When I read Ms. Lancaster's first book a couple of years ago, I was hooked. I thought her writing style was unique and funny and I had a good time laughing out loud. My Fair Lazy was a different story though. I give it a B-.
From Amazon:
It's a JENaissance! The New York Times bestselling author of Pretty in Plaid gets her culture on. Readers have followed Jen Lancaster through job loss, sucky city living, weight loss attempts, and 1980s nostalgia. Now Jen chronicles her efforts to achieve cultural enlightenment, with some hilarious missteps and genuine moments of inspiration along the way. And she does so by any means necessary: reading canonical literature, viewing classic films, attending the opera, researching artisan cheeses, and even enrolling in etiquette classes to improve her social graces. In Jen's corner is a crack team of experts, including Page Six socialites, gourmet chefs, an opera aficionado, and a master sommelier. She may discover that well-regarded, high-priced stinky cheese tastes exactly as bad as it smells, and that her love for Kraft American Singles is forever. But one thing's for certain: Eliza Doolittle's got nothing on Jen Lancaster-and failure is an option.
First of all, I am so glad I didn't buy this book and instead waited for it from the library. To me the book was boring and dull. Most of the second half was just a description of the different types of food she was eating and all of the restaurants she went to. I felt like I was reading a menu website or something. I also felt like Ms. Lancaster was kind of dogging herself for watching so many reality shows, which is something I like to do once in awhile to escape from the bad news all of the time. There are still the footnotes and emails with her friends, which I do love, and a touching chapter on her pets that had me tear up. All in all, while I didn't hate the book, it definitely wasn't what I've come to expect from Ms. Lancaster!
Showing posts with label B- reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label B- reviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
92. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich
I continue to read the Stephanie Plum books each year because I so used to love the series. I have been disppointed by several of the past books, and from reading around the blogosphere, it seems to me that quite a few bloggers agree with me. I have since stopped buying the books and now only get them from my library. Sizzling Sixteen didn't do much sizzling for me, and I can only give it a B-.
From Amazon:
Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a “lucky” bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn’t specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck. . . .
BAD LUCK:
Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.
GOOD LUCK:
Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.
BAD LUCK:
Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie’s messing up Mooner’s vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in Ranger’s apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.
GOOD LUCK:
Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner’s Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save the business, and Vinnie, from ruin.
BAD LUCK:
Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.
GOOD LUCK:
The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky---the only question is . . . with whom?
Sizzling Sixteen . . . so hot, the pages might spontaneously combust!
All I really have to say is eh. Not much bounty hunting going on, not much resolution with the whole Joe and Ranger diabcle, and not much Grandma Mazur, my favorite Plum. While I don't regret reading the book, I was disappointed but so glad I didn't break down and buy it after waiting 3 plus months from the library to get it.
From Amazon:
Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a “lucky” bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn’t specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck. . . .
BAD LUCK:
Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.
GOOD LUCK:
Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.
BAD LUCK:
Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie’s messing up Mooner’s vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in Ranger’s apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.
GOOD LUCK:
Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner’s Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save the business, and Vinnie, from ruin.
BAD LUCK:
Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.
GOOD LUCK:
The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky---the only question is . . . with whom?
Sizzling Sixteen . . . so hot, the pages might spontaneously combust!
All I really have to say is eh. Not much bounty hunting going on, not much resolution with the whole Joe and Ranger diabcle, and not much Grandma Mazur, my favorite Plum. While I don't regret reading the book, I was disappointed but so glad I didn't break down and buy it after waiting 3 plus months from the library to get it.
Monday, October 4, 2010
90. Outside the Ordinary World by Dori Ostermiller
Outside The Ordinary World was a book I spotted while browsing at the book store. I hate buying trade paperbacks because of their price, so I jotted down the name and looked to see if my library had it. Luckily, the did. I wasn't overly impressed with the book though and give it a B-.
From Amazon:
Sylvia Sandon is at a crossroads in her life. A wife and mother of two daughters, she and her city-planner husband grapple with the escalating renovation of their antique farmhouse--a situation that mirrors the disarray in Sylvia's life. Facing a failing marriage and a famished career as an art teacher, Sylvia finds herself suddenly powerless to the allure of Tai Rosen, the father of her most difficult art student. As their passion ignites, Sylvia is forced to examine her past, and the seeds of betrayal that were sown decades earlier by her mother's secret life. Eloquently written and deeply thought-provoking, Ostermiller's OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY WORLD crosses many years and miles--from the California brushfires in the 1970s to New England during the first half of this decade. Raised Seventh Day Adventist, Sylvia must reconcile the conflicting values exhibited by her parents--a mother involved in an extramarital affair and a father who was emotionally distant and abusive--while coming to terms with her own disturbing role in her family's dissolution and father's tragic death. While infidelity is a subject often explored in fiction, Ostermiller shines a razor-sharp lens on the gray areas surrounding betrayal, the complex interplay of religion, and the powerful legacy passed down from one generation to the next. At the same time, she reveals the redemptive power of the human spirit to love, transform, and forgive despite family history.
I really disliked Sylvia. Even know, a week after finishing the book, I still don't like her- at all! I thought she was selfish and only thought of herself for most of the book. I did like the way the story was told, though, from the 1970s when Sylvia was growing up, to present day when she is a mom of two. It took me awhile to finish this book and there just wasn't much to keep my attention for a lot of the time, so I was disappointed. I thought it could have been done in a much better way.
From Amazon:
Sylvia Sandon is at a crossroads in her life. A wife and mother of two daughters, she and her city-planner husband grapple with the escalating renovation of their antique farmhouse--a situation that mirrors the disarray in Sylvia's life. Facing a failing marriage and a famished career as an art teacher, Sylvia finds herself suddenly powerless to the allure of Tai Rosen, the father of her most difficult art student. As their passion ignites, Sylvia is forced to examine her past, and the seeds of betrayal that were sown decades earlier by her mother's secret life. Eloquently written and deeply thought-provoking, Ostermiller's OUTSIDE THE ORDINARY WORLD crosses many years and miles--from the California brushfires in the 1970s to New England during the first half of this decade. Raised Seventh Day Adventist, Sylvia must reconcile the conflicting values exhibited by her parents--a mother involved in an extramarital affair and a father who was emotionally distant and abusive--while coming to terms with her own disturbing role in her family's dissolution and father's tragic death. While infidelity is a subject often explored in fiction, Ostermiller shines a razor-sharp lens on the gray areas surrounding betrayal, the complex interplay of religion, and the powerful legacy passed down from one generation to the next. At the same time, she reveals the redemptive power of the human spirit to love, transform, and forgive despite family history.
I really disliked Sylvia. Even know, a week after finishing the book, I still don't like her- at all! I thought she was selfish and only thought of herself for most of the book. I did like the way the story was told, though, from the 1970s when Sylvia was growing up, to present day when she is a mom of two. It took me awhile to finish this book and there just wasn't much to keep my attention for a lot of the time, so I was disappointed. I thought it could have been done in a much better way.
Friday, September 10, 2010
82. A Stranger Like You by Elizabeth Brundage
I've read and enjoyed Ms. Brundage's previous books so much, so when I saw that she had released a new book, I was very excited. Unfortunetly, A Stranger Like You was a bit disappointing. I give it a B-.
From Amazon:
Hedda Chase is a top-flight executive producer at Gladiator Films, fast-tracked in the business since she graduated from Yale. An aggressive businesswoman, she recently pulled the plug on a film project initiated by one of her predecessors. The screenwriter on the project was Hugh Waters, a wannabe with a dead-end marriage and a day job at an insurance company. This script was his ticket out-until Hedda tampered with his plans, claiming his violence was over the top, his premise not credible, and his ending implausible. Hugh decides to prove otherwise by staging his script's ending and casting Hedda Chase as the victim. He flies to Los Angeles and finds Hedda, kidnaps her, and locks her in the trunk of her vintage BMW in the parking lot at LAX. He leaves the keys in the ignition, the parking ticket on the dash, and lets "destiny" take its course. This is the set-up for a troubling, smart, deadly look at women and images of women, at media as a high-stakes game and the selling of a war as theatre. (One key character is an Iraq veteran, and one of Hedda's projects is a film about women in Iraq). Brundage's Los Angeles is a casual battleground that trades carelessly in lives and dreams. As always, her characters are complicated, surprising, and intense in this high velocity, provocative novel.
There were a lot of smaller characters that ended up playing a role in the all of the main character's lives and at times it was difficult to keep them all straight. This book was shorter, and I felt like if the ending was a bit rushed and not flushed out enough. I also felt that the author was preaching her views a bit on the Iraq and to some extremes, the Afghanistan wars which turned me off. Whether or not I agree with an author's viewpoint, I read fiction to be entertained... not preached at. I think that is sometimes a difficult thing to do, but something that is important. I won't be giving up on Ms. Brundage, but I am glad that I checked this book out from the library.
From Amazon:
Hedda Chase is a top-flight executive producer at Gladiator Films, fast-tracked in the business since she graduated from Yale. An aggressive businesswoman, she recently pulled the plug on a film project initiated by one of her predecessors. The screenwriter on the project was Hugh Waters, a wannabe with a dead-end marriage and a day job at an insurance company. This script was his ticket out-until Hedda tampered with his plans, claiming his violence was over the top, his premise not credible, and his ending implausible. Hugh decides to prove otherwise by staging his script's ending and casting Hedda Chase as the victim. He flies to Los Angeles and finds Hedda, kidnaps her, and locks her in the trunk of her vintage BMW in the parking lot at LAX. He leaves the keys in the ignition, the parking ticket on the dash, and lets "destiny" take its course. This is the set-up for a troubling, smart, deadly look at women and images of women, at media as a high-stakes game and the selling of a war as theatre. (One key character is an Iraq veteran, and one of Hedda's projects is a film about women in Iraq). Brundage's Los Angeles is a casual battleground that trades carelessly in lives and dreams. As always, her characters are complicated, surprising, and intense in this high velocity, provocative novel.
There were a lot of smaller characters that ended up playing a role in the all of the main character's lives and at times it was difficult to keep them all straight. This book was shorter, and I felt like if the ending was a bit rushed and not flushed out enough. I also felt that the author was preaching her views a bit on the Iraq and to some extremes, the Afghanistan wars which turned me off. Whether or not I agree with an author's viewpoint, I read fiction to be entertained... not preached at. I think that is sometimes a difficult thing to do, but something that is important. I won't be giving up on Ms. Brundage, but I am glad that I checked this book out from the library.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
60. Christietown by Susan Kandel
After reading and loving Dial H for Hitchcock, I decided to check out Ms. Kandel's previous books. I was a bit disappointed with Christietown, however, and can only give it a B-.
From Amazon:
A new suspense-themed housing tract on the edge of the Mojave Desert is about to open, and who better to help promote the Cotswold-cozy development than mystery biographer extraordinaire Cece Caruso? For the grand opening weekend, Cece is staging a play featuring the beloved sleuth Miss Marple. Of course, everything goes wrong, including a leading lady who ends up dead.
All is not well in Christietown; its secrets are as complicated as the truth behind Agatha Christie's real-life disappearance. The developer, an Englishman who claims to be Dame Agatha's descendent, has ruthless investors breathing down his neck. Meanwhile, Cece's got a wedding to plan, a baby shower to give, and an ex-husband who shows up on her doorstep with his fiancée and future mother-in-law. And when another body surfaces, the intrepid amateur sleuth knows she must play the famed detective for real—or suffer the same mysterious fate.
I felt like there was a lot of bouncing around in the book and there were a ton of characters, so at times I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and what exactly was going on. I did like the premise of the story, though, especially the idea of a community that focuses on the famed mystery writer. I probably would have liked the book more if I was more familiar with Ms. Christie's works, but I haven't read anything by her. Horrible I know! Anyways, a good cozy, but not a memorable one.
From Amazon:
A new suspense-themed housing tract on the edge of the Mojave Desert is about to open, and who better to help promote the Cotswold-cozy development than mystery biographer extraordinaire Cece Caruso? For the grand opening weekend, Cece is staging a play featuring the beloved sleuth Miss Marple. Of course, everything goes wrong, including a leading lady who ends up dead.
All is not well in Christietown; its secrets are as complicated as the truth behind Agatha Christie's real-life disappearance. The developer, an Englishman who claims to be Dame Agatha's descendent, has ruthless investors breathing down his neck. Meanwhile, Cece's got a wedding to plan, a baby shower to give, and an ex-husband who shows up on her doorstep with his fiancée and future mother-in-law. And when another body surfaces, the intrepid amateur sleuth knows she must play the famed detective for real—or suffer the same mysterious fate.
I felt like there was a lot of bouncing around in the book and there were a ton of characters, so at times I had a hard time keeping track of everyone and what exactly was going on. I did like the premise of the story, though, especially the idea of a community that focuses on the famed mystery writer. I probably would have liked the book more if I was more familiar with Ms. Christie's works, but I haven't read anything by her. Horrible I know! Anyways, a good cozy, but not a memorable one.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
54. The Punch: A Novel by Noah Hawley
I grabbed The Punch from my local library off of the new release shelf. It seemed funny and something different, but perhaps the timing was off a bit. I give it a B-.
From Amazon:
David believes that at heart, people are inherently rotten. Scott, his brother, believes that his life is going to fall apart, and that everyone he loves will leave him. Doris, their mother, believes that she has nothing to lose by revealing a 60-year-old family secret. This hysterically biting and ultimately redeeming novel by Noah Hawley proves them all right and wrong while answering some of life's biggest questions. Like, how did Scott end up with two wonderful wives simultaneously? And why can't David manage to keep even one dysfunctional relationship going? It all comes down to love and families and what you believe in and, maybe, forgiveness.
As I mentioned above, maybe the timing was off with me because the death of my grandma was so fresh and recent. But because of that, I could also see how several of the reactions and thoughts were quite real. My family (aunts and the like) can be quite out there sometimes and hard to handle and that came across in this book. There was some humor involved and it was that dry humor that I love so much. While I probably won't read anything else by Mr. Hawley (at least I won't seek anything out), I wasn't disappointed with this book. It just probably won't stay with me for long.
From Amazon:
David believes that at heart, people are inherently rotten. Scott, his brother, believes that his life is going to fall apart, and that everyone he loves will leave him. Doris, their mother, believes that she has nothing to lose by revealing a 60-year-old family secret. This hysterically biting and ultimately redeeming novel by Noah Hawley proves them all right and wrong while answering some of life's biggest questions. Like, how did Scott end up with two wonderful wives simultaneously? And why can't David manage to keep even one dysfunctional relationship going? It all comes down to love and families and what you believe in and, maybe, forgiveness.
As I mentioned above, maybe the timing was off with me because the death of my grandma was so fresh and recent. But because of that, I could also see how several of the reactions and thoughts were quite real. My family (aunts and the like) can be quite out there sometimes and hard to handle and that came across in this book. There was some humor involved and it was that dry humor that I love so much. While I probably won't read anything else by Mr. Hawley (at least I won't seek anything out), I wasn't disappointed with this book. It just probably won't stay with me for long.
Monday, February 1, 2010
9. If You Ever Tell by Carlene Thompson
If You Ever Tell is a book that had been sitting on my shelves for far too long so I decided to pick it up and give it a try. I was a bit disappointed, however, and can only give it a B-.
Back cover:
It took everything in Teresa Farr's power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother- both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or speak at all, those suspicions never went away...
Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying "justice". As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she's finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil conealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever...
This book was just blah. The suspense part was the miniority in the book, in my opinion, and focused much more on Teri and her family and friends. There was a lot of repeating of events as Teri thinks back to the scene that was just played out in the previous chapter, and in some cases, the previous paragraph. Teresa isn't the most likeable character, either. She's selfish and a lot of her thoughts were about her and how everyone's actions affected her. There was also quite a bit of romance in the story and it wasn't billed that way, so I was a bit disappointed. I don't know if I've lost my reading mojo or what, but I just couldn't get into this book that much. I've read previous books by Ms. Thompson and enjoyed them, so this was a bit of a letdown. I hope the next book I read grabs me more than this one did.
That's it for me tonight. Work has been crazy and as a matter of fact, I am tutoring online right now. I think some students are about to enter, so I must get off. Have a great night everyone and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
It took everything in Teresa Farr's power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother- both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or speak at all, those suspicions never went away...
Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying "justice". As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she's finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil conealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever...
This book was just blah. The suspense part was the miniority in the book, in my opinion, and focused much more on Teri and her family and friends. There was a lot of repeating of events as Teri thinks back to the scene that was just played out in the previous chapter, and in some cases, the previous paragraph. Teresa isn't the most likeable character, either. She's selfish and a lot of her thoughts were about her and how everyone's actions affected her. There was also quite a bit of romance in the story and it wasn't billed that way, so I was a bit disappointed. I don't know if I've lost my reading mojo or what, but I just couldn't get into this book that much. I've read previous books by Ms. Thompson and enjoyed them, so this was a bit of a letdown. I hope the next book I read grabs me more than this one did.
That's it for me tonight. Work has been crazy and as a matter of fact, I am tutoring online right now. I think some students are about to enter, so I must get off. Have a great night everyone and Happy Reading!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Burn by John Lutz
I have liked John Lutz's books for quite awhile and when I was browsing at the library I found a whole slew of books by him that was part of an old series. I had to try one and decided to pick it up. While it was a quick read, I was a bit disappointed with it and ended up skimming the end of it. I give it a B-.
Inside cover:
Disabled Florida P.I. Fred Carver takes on his new client, Joel Brandt, who reminds him of the handsome and deceptively charming mass murderer Ted Bundy- and that's the least disquieting aspect of the case. Brandt has been charged with stalking Marla Cloy, a woman he claims he's never met, and he hires Carver to find out why she's falsley accusing him. At his wit's end, Brandt is convinced she's out to get him so she can kill him, claiming self-defense. But why?
When Carver can find no connection between the two and no reason for either's vengeance, he begins to wonder who is stalking whom and finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse. A personal crisis takes Carver and the reader by surprise rounts out this tense and complicated tale.
This is an older book, written in the early 90s and is an old fashioned detective story. The mystery is solved by detective work, before the internet, where clues can be found by visiting the neighborhood bar or corner store. Carver is a likeable character one who I found charming and kind. The personal story was a little confusing and not really worth it and I rather have had it left out. Mr. Lutz does a great job of having me go back and forth trying to decide who was really at fault, Brandt or Marla. While it was a quick and easy read, I probably won't keep reading any out of the series even though the library has most of them. I much rather stick to Mr. Lutz's newer thriller books that he seems to come out with once a year.
Up next is probably going to be another library book. I went to the library today to pick up one book and ended up finding Flesh Wounds, a new book and new to me author that I think I may grab that one to read first. I doubt I will get it finished by the end of the year, but I am going to try. I hope everyone has had a great weekend and New Year's week and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Disabled Florida P.I. Fred Carver takes on his new client, Joel Brandt, who reminds him of the handsome and deceptively charming mass murderer Ted Bundy- and that's the least disquieting aspect of the case. Brandt has been charged with stalking Marla Cloy, a woman he claims he's never met, and he hires Carver to find out why she's falsley accusing him. At his wit's end, Brandt is convinced she's out to get him so she can kill him, claiming self-defense. But why?
When Carver can find no connection between the two and no reason for either's vengeance, he begins to wonder who is stalking whom and finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly game of cat and mouse. A personal crisis takes Carver and the reader by surprise rounts out this tense and complicated tale.
This is an older book, written in the early 90s and is an old fashioned detective story. The mystery is solved by detective work, before the internet, where clues can be found by visiting the neighborhood bar or corner store. Carver is a likeable character one who I found charming and kind. The personal story was a little confusing and not really worth it and I rather have had it left out. Mr. Lutz does a great job of having me go back and forth trying to decide who was really at fault, Brandt or Marla. While it was a quick and easy read, I probably won't keep reading any out of the series even though the library has most of them. I much rather stick to Mr. Lutz's newer thriller books that he seems to come out with once a year.
Up next is probably going to be another library book. I went to the library today to pick up one book and ended up finding Flesh Wounds, a new book and new to me author that I think I may grab that one to read first. I doubt I will get it finished by the end of the year, but I am going to try. I hope everyone has had a great weekend and New Year's week and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Murder List by Julie Garwood
Murder List is a book I've had on my shelves for far too long. When I was looking for something to read, I finally decided to grab it and start reading it. It started off with a bang and then ended it with a damper. I give it a B-.
Back cover:
Hotel heiress Regan Hamilton Madison is flirting with danger. She agrees to help a journalist friend expose Dr. Lawerence Shields, a shady self-help guru who may have been responsible for the death of one of his vulnerable devotees. Hoping to find some damning evidence, Regan attends a Sheilds seminar, where the doctor has his guests make a list of the people who have hurt or angered them over the year and asks: Would your world be a better place if these people cease to exist? Treating the exercise as a game, Regan plays along.
The experience is all but forgotten- until the first person on Regan's list turns up dead. Shock turns to horror when another name from her list surfaces as a corpse. While brutal murders seem to stalk Regan's every move her attraction to the detective assigned to protect her grows. As the menace intensifies and a serial killer circles, Regan must discover who has turned her private revenge fantasies into grisly reality.
I really liked Regan in the beginning and thought she was a great character but as the story wore on, she became somewhat of a pain and a bit annoying. I thought that the book was a going to be a great suspense novel with the way it started, but after the first 100 pages or so it all turned to romance. The bulk of this book was devoted to Regan and the detective assigned to her and their love that would never happen because of the circumstance surrounding them (yeah right... that's how it always is in books!) I fully admit to skimming full chapters of the book which is something I rarely do and probably would have not finished it but I've been reading so little lately and just wanted to finish something. The ending was somewhat unbelieveable and the motive to the bad guy just didn't seem to make sense to me. I hate being disappointed in the books I'm reading so maybe I feeling a bit whiney right now.
Up next is the last library book I have checked out. I read about it on several other blogs and it will be the first by this author I've read. 13 1/2 by Nevada Barr sounds promising and I hope it grabs my attention quickly, but more imporatantly keeps my attention! Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Hotel heiress Regan Hamilton Madison is flirting with danger. She agrees to help a journalist friend expose Dr. Lawerence Shields, a shady self-help guru who may have been responsible for the death of one of his vulnerable devotees. Hoping to find some damning evidence, Regan attends a Sheilds seminar, where the doctor has his guests make a list of the people who have hurt or angered them over the year and asks: Would your world be a better place if these people cease to exist? Treating the exercise as a game, Regan plays along.
The experience is all but forgotten- until the first person on Regan's list turns up dead. Shock turns to horror when another name from her list surfaces as a corpse. While brutal murders seem to stalk Regan's every move her attraction to the detective assigned to protect her grows. As the menace intensifies and a serial killer circles, Regan must discover who has turned her private revenge fantasies into grisly reality.
I really liked Regan in the beginning and thought she was a great character but as the story wore on, she became somewhat of a pain and a bit annoying. I thought that the book was a going to be a great suspense novel with the way it started, but after the first 100 pages or so it all turned to romance. The bulk of this book was devoted to Regan and the detective assigned to her and their love that would never happen because of the circumstance surrounding them (yeah right... that's how it always is in books!) I fully admit to skimming full chapters of the book which is something I rarely do and probably would have not finished it but I've been reading so little lately and just wanted to finish something. The ending was somewhat unbelieveable and the motive to the bad guy just didn't seem to make sense to me. I hate being disappointed in the books I'm reading so maybe I feeling a bit whiney right now.
Up next is the last library book I have checked out. I read about it on several other blogs and it will be the first by this author I've read. 13 1/2 by Nevada Barr sounds promising and I hope it grabs my attention quickly, but more imporatantly keeps my attention! Happy Reading everyone!
Friday, October 9, 2009
The Eleventh Victim by Nancy Grace
I love Nancy Grace's show on Headline News and really started watching it all of the time when the Casey Anthony case hit the airwaves last summer. I love her no nonsense attitude and her passion for bringing justice those who become victims of crime. I was excited to read her first fiction book where the main character was loosly based on herself and was happy to finally get it from the library. Because of work it took me awhile to read it and I ended up being a bit disappointed with the story. I give it a B-.
Inside cover:
As a young psychology student, Hailey Dean's world explodes when Will, her fiancee, is murdered just weeks before their wedding. Reeling, she fights back the only way she know how: in court, prosecuting crime, putting away the bad guys away one rapist, doper, and killer at a time. But dedicating her life to justice takes a toll after courtroom battles and the endless tide of victims calling out from the crime scene photos and autopsy tables. Just as she truly grow weary, a serial killer unlike any other she's encountered begins to stalk Atlanta, targeting young prostitutes, each horrific murder bearing it's own unique mark. This courtroom battle will be her last.
Hailey heads to Manhattan to pick up the pieces of the life she had before Will's murder, training as a therapist. In a vibrant new world, she finally leaves the ghosts behind. But then her own clients are murdered one by one by a copycat M.O. as the Atlanta killer she hunted down years ago. As the body count rises in Manhattan, Hailey is forced to match wits against not only a killer, but the famed NYPD.
The premise sounded like something right up my alley, but it just fell a bit flat for me. There were several mistakes that bothered me and I couldn't look past it. For example, in one paragraph the narrator talks about how hot it is outside and how someone is sweating through their clothes and in the very next paragraph the narrator discusses the cool bite to the air and how their is a bit of frost on the car windows. To me, that is a huge error and something that should have been caught! There was also a problem with the timeline and the years not adding up. Sometimes that can just throw me through a huge loop and drives me up a world! With all of that being said, I did like the way Ms. Grace told the story. While Hailey is the main character, there are several other characters who tell their story, and though they don't seem to be connected in any way, they end up all coming together. The suspense was well done and I didn't figure out whodunit... though it may have been because I am a bit sick and so busy. I may look for more of Ms. Grace's fiction works, I won't be desperate to get first in line for it.
I just started a new book, another from the library. I have several in from the library and some that are due back next week. I need to get started and reading soon. I was planning on spending some quality time with my books but I found out I need to do progress reports for my class I'm subbing for. I wasn't going to be doing it, but then the principal changed her mind last thing today. They were supposed to go home with the kids today, and of course that didn't happen, so I need to get those done this weekend. I am going to try and get a bit done tonight, along with some cleaning perhaps. Guess it's time to sign off and get a crackin'! Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
As a young psychology student, Hailey Dean's world explodes when Will, her fiancee, is murdered just weeks before their wedding. Reeling, she fights back the only way she know how: in court, prosecuting crime, putting away the bad guys away one rapist, doper, and killer at a time. But dedicating her life to justice takes a toll after courtroom battles and the endless tide of victims calling out from the crime scene photos and autopsy tables. Just as she truly grow weary, a serial killer unlike any other she's encountered begins to stalk Atlanta, targeting young prostitutes, each horrific murder bearing it's own unique mark. This courtroom battle will be her last.
Hailey heads to Manhattan to pick up the pieces of the life she had before Will's murder, training as a therapist. In a vibrant new world, she finally leaves the ghosts behind. But then her own clients are murdered one by one by a copycat M.O. as the Atlanta killer she hunted down years ago. As the body count rises in Manhattan, Hailey is forced to match wits against not only a killer, but the famed NYPD.
The premise sounded like something right up my alley, but it just fell a bit flat for me. There were several mistakes that bothered me and I couldn't look past it. For example, in one paragraph the narrator talks about how hot it is outside and how someone is sweating through their clothes and in the very next paragraph the narrator discusses the cool bite to the air and how their is a bit of frost on the car windows. To me, that is a huge error and something that should have been caught! There was also a problem with the timeline and the years not adding up. Sometimes that can just throw me through a huge loop and drives me up a world! With all of that being said, I did like the way Ms. Grace told the story. While Hailey is the main character, there are several other characters who tell their story, and though they don't seem to be connected in any way, they end up all coming together. The suspense was well done and I didn't figure out whodunit... though it may have been because I am a bit sick and so busy. I may look for more of Ms. Grace's fiction works, I won't be desperate to get first in line for it.
I just started a new book, another from the library. I have several in from the library and some that are due back next week. I need to get started and reading soon. I was planning on spending some quality time with my books but I found out I need to do progress reports for my class I'm subbing for. I wasn't going to be doing it, but then the principal changed her mind last thing today. They were supposed to go home with the kids today, and of course that didn't happen, so I need to get those done this weekend. I am going to try and get a bit done tonight, along with some cleaning perhaps. Guess it's time to sign off and get a crackin'! Happy Reading everyone!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Too Close for Comfort by Ellen Feldman
Too Close for Comfort is a book that has been sitting on my TBR shelves for far too long. I probably got it from a UBS or library sale, as it's an older book set in the 1990s. I thought it sounded right up my alley, but I was a bit disappointed. I give it a B-.
Back cover:
Half of the New Yorkers Isobel knew would kill for Pete's baronial Fifth Avenue apartment. Dr. Peter Arlen, psychiatrist, inherited it. Isobel Behringer, architectural preservationist and director of Urban Heritage, married into it. Flush and faintly guilty to be happily married at last, Isobel set about learning the rules of the house. But she couldn't help breaking a few as she cautiously took the shortcut through Pete's waiting room, naked under his shirt, to get more coffee, or look for a pair of gloves, or tempt fate. She thought no one could see her. Until the heavy-breathing calls began, disturbingly intimate, menacing, threatening her marriage and her peace of mind. Someone wanted to fill her shoes, her life, her husband's arms. Someone desperate, deranged. Sone only a razor-edge away...
Since this book is so old, I won't go into too many details or review it in depth. I thought so much more could have been done with the book, especially since it was almost 400 pages long, but a lot of it just focused on Isobel's daily life and the mundane things she does. The suspense really doesn't have a chance to build and Isobel isn't the most likeable character. Things did pick up in the second half of the book and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening between watching mindless tv. The reader discovers who is stalking Isobel with about 100 pages left in the book, and that takes away from the suspense a bit as well. I was able to figure things out towards the end but I find that happening more and more often. Oh well, I am happy to finally finish a book!
My new job is just draining me. I am absolutely miserable there and when I get home from work I am just so burned out I sit and count down the hours until I have to go back. I hope things get better, and holding out hope that they will get better, but if they don't I will be quitting. I've never quit a job before because I didn't like it and I hate the thought of quitting in this economy, but my mental health just isn't worth it. I had today off and am off until Tuesday, so I will be sending out resumes and can always return to subbing. Enought of all of that... I don't want to spend my next four days off thinking about that place. I hope to get lots of reading in this weekend, so I think I will head off to bed now so I can get up early tomorrow to fulfill that goal. Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Half of the New Yorkers Isobel knew would kill for Pete's baronial Fifth Avenue apartment. Dr. Peter Arlen, psychiatrist, inherited it. Isobel Behringer, architectural preservationist and director of Urban Heritage, married into it. Flush and faintly guilty to be happily married at last, Isobel set about learning the rules of the house. But she couldn't help breaking a few as she cautiously took the shortcut through Pete's waiting room, naked under his shirt, to get more coffee, or look for a pair of gloves, or tempt fate. She thought no one could see her. Until the heavy-breathing calls began, disturbingly intimate, menacing, threatening her marriage and her peace of mind. Someone wanted to fill her shoes, her life, her husband's arms. Someone desperate, deranged. Sone only a razor-edge away...
Since this book is so old, I won't go into too many details or review it in depth. I thought so much more could have been done with the book, especially since it was almost 400 pages long, but a lot of it just focused on Isobel's daily life and the mundane things she does. The suspense really doesn't have a chance to build and Isobel isn't the most likeable character. Things did pick up in the second half of the book and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening between watching mindless tv. The reader discovers who is stalking Isobel with about 100 pages left in the book, and that takes away from the suspense a bit as well. I was able to figure things out towards the end but I find that happening more and more often. Oh well, I am happy to finally finish a book!
My new job is just draining me. I am absolutely miserable there and when I get home from work I am just so burned out I sit and count down the hours until I have to go back. I hope things get better, and holding out hope that they will get better, but if they don't I will be quitting. I've never quit a job before because I didn't like it and I hate the thought of quitting in this economy, but my mental health just isn't worth it. I had today off and am off until Tuesday, so I will be sending out resumes and can always return to subbing. Enought of all of that... I don't want to spend my next four days off thinking about that place. I hope to get lots of reading in this weekend, so I think I will head off to bed now so I can get up early tomorrow to fulfill that goal. Happy Reading everyone!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Relentless by Dean Koontz
Relentless was my first book by Dean Koontz and the reason why I have never read anything by him before is because I was always under the impression that most of his books were more horror and supernatural, with perhaps a bit of sci-fi mixed in for good measure, and most of the time I don't really like that. I thought Relentless wouldn't have those aspects, but it did, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Still, Mr. Koontz provides a bit of humor, and I read the book pretty quickly. I give Relentless a B-.
Inside cover:
Bestselling novelist Cullen "Cubby" Greenwich is a lucky man and he knows it. He makes a handsome living doing what he enjoys. His wife, Penny, a children's book author and illustrator, is the love of his life. Together they have a brilliant six-year-old, Milo, affectionately dubbed "Spooky" and a non-collie named Lassie, who's all but part of the family.
So Cubby knows he shouldn't let one bad review of his otherwise triumphant new book get to him- even if it does appear in the nation's premier newspaper and is penned by the much-feared, seldom-seen critic Shearman Waxx. Cubby knows that the best thing to do is ignore the gratuitously vicious, insulting, and inaccurate comments. Penny knows it; even little Milo knows it. If Lassie could talk, she'd tell Cuby to ignore them too.
Ignore Shearman Waxx and his poison pen is just what Cubby intends to do. Until he happens to learn where the great man is taking his lunch. Cubby just wants to get a look at the mysterious recluse whose mere opinion can make or break a career- or a life.
But Shearman Waxx isn't what Cubby expects, and neither is the escalating terror that follows what seemed to be an innocent encounter. For Waxx gives criticism; he doesn't take it. He has ways of dealing with those who cross him that Cubby is only beginning to fathom. Soon Cubby finds himself in a desperate struggle with a relentless sociopath, facing an inexorable assult on far more than his life.
I really thought that Relentless had a lot of promise. I thought that this book could be really spooky and well done, especially in light of what has been happening lately with some authors who are not behaving well with reviews. I understand that Mr. Koontz has a genre and type of book that he normally writes, so I am not disappointed, I just wish it could have been somewhat more straight suspense and not some sci-fi thrown in. That's just me, though, and I wouldn't want that to discourage anyone from not reading it because of that. With all of that being said, Mr. Koontz does write a fast paced story, and I will admit that there were times my heart started beating a bit faster while I was reading. The story was a very fast read, and I read most of it this evening in a few hours. I really adored Milo as well, and even though the story was a horror/thriller type, there were several parts that left me smiling. Milo was absolutely adorable and Cubby is very likeable as well. While I may not pick up another Koontz book anytime soon, I am not upset that I read this book.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Can you believe that just as I finished all of my library books (I believe I have now read 7 books from the library in a row!!!) another one came in? I don't care... I have to grab something off of my own shelves. I think I may be in the mood for a straight fiction right now, but who knows? I think I am going to jump in the shower and then just browse my bookshelves. I hope everyone else is enjoying their current reads and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Bestselling novelist Cullen "Cubby" Greenwich is a lucky man and he knows it. He makes a handsome living doing what he enjoys. His wife, Penny, a children's book author and illustrator, is the love of his life. Together they have a brilliant six-year-old, Milo, affectionately dubbed "Spooky" and a non-collie named Lassie, who's all but part of the family.
So Cubby knows he shouldn't let one bad review of his otherwise triumphant new book get to him- even if it does appear in the nation's premier newspaper and is penned by the much-feared, seldom-seen critic Shearman Waxx. Cubby knows that the best thing to do is ignore the gratuitously vicious, insulting, and inaccurate comments. Penny knows it; even little Milo knows it. If Lassie could talk, she'd tell Cuby to ignore them too.
Ignore Shearman Waxx and his poison pen is just what Cubby intends to do. Until he happens to learn where the great man is taking his lunch. Cubby just wants to get a look at the mysterious recluse whose mere opinion can make or break a career- or a life.
But Shearman Waxx isn't what Cubby expects, and neither is the escalating terror that follows what seemed to be an innocent encounter. For Waxx gives criticism; he doesn't take it. He has ways of dealing with those who cross him that Cubby is only beginning to fathom. Soon Cubby finds himself in a desperate struggle with a relentless sociopath, facing an inexorable assult on far more than his life.
I really thought that Relentless had a lot of promise. I thought that this book could be really spooky and well done, especially in light of what has been happening lately with some authors who are not behaving well with reviews. I understand that Mr. Koontz has a genre and type of book that he normally writes, so I am not disappointed, I just wish it could have been somewhat more straight suspense and not some sci-fi thrown in. That's just me, though, and I wouldn't want that to discourage anyone from not reading it because of that. With all of that being said, Mr. Koontz does write a fast paced story, and I will admit that there were times my heart started beating a bit faster while I was reading. The story was a very fast read, and I read most of it this evening in a few hours. I really adored Milo as well, and even though the story was a horror/thriller type, there were several parts that left me smiling. Milo was absolutely adorable and Cubby is very likeable as well. While I may not pick up another Koontz book anytime soon, I am not upset that I read this book.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Can you believe that just as I finished all of my library books (I believe I have now read 7 books from the library in a row!!!) another one came in? I don't care... I have to grab something off of my own shelves. I think I may be in the mood for a straight fiction right now, but who knows? I think I am going to jump in the shower and then just browse my bookshelves. I hope everyone else is enjoying their current reads and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Last Lessons of Summer by Margaret Maron
Last Lessons of Summer is a book I have had on my shelves for awhile. I believe I bought it either from a library sale or from a thrift store and I decided to read it because I am ready for some summer weather (Today it was struggling to reach 65... I am sooooo ready for the 80s!). From reading the back of this book, I thought it may be a suspense book, but I would classify this more as a cozy mystery with some women's fiction in it. I give it a B-.
Back cover:
Her grandmother was killed in the very same house where her mother committed suicide. Now, in the suffocating heat of a Southern August, Amy Steadman, heir to the merchandising and publishing empire, returns to the old family homestead to clear out her grandmother's things... and perhaps find some answers. Frightened by parallells between her parents' stormy relationship and her own troubled marriage, Amy desperately needs to connect the dots between her life and the dark heritage that shaped her. Yet the more she learns, the closer she comes to a murderous force that may be part of her own family- and one that will not hesitate to lie, decieve, or kill...
There were a ton of characters here that were very difficult to keep track of. The author does provide a family tree in the beginning of the book, but it was such a pain to keep flipping back and forth to see who was related to who and how they were related. I also thought that there may be more of a mystery here, and maybe a bit more danger, but there was very little of that. Ms. Maron does do a fantastic job of describing the deep south in the summer and I admit there were quite a few times I was imagining myself sitting on a big, long porch reading and sipping sweet tea. Were it not for the wonderful and beautiful descriptions, I probably would have rated this book lower as I thought it was just pretty boring. Maybe if I had been expecting more of a cozy, I would have enjoyed the book more but I felt like there was a bit of switch and bait.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be another one of my own books. I am out of library books, so I will just check something out of my own "library". The Wings play in about 25 minutes are they are currently up 2-0 in the series! As much as I hate to say it, I wouldn't be terribly upset if they lost one of the next two games so they can come home and win the Cup in front of our crowd on Saturday. I hope everyone has been reading wonderful books and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Her grandmother was killed in the very same house where her mother committed suicide. Now, in the suffocating heat of a Southern August, Amy Steadman, heir to the merchandising and publishing empire, returns to the old family homestead to clear out her grandmother's things... and perhaps find some answers. Frightened by parallells between her parents' stormy relationship and her own troubled marriage, Amy desperately needs to connect the dots between her life and the dark heritage that shaped her. Yet the more she learns, the closer she comes to a murderous force that may be part of her own family- and one that will not hesitate to lie, decieve, or kill...
There were a ton of characters here that were very difficult to keep track of. The author does provide a family tree in the beginning of the book, but it was such a pain to keep flipping back and forth to see who was related to who and how they were related. I also thought that there may be more of a mystery here, and maybe a bit more danger, but there was very little of that. Ms. Maron does do a fantastic job of describing the deep south in the summer and I admit there were quite a few times I was imagining myself sitting on a big, long porch reading and sipping sweet tea. Were it not for the wonderful and beautiful descriptions, I probably would have rated this book lower as I thought it was just pretty boring. Maybe if I had been expecting more of a cozy, I would have enjoyed the book more but I felt like there was a bit of switch and bait.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be another one of my own books. I am out of library books, so I will just check something out of my own "library". The Wings play in about 25 minutes are they are currently up 2-0 in the series! As much as I hate to say it, I wouldn't be terribly upset if they lost one of the next two games so they can come home and win the Cup in front of our crowd on Saturday. I hope everyone has been reading wonderful books and Happy Reading!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Other Woman by Joy Fielding
The Other Woman by Joy Fielding is one of Ms. Fielding's oldest books. Published in 1983, I was afraid that the story may be too dated, but fortunetly, it wasn't. The book, topic, and the way the story was dealt with are all revelant to today's world. The Other Woman was a good read, and I give it a B-.
Back cover:
She was liberated- and fiercely independent- which only made it worse when she fell into the oldest trap in the world: a love affair with a married man. Unlike many another "other woman" she became his wife. And all too soon her mother's semmingly old-fashioned prediction came true: "If he'll do it to one woman, he'll do it to you."
At first Jill Plumely thought it was a flattering, if tasteless, joke when the sexy, beautiful young attorney introduced herself and whispered I'm going to marry your husband. Then David Plumey began spending late nights and weekends at the office. And Jill realized it was no joke; she recgonized the scenario all too well. Rotten coincidence? Maybe. Perhaps poetic justice. Jill knew all about being David's mistress; now she knew what it meant to be his wife.
I am used to Ms. Fielding's suspense books, so I was a bit disappointed that this book lacked some of the suspense. I did, however, really enjoy Jill's character. I could totally relate with her feelings and thoughts. At times I had a hard time feeling sorry for Jill, though, because as the description says, she was at one time the other woman and she broke up a marriage herself. Ms. Fielding does a good job making Jill sympathetic, though, and shows how sometimes karma really can come back and bite you. While this wasn't my favorite Ms. Fielding book, it was an enjoyable read.
My reading has really slowed down again. The past two days have been absolutely gorgeous out, so I have been spending as much time outside riding my bike, talking walks, etc. Plus the Red Wings are in the playoffs, so a lot of time has been spent watching them and the other playoff games. I went to the game last night and had an awesome time but we had to wait for over an hour in line to leave the parking garage, so I was able to finish up The Other Woman. Today is going to be spent catching up on tv shows, reading 27 Bones by Jonathan Nasaw, and getting ready to go back to work tomorrow (YUCK!!!). Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
She was liberated- and fiercely independent- which only made it worse when she fell into the oldest trap in the world: a love affair with a married man. Unlike many another "other woman" she became his wife. And all too soon her mother's semmingly old-fashioned prediction came true: "If he'll do it to one woman, he'll do it to you."
At first Jill Plumely thought it was a flattering, if tasteless, joke when the sexy, beautiful young attorney introduced herself and whispered I'm going to marry your husband. Then David Plumey began spending late nights and weekends at the office. And Jill realized it was no joke; she recgonized the scenario all too well. Rotten coincidence? Maybe. Perhaps poetic justice. Jill knew all about being David's mistress; now she knew what it meant to be his wife.
I am used to Ms. Fielding's suspense books, so I was a bit disappointed that this book lacked some of the suspense. I did, however, really enjoy Jill's character. I could totally relate with her feelings and thoughts. At times I had a hard time feeling sorry for Jill, though, because as the description says, she was at one time the other woman and she broke up a marriage herself. Ms. Fielding does a good job making Jill sympathetic, though, and shows how sometimes karma really can come back and bite you. While this wasn't my favorite Ms. Fielding book, it was an enjoyable read.
My reading has really slowed down again. The past two days have been absolutely gorgeous out, so I have been spending as much time outside riding my bike, talking walks, etc. Plus the Red Wings are in the playoffs, so a lot of time has been spent watching them and the other playoff games. I went to the game last night and had an awesome time but we had to wait for over an hour in line to leave the parking garage, so I was able to finish up The Other Woman. Today is going to be spent catching up on tv shows, reading 27 Bones by Jonathan Nasaw, and getting ready to go back to work tomorrow (YUCK!!!). Happy Reading everyone!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Paying the Piper by Simon Wood
Paying the Piper is a book I have had on my bookshelves for far too long and last time I was looking for something to read, I decided to rectify that. I was hoping to fit a couple of books in this weekend, but alas, it was not meant to be. Paying the Piper went a bit slow for me and I had a hard time picking it up when I had time to read. I rate it a B-.
Back cover:
He was known as the Piper- a coldhearted kidnapper who terrified the city. Crime reporter Scott Fleetwood built his career on the Piper. The kidnapper even taunted the FBI through Scott's column. But Scott had been duped. The person he'd been speaking to wasn't really the Piper. By the time the FBI exposed the hoaxer, time ran out... and the real Piper killed the child. Then he vanished. But now he's back, with very specific targets in mind- Scott's children.
Part of this book was a bit too unbelievable for me. Scott's pure involvement throughout the whole case is so far-fetched, though I do understand that this is a work of fiction, but at times it was too much. Other times I felt like the action was a bit predictible and I thought I had it all figured out a couple of times. There were a few red herrings thrown in that had me doubting myself, but it turns out in the end that I was correct. I also felt like a few things were not fully fleshed out and I was left scratching my head. Overall, it was a good read but I won't be running out looking for the next book by Mr. Wood.
Up next is Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock. I love her books and picked this one up on Friday. I want to try and get this one in before the end of the month and I know there is a long wait list for this, so I always like to get to popular books fast. I had a bunch of plans to get all of my running around done on Friday so I could have the weekend free to myself and reading, but my car had other plans. As I was making my first stop, my car decided to not start. I drive a new car with less than 10,000 miles on it, so I was a bit upset. Turns out it was something with the anti-theft system not recgonizing my key, but by the time I got my car back it already the evening so errands were run yesterday. It is back to the grind of work tomorrow though only two more weeks until Spring Break! I have been running a fever for the past two days, so hopefully it isn't anything serious. I also have the latest Spellman book by Lisa Lutz waiting for me at the library and hopefully I will be able to get it tomorrow. Plus April is right around the corner and that means the start of the Lisa Jackson read-a-thon, so I anticipate a lot of great reading! Well I am off... I hope to get a few chapters of Elizabeth Flock's latest in before bedtime! Happy Reading!
Back cover:
He was known as the Piper- a coldhearted kidnapper who terrified the city. Crime reporter Scott Fleetwood built his career on the Piper. The kidnapper even taunted the FBI through Scott's column. But Scott had been duped. The person he'd been speaking to wasn't really the Piper. By the time the FBI exposed the hoaxer, time ran out... and the real Piper killed the child. Then he vanished. But now he's back, with very specific targets in mind- Scott's children.
Part of this book was a bit too unbelievable for me. Scott's pure involvement throughout the whole case is so far-fetched, though I do understand that this is a work of fiction, but at times it was too much. Other times I felt like the action was a bit predictible and I thought I had it all figured out a couple of times. There were a few red herrings thrown in that had me doubting myself, but it turns out in the end that I was correct. I also felt like a few things were not fully fleshed out and I was left scratching my head. Overall, it was a good read but I won't be running out looking for the next book by Mr. Wood.
Up next is Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock. I love her books and picked this one up on Friday. I want to try and get this one in before the end of the month and I know there is a long wait list for this, so I always like to get to popular books fast. I had a bunch of plans to get all of my running around done on Friday so I could have the weekend free to myself and reading, but my car had other plans. As I was making my first stop, my car decided to not start. I drive a new car with less than 10,000 miles on it, so I was a bit upset. Turns out it was something with the anti-theft system not recgonizing my key, but by the time I got my car back it already the evening so errands were run yesterday. It is back to the grind of work tomorrow though only two more weeks until Spring Break! I have been running a fever for the past two days, so hopefully it isn't anything serious. I also have the latest Spellman book by Lisa Lutz waiting for me at the library and hopefully I will be able to get it tomorrow. Plus April is right around the corner and that means the start of the Lisa Jackson read-a-thon, so I anticipate a lot of great reading! Well I am off... I hope to get a few chapters of Elizabeth Flock's latest in before bedtime! Happy Reading!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Never Tell a Lie by Hallie Ephron
I read so much about this book and all of the great reviews, so I had really high hopes for this book. I was expecting this out of this world thriller, and maybe my expectations were just too high, but I was disappointed. I give Never Tell a Lie a B-.
From Amazon:
It all started with the yard sale. Ivy was eight months and one week pregnant when she insisted that she and her husband, David, clean out the junk they'd inherited with the old Victorian house they'd bought three years before. Call it nesting, call it nerves—she just wanted it all gone: the old electrical fixtures, the boxes of National Geographics from the 1960s, the four black wool greatcoats.
Neither she nor David recognized the woman at first. But it turned out that the customer asking about the lime-green glass swan dish—the woman who looks just about as pregnant as Ivy—was none other than Melinda White, a former high school classmate of David and Ivy's. When Melinda was a child she used to play in their new house, she explained. It looked like they'd been doing some work. Would it be all right if she took a look around? David took Melinda inside. And she never came out.
Now David's under police suspicion, and Ivy finds herself digging deep into the past to clear his name. But David's history, she begins to discover, is not necessarily the history she remembers, and before long Ivy has uncovered a twisted web of deceit, betrayal, and lies, both the ones we tell those we love and the ones we tell ourselves. . . .
I had the mystery figured out about halfway through the book, so of course that is always a disappointment. I felt there were not enough red herrings thrown in to really confuse the reader or add suspense at that kind of bummed me out. I also felt like the writing was a little to weak and it seemed like the book almost jumped from first to third person writing. I have previously read books by G.H. Ephron, which Ms. Ephron is one part of the two part writing team and loved those books, so I was a bit let down. With all of that being said, it was a good book and I would recommend this to those who enjoy a good suburban mystery. I always enjoy that subgenre of thrillers... when bad things happen to those who live nice, clean, safe lives.
This is the last of my big influx of library books, but wouldn't you know when I dropped off books I picked up one other one. I did end up picking on of my own off of my shelves to start reading today though, because I need to start reading more of my own. I think I am going to try and at least alternate between one of mine and then a library book, reading more of my own when I don't have a huge stack from the library. I am not going to say I am going to stop going to the library because I am not buying new books and browsing really does satisfy my need to buy new books. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
It all started with the yard sale. Ivy was eight months and one week pregnant when she insisted that she and her husband, David, clean out the junk they'd inherited with the old Victorian house they'd bought three years before. Call it nesting, call it nerves—she just wanted it all gone: the old electrical fixtures, the boxes of National Geographics from the 1960s, the four black wool greatcoats.
Neither she nor David recognized the woman at first. But it turned out that the customer asking about the lime-green glass swan dish—the woman who looks just about as pregnant as Ivy—was none other than Melinda White, a former high school classmate of David and Ivy's. When Melinda was a child she used to play in their new house, she explained. It looked like they'd been doing some work. Would it be all right if she took a look around? David took Melinda inside. And she never came out.
Now David's under police suspicion, and Ivy finds herself digging deep into the past to clear his name. But David's history, she begins to discover, is not necessarily the history she remembers, and before long Ivy has uncovered a twisted web of deceit, betrayal, and lies, both the ones we tell those we love and the ones we tell ourselves. . . .
I had the mystery figured out about halfway through the book, so of course that is always a disappointment. I felt there were not enough red herrings thrown in to really confuse the reader or add suspense at that kind of bummed me out. I also felt like the writing was a little to weak and it seemed like the book almost jumped from first to third person writing. I have previously read books by G.H. Ephron, which Ms. Ephron is one part of the two part writing team and loved those books, so I was a bit let down. With all of that being said, it was a good book and I would recommend this to those who enjoy a good suburban mystery. I always enjoy that subgenre of thrillers... when bad things happen to those who live nice, clean, safe lives.
This is the last of my big influx of library books, but wouldn't you know when I dropped off books I picked up one other one. I did end up picking on of my own off of my shelves to start reading today though, because I need to start reading more of my own. I think I am going to try and at least alternate between one of mine and then a library book, reading more of my own when I don't have a huge stack from the library. I am not going to say I am going to stop going to the library because I am not buying new books and browsing really does satisfy my need to buy new books. 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!
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!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
A Soul To Take by C.N. Bean and Book Buying Meme
I have been without the internet since Wednesday morning and it has been driving me nuts. I finally got it fixed this morning and have a ton to get caught up with, so this review is going to be short. I give this book a B-.
From Amazon:
Milwaukee homicide detective Rita Trible races against time to find a brutal serial killer stalking young boys only to uncover the secret life of a Catholic priest that the Church will do anything to hide and discover that her own child may be targeted by the murderer.
This book had so much promise. I thought that the premise was so interesting and could have had a good look into the inside of the Catholic Church scandals. However, I was left so disappointed. First of all, the main character, Rita, was so incredibly unlikeable. She is the head of the department and all of the staff disliked her and it wasn't difficult to see why. I couldn't stand her and would have hated to work for her. She didn't trust anyone and was the type of person who had to do everything herself. I hated the relationship she had with her son, who had lost so much. The writing wasn't that good either. Everything was just told to you instead of allowing the reader to see what happened. For example, the questioning of suspects doesn't take place and the author just tells you what happened. The book was almost 400 pages, so there was plenty of time and space to show the reader. Also, the time period just jumped all over the place without allowing the reader to see it. You would be reading along and all of a sudden, the author would mention that 5 weeks had passed since the last paragraph! The reason why I ranked it higher was because there was so much promise with the whole story idea.
J. Kaye tagged me a couple of days ago for a book buying meme. I just now saw it, so I will answer it real quickly. The question was if you plan on buying books for the holidays, how do you pick them out.
I do buy a few people books for the holidays. I have two young nephews and I like to give them books as part of their gifts. I just pick out whatever I think looks real cute for them. It may be something that I have read to a class that I have subbed for or what I have seen around. I am somewhat selfish, though, and tend to pick books that I would like. I always get my mom a couple of books for her stocking stuffers and when I do, I pick out something by an author I enjoy or would enjoy as we have a lot of the same reading interests. For another person I buy books for is on topics they like. Sometimes I hate buying books for others because I end up buying books for myself and then I am spending money on myself when I shouldn't be. I won't tag anyone, but if you want to play along, let me know!
I have so much going on right now and my head feels like it is going to explode! I am starting another job which I have to do training for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night on top of working all day. I was so far ahead on my Christmas shopping and even had everything wrapped but I haven't done any since Thanksgiving and have to get a move on. It doesn't help that DH's bday is 5 days before Christmas. Oh well, I know everyone is a bit busier during this time of the year, so I don't want to spend too much time complaining and whining. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Milwaukee homicide detective Rita Trible races against time to find a brutal serial killer stalking young boys only to uncover the secret life of a Catholic priest that the Church will do anything to hide and discover that her own child may be targeted by the murderer.
This book had so much promise. I thought that the premise was so interesting and could have had a good look into the inside of the Catholic Church scandals. However, I was left so disappointed. First of all, the main character, Rita, was so incredibly unlikeable. She is the head of the department and all of the staff disliked her and it wasn't difficult to see why. I couldn't stand her and would have hated to work for her. She didn't trust anyone and was the type of person who had to do everything herself. I hated the relationship she had with her son, who had lost so much. The writing wasn't that good either. Everything was just told to you instead of allowing the reader to see what happened. For example, the questioning of suspects doesn't take place and the author just tells you what happened. The book was almost 400 pages, so there was plenty of time and space to show the reader. Also, the time period just jumped all over the place without allowing the reader to see it. You would be reading along and all of a sudden, the author would mention that 5 weeks had passed since the last paragraph! The reason why I ranked it higher was because there was so much promise with the whole story idea.
J. Kaye tagged me a couple of days ago for a book buying meme. I just now saw it, so I will answer it real quickly. The question was if you plan on buying books for the holidays, how do you pick them out.
I do buy a few people books for the holidays. I have two young nephews and I like to give them books as part of their gifts. I just pick out whatever I think looks real cute for them. It may be something that I have read to a class that I have subbed for or what I have seen around. I am somewhat selfish, though, and tend to pick books that I would like. I always get my mom a couple of books for her stocking stuffers and when I do, I pick out something by an author I enjoy or would enjoy as we have a lot of the same reading interests. For another person I buy books for is on topics they like. Sometimes I hate buying books for others because I end up buying books for myself and then I am spending money on myself when I shouldn't be. I won't tag anyone, but if you want to play along, let me know!
I have so much going on right now and my head feels like it is going to explode! I am starting another job which I have to do training for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night on top of working all day. I was so far ahead on my Christmas shopping and even had everything wrapped but I haven't done any since Thanksgiving and have to get a move on. It doesn't help that DH's bday is 5 days before Christmas. Oh well, I know everyone is a bit busier during this time of the year, so I don't want to spend too much time complaining and whining. Happy Reading!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Secret Weekend by Thom Racina
Secret Weekend is an older book that I have had on my shelves for awhile. I decided to pick it up because the premise sounded really interesting and I figured it would be a quick read. However, I was a bit disappointed and give it a B-.
From Amazon:
Audrey Goh kidnapped her boyfriend for a romantic weekend alone in her luxury high-rise apartment on Hawaii's scenic coast. The building's state-of-the-art security system would make sure that no one else got in--or out. But someone seems to have slipped through the empty building's cracks. Someone who has been watching--and waiting for--Audrey for years. Someone who has wanted her all to himself...
I thought this book could have been really good and suspensful. I wish the author had done a bit more with the buildup of things happening and allow the reader to get into the heads of the madman a bit more. I feel like almost half of the book was action when the guy had Audrey and it kind of took away from the suspense of the book. I also didn't really like the author's style and voice with the book. I knew I had read a book by this author before, so I looked it up and I saw I also had the same issues with that book as well. Because of this, I probably will not read another book by this author.
I hit two library sales this weekend. The one I went to yesterday was a monthly event, so the selections of books was a bit slim, however, I got 9 books. Today was at another library where they had the $5 bag sale. I got a bag full, but the weren't a ton of books to choose from. I guess I really can't complain, because I think got about 15 new books. I now have over 600 books that I have not read yet, which is a bit scary. I think I need to get busy and start reading off from my shelves and slow down on the library books. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Audrey Goh kidnapped her boyfriend for a romantic weekend alone in her luxury high-rise apartment on Hawaii's scenic coast. The building's state-of-the-art security system would make sure that no one else got in--or out. But someone seems to have slipped through the empty building's cracks. Someone who has been watching--and waiting for--Audrey for years. Someone who has wanted her all to himself...
I thought this book could have been really good and suspensful. I wish the author had done a bit more with the buildup of things happening and allow the reader to get into the heads of the madman a bit more. I feel like almost half of the book was action when the guy had Audrey and it kind of took away from the suspense of the book. I also didn't really like the author's style and voice with the book. I knew I had read a book by this author before, so I looked it up and I saw I also had the same issues with that book as well. Because of this, I probably will not read another book by this author.
I hit two library sales this weekend. The one I went to yesterday was a monthly event, so the selections of books was a bit slim, however, I got 9 books. Today was at another library where they had the $5 bag sale. I got a bag full, but the weren't a ton of books to choose from. I guess I really can't complain, because I think got about 15 new books. I now have over 600 books that I have not read yet, which is a bit scary. I think I need to get busy and start reading off from my shelves and slow down on the library books. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
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