I picked up Married to a Stranger when I was browsing at the library. It sounded like a good romantic suspense and something that would fit in to the Suspense and Thriller Challenge. This was a quick, easy read that held my attention. I rate it a B.
From Amazon:
Twenty-six-year-old Emma Hollis has it all -- a fortune she inherited from her father, a job she loves as a counselor at an adolescent crisis center, good friends, and a boyfriend who is crazy about her. Emma met sexy freelance journalist David Webster at a dinner party. Romantic, free-spirited, and a perfect lover, David sweeps Emma off her feet. Now a baby is on the way. Emma expects David to say goodbye, but David enjoys surprises. At their beautiful, impromptu wedding at a historic inn, Emma and David promise to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. The only shadow over Emma's happiness is cast by her stepfather, who is furious that David failed to sign a prenuptial agreement. As the newlyweds set off for their honeymoon at an idyllic cabin in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Emma has no idea that her life is about to turn into a wife's worst nightmare.
While reading about this book on Amazon, I saw that Ms. MacDonald got the idea for this book from the Laci Peterson story. I followed that case like a hawk and I can see some of the connections to this story. I also enjoy the type of story that is told from a woman's point of view sometimes and this book fit the bill. It reminds me a lot of Mary Higgins Clark, so if you are a fan of hers, you would probably enjoy Ms. MacDonald. That being said, I felt that the reader was not given enough clues to try and solve the mystery and the ending left me a little upset. Without giving away details or spoilers, it is hard to explain but it would suffice to say that I think more could have been done. There are red herrings thrown in that do make the suspense better.
Up next is another library book, though I am not sure which one. I just picked up three more this week, so I know I have quite a few that I want to try and get through quickly. I have an incredibly busy week coming up, so this weekend I plan on relaxing and getting lots of reading in! I do need to make it to the grocery store, though I am leaning towards going this evening or tomorrow evening during the Super Bowl. I love sports but for some reason can't get into the hype of the Super Bowl. I did get some squares so I will be checking the scores, but I figure a lot of people won't be at the grocery store when the game is on. I despise going when it is super busy! Well enough rambling from me... have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen
As I mentioned in my previous post, the last time I was at the library I saw A Wicked Snow and remembered all of the great reviews about this book. J. Kaye even named it one of her top books of 2008! I read Mr. Olsen's second book, A Cold Dark Place, last summer and didn't love it, but I had to give A Wicked Snow a try. It was a good read and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Hannah Griffin was a girl when tragedy struck on her family's farm. She still remembers the flames reflected against the newly fallen snow and the bodies the police dug up one of them her mother's. It was the nation's worst murder scene in decades and the killer was never found! Twenty years later Hannah is a talented CSI investigating a case of child abuse when the past comes hurtling back. Years of buried questions are brought to life. A killer with unfinished business is on the hunt. And an anonymous message turns Hannah's blood cold: Your Mom called...
I started reading this Monday and stayed up too late last night finishing it. I loved the premise of this book and the idea that the bad guy was someone that normally isn't. Even though the reader knows who the bad guy through most of the book, the suspense was still there. I did have a couple of small problems with the book though. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and there were some questions that were left unanswered. I guess the reader can kind of surmise what happens, but sometimes I like things spelled out for me especially in a suspense book. I also really didn't feel a connection with Hannah. I'm not sure why as there was no reason for me to not like her, but I guess I felt she came across kind of flat. With all of that being said, I still enjoyed the book and am glad I read it. I will be looking for Mr. Olsen's next book when it is released, probably sometime this fall.
A Wicked Snow was read as part of the library and Suspense Challenge. A Wicked Snow falls under the category of serial killer suspense. My next read, which is also another library book, is called Married to a Stranger and is by Patricia MacDonald. This one will fall under the romantic suspense category. If I keep going at this rate I will have my first ever challenge completed within the month! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Hannah Griffin was a girl when tragedy struck on her family's farm. She still remembers the flames reflected against the newly fallen snow and the bodies the police dug up one of them her mother's. It was the nation's worst murder scene in decades and the killer was never found! Twenty years later Hannah is a talented CSI investigating a case of child abuse when the past comes hurtling back. Years of buried questions are brought to life. A killer with unfinished business is on the hunt. And an anonymous message turns Hannah's blood cold: Your Mom called...
I started reading this Monday and stayed up too late last night finishing it. I loved the premise of this book and the idea that the bad guy was someone that normally isn't. Even though the reader knows who the bad guy through most of the book, the suspense was still there. I did have a couple of small problems with the book though. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and there were some questions that were left unanswered. I guess the reader can kind of surmise what happens, but sometimes I like things spelled out for me especially in a suspense book. I also really didn't feel a connection with Hannah. I'm not sure why as there was no reason for me to not like her, but I guess I felt she came across kind of flat. With all of that being said, I still enjoyed the book and am glad I read it. I will be looking for Mr. Olsen's next book when it is released, probably sometime this fall.
A Wicked Snow was read as part of the library and Suspense Challenge. A Wicked Snow falls under the category of serial killer suspense. My next read, which is also another library book, is called Married to a Stranger and is by Patricia MacDonald. This one will fall under the romantic suspense category. If I keep going at this rate I will have my first ever challenge completed within the month! Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Telling Lies to Alice by Laura Wilson
Telling Lies to Alice is another book I got from the library when I went last week. The back cover sounded so good and I was really hoping I found a new author to love. Unfortunely, I am not even sure why I finished this book. I give it a D.
From Amazon:
The entertainment world is stunned when famous comic Lenny Maxted commits suicide on an earl’s estate. Lenny’s fiancée, cocktail waitress Alice Conway, makes front-page headlines when she discovers his body. Traumatized by his inexplicable suicide and by her ill-considered marriage to a philandering photographer, Alice knows she must flee — to a place where the past can’t hurt her and where nobody dies.That is the first lie. Because there is no safe haven for Alice, who now lives on an isolated farm in Oxfordshire, haunted by vivid dreams of Lenny’s corpse. Seven years after his death, an anonymous envelope arrives containing a newspaper article detailing the grisly discovery of human remains found in a car recently fished out of the bottom of a lake. Alice thinks she knows who the dead woman is. And then, out of the blue, Jack Flowers, the other half of the legendary Maxted and Flowers comedy team, shows up on her doorstep. Alice has not seen Jack since Lenny’s funeral, but her surprise and pleasure turn to unease when she realizes that he is distressed, drinking heavily, and hiding her mail. Then she receives another anonymous clipping.… Someone is telling lies to Alice, playing with her mind until it is impossible to distinguish fact from falsehood. Someone who knows the truth about what really happened on a night six years ago...a monstrous secret that links a time, a place, and a group of friends and lovers. A secret that will put Alice in mortal danger.
This book just left so much to be desired. I didn't care about the characters and I could not get into the story. For starters, the book takes place during the 1960's London. I had no idea the book was a "historical" or that it was British. That in itself would not be a reason for me to dislike a book, but I think with everything else, it just irritated me. The writing style was very stream of consciousness and that doesn't work well with me. There was a serious lack of punctuation and a lot of telling and not showing. I don't even know why I finished the book. There was a serious amount of skimming going on and I think I just finished it because I didn't want to have a DNF on my list. I won't be doing that anymore... there simply isn't enough time to read bad books.
Up next is A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen. I read another one of Mr. Olsen's books, and while I didn't love it, I enjoyed it. I have read several reviews about A Wicked Snow that were outstanding and I believe that J. Kaye even rated it one of her top books of 2008. I saw it at the library and remembering all of those reviews, decided to pick it up. I hope it lives up to all of the great reviews! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
The entertainment world is stunned when famous comic Lenny Maxted commits suicide on an earl’s estate. Lenny’s fiancée, cocktail waitress Alice Conway, makes front-page headlines when she discovers his body. Traumatized by his inexplicable suicide and by her ill-considered marriage to a philandering photographer, Alice knows she must flee — to a place where the past can’t hurt her and where nobody dies.That is the first lie. Because there is no safe haven for Alice, who now lives on an isolated farm in Oxfordshire, haunted by vivid dreams of Lenny’s corpse. Seven years after his death, an anonymous envelope arrives containing a newspaper article detailing the grisly discovery of human remains found in a car recently fished out of the bottom of a lake. Alice thinks she knows who the dead woman is. And then, out of the blue, Jack Flowers, the other half of the legendary Maxted and Flowers comedy team, shows up on her doorstep. Alice has not seen Jack since Lenny’s funeral, but her surprise and pleasure turn to unease when she realizes that he is distressed, drinking heavily, and hiding her mail. Then she receives another anonymous clipping.… Someone is telling lies to Alice, playing with her mind until it is impossible to distinguish fact from falsehood. Someone who knows the truth about what really happened on a night six years ago...a monstrous secret that links a time, a place, and a group of friends and lovers. A secret that will put Alice in mortal danger.
This book just left so much to be desired. I didn't care about the characters and I could not get into the story. For starters, the book takes place during the 1960's London. I had no idea the book was a "historical" or that it was British. That in itself would not be a reason for me to dislike a book, but I think with everything else, it just irritated me. The writing style was very stream of consciousness and that doesn't work well with me. There was a serious lack of punctuation and a lot of telling and not showing. I don't even know why I finished the book. There was a serious amount of skimming going on and I think I just finished it because I didn't want to have a DNF on my list. I won't be doing that anymore... there simply isn't enough time to read bad books.
Up next is A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen. I read another one of Mr. Olsen's books, and while I didn't love it, I enjoyed it. I have read several reviews about A Wicked Snow that were outstanding and I believe that J. Kaye even rated it one of her top books of 2008. I saw it at the library and remembering all of those reviews, decided to pick it up. I hope it lives up to all of the great reviews! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Friday, January 23, 2009
No One You Know by Michelle Richmond
Towards the end of last year, probably in November or December, I read The Year of Fog by Ms. Richmond after reading a ton of reviews about it. Last week during one of my trips to the library I saw No One You Know and decided to try it. It was o.k. and I rate it a B-.
From Amazon:
All her life Ellie Enderlin had been known as Lila’s sister. Until one day, without warning, the shape of their family changed forever. Twenty years ago, Lila, a top math student at Stanford, was murdered in a crime that was never solved. In the aftermath of her sister’s death, Ellie entrusted her most intimate feelings to a man who turned the story into a bestselling true crime book—a book that both devastated her family and identified one of Lila’s professors as the killer.Decades later, two Americans meet in a remote village in Nicaragua. Ellie is now a professional coffee buyer, an inveterate traveler and incapable of trust. Peter is a ruined academic. And their meeting is not by chance. As rain beats down on the steaming rooftops of the village, Peter leaves Ellie with a gift—the notebook that Lila carried everywhere, a piece of evidence not found with her body. Stunned, Ellie will return home to San Francisco to explore the mysteries of Lila’s notebook, filled with mathematical equations, and begin a search that has been waiting for her all these years. It will lead her to a hundred-year-old mathematical puzzle, to a lover no one knew Lila had, to the motives and fate of the man who profited from their family’s anguish—and to the deepest secrets even sisters keep from each other. As she connects with people whose lives unknowingly swirled around her own, Ellie will confront a series of startling revelations—from the eloquent truths of numbers to confessions of love, pain and loss.
At times while reading this book I was smiling to myself. While Lila was obsessed with her math, Ellie was much more interested in being immersed in a book. I thought that sounds like a perfect mix of me... I am a math major, yet always have my nose in a book. Besides that, the book was sort of ho-hum and a little slow to me. It was an easy book to read, or maybe it just seemed like that to me because perhaps I was skimming a bit. I didn't really get all that engrossed in the book but I think it was me and my mood wanting something a bit more meaty. I did come across something that I noticed in The Year of Fog as well, and that was I really didn't form a connection with any of the characters. I just really didn't care all that much about what happened to them and I am sure that impacted my grade.
Up next is yet another library book. I went yesterday as well because one of my holds came in. In addition to the books I picked up on Tuesday, I know have The Likeness by Tana French and a Meg Gardiner book. I have heard a lot about Meg Gardiner and when I saw this one the shelves I decided to pick it up. I also got an email notice telling me that another hold has come in, so I better sign off and get started reading! Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
All her life Ellie Enderlin had been known as Lila’s sister. Until one day, without warning, the shape of their family changed forever. Twenty years ago, Lila, a top math student at Stanford, was murdered in a crime that was never solved. In the aftermath of her sister’s death, Ellie entrusted her most intimate feelings to a man who turned the story into a bestselling true crime book—a book that both devastated her family and identified one of Lila’s professors as the killer.Decades later, two Americans meet in a remote village in Nicaragua. Ellie is now a professional coffee buyer, an inveterate traveler and incapable of trust. Peter is a ruined academic. And their meeting is not by chance. As rain beats down on the steaming rooftops of the village, Peter leaves Ellie with a gift—the notebook that Lila carried everywhere, a piece of evidence not found with her body. Stunned, Ellie will return home to San Francisco to explore the mysteries of Lila’s notebook, filled with mathematical equations, and begin a search that has been waiting for her all these years. It will lead her to a hundred-year-old mathematical puzzle, to a lover no one knew Lila had, to the motives and fate of the man who profited from their family’s anguish—and to the deepest secrets even sisters keep from each other. As she connects with people whose lives unknowingly swirled around her own, Ellie will confront a series of startling revelations—from the eloquent truths of numbers to confessions of love, pain and loss.
At times while reading this book I was smiling to myself. While Lila was obsessed with her math, Ellie was much more interested in being immersed in a book. I thought that sounds like a perfect mix of me... I am a math major, yet always have my nose in a book. Besides that, the book was sort of ho-hum and a little slow to me. It was an easy book to read, or maybe it just seemed like that to me because perhaps I was skimming a bit. I didn't really get all that engrossed in the book but I think it was me and my mood wanting something a bit more meaty. I did come across something that I noticed in The Year of Fog as well, and that was I really didn't form a connection with any of the characters. I just really didn't care all that much about what happened to them and I am sure that impacted my grade.
Up next is yet another library book. I went yesterday as well because one of my holds came in. In addition to the books I picked up on Tuesday, I know have The Likeness by Tana French and a Meg Gardiner book. I have heard a lot about Meg Gardiner and when I saw this one the shelves I decided to pick it up. I also got an email notice telling me that another hold has come in, so I better sign off and get started reading! Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Bust by Ken Bruen and Jason Starr
I got Bust from the library and it was one of those rare cases where the cover drew me to grab the book. Bust is part of the Hard Case Crime series, which is supposed to be like the old hard pulp crime novels of the 1950s. I ended up loving this book and give it an A-.
Back cover:
Five important lessons you can learn from Bust:
1. When you hire a hit man to kill your wife, don't pick a psychopath.
2. Drano is not the best tool for getting rid of a dead body.
3. Those locks on hotel room doors? Not very secure.
4. A curly blond wig isn't much of a disguse.
5. Secrets can kill.
This book was a pleasant change from the heavy suspense and thriller books I have been reading lately. There was a ton of humor mixed in that had me smiling and chuckling to myself quite a bit. It was a very short book, only 254 pages, and a very quick read.Bust fits in for two of my challenges as well, the Library challenge and the Suspense challenge in the category of crime. It is the type of book that you can pick up and read a couple of pages here and there when you have time, though it was hard to put down. I love old movies and have always wanted to read some of the old crime novels, so I thought this was a nice way to kind of ease myself in. There are several different characters in this book that are definitely classified as a bad guy, but as the reader you almost feel like cheering for some of them. It was all around a great read and a lot of fun. I already picked up another book in this line from the library today.
Speaking of the library, I really need to stop checking out so many books. I have so many of my own to read, but lately I have been in the mood to buy more. Since I have been taking a hard look at my budget and where I spending money I have banned myself from the bookstore and have found going the library is the perfect replacement. I can go to several different cities and check out books so I always get a good variety. Today I went to one of the bigger libraries and had a great time browsing. I guess January and the early part of February will be my months to focus on the library challenge and then I will focus on the RYOB challenge. My next book will be another library one, though I am not sure which one. I am off to bed... a full day of subbing tomorrow and then 5 hours of tutoring at night. I am fighting a migraine so hopefully sleep will come quickly. Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Five important lessons you can learn from Bust:
1. When you hire a hit man to kill your wife, don't pick a psychopath.
2. Drano is not the best tool for getting rid of a dead body.
3. Those locks on hotel room doors? Not very secure.
4. A curly blond wig isn't much of a disguse.
5. Secrets can kill.
This book was a pleasant change from the heavy suspense and thriller books I have been reading lately. There was a ton of humor mixed in that had me smiling and chuckling to myself quite a bit. It was a very short book, only 254 pages, and a very quick read.Bust fits in for two of my challenges as well, the Library challenge and the Suspense challenge in the category of crime. It is the type of book that you can pick up and read a couple of pages here and there when you have time, though it was hard to put down. I love old movies and have always wanted to read some of the old crime novels, so I thought this was a nice way to kind of ease myself in. There are several different characters in this book that are definitely classified as a bad guy, but as the reader you almost feel like cheering for some of them. It was all around a great read and a lot of fun. I already picked up another book in this line from the library today.
Speaking of the library, I really need to stop checking out so many books. I have so many of my own to read, but lately I have been in the mood to buy more. Since I have been taking a hard look at my budget and where I spending money I have banned myself from the bookstore and have found going the library is the perfect replacement. I can go to several different cities and check out books so I always get a good variety. Today I went to one of the bigger libraries and had a great time browsing. I guess January and the early part of February will be my months to focus on the library challenge and then I will focus on the RYOB challenge. My next book will be another library one, though I am not sure which one. I am off to bed... a full day of subbing tomorrow and then 5 hours of tutoring at night. I am fighting a migraine so hopefully sleep will come quickly. Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
In the Woods by Tana French
I read so much about In The Woods and saw that it won the Edgar for the best first book, so last time I was at the library I decided to pick it up. I am glad that I did, because after a slow start, I have to give this book an A-.
From the author's website:
As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children, gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled shoes, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours.
Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a twelve-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox – his partner and closest friend – find themselves investigating a case with chilling links to that long-ago disappearance. Now, with only snippets of buried memories to guide him, Rob has the chance to unravel both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past.
Sometimes I have a difficult time reading books set abroad. I believe a part of it is because of the slang and local language that is used in the book that can be frustrating to me. I am embarrassed to say I almost had to force myself to start reading In the Woods, and there were several times I almost put the book down. I just finished it and I loved it. I loved the author's voice... once I got used to it... and loved Rob and Cassie's relationship. I had part of the mystery figured out fairly early on, but there were plenty of reasons to continue reading it. I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but I don't know if the book would have worked if it was written any other way. I don't want to give away anything, so I don't think I can explain myself too well, but I would recommend that you pick this book up if you haven't already. It did take me awhile to get into it, so if it has the same effect on you... DON'T give it up! This was a perfect fit for J. Kaye's Suspense Challenge in the police procedural category.
I am going to read another library book next. I am not sure what it is called (it's in the other room and I am way too lazy to go and get) but it is something different from what I usually try. I have off tomorrow from all of my jobs, but am planning on meeting up with a friend of mine. I also want to get some errands in, but I don't think anything is too pressing so I am hoping for some reading time. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From the author's website:
As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children, gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled shoes, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours.
Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a twelve-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox – his partner and closest friend – find themselves investigating a case with chilling links to that long-ago disappearance. Now, with only snippets of buried memories to guide him, Rob has the chance to unravel both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past.
Sometimes I have a difficult time reading books set abroad. I believe a part of it is because of the slang and local language that is used in the book that can be frustrating to me. I am embarrassed to say I almost had to force myself to start reading In the Woods, and there were several times I almost put the book down. I just finished it and I loved it. I loved the author's voice... once I got used to it... and loved Rob and Cassie's relationship. I had part of the mystery figured out fairly early on, but there were plenty of reasons to continue reading it. I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but I don't know if the book would have worked if it was written any other way. I don't want to give away anything, so I don't think I can explain myself too well, but I would recommend that you pick this book up if you haven't already. It did take me awhile to get into it, so if it has the same effect on you... DON'T give it up! This was a perfect fit for J. Kaye's Suspense Challenge in the police procedural category.
I am going to read another library book next. I am not sure what it is called (it's in the other room and I am way too lazy to go and get) but it is something different from what I usually try. I have off tomorrow from all of my jobs, but am planning on meeting up with a friend of mine. I also want to get some errands in, but I don't think anything is too pressing so I am hoping for some reading time. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Black Out by Lisa Unger
I have read a lot of reviews for Ms. Unger's books on several different blogs so last time I was at the library and saw one, I decided to pick up Black Out and give it a try. It was a perfect fit for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge under the category of psychological suspense. Black Out was different from anything else I have ever read and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
When my mother named me Ophelia, she thought she was being literary. She didn’t realize she was being tragic.On the surface, Annie Powers’s life in a wealthy Floridian suburb is happy and idyllic. Her husband, Gray, loves her fiercely; together, they dote on their beautiful young daughter, Victory. But the bubble surrounding Annie is pricked when she senses that the demons of her past have resurfaced and, to her horror, are now creeping up on her. These are demons she can’t fully recall because of a highly dissociative state that allowed her to forget the tragic and violent episodes of her earlier life as Ophelia March and to start over, under the loving and protective eye of Gray, as Annie Powers. Disturbing events—the appearance of a familiar dark figure on the beach, the mysterious murder of her psychologist—trigger strange and confusing memories for Annie, who realizes she has to quickly piece them together before her past comes to claim her future and her daughter.
The story was told from many different times, including the past from 10 years ago to a couple of weeks ago, along with the present. The reader learns what happens through Annie's dreams and memories and is thrown into the suspense and mystery of what exactly is going on in her life. There were times when my head was spinning-in a good way- trying to figure out what exactly was going on and who Annie could trust. I read this book a bit slower than usual because there was a lot to keep track of. I will admit that the ending left me a bit disappointed and with some questions not answered, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading more of Ms. Unger's books in the future.
Up next is another suspense book that I have read a lot about on other blogs, In the Woods by Tana French. It is set in Ireland and I have to admit that I normally don't read books set in other countries, though I am not sure why. I think part of it is because I like to be able to picture things as I am reading and tie it in to my own experiences. I am going to give it a try, but I just picked up some more books from the library and thrift store so if I can't get into it, I will pick something else up. School as been canceled the past two days because of the cold temperatures, but I have been busy working my other jobs. I have to work four hours tonight and seven tomorrow, so I am not sure how much reading I will be getting in but I plan on sneaking some in here and there. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When my mother named me Ophelia, she thought she was being literary. She didn’t realize she was being tragic.On the surface, Annie Powers’s life in a wealthy Floridian suburb is happy and idyllic. Her husband, Gray, loves her fiercely; together, they dote on their beautiful young daughter, Victory. But the bubble surrounding Annie is pricked when she senses that the demons of her past have resurfaced and, to her horror, are now creeping up on her. These are demons she can’t fully recall because of a highly dissociative state that allowed her to forget the tragic and violent episodes of her earlier life as Ophelia March and to start over, under the loving and protective eye of Gray, as Annie Powers. Disturbing events—the appearance of a familiar dark figure on the beach, the mysterious murder of her psychologist—trigger strange and confusing memories for Annie, who realizes she has to quickly piece them together before her past comes to claim her future and her daughter.
The story was told from many different times, including the past from 10 years ago to a couple of weeks ago, along with the present. The reader learns what happens through Annie's dreams and memories and is thrown into the suspense and mystery of what exactly is going on in her life. There were times when my head was spinning-in a good way- trying to figure out what exactly was going on and who Annie could trust. I read this book a bit slower than usual because there was a lot to keep track of. I will admit that the ending left me a bit disappointed and with some questions not answered, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading more of Ms. Unger's books in the future.
Up next is another suspense book that I have read a lot about on other blogs, In the Woods by Tana French. It is set in Ireland and I have to admit that I normally don't read books set in other countries, though I am not sure why. I think part of it is because I like to be able to picture things as I am reading and tie it in to my own experiences. I am going to give it a try, but I just picked up some more books from the library and thrift store so if I can't get into it, I will pick something else up. School as been canceled the past two days because of the cold temperatures, but I have been busy working my other jobs. I have to work four hours tonight and seven tomorrow, so I am not sure how much reading I will be getting in but I plan on sneaking some in here and there. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter
Sleep Softly was a library book that I picked up last week while browsing. It sounded like a perfect fit for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge in the forensic category and also counted towards the library challenge so I checked it out. It was a good read, nothing fantastic, but pleasant. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Four little girls—each blond, each on the verge of adolescence—stolen from their families.
Their bodies discovered months later in shallow graves, surrounded by trinkets they never owned, clutching a scrap of paper bearing a cryptic verse.
As a forensic nurse in rural South Carolina, Ashlee Davenport Chadwick acts as both caregiver and cop, gathering evidence from anyone who arrives in the local E.R. as the result of a crime. It's a tough job, both physically and emotionally draining, but deeply satisfying.
Then a child's red shoe is discovered on Davenport property. The evidence leads Ashlee to the body of a missing girl and her work suddenly invades every aspect of her life. As an expert and a witness, she must call upon all her resources. And when the killer's eye turns to her, she becomes intimately involved with a crime that tests her mind and her spirit…and the price of failure will be another child's life.
It seemed to me that this book may be part of a series, but when I looked on Amazon, I couldn't find one with Ashlee being the main character. I did recgonize a series with the lead character who was a very minor character in this book, so maybe they all tie together. It wasn't a big deal though as everything was pretty much fleshed out. I enjoyed this book, but the best part of it were all of the characters. Ashlee's grandmother is a pretty big character in the book and I loved her and her attitude. The mystery was a bit weak and I wasn't able to figure out who the bad guy was. I am not sure if it was me or the book though as I admit I may not have been focusing as much as I like to normally. That being said, it was a good book and I will probably pick up the next book Ms. Hunter has coming out which is set to be released February 1 by Mira if I find it at the library. I am really watching my budget this year and am going to cut way down on buying books.
Up next is another library book. I know I have two left, but for the life of me I can't remember what they are. I am working at my online job right now, though we are having tech issues, so I don't have any students. However, they can come in at any time so I can't leave my desk so I think I will call Chris and have him bring me one of my books... that way he can decide which one I read next! Happy Reading everyone!
From Amazon:
Four little girls—each blond, each on the verge of adolescence—stolen from their families.
Their bodies discovered months later in shallow graves, surrounded by trinkets they never owned, clutching a scrap of paper bearing a cryptic verse.
As a forensic nurse in rural South Carolina, Ashlee Davenport Chadwick acts as both caregiver and cop, gathering evidence from anyone who arrives in the local E.R. as the result of a crime. It's a tough job, both physically and emotionally draining, but deeply satisfying.
Then a child's red shoe is discovered on Davenport property. The evidence leads Ashlee to the body of a missing girl and her work suddenly invades every aspect of her life. As an expert and a witness, she must call upon all her resources. And when the killer's eye turns to her, she becomes intimately involved with a crime that tests her mind and her spirit…and the price of failure will be another child's life.
It seemed to me that this book may be part of a series, but when I looked on Amazon, I couldn't find one with Ashlee being the main character. I did recgonize a series with the lead character who was a very minor character in this book, so maybe they all tie together. It wasn't a big deal though as everything was pretty much fleshed out. I enjoyed this book, but the best part of it were all of the characters. Ashlee's grandmother is a pretty big character in the book and I loved her and her attitude. The mystery was a bit weak and I wasn't able to figure out who the bad guy was. I am not sure if it was me or the book though as I admit I may not have been focusing as much as I like to normally. That being said, it was a good book and I will probably pick up the next book Ms. Hunter has coming out which is set to be released February 1 by Mira if I find it at the library. I am really watching my budget this year and am going to cut way down on buying books.
Up next is another library book. I know I have two left, but for the life of me I can't remember what they are. I am working at my online job right now, though we are having tech issues, so I don't have any students. However, they can come in at any time so I can't leave my desk so I think I will call Chris and have him bring me one of my books... that way he can decide which one I read next! Happy Reading everyone!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Testimony by Anita Shreve
I actually didn't pick anything up for two days after finishing off The Abortionist's Daughter. I grabbed a Jackie Collins' book and put it in my purse for work but I have been very busy week and just didn't make the time to read it. I went to my library and saw Testimony and I remembered reading so many reviews about it, so I grabbed it. I am not sure what to say about the book, except that I liked it. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices--those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal--that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in TESTIMONY a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellinglyexplores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.
I really enjoyed how the book was written and how the story was told. You get to meet so many characters who all have a different perception of what happened and how it happened, which I think was a very creative way of setting the book up. I will admit that I had a bit of difficultly keeping everyone straight, but the more I read, the easier it was. This was a page turner and a pretty easy read. I feel like anything else I have to say about the book may be considered a spoiler, and I would not want to ruin the book for anyone. This was my first novel authored by Ms. Shreve and I probably will not go and seek out more books by her. I wasn't overly impressed and I have so many other books and authors I love and so little time.
Up next is one of the other library books I picked up on my last run. Why is it when I feel like I can never decide from my own library of 600+ books to read I always find a ton at the library? Oh well, it is better than having nothing to read! Happy Reading everyone and stay warm!
From Amazon:
At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices--those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal--that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in TESTIMONY a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellinglyexplores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.
I really enjoyed how the book was written and how the story was told. You get to meet so many characters who all have a different perception of what happened and how it happened, which I think was a very creative way of setting the book up. I will admit that I had a bit of difficultly keeping everyone straight, but the more I read, the easier it was. This was a page turner and a pretty easy read. I feel like anything else I have to say about the book may be considered a spoiler, and I would not want to ruin the book for anyone. This was my first novel authored by Ms. Shreve and I probably will not go and seek out more books by her. I wasn't overly impressed and I have so many other books and authors I love and so little time.
Up next is one of the other library books I picked up on my last run. Why is it when I feel like I can never decide from my own library of 600+ books to read I always find a ton at the library? Oh well, it is better than having nothing to read! Happy Reading everyone and stay warm!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde
I have had The Abortionist's Daughter on my shelves for probably close to two years now. I won it in a contest on an old blog I used to read and was eager to read it, but as things happen, it got shelved on the bottom and I forgot about it. I am not sure what reminded me of this book, but I decided to uncover it and read it for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge in the category of suspense drama. I am so glad that I did because I loved this book. I am going to give it a rare A.
From Amazon:
Two weeks before Christmas, Diana Duprey, an outspoken abortion doctor, is found dead in her swimming pool. A national figure, Diana inspired passion and ignited tempers, but never more so than the day of her death. Her husband Frank, a longtime attorney in the DA’s office; her daughter Megan, a freshman in college; the Reverend Stephen O’Connell, founder of the town’s pro-life coalition: all of them quarreled with Diana that day and each one has something to lose in revealing the truth. Meanwhile the detective on the case struggles for the answers — and finds himself more intimately involved than he ever could have imagined.
Everything was great about this book. The mystery was really compelling and even though I thought I had it figured out, things kept making me doubt myself. The characters were really well developed and we were allowed to get inside the heads of quite a few of them. I could relate with all of them which is usually not true in reading. The writing was really done and I kept turning the pages. I probably could have finished this book in one sitting if that little pesky thing called work didn't get in the way. I was worried about how I might react to some of the things discussed in the book and was hoping that the details of the abortions wouldn't get too graphic, and once I was a bit uncomfortable but I felt it was necessary to the story. I am now afraid the next book I read will not hold up if I keep compariing it to this one!
On that note, I have no idea what I am going to read next. Should I go for something totally opposite and pick a light romantic comedy... or perhaps a gory thriller? I am not sure, but I do know that The Abortionist's Daughter will stay with me for quite a bit. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Two weeks before Christmas, Diana Duprey, an outspoken abortion doctor, is found dead in her swimming pool. A national figure, Diana inspired passion and ignited tempers, but never more so than the day of her death. Her husband Frank, a longtime attorney in the DA’s office; her daughter Megan, a freshman in college; the Reverend Stephen O’Connell, founder of the town’s pro-life coalition: all of them quarreled with Diana that day and each one has something to lose in revealing the truth. Meanwhile the detective on the case struggles for the answers — and finds himself more intimately involved than he ever could have imagined.
Everything was great about this book. The mystery was really compelling and even though I thought I had it figured out, things kept making me doubt myself. The characters were really well developed and we were allowed to get inside the heads of quite a few of them. I could relate with all of them which is usually not true in reading. The writing was really done and I kept turning the pages. I probably could have finished this book in one sitting if that little pesky thing called work didn't get in the way. I was worried about how I might react to some of the things discussed in the book and was hoping that the details of the abortions wouldn't get too graphic, and once I was a bit uncomfortable but I felt it was necessary to the story. I am now afraid the next book I read will not hold up if I keep compariing it to this one!
On that note, I have no idea what I am going to read next. Should I go for something totally opposite and pick a light romantic comedy... or perhaps a gory thriller? I am not sure, but I do know that The Abortionist's Daughter will stay with me for quite a bit. Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Close To You by Mary Jane Clark
As I mentioned before, I got Close To You from my local library. I thought it would be a perfect fit for two of my challenges and I had previously read a book by Ms. Clark that I really enjoyed. I had high hopes for this book, though I was left feeling a bit disappointed. I give it a B-.
From Amazon:
In front of the camera, as anchorwoman for KEY Evening Headlines, she's savvy, sexy, and sophisticated. But when she steps out of the spotlight, Eliza Blake is far more vulnerable than her devoted viewers would ever imagine. Single-handedly raising a young daughter, she's finally found a safe haven: a dream house in the suburbs, where nothing can ever threaten her again....It begins with a venomous letter. No stranger to the occasional hate mail that mingles with glowing correspondence from adoring fans, Eliza is at first unaware that this time, the writer isn't a harmless nutcase. Then come the menacing phone calls. Now, that her serene suburban life is shattered by fear, Eliza must face the chilling realization that the stalker is closer, and more lethal, than anyone ever suspected-perhaps even concealed behind a trusted, familiar face...
The first thing that disappointed me about this book was the fact that it was part of a series, which I didn't know. That doesn't take away from the book, but I was kind of disappointed because I have the book before this and now I feel like I can't read it since this book explains a bit of what happens. The second thing that disappointed me was the lack of the suspense. I pretty much figured out who the bad stalker was as soon as the character was introduced. There wasn't even a whole lot about the stalker or even some real threats made on Eliza. I felt like I was reading a fiction story about a single mom who is a famous tv anchor that had a bit of mystery thrown in to spice the book up. That isn't necessiarly a bad thing, it's just that I was expecting more thrill and less mundane. There was also a lot of unanswered questions that weren't even discussed so that kinda threw me off. Again it wasn't a bad book, just not my favorite.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something off of my shelves. School starts tomorrow and I probably won't have to work because teachers can't call in the day after a break which is fine by me. I am working a lot on my online job-which I love- and I don't feel ready to pull out work clothes again. I swear being off of work for two weeks makes it very hard to go back in. Oh well, we got to do it! I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
In front of the camera, as anchorwoman for KEY Evening Headlines, she's savvy, sexy, and sophisticated. But when she steps out of the spotlight, Eliza Blake is far more vulnerable than her devoted viewers would ever imagine. Single-handedly raising a young daughter, she's finally found a safe haven: a dream house in the suburbs, where nothing can ever threaten her again....It begins with a venomous letter. No stranger to the occasional hate mail that mingles with glowing correspondence from adoring fans, Eliza is at first unaware that this time, the writer isn't a harmless nutcase. Then come the menacing phone calls. Now, that her serene suburban life is shattered by fear, Eliza must face the chilling realization that the stalker is closer, and more lethal, than anyone ever suspected-perhaps even concealed behind a trusted, familiar face...
The first thing that disappointed me about this book was the fact that it was part of a series, which I didn't know. That doesn't take away from the book, but I was kind of disappointed because I have the book before this and now I feel like I can't read it since this book explains a bit of what happens. The second thing that disappointed me was the lack of the suspense. I pretty much figured out who the bad stalker was as soon as the character was introduced. There wasn't even a whole lot about the stalker or even some real threats made on Eliza. I felt like I was reading a fiction story about a single mom who is a famous tv anchor that had a bit of mystery thrown in to spice the book up. That isn't necessiarly a bad thing, it's just that I was expecting more thrill and less mundane. There was also a lot of unanswered questions that weren't even discussed so that kinda threw me off. Again it wasn't a bad book, just not my favorite.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something off of my shelves. School starts tomorrow and I probably won't have to work because teachers can't call in the day after a break which is fine by me. I am working a lot on my online job-which I love- and I don't feel ready to pull out work clothes again. I swear being off of work for two weeks makes it very hard to go back in. Oh well, we got to do it! I hope everyone had a relaxing weekend and Happy Reading!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Innocence by Karen Novak
I got Innocence by Karen Novak from the library. I had heard nothing about this book, but it just caught my eye and the premise sounded interesting. It also fit into the Suspense and Thriller Challenge as a private investagor thriller. As I read the book, I thought that it may not fit well but it did. It was a wonderfully written book and I really enjoyed it. I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
When private investigator Leslie Stone's own thirteen-year-old daughter, Molly, attempts to hire her to find a vanished friend, the case stirs memories of one from Leslie's own troubled childhood: a series of abductions of girls who became known as the Nightingales. Five eighth-grade boys are being charged with assaulting Molly's friend. But even as their small town erupts in anger and calls for justice, Molly insists that the boys are innocent, and takes the stand to testify on their behalf. Leslie's investigations show that although Molly may be right, someone is guilty. As the case draws her own secret knowledge of the Nightingales' history toward the light, she is left uncertain of every instinct except the one that demands she protect her child- even if she has to betray her own childhood by telling everything.
This book has so much going on, yet the reader is never overwhelmed. The reader gets two stories for one, including old kidnapping and child assults that happened when Leslie was a child. The author does a fantastic job of telling the second story and in such an interesting way as well... by inserting seperate chapters counting backwards. For example, the book opens up with Chapter 19 telling one part of the old story and then counts down after breaking in spots for the current story. This book touches on so many aspects of life today and at times is hard to read. I was still surprised when things came out in the final pages and it didn't bother me. There are a lot of emotions dealing with family that touched me as well and I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a bit. It is part of a series, but I believe it is the last of the series. If this is so, I say it is a perfect ending.
Up next is another library book that will also fit the Thriller Challenge. The book is Close To You by Mary Jane Clark and fits the stalker thriller book. I have previously read one Mary Jane Clark and have several on my shelves, so I hope it is another great one.In 2008 I read 130 books, and this year I would like to beat it by 5. I definitely need to make more time for reading. I get such a great pleasure for it and need to make more time. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When private investigator Leslie Stone's own thirteen-year-old daughter, Molly, attempts to hire her to find a vanished friend, the case stirs memories of one from Leslie's own troubled childhood: a series of abductions of girls who became known as the Nightingales. Five eighth-grade boys are being charged with assaulting Molly's friend. But even as their small town erupts in anger and calls for justice, Molly insists that the boys are innocent, and takes the stand to testify on their behalf. Leslie's investigations show that although Molly may be right, someone is guilty. As the case draws her own secret knowledge of the Nightingales' history toward the light, she is left uncertain of every instinct except the one that demands she protect her child- even if she has to betray her own childhood by telling everything.
This book has so much going on, yet the reader is never overwhelmed. The reader gets two stories for one, including old kidnapping and child assults that happened when Leslie was a child. The author does a fantastic job of telling the second story and in such an interesting way as well... by inserting seperate chapters counting backwards. For example, the book opens up with Chapter 19 telling one part of the old story and then counts down after breaking in spots for the current story. This book touches on so many aspects of life today and at times is hard to read. I was still surprised when things came out in the final pages and it didn't bother me. There are a lot of emotions dealing with family that touched me as well and I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a bit. It is part of a series, but I believe it is the last of the series. If this is so, I say it is a perfect ending.
Up next is another library book that will also fit the Thriller Challenge. The book is Close To You by Mary Jane Clark and fits the stalker thriller book. I have previously read one Mary Jane Clark and have several on my shelves, so I hope it is another great one.In 2008 I read 130 books, and this year I would like to beat it by 5. I definitely need to make more time for reading. I get such a great pleasure for it and need to make more time. Happy Reading!
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