These kids need a ton of help and I have so much to teach them in three and a half weeks. I gave them a pretest and no one had a score above 50%. I have been getting some positive feedback from the kids, though, saying that they are understanding things that they didn't get from their other teachers. They also seem to like a lot of the shortcuts I am teaching them that makes it easier for them. I hope they take the post-test serious though, because that reflects on my succees and I feel like some of them may not take it that serious. However, last night I made up index cards of problems we worked on this week and the students actually liked it and said we should do it everyday! I was floored!
I am to ten books for the month and am hoping to get at least one read this weekend. I think my next one is going to be the other Diana Diamond book I have from the library. I still have three other books from the library and two more just came in that I have to pick up this afternoon. I hope everyone else is reading some excellent books and having a good week! Happy Reading!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Good Sister by Diana Diamond
I can not gush enough about Diana Diamond's novels. They are always so suspenseful and keep me on the edge of my seat, and The Good Sister is not any different. There is no way I can rate this anything other than A.
From Amazon:
One is sugar, the other spice...To the world, the privileged Pegan sisters are the ideal complement to each other: one sweet-tempered and reserved; the other vibrant and willful. Together they both are determined to lead their global communications empire into daring new territory. As brilliant Jennifer engineers the launch of the world's first private satellite into outer space, glamorous Catherine is drawn to the limelight of Hollywood's movie industry. Each is in her element-and each has captured the attention of two enigmatic men.But which conceals a soul of ice?Nobody would ever guess that behind one sister's charming facade lies the bitter resentment born of years of living in her sibling's shadow. Nobody would suspect that soon jealousy will turn to vengeance-and vengeance to murderous rage. Nobody would dream that the woman who possesses everything wants only what her sister has and is bent on evening the score once and for all. But which one is the good sister?
This is such a wonderful suspense novel and the psychological twists are really chilling. Throughout the book, I was back and forth trying to decide who "The Good Sister" really is. The reader gets inside the mind of the bad one without knowing if it is Catherine or Jennifer. The author gives the reader some clues but also a lot of red herrings that really keep you guessing. I absolutely love her books, and can not stress enough what a great book Diana Diamond writes. I urge everyone to go to their local library or bookstore to pick up one of her books. I try to space out her books so that I have some to read as I am not sure if she is still writing. I loved this book and that is all I can really say about it.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I still have five library books to read so I will just grab one of those. I start teaching on Monday and I am sure I will be nervous tomorrow, so I need a good book to keep me distracted. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and is getting a lot of good reading in. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
One is sugar, the other spice...To the world, the privileged Pegan sisters are the ideal complement to each other: one sweet-tempered and reserved; the other vibrant and willful. Together they both are determined to lead their global communications empire into daring new territory. As brilliant Jennifer engineers the launch of the world's first private satellite into outer space, glamorous Catherine is drawn to the limelight of Hollywood's movie industry. Each is in her element-and each has captured the attention of two enigmatic men.But which conceals a soul of ice?Nobody would ever guess that behind one sister's charming facade lies the bitter resentment born of years of living in her sibling's shadow. Nobody would suspect that soon jealousy will turn to vengeance-and vengeance to murderous rage. Nobody would dream that the woman who possesses everything wants only what her sister has and is bent on evening the score once and for all. But which one is the good sister?
This is such a wonderful suspense novel and the psychological twists are really chilling. Throughout the book, I was back and forth trying to decide who "The Good Sister" really is. The reader gets inside the mind of the bad one without knowing if it is Catherine or Jennifer. The author gives the reader some clues but also a lot of red herrings that really keep you guessing. I absolutely love her books, and can not stress enough what a great book Diana Diamond writes. I urge everyone to go to their local library or bookstore to pick up one of her books. I try to space out her books so that I have some to read as I am not sure if she is still writing. I loved this book and that is all I can really say about it.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I still have five library books to read so I will just grab one of those. I start teaching on Monday and I am sure I will be nervous tomorrow, so I need a good book to keep me distracted. I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend and is getting a lot of good reading in. Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson
I remember hearing a lot about this book throughout the blogosphere so when I was at the library and spotted it, I decided to pick it up and give it a try. However, I was a little disappointed with it and can only rate a B-.
From Amazon:
Pulled from her bed by an early morning phone call from her boss, local New Haven, Connecticut, police reporter Annie Seymour finds herself at a crime scene staring at the naked body of a Yale student. What starts out as bad news for the prestigious university gets worse when Annie learns the girl was a student by day and a high-priced escort by night. Stonewalled by her cop boyfriend and tailed by overeager and incompetent cub reporter Dick Whitfield, Annie stumbles onto a network of corruption that everyoneeven her own motherseems to be involved in. But Annie isnt the only one investigating; a Frank Sinatra look-alike who used to be the biggest geek in Annies high school is also hot on the trail. As if things werent bizarre enough, New Haven is being infiltrated by a parade of ceramic cows. When her boss decides to pull Annie off the story, she must discover the truth on her own before she becomes the next headline.
I can't just pinpoint what exactly I didn't like about this book. I think there were so many characters thrown in and I had a difficult time following who was who. I also didn't really like Annie and her attitude. She just seemed so pessimistic and it get a bit annoying. It wasn't a horrible book, but I probably will not remember much about it or look for anything else by this author.
Next up is a book by one of my favorite author's Diana Diamond. These books are always suspensful and really show how evil some people can be. I am not sure which one I will read as I have two to choose from. This weekend may prove to be a bit busy, but I do plan to get a lot of reading in. I hope everyone is as well and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Pulled from her bed by an early morning phone call from her boss, local New Haven, Connecticut, police reporter Annie Seymour finds herself at a crime scene staring at the naked body of a Yale student. What starts out as bad news for the prestigious university gets worse when Annie learns the girl was a student by day and a high-priced escort by night. Stonewalled by her cop boyfriend and tailed by overeager and incompetent cub reporter Dick Whitfield, Annie stumbles onto a network of corruption that everyoneeven her own motherseems to be involved in. But Annie isnt the only one investigating; a Frank Sinatra look-alike who used to be the biggest geek in Annies high school is also hot on the trail. As if things werent bizarre enough, New Haven is being infiltrated by a parade of ceramic cows. When her boss decides to pull Annie off the story, she must discover the truth on her own before she becomes the next headline.
I can't just pinpoint what exactly I didn't like about this book. I think there were so many characters thrown in and I had a difficult time following who was who. I also didn't really like Annie and her attitude. She just seemed so pessimistic and it get a bit annoying. It wasn't a horrible book, but I probably will not remember much about it or look for anything else by this author.
Next up is a book by one of my favorite author's Diana Diamond. These books are always suspensful and really show how evil some people can be. I am not sure which one I will read as I have two to choose from. This weekend may prove to be a bit busy, but I do plan to get a lot of reading in. I hope everyone is as well and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
Every summer, I place a hold on the newest installment in the Stephanie Plum series. This series never really add much to the story, but it is always enjoyable. Fearless Fourteen came in fairly quickly, and I read it even faster. I give the newest Plum addition a B+.
Personal vendettas, hidden treasure, and a monkey named Carl will send bounty hunter Stephanie Plum on her most explosive adventure yet.
The Crime: Armed robbery to the tune of nine million dollars
Dom Rizzi robbed a bank, stashed the money, and did the time. His family couldn’t be more proud. He always was the smart one.
The Cousin: Joe Morelli
Joe Morelli, Dom Rizzi, and Dom’s sister, Loretta, are cousins. Morelli is a cop, Rizzi robs banks, and Loretta is a single mother waiting tables at the firehouse. The all-American family.
The Complications: Murder, kidnapping, destruction of personal property, and acid reflux
Less than a week after Dom’s release from prison, Joe Morelli has shadowy figures breaking into his house and dying in his basement. He’s getting threatening messages, Loretta is kidnapped, and Dom is missing.
The Catastrophe: Moonman
Morelli hires Walter “Mooner” Dunphy, stoner and “inventor” turned crime fighter, to protect his house. Morelli can’t afford a lot on a cop’s salary, and Mooner will work for potatoes.
The Cupcake: Stephanie Plum
Stephanie and Morelli have a long-standing relationship that involves sex, affection, and driving each other nuts. She’s a bond enforcement agent with more luck than talent, and she’s involved in this bank-robbery-gone-bad disaster from day one.
The Crisis: A favor for Ranger
Security expert Carlos Manoso, street name Ranger, has a job for Stephanie that will involve night work. Morelli has his own ideas regarding Stephanie’s evening activities.
The Conclusion: Only the fearless should read Fourteen.
There is never really big mystery to solve and the reader really never has enough clues to figure it out. I never read this series to try and solve a mystery or have a good thrill, but just because I love to catch up with all of the characters. I love Lula and Grandma Mazur especially, and would have loved to see more of Grandma Mazur. There were funny parts that brought a smile to my face and it was a really quick read. That is the main reason why I refuse to buy these books. For $27.95 and about 2 hours of entertainment, it is not very cost effective. I do recommend this book to everyone who enjoys this series or a humorous read, though I would highly suggest getting it from your local library! Happy Reading!
Personal vendettas, hidden treasure, and a monkey named Carl will send bounty hunter Stephanie Plum on her most explosive adventure yet.
The Crime: Armed robbery to the tune of nine million dollars
Dom Rizzi robbed a bank, stashed the money, and did the time. His family couldn’t be more proud. He always was the smart one.
The Cousin: Joe Morelli
Joe Morelli, Dom Rizzi, and Dom’s sister, Loretta, are cousins. Morelli is a cop, Rizzi robs banks, and Loretta is a single mother waiting tables at the firehouse. The all-American family.
The Complications: Murder, kidnapping, destruction of personal property, and acid reflux
Less than a week after Dom’s release from prison, Joe Morelli has shadowy figures breaking into his house and dying in his basement. He’s getting threatening messages, Loretta is kidnapped, and Dom is missing.
The Catastrophe: Moonman
Morelli hires Walter “Mooner” Dunphy, stoner and “inventor” turned crime fighter, to protect his house. Morelli can’t afford a lot on a cop’s salary, and Mooner will work for potatoes.
The Cupcake: Stephanie Plum
Stephanie and Morelli have a long-standing relationship that involves sex, affection, and driving each other nuts. She’s a bond enforcement agent with more luck than talent, and she’s involved in this bank-robbery-gone-bad disaster from day one.
The Crisis: A favor for Ranger
Security expert Carlos Manoso, street name Ranger, has a job for Stephanie that will involve night work. Morelli has his own ideas regarding Stephanie’s evening activities.
The Conclusion: Only the fearless should read Fourteen.
There is never really big mystery to solve and the reader really never has enough clues to figure it out. I never read this series to try and solve a mystery or have a good thrill, but just because I love to catch up with all of the characters. I love Lula and Grandma Mazur especially, and would have loved to see more of Grandma Mazur. There were funny parts that brought a smile to my face and it was a really quick read. That is the main reason why I refuse to buy these books. For $27.95 and about 2 hours of entertainment, it is not very cost effective. I do recommend this book to everyone who enjoys this series or a humorous read, though I would highly suggest getting it from your local library! Happy Reading!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Obsessed by G.H. Ephron
After reading one of Heidi's reviews of a book by G.H. Ephron, I had to look for some of these books. When I went to the library, I picked up two with Obsessed being one of them. It was a good read, and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Obsessed...Dr. Peter Zak is obsessed with finding the stalker who is terrorizing his new intern Dr. Emily Ryan and sets out on a trail of escalating violence as it leads him into dark and deadly places too close to home.
Obsessed...Obsessed with isolating a cure to a fatal brain disease that could mean international recognition and millions of dollars, researchers will stop at nothing, break every rule, use every deviant act-including mutilation and murder-to achieve their goal.
Obsessed...Bent on destroying the vicious web of deception, sexual jealousy, and death that threatens Ryan and the lives of his patients, Dr. Peter Zak must expose the deviant killer even if he has to risk his own life to do it...
I wish the book focused more on Emily's stalker and less about what was going on in the lab. However, it was a good book and I kept turning the pages. The story does focus on a lot of medical terms and procedures, though I thought the author did a good job of explaining everything so that I could understand. I really liked the main character, Dr. Zak, and am glad that I have another book in this series to read. It was a quick read and I encourage everyone who enjoys a good psychological suspense to look into this series. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Obsessed...Dr. Peter Zak is obsessed with finding the stalker who is terrorizing his new intern Dr. Emily Ryan and sets out on a trail of escalating violence as it leads him into dark and deadly places too close to home.
Obsessed...Obsessed with isolating a cure to a fatal brain disease that could mean international recognition and millions of dollars, researchers will stop at nothing, break every rule, use every deviant act-including mutilation and murder-to achieve their goal.
Obsessed...Bent on destroying the vicious web of deception, sexual jealousy, and death that threatens Ryan and the lives of his patients, Dr. Peter Zak must expose the deviant killer even if he has to risk his own life to do it...
I wish the book focused more on Emily's stalker and less about what was going on in the lab. However, it was a good book and I kept turning the pages. The story does focus on a lot of medical terms and procedures, though I thought the author did a good job of explaining everything so that I could understand. I really liked the main character, Dr. Zak, and am glad that I have another book in this series to read. It was a quick read and I encourage everyone who enjoys a good psychological suspense to look into this series. Happy Reading!
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Watch Them Die by Kevin O'Brien
I have enjoyed Kevin O'Brien's books and decided to grab it off of my shelves. It took me a couple of days to get into it, but that was me and not the book. It was very good, and I give it an A-.
Back blurb:
The blonde film student. The brunette paralegal. The red-headed artist. The first victim is strangled. The second is stabbed repeatedly. And the third is pushed out an open window.
In the city of Seattle, no single woman is safe. From afar he watches the ones he so desperately wants. Willing to do whatever it takes to prove his love. But should his latest obsession betray him, he will have no choice but to punish her. By finding new and brutal ways to teach her a lesson. And by finally, loving her- to death...
Mr. O'Brien uses old movies to tie in with the many deaths that occur in this book. I loved that and even got the names of a couple of books I must have missed and will definitely want to check out including a Hitchcock movie. The suspense was high and the book was great. Last night I decided to sit down and read for a bit and ended up reading 200+ pages. I quickly finished it up this morning and was still trying to figure out the mystery with about 30 pages left when the killer is revealed. I was a bit disappointed with one part of the ending, though I do think the author did it in a realastic ending. I saw on Amazon that this book will soon be rereleased with a special price of $4.99 and recommend that all of you thriller lovers run to get this book.
Yesterday I went to the thrift store and got 5 books for $1.00 and then today I went to library and picked up 8 more books. It is a sickness, I tell you. This particular library is wonderfully stocked and it is like having a shopping spree at a bookstore. I will have to get through these before I grab any off of my shelves. Today is a rainy, humid day and I plan on reading while intermediately working on my summer school stuff. I start Thursday with a three hour planning session, so I know I will have time to get it done. Tomorrow is a Tigers game, so that day will be pretty much full. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Back blurb:
The blonde film student. The brunette paralegal. The red-headed artist. The first victim is strangled. The second is stabbed repeatedly. And the third is pushed out an open window.
In the city of Seattle, no single woman is safe. From afar he watches the ones he so desperately wants. Willing to do whatever it takes to prove his love. But should his latest obsession betray him, he will have no choice but to punish her. By finding new and brutal ways to teach her a lesson. And by finally, loving her- to death...
Mr. O'Brien uses old movies to tie in with the many deaths that occur in this book. I loved that and even got the names of a couple of books I must have missed and will definitely want to check out including a Hitchcock movie. The suspense was high and the book was great. Last night I decided to sit down and read for a bit and ended up reading 200+ pages. I quickly finished it up this morning and was still trying to figure out the mystery with about 30 pages left when the killer is revealed. I was a bit disappointed with one part of the ending, though I do think the author did it in a realastic ending. I saw on Amazon that this book will soon be rereleased with a special price of $4.99 and recommend that all of you thriller lovers run to get this book.
Yesterday I went to the thrift store and got 5 books for $1.00 and then today I went to library and picked up 8 more books. It is a sickness, I tell you. This particular library is wonderfully stocked and it is like having a shopping spree at a bookstore. I will have to get through these before I grab any off of my shelves. Today is a rainy, humid day and I plan on reading while intermediately working on my summer school stuff. I start Thursday with a three hour planning session, so I know I will have time to get it done. Tomorrow is a Tigers game, so that day will be pretty much full. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The Shadow Hunter by Michael Prescott
I got The Shadow Hunter from the thrift store and this book proves once again that the thrift store is a wonderful place to try new-to-me authors. The Shadow Hunter was a wonderful book and psychological suspense book. I rated this as an A.
Back of the book:
Abby Sinclair is a hunter, as cunning and deadly as her prey. Working alone, she infiltrates the lives of stalkers... discovers their darkest desires... and brings them down before they explode...
Raymond Hickle is close to the edge. The object of his twisted obsession is a beautiful television news anchor. He knows her every expression, her every move. And if he can't possess her, no one will...
But know, Raymond has a new next-door neighbor. Her name is Abby, and she's moving in for the kill. Little does Abby know, danger lurks beneath every shadow...
I loved this book. I was guessing throughout and couldn't figure out who all of the players were and what they were exactly doing and what their motives were. I loved the premise, especially since the hunter was indeed getting hunted with Abby inflitrating a stalker's life and their every move. The book was over 400 pages long, but I read it quickly and couldn't stop picking it up all of the time. I admit to peeking at times where I was stopped at a red light. This is the first book in a series about Abby and her life, so I will definitely will be looking forward to more of her stories. I believe I have the second book in the series and plan on reading it shortly. My library also has the rest of the books, so I will hopefully be able to read the series.
The rest of this week seems to be a long one. We have two field trips in the next two days, and I am not looking forward to them. It is supposed to be hot and the kids have been crazy and out of control lately and it all seems to add up to one big headache. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something I grab off of the shelves. I probably won't be able to start something else tonight but I will grab something because I have to go straight to the doctor's after work and there always seems to be a bit of a wait. I hope everyone is getting lots of reading in! Happy Reading!
Back of the book:
Abby Sinclair is a hunter, as cunning and deadly as her prey. Working alone, she infiltrates the lives of stalkers... discovers their darkest desires... and brings them down before they explode...
Raymond Hickle is close to the edge. The object of his twisted obsession is a beautiful television news anchor. He knows her every expression, her every move. And if he can't possess her, no one will...
But know, Raymond has a new next-door neighbor. Her name is Abby, and she's moving in for the kill. Little does Abby know, danger lurks beneath every shadow...
I loved this book. I was guessing throughout and couldn't figure out who all of the players were and what they were exactly doing and what their motives were. I loved the premise, especially since the hunter was indeed getting hunted with Abby inflitrating a stalker's life and their every move. The book was over 400 pages long, but I read it quickly and couldn't stop picking it up all of the time. I admit to peeking at times where I was stopped at a red light. This is the first book in a series about Abby and her life, so I will definitely will be looking forward to more of her stories. I believe I have the second book in the series and plan on reading it shortly. My library also has the rest of the books, so I will hopefully be able to read the series.
The rest of this week seems to be a long one. We have two field trips in the next two days, and I am not looking forward to them. It is supposed to be hot and the kids have been crazy and out of control lately and it all seems to add up to one big headache. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something I grab off of the shelves. I probably won't be able to start something else tonight but I will grab something because I have to go straight to the doctor's after work and there always seems to be a bit of a wait. I hope everyone is getting lots of reading in! Happy Reading!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Speak No Evil by Allison Brennan
I used the random number generator to select a book for me to read and it actually selected the last book in this trilogoy by Ms. Brennan. Me, not being able to read books out of order, I decided to read the first one. I have always enjoyed her books, but this one was probably my favorite. I rate it an A-.
From Amazon:
Silence is deadly.The murder of eighteen-year-old Angie Vance was exceptionally vile–her mouth was sealed with glue, an obscenity scrawledwas across her skin, and she was suffocated in a garbage bag. The killing seems personal, so police detective Carina Kincaid focuses her efforts on the victim’s much older ex-boyfriend, Steve Thomas. But without physical evidence, Carina can’t make a collar or a case. She also can’t stop Sheriff Nick Thomas, the prime suspect’s brother, from conducting his own unwelcome investigation. Though Nick is still scarred and unsteady from a recent confrontation with a serial killer, he’s determined to prove his brother’s innocence. But his confidence is shaken when he learns of Steve’s dark side, and when a friend of the murdered girl meets a similarly gruesome fate. With no time to lose, Carina and Nick work together to trap a psychopath, before another unlucky woman faces an unspeakable end.Evil has spoken. Now see what it can do.
This was everything a good suspense novel is. The reader gets to get inside the killers mind without revealing the identity, there are enough clues for the reader to discover who the bad guy is, and the romance does not overtake the mystery. I don't mind romance in my suspense books, but just hate when it takes away from the mystery and all of the suspense. This book had a very sadistic killer and the author does a great job explaining, but not excusing, why the killer is the way he is. All of the characters were likeable and there wasn't the usual misunderstanding that you sometimes find in romances. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
I hope I will be able to get into some more reading time this afternoon, but I have a lot of stuff I need to get done. I need to get laundry done, redo my bullentin board for work, vacuum again, and start prepping my stuff for summer school. I have had a fun weekend though, and have been out and about, so it is time to get down to business. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and managed to get some great books in! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Silence is deadly.The murder of eighteen-year-old Angie Vance was exceptionally vile–her mouth was sealed with glue, an obscenity scrawledwas across her skin, and she was suffocated in a garbage bag. The killing seems personal, so police detective Carina Kincaid focuses her efforts on the victim’s much older ex-boyfriend, Steve Thomas. But without physical evidence, Carina can’t make a collar or a case. She also can’t stop Sheriff Nick Thomas, the prime suspect’s brother, from conducting his own unwelcome investigation. Though Nick is still scarred and unsteady from a recent confrontation with a serial killer, he’s determined to prove his brother’s innocence. But his confidence is shaken when he learns of Steve’s dark side, and when a friend of the murdered girl meets a similarly gruesome fate. With no time to lose, Carina and Nick work together to trap a psychopath, before another unlucky woman faces an unspeakable end.Evil has spoken. Now see what it can do.
This was everything a good suspense novel is. The reader gets to get inside the killers mind without revealing the identity, there are enough clues for the reader to discover who the bad guy is, and the romance does not overtake the mystery. I don't mind romance in my suspense books, but just hate when it takes away from the mystery and all of the suspense. This book had a very sadistic killer and the author does a great job explaining, but not excusing, why the killer is the way he is. All of the characters were likeable and there wasn't the usual misunderstanding that you sometimes find in romances. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
I hope I will be able to get into some more reading time this afternoon, but I have a lot of stuff I need to get done. I need to get laundry done, redo my bullentin board for work, vacuum again, and start prepping my stuff for summer school. I have had a fun weekend though, and have been out and about, so it is time to get down to business. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and managed to get some great books in! Happy Reading!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine
I love Laura Levine's series featuring Jaine Austen, a writer and sometimes private investigator. Each summer I look forward to reading the newest installment. I picked it up this week from the library and read it last night. Another great installment, and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
When writer-for-hire Jaine Austen signs on to script vows for the ultimate Bridezilla, "I do's" soon become "I wish I hadn't's"--and curtains for the bride spell a veil of woes for Jaine...
Jaine's accepted her share of lame gigs to pay the bills, but rewriting Shakespeare's got to be an all-time low. The fiasco begins with a call from Jaine's high-school nemesis, uber rich uber witch Patti Devane. It seems Patti will soon be sashaying down the aisle with another former classmate from Hermosa High, and she'd like the exchange of vows to evoke Romeo and Juliet...except without the "downer" of an ending.
Even worse than the assignment itself is dealing with Patti as a client. At least Jaine's not alone, as nobody can stand the demanding, spoiled, and incredibly rude Bridezilla from Hell. Patti's managed to rack up an amazingly long list of enemies in a short time, not the least of whom include her prospective mother-in-law, the soon-to-be ex-wife of Patti's stolen soon-to-be groom, and just about everyone involved in the wedding preparations. So it isn't a complete surprise when the erstwhile Juliet plunges to her death during her balcony scene.
The loosened bolts that brought down the bride were clearly an act of sabotage--what's not so obvious is whom, among Patti's numerous haters, committed this murder most foul. Was it the caterer she threatened to ruin? The bridesmaid tossed out of the wedding party for being too chubby? Jaine's determined to learn the truth--if only to end the hideous walk down memory lane kicked off by her association with Patti.
Between fending off advances from the nerd of her high school nightmares and figuring out ways to stop Prozac the cat from corrupting the victim's pet Poodle, Jaine's involvement in this case keeps veering between comedy and tragedy. That is, until another body is discovered--and the killer starts laying plot for a final act--starring Jaine...
This series, and particularly this book, always puts a smile on my face. I love Jaine and all of her friends and family who are zany, yet believable. I love the emails that Jaine's parents use to communicate with her. They are living in Florida and always are up to something. This particular book deals with people from Jaine's past time in high school, and I can relate with that. Jaine always is able to solve the mystery, but mostly by accident, not great detective skills. However, she is such a likeable and relateable character and I love catching up with her. It is one of the few cozy mystery series I continue to read each summer.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I need to pick something up off my TBR shelves. Today, we may attend a bbq party at a friend's house, though I am not sure. The closer the time comes to go, the less I feel like going. I would love to get some reading done along with my cleaning and laundry. I also need to start prepping some materials for summer school and just be kind of low key this weekend. Plus my dog and my mom's dog are here and they are absolutely terrified of fireworks and I hate leaving them alone with all of the noise. One 4th of July, we couldn't find my dog anywhere and she was hiding in our basement bathroom because all of the noise. Whatever your plans are, have a safe and happy weekend! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When writer-for-hire Jaine Austen signs on to script vows for the ultimate Bridezilla, "I do's" soon become "I wish I hadn't's"--and curtains for the bride spell a veil of woes for Jaine...
Jaine's accepted her share of lame gigs to pay the bills, but rewriting Shakespeare's got to be an all-time low. The fiasco begins with a call from Jaine's high-school nemesis, uber rich uber witch Patti Devane. It seems Patti will soon be sashaying down the aisle with another former classmate from Hermosa High, and she'd like the exchange of vows to evoke Romeo and Juliet...except without the "downer" of an ending.
Even worse than the assignment itself is dealing with Patti as a client. At least Jaine's not alone, as nobody can stand the demanding, spoiled, and incredibly rude Bridezilla from Hell. Patti's managed to rack up an amazingly long list of enemies in a short time, not the least of whom include her prospective mother-in-law, the soon-to-be ex-wife of Patti's stolen soon-to-be groom, and just about everyone involved in the wedding preparations. So it isn't a complete surprise when the erstwhile Juliet plunges to her death during her balcony scene.
The loosened bolts that brought down the bride were clearly an act of sabotage--what's not so obvious is whom, among Patti's numerous haters, committed this murder most foul. Was it the caterer she threatened to ruin? The bridesmaid tossed out of the wedding party for being too chubby? Jaine's determined to learn the truth--if only to end the hideous walk down memory lane kicked off by her association with Patti.
Between fending off advances from the nerd of her high school nightmares and figuring out ways to stop Prozac the cat from corrupting the victim's pet Poodle, Jaine's involvement in this case keeps veering between comedy and tragedy. That is, until another body is discovered--and the killer starts laying plot for a final act--starring Jaine...
This series, and particularly this book, always puts a smile on my face. I love Jaine and all of her friends and family who are zany, yet believable. I love the emails that Jaine's parents use to communicate with her. They are living in Florida and always are up to something. This particular book deals with people from Jaine's past time in high school, and I can relate with that. Jaine always is able to solve the mystery, but mostly by accident, not great detective skills. However, she is such a likeable and relateable character and I love catching up with her. It is one of the few cozy mystery series I continue to read each summer.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I need to pick something up off my TBR shelves. Today, we may attend a bbq party at a friend's house, though I am not sure. The closer the time comes to go, the less I feel like going. I would love to get some reading done along with my cleaning and laundry. I also need to start prepping some materials for summer school and just be kind of low key this weekend. Plus my dog and my mom's dog are here and they are absolutely terrified of fireworks and I hate leaving them alone with all of the noise. One 4th of July, we couldn't find my dog anywhere and she was hiding in our basement bathroom because all of the noise. Whatever your plans are, have a safe and happy weekend! Happy Reading!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
The Screaming Room by Thomas O'Callaghan
I bought The Screaming Room because the premise sounded really great. I really had great expectations for this book, and unfortunetly was left a little disappointed. I can only give the book a B-.
From Amazon:
John Driscoll has laid the ghosts of his past to rest. He's ready to start over--both personally and as a New York City homicide detective. But it seems that a serial killer has other plans for Driscoll.
The victims' bodies are found, brutally mutilated and carefully arranged. Someone has displayed the corpses for the world to see: on a Ferris wheel; in a dinosaur diorama; on a bridge--grotesque visions to all except for the depraved killer, who considers them masterpieces. These blood rituals spell out a message to Driscoll. And they are just the beginning...
Driscoll's investigation will lead him down the darkest of journeys, toward an evil beyond his worst nightmares. In a hellish landscape conceived by the all-too-clever mind of a twisted schemer, Driscoll must play a killer's deadly game. It's up to him to save his city--or die trying.
The thing that really brought this book down was the author's writing. I really felt like there was a bunch of jumping around and some things were really confusing. I muddled through the book because the suspense was pretty good and I guess I kept hoping that more and more would come out of the book. All of a sudden, months had gone by and the reader is barely made aware of it. I read a review on Vixen's Daily Reads where she reviewed Mr. O'Callaghan's first book and she said a lot of the same things that I felt. I don't think I will be giving Mr. O'Callaghan another chance. Based on her review of the first book, I don't think there is any chance that the books will be changing much.
Up next is Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine. I love her books. This series is light, easy to read and mind candy but always enjoyable. I actually started reading it after dinner tonight and have about 50 more pages to go, though I am struggling to keep my eyes open, so I think it will have to wait until tomorrow. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July and that we can all stop for a moment and give thanks for living in such a great, free, country! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
John Driscoll has laid the ghosts of his past to rest. He's ready to start over--both personally and as a New York City homicide detective. But it seems that a serial killer has other plans for Driscoll.
The victims' bodies are found, brutally mutilated and carefully arranged. Someone has displayed the corpses for the world to see: on a Ferris wheel; in a dinosaur diorama; on a bridge--grotesque visions to all except for the depraved killer, who considers them masterpieces. These blood rituals spell out a message to Driscoll. And they are just the beginning...
Driscoll's investigation will lead him down the darkest of journeys, toward an evil beyond his worst nightmares. In a hellish landscape conceived by the all-too-clever mind of a twisted schemer, Driscoll must play a killer's deadly game. It's up to him to save his city--or die trying.
The thing that really brought this book down was the author's writing. I really felt like there was a bunch of jumping around and some things were really confusing. I muddled through the book because the suspense was pretty good and I guess I kept hoping that more and more would come out of the book. All of a sudden, months had gone by and the reader is barely made aware of it. I read a review on Vixen's Daily Reads where she reviewed Mr. O'Callaghan's first book and she said a lot of the same things that I felt. I don't think I will be giving Mr. O'Callaghan another chance. Based on her review of the first book, I don't think there is any chance that the books will be changing much.
Up next is Killing Bridezilla by Laura Levine. I love her books. This series is light, easy to read and mind candy but always enjoyable. I actually started reading it after dinner tonight and have about 50 more pages to go, though I am struggling to keep my eyes open, so I think it will have to wait until tomorrow. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe 4th of July and that we can all stop for a moment and give thanks for living in such a great, free, country! Happy Reading!
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