I really enjoyed other books by Ms. Ginsberg, so even though this subject was different from what I usually read, I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I did! I really enjoyed The Grift and give it an A-.
From Amazon:
What happens when a pseudo psychic suddenly gets the real gift?Marina Marks has been on the grift as a psychic since she was a child, forced into the business by a junkie mother who was always desperate for her next fix—and willing to use her solemn dark-haired daughter to peddle an extra buck. As an adult, Marina has earned a handsome living preying on the dreams and fears of her clients. She doesn’t believe there is such a thing as psychic ability, but she does believe in intuition. Her gift is the ability to gain the trust of her clients and subtly raise her fees as they become more attached to her and her readings.But when Marina moves her “intuitive counseling” business out of muggy, cloying Florida to the milder environs of southern California, her past follows her. As she takes on new clients—a trophy wife desperate to bear a child, a gay man involved with a closeted psychiatrist, and a philandering businessman who’s smitten with her—a former client resurfaces in an eerie way. Suddenly, Marina is in love for the first time, but it is a romance whose roots lie deep in her past and threaten her efforts to reinvent herself.As Marina’s life gets more and more entangled with those of her clients, she makes a startling discovery: she suddenly has the actual ability to see the future. After predicting a murder exactly as it happens, she becomes the sole suspect. Now she’s the desperate one—desperate to clear her name and to discover the meaning behind her visions.
While I normally shy away from paranormal books, I loved the aspect of a psychic who knows she is a fraud but then becomes a real psychic. There was a good mystery included in the story and a lot of red herrings. I was able to figure out who the bad guy was, but not before I made some incorrect guesses. I really hope Ms. Ginsberg continues to write books.
Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Friday, November 5, 2010
95. Now You See It
My reading has slowed down big time because I am currently working two jobs and have been crazy busy. I am still subbing, but also got a job that I work from home 7 days a week that I absolutely love, so when I finally do get the time to read, I am exhausted. I have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia recently, and the different medications I've been taking also make me tired. I hope to get some reading time in soon, though, as I really miss it. Now You See It is a book I picked out at the library and really wanted to like, but I just couldn't get excited about it. I give it a C+.
From Amazon:
David and Jessica have almost everything they could want: he is an accomplished journalist, she teaches at an elite private school, and they travel in a circle of alluring friends. Theirs is an enviable life -- until one night when David returns from a business trip. Jessica's wallet and keys are in their usual place, but she is gone. As months pass without her, David's certainty "that she is going to walk in that door tonight" slowly diminishes.
At the heart of this unnerving story is David's search for his wife -- which takes him far from his Manhattan neighborhood and deep inside himself.
At once heartbreaking and wry, Now You See It is a remarkable debut novel about the impossibility of fully knowing someone -- and what happens to the past when we have a second chance at the future. Now You See It presages a thrilling career for a fresh and gifted author.
I thought the book was a great idea, but I just couldn't get into it. There was a side story about David and a missing man in another country and while I understand the connection, I just thought it really didn't fit. I also felt that the ending was a bit unbelievable and all in all I was just disappointed. With my reading time being so limited right now, I was disappointed that I didn't get to enjoy a better book.
From Amazon:
David and Jessica have almost everything they could want: he is an accomplished journalist, she teaches at an elite private school, and they travel in a circle of alluring friends. Theirs is an enviable life -- until one night when David returns from a business trip. Jessica's wallet and keys are in their usual place, but she is gone. As months pass without her, David's certainty "that she is going to walk in that door tonight" slowly diminishes.
At the heart of this unnerving story is David's search for his wife -- which takes him far from his Manhattan neighborhood and deep inside himself.
At once heartbreaking and wry, Now You See It is a remarkable debut novel about the impossibility of fully knowing someone -- and what happens to the past when we have a second chance at the future. Now You See It presages a thrilling career for a fresh and gifted author.
I thought the book was a great idea, but I just couldn't get into it. There was a side story about David and a missing man in another country and while I understand the connection, I just thought it really didn't fit. I also felt that the ending was a bit unbelievable and all in all I was just disappointed. With my reading time being so limited right now, I was disappointed that I didn't get to enjoy a better book.
Monday, August 2, 2010
69. Land of a Hundred Wonders by Leslie Kagen
I've loved the two previous books by Ms. Kagen and was excited to read Land of a Hundred Wonders. While not as great as the other two books I've read, it was still a good read. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
The summer Gibby McGraw catches her big break, the cicadas are humming, and it’s so warm even the frogs are sweating. Brain damaged after a tragic car accident that took both her parents, Gibby is now NQR (Not Quite Right), a real challenge for a fledgling newspaper reporter. Especially when she stumbles upon the dead body of the next governor of Kentucky, Buster Malloy.Armed with her trusty blue spiral note-book, Gibby figures that solving the murder might be her best chance to prove to everyone that she can become Quite Right again. But she gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a world of corruption, racism, and family secrets in small town Cray Ridge. Lucky for her, she’s also about to discover that some things are far more important than all the brains in the world, and that miracles occur in the most unexpected moments.
I love the way the story was told through Gibby's mind, since she's NQR. It took me awhile to get used to the definitions of some "bigger" words thrown into the dialogue because that's how Gibby's mind works. It was quite clever of Ms. Kagen though, and made the book stand out. I thought some of the things were a bit far-fetched, however, so my scoring was lowered a bit. I've always been afraid to read books set in the 1950s and 1960s and Ms. Kagen has shown me they can be a ton of fun! I hope she is busy writing right now, because I am now out of books to read by her. I highly recommend you pick up one of her books if you haven't already.
From Amazon:
The summer Gibby McGraw catches her big break, the cicadas are humming, and it’s so warm even the frogs are sweating. Brain damaged after a tragic car accident that took both her parents, Gibby is now NQR (Not Quite Right), a real challenge for a fledgling newspaper reporter. Especially when she stumbles upon the dead body of the next governor of Kentucky, Buster Malloy.Armed with her trusty blue spiral note-book, Gibby figures that solving the murder might be her best chance to prove to everyone that she can become Quite Right again. But she gets more than she bargained for when she uncovers a world of corruption, racism, and family secrets in small town Cray Ridge. Lucky for her, she’s also about to discover that some things are far more important than all the brains in the world, and that miracles occur in the most unexpected moments.
I love the way the story was told through Gibby's mind, since she's NQR. It took me awhile to get used to the definitions of some "bigger" words thrown into the dialogue because that's how Gibby's mind works. It was quite clever of Ms. Kagen though, and made the book stand out. I thought some of the things were a bit far-fetched, however, so my scoring was lowered a bit. I've always been afraid to read books set in the 1950s and 1960s and Ms. Kagen has shown me they can be a ton of fun! I hope she is busy writing right now, because I am now out of books to read by her. I highly recommend you pick up one of her books if you haven't already.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
59. Run for Your Life by James Patterson
I know I have missed some of Mr. Patterson's newer releases, so while I saw this one on display at my library I decided to give it a go. I read it in one day and it was a pleasant way to spend a warm Saturday afternoon. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror. Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once! Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history. From the #1 bestselling author comes RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, the continuation of his newest, electrifying series
I loved the character of Mike and his over-sized family. I thought the Teacher's spin on things was interesting and you could almost relate with him... at least where he is coming from. This was your average Patterson thriller with short chapters and good story-telling. While not a book that will stay with me forever, a good read all around. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
A calculating killer who calls himself The Teacher is taking on New York City, killing the powerful and the arrogant. His message is clear: remember your manners or suffer the consequences! For some, it seems that the rich are finally getting what they deserve. For New York's elite, it is a call to terror. Only one man can tackle such a high-profile case: Detective Mike Bennett. The pressure is enough for anyone, but Mike also has to care for his 10 children-all of whom have come down with virulent flu at once! Discovering a secret pattern in The Teacher's lessons, Detective Bennett realizes he has just hours to save New York from the greatest disaster in its history. From the #1 bestselling author comes RUN FOR YOUR LIFE, the continuation of his newest, electrifying series
I loved the character of Mike and his over-sized family. I thought the Teacher's spin on things was interesting and you could almost relate with him... at least where he is coming from. This was your average Patterson thriller with short chapters and good story-telling. While not a book that will stay with me forever, a good read all around. Happy Reading!
57. Listen by Rene Guttenridge
I picked up Listen because it was displayed as a new book at the library. The back cover had me intrigued, so I decided to give it a try. I was a bit disappointed and can only give it a C.
From Amazon:
Someone is listening . . . The quaint, close-knit community of Marlo was the ideal place to live . . . until someone started posting private conversations online for everyone to read, word for word. Now it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as careless comments and hurtful accusations turn the town upside down. Violence and paranoia escalate, and the police scramble to find the person responsible before more people get hurt—or even killed. But what responsibility do the residents of Marlo have for the words they say when they think no one is listening?
I thought that the premise was interesting and something a bit different but it just didn't work for me. The book is considered Christian fiction, but didn't read like that to me. While there were some mentions of praying and God, it was like someone was trying to force religion down your throat. My problem was the writing and the story itself. I thought some things were examined to death that didn't need to be and then more important plot aspects were not thought out and developed well enough. While not sorry I finished this book, I probably would not pick up another by Ms. Guttenridge.
From Amazon:
Someone is listening . . . The quaint, close-knit community of Marlo was the ideal place to live . . . until someone started posting private conversations online for everyone to read, word for word. Now it’s neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, as careless comments and hurtful accusations turn the town upside down. Violence and paranoia escalate, and the police scramble to find the person responsible before more people get hurt—or even killed. But what responsibility do the residents of Marlo have for the words they say when they think no one is listening?
I thought that the premise was interesting and something a bit different but it just didn't work for me. The book is considered Christian fiction, but didn't read like that to me. While there were some mentions of praying and God, it was like someone was trying to force religion down your throat. My problem was the writing and the story itself. I thought some things were examined to death that didn't need to be and then more important plot aspects were not thought out and developed well enough. While not sorry I finished this book, I probably would not pick up another by Ms. Guttenridge.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
39. After the Fall by Judith Kelman
The entire time I was reading this book, I felt like I had read it before. It seemed so familiar to me. That didn't stop me from reading and enjoy the story. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Daniel Magill is just about a perfect kid. He has everything going for him: looks, Graves, athletic ability, and a practically guaranteed admission to the college of his choice. Then the police come pounding at the Magill's door and arrest Danny for a shocking crime, shattering his family's apparently perfect world. But his Danny's mother, Jess, probes more deeply into the circumstances of his arrest, she discovers that things may not have really been "perfect" for quite some time. How could this nightmare be happening to this boy? This family? This town? And how will they all survive? Judith Kelman's gripping psychological novel goes beyond question of guilt or innocence to explore what the ties that bind are really made of.
This is just the perfect type of book I love to read on warm summer days. The perfect family thrown into an unperfect situation. I thought Ms. Kelman did a great job of describing how a family would react to a situation like this and really shows everyone reacting in a realistic way. I will be checking out more books by Ms. Kelman, as a matter of fact, I am pretty sure I have some on my shelves now! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Daniel Magill is just about a perfect kid. He has everything going for him: looks, Graves, athletic ability, and a practically guaranteed admission to the college of his choice. Then the police come pounding at the Magill's door and arrest Danny for a shocking crime, shattering his family's apparently perfect world. But his Danny's mother, Jess, probes more deeply into the circumstances of his arrest, she discovers that things may not have really been "perfect" for quite some time. How could this nightmare be happening to this boy? This family? This town? And how will they all survive? Judith Kelman's gripping psychological novel goes beyond question of guilt or innocence to explore what the ties that bind are really made of.
This is just the perfect type of book I love to read on warm summer days. The perfect family thrown into an unperfect situation. I thought Ms. Kelman did a great job of describing how a family would react to a situation like this and really shows everyone reacting in a realistic way. I will be checking out more books by Ms. Kelman, as a matter of fact, I am pretty sure I have some on my shelves now! Happy Reading!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
34. Caught by Harlan Coben
I've enjoyed Mr. Coben's books in the past and I was really looking forward to reading his latest. Caught did not disappoint. I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
17-year-old Haley McWaid is a good girl, the pride of her suburban New Jersey family, captain of the lacrosse team, headed off to college next year with all the hopes and dreams her doting parents can pin on her. Which is why, when her mother wakes one morning to find that Haley never came home the night before, and three months quickly pass without word from the girl, the community assumes the worst. Wendy Tynes is a reporter on a mission, to identify and bring down sexual predators via elaborate—and nationally televised—sting operations. Working with local police on her news program Caught in the Act, Wendy and her team have publicly shamed dozens of men by the time she encounters her latest target. Dan Mercer is a social worker known as a friend to troubled teens, but his story soon becomes more complicated than Wendy could have imagined.
There were so many twists and turns in this book I felt like I was dizzy! The suspense was non-stop and done well. I thought the whole play on the show that exposes sexual predators was great. Wendy was a real character and one I enjoyed getting to know. I've yet to read any of Mr. Coben's series books, but so far all of his stand alones have been great! If you enjoy suspense, then I would highly recommend Caught!
From Amazon:
17-year-old Haley McWaid is a good girl, the pride of her suburban New Jersey family, captain of the lacrosse team, headed off to college next year with all the hopes and dreams her doting parents can pin on her. Which is why, when her mother wakes one morning to find that Haley never came home the night before, and three months quickly pass without word from the girl, the community assumes the worst. Wendy Tynes is a reporter on a mission, to identify and bring down sexual predators via elaborate—and nationally televised—sting operations. Working with local police on her news program Caught in the Act, Wendy and her team have publicly shamed dozens of men by the time she encounters her latest target. Dan Mercer is a social worker known as a friend to troubled teens, but his story soon becomes more complicated than Wendy could have imagined.
There were so many twists and turns in this book I felt like I was dizzy! The suspense was non-stop and done well. I thought the whole play on the show that exposes sexual predators was great. Wendy was a real character and one I enjoyed getting to know. I've yet to read any of Mr. Coben's series books, but so far all of his stand alones have been great! If you enjoy suspense, then I would highly recommend Caught!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mortal Friends by Jane Stanton Hitchcock
I fell in love with Ms. Hitchcock's works a couple of years ago and was thrilled when I found out she had a new book out. It came in quickly from the library and I started reading it Sunday evening. I was immediately sucked in and finished it today between extending DEAR time at school and then while getting ready this evening. I give it an A-.
Inside cover:
When the latest victim of the "Beltway Basher" is found in the woods of Montrose Park, Reven Lynch's favorite jogging spot, her crime-loving antenna goes up. The murder makes Reven and her best friend, Violet Bolton, reconsider their running route- but that's not the only change in Reven's routine. Her chic Georgetown neighborhood isn't accustomed to brutal slayings, and when the smooth, enigmatic Detective Gunner shows up in her antique shop, asking pointed questions, Reven's left wondering how close to home the killings are.
Gunner is convinced the murderer is a society bigshot hiding in plain sight. But he is out of his element in the rarefied world of embassy dinners and symphony balls, and Reven is perfectly positioned to feed him the inside information he needs. She throws herself into her role as the detective's "ersatz Mata Hari", only to discover the skirt-chasing businessman for whom she's fallen tops Gunner's shortlist of suspects. And that's not the half of it, a philanthropic bombshell named Cynthia Rinehart has taken the city by storm, and Violet's steady marriage is suddenly encountering some major turbulence...
I loved this book! Ms. Hitchcock has done a fantastic job intertwining the high society, big shots of Washington D.C. with a pretty good mystery. Her previous books were somewhat like this as well and as I've mentioned numerous times before, I love reading about the wealthy and "famous". The book was the perfect mix of mystery and chick lit which isn't always the easiest thing to do. I loved Reven and her friends and all of the backstabbing that happened throughout the story, though I guess it shows that sometimes, some people never really leave high school behind. I would love to see another story featuring Reven and hope that Ms. Hitchcock is busy at work right now!
I am not sure what I am going to read next, though it will probably be another library book. I have a few checked out that are due Monday and I don't think I can renew them. I'm also on my way out the door for a Christmas dinner thingy tonight and need to grab a book to bring with me just in case so I won't have time to scour my shelves. I hope everyone is enjoying their reading! Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
When the latest victim of the "Beltway Basher" is found in the woods of Montrose Park, Reven Lynch's favorite jogging spot, her crime-loving antenna goes up. The murder makes Reven and her best friend, Violet Bolton, reconsider their running route- but that's not the only change in Reven's routine. Her chic Georgetown neighborhood isn't accustomed to brutal slayings, and when the smooth, enigmatic Detective Gunner shows up in her antique shop, asking pointed questions, Reven's left wondering how close to home the killings are.
Gunner is convinced the murderer is a society bigshot hiding in plain sight. But he is out of his element in the rarefied world of embassy dinners and symphony balls, and Reven is perfectly positioned to feed him the inside information he needs. She throws herself into her role as the detective's "ersatz Mata Hari", only to discover the skirt-chasing businessman for whom she's fallen tops Gunner's shortlist of suspects. And that's not the half of it, a philanthropic bombshell named Cynthia Rinehart has taken the city by storm, and Violet's steady marriage is suddenly encountering some major turbulence...
I loved this book! Ms. Hitchcock has done a fantastic job intertwining the high society, big shots of Washington D.C. with a pretty good mystery. Her previous books were somewhat like this as well and as I've mentioned numerous times before, I love reading about the wealthy and "famous". The book was the perfect mix of mystery and chick lit which isn't always the easiest thing to do. I loved Reven and her friends and all of the backstabbing that happened throughout the story, though I guess it shows that sometimes, some people never really leave high school behind. I would love to see another story featuring Reven and hope that Ms. Hitchcock is busy at work right now!
I am not sure what I am going to read next, though it will probably be another library book. I have a few checked out that are due Monday and I don't think I can renew them. I'm also on my way out the door for a Christmas dinner thingy tonight and need to grab a book to bring with me just in case so I won't have time to scour my shelves. I hope everyone is enjoying their reading! Happy Reading!
Friday, April 24, 2009
1st to Die by James Patterson
So after finishing my last book, The Other Woman, almost a week ago I have finally finished another one! I was reading a book that held a lot of promise, 28 Bones by Johnathan Nasaw, but I got sick on Sunday with the worst migraine I have had in a long time and left me bed ridden for 3 days. Finally on Tuesday I decided I wanted to read but needed something that I could read in small bursts when I was feeling a bit better so I picked up a James Patterson book. 1st to Die was a good read and a nice introduction to the Womens Club and I give it a B+.
Back cover:
In San Francisco newlyweds are being stalked- and slaughtered. Enter four unforgettable women, all friends... Lindsay, a homicide inspector in the city's police department... Claire, a medical examiner... Jill, an assistant D.A... and Cindy, a reporter who has just started working the crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle. Joining forces, pooling all their talents, courage, and brains, they have one goal. To find, trap, and outwit the most diabolical and terrifying killer ever imagined.
I really liked the idea of having four women coming together to solve some of the craziest and scariest killers. The idea of newlyweds, barely newlyweds, who have only been married for hours being hunted down was very different and scary. As always, Mr. Patterson writes nice, short chapters that keeps the action moving and I thought he did a great job writing from a woman's point of view. There was even a little bit of romance through in to add to the story. I look forward to reading more of the Women's Murder Club in the future though I do have a question for those that have read more of this series. Does Patterson always have the main character be Lindsay, or are we treated to more of the other characters' personal lives as well? Thanks in advance for your help!
This weekend is planning on being beautiful and in fact today it was in the mid-80s! I absolutely love this weather and can't wait for summer to be here for good! My beloved Red Wings clinched the first round of the playoffs yesterday and off for the next week or so, so I am going to plan on spending some time reading and hanging out outside. I picked up the newest Joy Fielding book from the library yesterday and plan on getting that one in this weekend hopefully. I am still very nauseous at times, but I am popping Pepto Bismal and it is helping a bit. My DH and I are trying to get pregnant, so I am somewhat hopeful that this nausea isn't left over from my migraine but something totally different. I don't want to focus and dwell on it though, so all the more reason to pick up some great books and get lost in some wonderful stories! Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
In San Francisco newlyweds are being stalked- and slaughtered. Enter four unforgettable women, all friends... Lindsay, a homicide inspector in the city's police department... Claire, a medical examiner... Jill, an assistant D.A... and Cindy, a reporter who has just started working the crime desk of the San Francisco Chronicle. Joining forces, pooling all their talents, courage, and brains, they have one goal. To find, trap, and outwit the most diabolical and terrifying killer ever imagined.
I really liked the idea of having four women coming together to solve some of the craziest and scariest killers. The idea of newlyweds, barely newlyweds, who have only been married for hours being hunted down was very different and scary. As always, Mr. Patterson writes nice, short chapters that keeps the action moving and I thought he did a great job writing from a woman's point of view. There was even a little bit of romance through in to add to the story. I look forward to reading more of the Women's Murder Club in the future though I do have a question for those that have read more of this series. Does Patterson always have the main character be Lindsay, or are we treated to more of the other characters' personal lives as well? Thanks in advance for your help!
This weekend is planning on being beautiful and in fact today it was in the mid-80s! I absolutely love this weather and can't wait for summer to be here for good! My beloved Red Wings clinched the first round of the playoffs yesterday and off for the next week or so, so I am going to plan on spending some time reading and hanging out outside. I picked up the newest Joy Fielding book from the library yesterday and plan on getting that one in this weekend hopefully. I am still very nauseous at times, but I am popping Pepto Bismal and it is helping a bit. My DH and I are trying to get pregnant, so I am somewhat hopeful that this nausea isn't left over from my migraine but something totally different. I don't want to focus and dwell on it though, so all the more reason to pick up some great books and get lost in some wonderful stories! Happy Reading everyone!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Year of Fog by Michelle Richmond
I read about this book on someone's blog, and as someone who loves children and is somewhat obsessed with missing child cases this book sounded like the perfect read for me. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Life changes in an instant. On a foggy beach. In the seconds when Abby Mason—photographer, fiancée soon-to-be-stepmother—looks into her camera and commits her greatest error. Heartbreaking, uplifting, and beautifully told, here is the riveting tale of a family torn apart, of the search for the truth behind a child’s disappearance, and of one woman’s unwavering faith in the redemptive power of love—all made startlingly fresh through Michelle Richmond’s incandescent sensitivity and extraordinary insight.Six-year-old Emma vanished into the thick San Francisco fog. Or into the heaving Pacific. Or somewhere just beyond: to a parking lot, a stranger’s van, or a road with traffic flashing by. Devastated by guilt, haunted by her fears about becoming a stepmother, Abby refuses to believe that Emma is dead. And so she searches for clues about what happened that morning—and cannot stop the flood of memories reaching from her own childhood to illuminate that irreversible moment on the beach.Now, as the days drag into weeks, as the police lose interest and fliers fade on telephone poles, Emma’s father finds solace in religion and scientific probability—but Abby can only wander the beaches and city streets, attempting to recover the past and the little girl she lost. With her life at a crossroads, she will leave San Francisco for a country thousands of miles away. And there, by the side of another sea, on a journey that has led her to another man and into a strange subculture of wanderers and surfers, Abby will make the most astounding discovery of all—as the truth of Emma’s disappearance unravels with stunning force.
I had so many mixed emotions while reading this book. At times I wanted to hate Abby and other times I wanted to hate Emma's father and throughout most of the book I hated the police. The Year of Fog is so well written and really tugs at the reader's heartstrings. When I picked this book up from the library, the librarian told me it was a tearjerker but such a wonderful book, so I was somewhat warned. Most of the times I hate reading something that will make me cry, because if I take a look around the world there are tons of real life things that can make someone feel down and depressed and when I read it is to escape. That being said, this book was an exception to the rule and I quickly read it. I have a hard time classifying this book but really can not recommend it enough.
I have been following the Caylee Anthony case since it broke in July. If you haven't heard, she is a missing three year old girl who is presumed to be dead by the police and by the hands of her own mother. Her mother never reported her missing and it finally took the grandmother to call it in a month after someone last saw Caylee. There has been evidence released that shows there was a decomposing body in the mother's trunk, a hair with a death band around it, a trunk that was saturated with chloroform and searches on the mother, Casey, computer three months before Caylee went missing on chloroform, neck breaking, and household weapons. With Casey behind bars facing murder charges, the grandparents are holding on to the fact that this little girll may still be alive. A lot of people have been crucifying the grandparents and I can't imagine how they can live their lives each day, not knowing where their precious granddaughter is. I will admit that I am somewhat afraid to have children because of all the bad that is out there in the world today and I think this book just goes to show that there some good can come out of horrible things.
The ending of the book left me somewhat disappointed, but without giving away spoilers, I really can't discuss more about it. It was a heavy read, and I admit I did little else today but curled up on the couch reading it. I really believe this book will be with me for awhile. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Life changes in an instant. On a foggy beach. In the seconds when Abby Mason—photographer, fiancée soon-to-be-stepmother—looks into her camera and commits her greatest error. Heartbreaking, uplifting, and beautifully told, here is the riveting tale of a family torn apart, of the search for the truth behind a child’s disappearance, and of one woman’s unwavering faith in the redemptive power of love—all made startlingly fresh through Michelle Richmond’s incandescent sensitivity and extraordinary insight.Six-year-old Emma vanished into the thick San Francisco fog. Or into the heaving Pacific. Or somewhere just beyond: to a parking lot, a stranger’s van, or a road with traffic flashing by. Devastated by guilt, haunted by her fears about becoming a stepmother, Abby refuses to believe that Emma is dead. And so she searches for clues about what happened that morning—and cannot stop the flood of memories reaching from her own childhood to illuminate that irreversible moment on the beach.Now, as the days drag into weeks, as the police lose interest and fliers fade on telephone poles, Emma’s father finds solace in religion and scientific probability—but Abby can only wander the beaches and city streets, attempting to recover the past and the little girl she lost. With her life at a crossroads, she will leave San Francisco for a country thousands of miles away. And there, by the side of another sea, on a journey that has led her to another man and into a strange subculture of wanderers and surfers, Abby will make the most astounding discovery of all—as the truth of Emma’s disappearance unravels with stunning force.
I had so many mixed emotions while reading this book. At times I wanted to hate Abby and other times I wanted to hate Emma's father and throughout most of the book I hated the police. The Year of Fog is so well written and really tugs at the reader's heartstrings. When I picked this book up from the library, the librarian told me it was a tearjerker but such a wonderful book, so I was somewhat warned. Most of the times I hate reading something that will make me cry, because if I take a look around the world there are tons of real life things that can make someone feel down and depressed and when I read it is to escape. That being said, this book was an exception to the rule and I quickly read it. I have a hard time classifying this book but really can not recommend it enough.
I have been following the Caylee Anthony case since it broke in July. If you haven't heard, she is a missing three year old girl who is presumed to be dead by the police and by the hands of her own mother. Her mother never reported her missing and it finally took the grandmother to call it in a month after someone last saw Caylee. There has been evidence released that shows there was a decomposing body in the mother's trunk, a hair with a death band around it, a trunk that was saturated with chloroform and searches on the mother, Casey, computer three months before Caylee went missing on chloroform, neck breaking, and household weapons. With Casey behind bars facing murder charges, the grandparents are holding on to the fact that this little girll may still be alive. A lot of people have been crucifying the grandparents and I can't imagine how they can live their lives each day, not knowing where their precious granddaughter is. I will admit that I am somewhat afraid to have children because of all the bad that is out there in the world today and I think this book just goes to show that there some good can come out of horrible things.
The ending of the book left me somewhat disappointed, but without giving away spoilers, I really can't discuss more about it. It was a heavy read, and I admit I did little else today but curled up on the couch reading it. I really believe this book will be with me for awhile. Happy Reading!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Too Close To Home by Linwood Barclay and Another Challenge
I became a fan of Mr. Barclay when I began reading his series featuring a stay-at-home dad and the mysteries he gets thrown into. His books always seemed to have a honest, down-to-earth, and slightly humorous side to them and Too Close To Home was no exception. It was a great read and I give it an A-.
From Amazon:
“The night they killed our neighbors, we never heard a thing.” In a quiet suburban neighborhood, in a house only one door away, a family is brutally murdered for no apparent reason. And you think to yourself: It could have been us. And you start to wonder: What if we’re next?Linwood Barclay, critically acclaimed author of No Time for Goodbye, brings terror closer than ever before in a thriller where murder strikes in the place we feel safest of all. Promise Falls isn’t the kind of community where a family is shot to death in their own home. But that is exactly what happened to the Langleys one sweltering summer night, and no one in this small upstate New York town is more shocked than their next-door neighbors, Jim and Ellen Cutter. They visited for the occasional barbecue and their son, Derek, was friends with the Langleys’ boy, Adam; but how well did they really know their neighbors? That’s the question Jim Cutter is asking, and the answers he’s getting aren’t reassuring. Albert Langley was a successful, well-respected criminal lawyer, but was he so good at getting criminals off that he was the victim of revenge—a debt his innocent family also paid in blood? From the town’s criminally corrupt mayor to the tragic suicide of a talented student a decade before, Promise Falls has more than its share of secrets. And Jim Cutter, failed artist turned landscaper, need look no further than his own home and his wife Ellen’s past to know that things aren’t always what they seem. But not even Jim and Ellen are ready to know that their son was in the Langley house the night the family was murdered.Suddenly the Cutters must face the unthinkable: that a murderer isn’t just stalking too close to home but is inside it already. For the Langleys weren’t the first to die and they won’t be the last.
Mr. Barclay is an excellent writter. He allows the reader to really place themselves into the middle of the story and really understand where everyone is coming from. For example, the author never describes what the inside of the Cutter home looks like, but through his honest descriptions and feelings of the characters, I began to imagine a house decorated in the way I thought the Cutters would do so. All of the characters are flawed but not so much that it is unbelievable. I also love that Mr. Barclay always tells the story through the dad's point of view and I appreciate that. I can't think of another book that is like that and it is interesting to read about. The mystery was also well written and there were a lot of twists and turns that keep you on your toes trying to figure everything out. I did figure out some of it but it was only with about 30 pages left. I will continue to be on the lookout for more of Mr. Barclay's books, but am disappointed I have to wait a year for another one.
I have three more library books to get through and the next one up is Blood Lies by Daniel Kalla. I read one of his other books and I really, really enjoyed it so I am hoping this one is just as good. Discussing library books brings me to the next challenge I am going to sign up for. It is called 2009 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge. The rules are the following:
** The first is to read 12 books from your local library in 2009.
** The second is to read 25 books from your local library in 2009.
** The third is to read 50 books from your local library in 2009.
You decide which one of the three challenges is best for you. Here are the guidelines:
1) You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading your books prior to 2009.
2) This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.
3) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
4) When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your library books will be listed. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed. If you don’t have a blog, leave the URL blank.
6) Our goal is to read 12, 25, or 50 books checkout from our local library in 2009. Please decide which when you sign up and don’t change it
.7) These can be audios, downloads, children’s, YA. As long as it’s a book, format and target age group does not matter.
8) Feel free to post a link to your reviews in the comment section below. That way, we can visit your blog and read your review.
9) If you have any questions, feel free to ask below or email me at jkayeoldner@yahoo.com. Comments usually get a quicker response.
Because I am trying to read more of my own books for another challenge, I am only going to pledge 25 books for this challenge. I am sure I will read more, but I am not sure which ones they will be yet. Probably more of the newest releases that come out in hardcover. I am a huge lover of my library, and I encourage everyone else to do the same!
From Amazon:
“The night they killed our neighbors, we never heard a thing.” In a quiet suburban neighborhood, in a house only one door away, a family is brutally murdered for no apparent reason. And you think to yourself: It could have been us. And you start to wonder: What if we’re next?Linwood Barclay, critically acclaimed author of No Time for Goodbye, brings terror closer than ever before in a thriller where murder strikes in the place we feel safest of all. Promise Falls isn’t the kind of community where a family is shot to death in their own home. But that is exactly what happened to the Langleys one sweltering summer night, and no one in this small upstate New York town is more shocked than their next-door neighbors, Jim and Ellen Cutter. They visited for the occasional barbecue and their son, Derek, was friends with the Langleys’ boy, Adam; but how well did they really know their neighbors? That’s the question Jim Cutter is asking, and the answers he’s getting aren’t reassuring. Albert Langley was a successful, well-respected criminal lawyer, but was he so good at getting criminals off that he was the victim of revenge—a debt his innocent family also paid in blood? From the town’s criminally corrupt mayor to the tragic suicide of a talented student a decade before, Promise Falls has more than its share of secrets. And Jim Cutter, failed artist turned landscaper, need look no further than his own home and his wife Ellen’s past to know that things aren’t always what they seem. But not even Jim and Ellen are ready to know that their son was in the Langley house the night the family was murdered.Suddenly the Cutters must face the unthinkable: that a murderer isn’t just stalking too close to home but is inside it already. For the Langleys weren’t the first to die and they won’t be the last.
Mr. Barclay is an excellent writter. He allows the reader to really place themselves into the middle of the story and really understand where everyone is coming from. For example, the author never describes what the inside of the Cutter home looks like, but through his honest descriptions and feelings of the characters, I began to imagine a house decorated in the way I thought the Cutters would do so. All of the characters are flawed but not so much that it is unbelievable. I also love that Mr. Barclay always tells the story through the dad's point of view and I appreciate that. I can't think of another book that is like that and it is interesting to read about. The mystery was also well written and there were a lot of twists and turns that keep you on your toes trying to figure everything out. I did figure out some of it but it was only with about 30 pages left. I will continue to be on the lookout for more of Mr. Barclay's books, but am disappointed I have to wait a year for another one.
I have three more library books to get through and the next one up is Blood Lies by Daniel Kalla. I read one of his other books and I really, really enjoyed it so I am hoping this one is just as good. Discussing library books brings me to the next challenge I am going to sign up for. It is called 2009 Support Your Local Library Reading Challenge. The rules are the following:
** The first is to read 12 books from your local library in 2009.
** The second is to read 25 books from your local library in 2009.
** The third is to read 50 books from your local library in 2009.
You decide which one of the three challenges is best for you. Here are the guidelines:
1) You can join anytime as long as you don’t start reading your books prior to 2009.
2) This challenge is for 2009 only. The last day to have all your books read is December 31, 2009.
3) You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2009.
4) When you sign up under Mr. Linky, list the direct link to your post where your library books will be listed. If you list just your blog’s URL, it will be removed. If you don’t have a blog, leave the URL blank.
6) Our goal is to read 12, 25, or 50 books checkout from our local library in 2009. Please decide which when you sign up and don’t change it
.7) These can be audios, downloads, children’s, YA. As long as it’s a book, format and target age group does not matter.
8) Feel free to post a link to your reviews in the comment section below. That way, we can visit your blog and read your review.
9) If you have any questions, feel free to ask below or email me at jkayeoldner@yahoo.com. Comments usually get a quicker response.
Because I am trying to read more of my own books for another challenge, I am only going to pledge 25 books for this challenge. I am sure I will read more, but I am not sure which ones they will be yet. Probably more of the newest releases that come out in hardcover. I am a huge lover of my library, and I encourage everyone else to do the same!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
The Beach House by James Patterson
I picked up this book at last week's used book sale and decided to grab it off of the shelves since I always read Mr. Patterson's book so fast. I have to admit I was a bit disappointed with this book and felt like a lot more could have been done with the book. I give it a B.
Back cover:
Jack Mullen is a driven student of the law. His brother Peter is a servant of the rich, parking the cars of the Hamptons elite- and perhaps satisfying their more intimate needs as well. Then Peter's body is found on the beach. Jack knows the drowning was no accident, but someone's unlimited power and money have bought the cops, the judges, the system. Now Jack is learning a lesson in justice he never got in law school... and his astonishing plan to beat the billionaires will have you reeling- and cheering- to the very last page.
I just thought that some of this book was really far-fetching, though the more I think about it, maybe I am just being naive. The pure fact that the elite and rich can get away with anything they want is terrifying and definitely not what one wants to believe is true. However, the book was engaging and was a brainless read, which sometimes is necessary. I started reading this Thursday but didn't really get into it until last night when finally my eyes gave out. I was so eager to finish it though, so I woke up way too early to finish reading it. I love how Mr. Patterson always uses short paragraphs as there is always a place to end reading and I don't feel like I will forget a ton if I just read a page here and there.
Another local library had another used book sale and I went there today for the bag sale. I got a ton of books for $5.00 and some of them are in brand new condition! I couldn't believe it. Tomorrow is their free day and I may just go back and see what they have left. My bag was overflowing, but the ladies just chuckled at me and said they were glad to see younger people take such an interest in reading. That comment made me feel real nice, as I am constantly reminded of how old I am getting. While at that library, I also checked out two books so I will be reading those first. One is the newest Jackie Collins book, Married Lovers, and I only have a week for it so I will be reading that first. I plan on getting a lot of reading in today but I took some cold medicine that is making me real drowsy right now and I have some cleaning to do. I think I am going to lay down right now with the book and maybe take a little nap. I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Jack Mullen is a driven student of the law. His brother Peter is a servant of the rich, parking the cars of the Hamptons elite- and perhaps satisfying their more intimate needs as well. Then Peter's body is found on the beach. Jack knows the drowning was no accident, but someone's unlimited power and money have bought the cops, the judges, the system. Now Jack is learning a lesson in justice he never got in law school... and his astonishing plan to beat the billionaires will have you reeling- and cheering- to the very last page.
I just thought that some of this book was really far-fetching, though the more I think about it, maybe I am just being naive. The pure fact that the elite and rich can get away with anything they want is terrifying and definitely not what one wants to believe is true. However, the book was engaging and was a brainless read, which sometimes is necessary. I started reading this Thursday but didn't really get into it until last night when finally my eyes gave out. I was so eager to finish it though, so I woke up way too early to finish reading it. I love how Mr. Patterson always uses short paragraphs as there is always a place to end reading and I don't feel like I will forget a ton if I just read a page here and there.
Another local library had another used book sale and I went there today for the bag sale. I got a ton of books for $5.00 and some of them are in brand new condition! I couldn't believe it. Tomorrow is their free day and I may just go back and see what they have left. My bag was overflowing, but the ladies just chuckled at me and said they were glad to see younger people take such an interest in reading. That comment made me feel real nice, as I am constantly reminded of how old I am getting. While at that library, I also checked out two books so I will be reading those first. One is the newest Jackie Collins book, Married Lovers, and I only have a week for it so I will be reading that first. I plan on getting a lot of reading in today but I took some cold medicine that is making me real drowsy right now and I have some cleaning to do. I think I am going to lay down right now with the book and maybe take a little nap. I hope everyone has a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer MacMahon
I read and really enjoyed Ms. MacMahon's first book, Promise Not To Tell, and when I heard that she had written a new book, decided to put it on hold. This was a chilling, and in some ways, depressing read that I still enjoyed. I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
While parked at a gas station, Rhonda sees something so incongruously surreal that at first she hardly recognizes it as a crime in progress. She watches, unmoving, as someone dressed in a rabbit costume kidnaps a young girl. Devastated over having done nothing, Rhonda joins the investigation. But the closer she comes to identifying the abductor, the nearer she gets to the troubling truth about another missing child: her best friend, Lizzy, who vanished years before.
From the author of the acclaimed Promise Not to Tell comes a chilling and mesmerizing tale of shattered innocence, guilt, and ultimate redemption.
I found that this book was somewhat predicitable, but there were some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The story was somewhat depressing, and I think it had a lot to do with the author's voice and her way of telling the story. With every chapter, we switch times to either present day or the past which I thought was handled well. I guess you could call the story a mystery, but it was much more than that. It deals with a lot of the characters and things that happened in their own lives and how it has shaped them to be the people they are now. I was kind of disappointed with the ending because I felt like the main character, Rhonda, doesn't get a happy ending, but I guess that isn't always what happens in real life. I think that is part of what is bothering me and I think part of it is because I am in somewhat of a funk in my own life, and the other part because I use reading as a means of escape. That all being said, I would recommend this book to others. I probably will read more in the future by this author, should she write anymore.
Well, we had to go buy a new fridge. It is so frustrating and seems like every month it is another unexpected expense. I am trying to not get upset, and repeating my mantra to not worry about things that I can't change. I am looking at the positive that we got a great deal, and while it does stretch our money and make things a bit tighter, we will not be in debt and we could be a lot worse off. I think that in these days with all of the economic crises, it is easy to get swept up with worry and I don't want to do that. Michigan has been in a one state recession for the longest time, so I think I am becoming more immune to everything. I am looking for the positives, one being that gas is down more than $1.00 from a month and half ago, and it helps me get through it. Our fridge had a mini fire which wrecked it, and I am thankful that it wasn't more serious and we could have lost much more. All right, enough with my ramblings... just trying to relieve some of my anxiety before I go to bed. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something off of my shelves. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
While parked at a gas station, Rhonda sees something so incongruously surreal that at first she hardly recognizes it as a crime in progress. She watches, unmoving, as someone dressed in a rabbit costume kidnaps a young girl. Devastated over having done nothing, Rhonda joins the investigation. But the closer she comes to identifying the abductor, the nearer she gets to the troubling truth about another missing child: her best friend, Lizzy, who vanished years before.
From the author of the acclaimed Promise Not to Tell comes a chilling and mesmerizing tale of shattered innocence, guilt, and ultimate redemption.
I found that this book was somewhat predicitable, but there were some twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. The story was somewhat depressing, and I think it had a lot to do with the author's voice and her way of telling the story. With every chapter, we switch times to either present day or the past which I thought was handled well. I guess you could call the story a mystery, but it was much more than that. It deals with a lot of the characters and things that happened in their own lives and how it has shaped them to be the people they are now. I was kind of disappointed with the ending because I felt like the main character, Rhonda, doesn't get a happy ending, but I guess that isn't always what happens in real life. I think that is part of what is bothering me and I think part of it is because I am in somewhat of a funk in my own life, and the other part because I use reading as a means of escape. That all being said, I would recommend this book to others. I probably will read more in the future by this author, should she write anymore.
Well, we had to go buy a new fridge. It is so frustrating and seems like every month it is another unexpected expense. I am trying to not get upset, and repeating my mantra to not worry about things that I can't change. I am looking at the positive that we got a great deal, and while it does stretch our money and make things a bit tighter, we will not be in debt and we could be a lot worse off. I think that in these days with all of the economic crises, it is easy to get swept up with worry and I don't want to do that. Michigan has been in a one state recession for the longest time, so I think I am becoming more immune to everything. I am looking for the positives, one being that gas is down more than $1.00 from a month and half ago, and it helps me get through it. Our fridge had a mini fire which wrecked it, and I am thankful that it wasn't more serious and we could have lost much more. All right, enough with my ramblings... just trying to relieve some of my anxiety before I go to bed. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but it will be something off of my shelves. Happy Reading!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Hush Little Darlings by Judith Kelman
When I went to library for my mom, Hush Little Darlings is one of the two books I picked up. I started the other book I got and read about 100 pages, but I couldn't finish it. The main character really, really grated on my nerves. Hush Little Darlings was a good read, and I rate it a B.
From Amazon:
Four young girls are abducted by the same man. All that each of them can remember is a strange dream of black velvet walls, flowers and soft music. Not much of a lead for D.A. Sarah Spooner to investigate, but the case of the Velvet Viper will soon become terrifyingly personal--for Sarah has a daughter of her own.
I have read a couple of other books by Judith Kelman and they are all kind of the same. They really remind me of Mary Higgins Clark's books which always feature a woman main character and mysteries that surround their life. Hush Little Darlings is the same. At first I had a bit of a problem with the book because there was absolutely no mention of computers or cell phones, but once I realized the book was written in 1989, that was all right. That was pretty much the only thing that was dated so it wasn't really a big deal. The mystery started off pretty slow, but picked up about halfway through and it had a great ending. I thought I had it all figured out, but I was wrong.
I am out of library books, so I am going to get something from my own library. Not sure what I am in the mood for so I will just look around. Tomorrow I have to go to my nephew's graduation party so that will take up some of my reading time. I also have to do some major re-planning for school. I tested my student's on some of the topics we spent so much time on and they didn't do so hot. There is also other stuff that we even haven't started talking about that is on the post-test. Unfortunetly, it seems that I am going to have to teach to the test, which I hate but I really do not have a choice. One more week, and then I get my short, two week summer vacation. The permenent job outlook is looking so great, so it appears I will be back to subbing. Oh well, the way the economy is, especially here in the Detroit area (everyone hear about our horrible, embarrassing mayor... absolutely disgusting!) so I guess I am happy with steady subbing work. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Four young girls are abducted by the same man. All that each of them can remember is a strange dream of black velvet walls, flowers and soft music. Not much of a lead for D.A. Sarah Spooner to investigate, but the case of the Velvet Viper will soon become terrifyingly personal--for Sarah has a daughter of her own.
I have read a couple of other books by Judith Kelman and they are all kind of the same. They really remind me of Mary Higgins Clark's books which always feature a woman main character and mysteries that surround their life. Hush Little Darlings is the same. At first I had a bit of a problem with the book because there was absolutely no mention of computers or cell phones, but once I realized the book was written in 1989, that was all right. That was pretty much the only thing that was dated so it wasn't really a big deal. The mystery started off pretty slow, but picked up about halfway through and it had a great ending. I thought I had it all figured out, but I was wrong.
I am out of library books, so I am going to get something from my own library. Not sure what I am in the mood for so I will just look around. Tomorrow I have to go to my nephew's graduation party so that will take up some of my reading time. I also have to do some major re-planning for school. I tested my student's on some of the topics we spent so much time on and they didn't do so hot. There is also other stuff that we even haven't started talking about that is on the post-test. Unfortunetly, it seems that I am going to have to teach to the test, which I hate but I really do not have a choice. One more week, and then I get my short, two week summer vacation. The permenent job outlook is looking so great, so it appears I will be back to subbing. Oh well, the way the economy is, especially here in the Detroit area (everyone hear about our horrible, embarrassing mayor... absolutely disgusting!) so I guess I am happy with steady subbing work. Have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Easy Innocence by Libby Fischer Hellmann
This is another book I have heard a lot about from various blogs. The premise sounded very interesting, particularly the fact that high school girls were prostituting themselves so they can buy the latest designer jeans. Once I started this book, I had a hard time setting it down and read the majority of it last night. It was a good book and held my attention, so I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
When pretty, smart Sara Long is found bludgeoned to death, it's easy to blame the man with the bat.
But Georgia Davis -- former cop and newly-minted PI -- is hired to look into the incident at the behest of the accused's sister, and what she finds hints at a much different, much darker answer. It seems the privileged, preppy schoolgirls on Chicago's North Shore have learned just how much their innocence is worth to hot-under-the-collar businessmen. But while these girls can pay for Prada pricetags, they don't realize that their new business venture may end up costing them more than they can afford.
I really liked Georgia's character and could relate with her with a lot of her personal issues. The mystery was well written, though I do have to admit I did solve most of it before the book was over. I do wish that there was more focus on the prostitution angle, though, because to me that is very intriguing. Some of these girls came from very wealthy families, and I couldn't believe these girls put themselves in the position. Working with teenagers, I see some of the peer pressure they are under, and I think that Ms. Hellmann touched on those true feelings. I will be looking for more of her books in the future.
Up next is my last library book, John Sanford's Phantom Prey. This will be the first book I have read by Mr. Sanford and I know he has a lot of books out there. I am always looking for new authors to add to my list so hopefully this book is great. I just checked my email and I have another book to pick up from the library. That book is Meg Cabot's The Queen of Babble Gets Hitched. I enjoy this series, and that is always a quick read. I will probably pick it up sometime today. Everyone have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When pretty, smart Sara Long is found bludgeoned to death, it's easy to blame the man with the bat.
But Georgia Davis -- former cop and newly-minted PI -- is hired to look into the incident at the behest of the accused's sister, and what she finds hints at a much different, much darker answer. It seems the privileged, preppy schoolgirls on Chicago's North Shore have learned just how much their innocence is worth to hot-under-the-collar businessmen. But while these girls can pay for Prada pricetags, they don't realize that their new business venture may end up costing them more than they can afford.
I really liked Georgia's character and could relate with her with a lot of her personal issues. The mystery was well written, though I do have to admit I did solve most of it before the book was over. I do wish that there was more focus on the prostitution angle, though, because to me that is very intriguing. Some of these girls came from very wealthy families, and I couldn't believe these girls put themselves in the position. Working with teenagers, I see some of the peer pressure they are under, and I think that Ms. Hellmann touched on those true feelings. I will be looking for more of her books in the future.
Up next is my last library book, John Sanford's Phantom Prey. This will be the first book I have read by Mr. Sanford and I know he has a lot of books out there. I am always looking for new authors to add to my list so hopefully this book is great. I just checked my email and I have another book to pick up from the library. That book is Meg Cabot's The Queen of Babble Gets Hitched. I enjoy this series, and that is always a quick read. I will probably pick it up sometime today. Everyone have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Speak No Evil by Allison Brennan
I used the random number generator to select a book for me to read and it actually selected the last book in this trilogoy by Ms. Brennan. Me, not being able to read books out of order, I decided to read the first one. I have always enjoyed her books, but this one was probably my favorite. I rate it an A-.
From Amazon:
Silence is deadly.The murder of eighteen-year-old Angie Vance was exceptionally vile–her mouth was sealed with glue, an obscenity scrawledwas across her skin, and she was suffocated in a garbage bag. The killing seems personal, so police detective Carina Kincaid focuses her efforts on the victim’s much older ex-boyfriend, Steve Thomas. But without physical evidence, Carina can’t make a collar or a case. She also can’t stop Sheriff Nick Thomas, the prime suspect’s brother, from conducting his own unwelcome investigation. Though Nick is still scarred and unsteady from a recent confrontation with a serial killer, he’s determined to prove his brother’s innocence. But his confidence is shaken when he learns of Steve’s dark side, and when a friend of the murdered girl meets a similarly gruesome fate. With no time to lose, Carina and Nick work together to trap a psychopath, before another unlucky woman faces an unspeakable end.Evil has spoken. Now see what it can do.
This was everything a good suspense novel is. The reader gets to get inside the killers mind without revealing the identity, there are enough clues for the reader to discover who the bad guy is, and the romance does not overtake the mystery. I don't mind romance in my suspense books, but just hate when it takes away from the mystery and all of the suspense. This book had a very sadistic killer and the author does a great job explaining, but not excusing, why the killer is the way he is. All of the characters were likeable and there wasn't the usual misunderstanding that you sometimes find in romances. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
I hope I will be able to get into some more reading time this afternoon, but I have a lot of stuff I need to get done. I need to get laundry done, redo my bullentin board for work, vacuum again, and start prepping my stuff for summer school. I have had a fun weekend though, and have been out and about, so it is time to get down to business. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and managed to get some great books in! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Silence is deadly.The murder of eighteen-year-old Angie Vance was exceptionally vile–her mouth was sealed with glue, an obscenity scrawledwas across her skin, and she was suffocated in a garbage bag. The killing seems personal, so police detective Carina Kincaid focuses her efforts on the victim’s much older ex-boyfriend, Steve Thomas. But without physical evidence, Carina can’t make a collar or a case. She also can’t stop Sheriff Nick Thomas, the prime suspect’s brother, from conducting his own unwelcome investigation. Though Nick is still scarred and unsteady from a recent confrontation with a serial killer, he’s determined to prove his brother’s innocence. But his confidence is shaken when he learns of Steve’s dark side, and when a friend of the murdered girl meets a similarly gruesome fate. With no time to lose, Carina and Nick work together to trap a psychopath, before another unlucky woman faces an unspeakable end.Evil has spoken. Now see what it can do.
This was everything a good suspense novel is. The reader gets to get inside the killers mind without revealing the identity, there are enough clues for the reader to discover who the bad guy is, and the romance does not overtake the mystery. I don't mind romance in my suspense books, but just hate when it takes away from the mystery and all of the suspense. This book had a very sadistic killer and the author does a great job explaining, but not excusing, why the killer is the way he is. All of the characters were likeable and there wasn't the usual misunderstanding that you sometimes find in romances. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in the series.
I hope I will be able to get into some more reading time this afternoon, but I have a lot of stuff I need to get done. I need to get laundry done, redo my bullentin board for work, vacuum again, and start prepping my stuff for summer school. I have had a fun weekend though, and have been out and about, so it is time to get down to business. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and managed to get some great books in! Happy Reading!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
In the Shadow of the Arch by Robert J. Randisi
In my previous entry, I said I was going to read a book by S.K. McAllferty and I did start it but couldn't finish it. I read over 125 pages, but it was much more romance than suspense and I was not interested in it. I went to CVS yesterday with a gift card and picked up this book there. It was a new-to-me author and I decided to read it it instead. It was a fast read, and I wasn't disappointed by it. I give it a B.
From the back of the book:
Joe Keough, a former New York City police detective, moved to St. Louis to get away from the bloodshed of the Big Apple and start fresh. But five minutes into Keough's new life, four-year-old Brady Sanders walked into his St. Loius police station, leaving behind a trail of bloody footprints.
That was only the beginning of a twisted trail of darkness and fear, from Brady's missing parents and their blood soaked house, to the kidnapping of beautiful mothers and their small children. Were these hideous acts a series of unrelated coincidences, or was there a serial killer on the loose, stalking and killing the citizens of St. Louis? It wasn't long before Keough was forced to realize that death in the Midwest is no different from death in New York. Terror is terror, no matter where you live.
This was a good book and I was really interested in it. It was very easy to read and the characters were very likeable. I think this book could have been excellent if it was written more as a thriller instead of a police procedural but it wasn't bad. The violence and descriptions was done in a way that there wasn't any graphic details. I have a feeling that this was a part of a series though I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that the police didn't use any sort of technology to help them. I am not even talking about DNA or forensic evidence, but there wasn't any use of computers. The book was originally published in 1998, though I remember using the internet and computers ten years ago. Just something that annoyed me but not really a big deal.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I doubt I will be able to get another book in before the end of the month. Looking at my statistics, I have currently read 58 books this year. I am almost on track to meet my goal this year of 120 books. I hope I am able to reach it. Normally I don't work in the summer which would help me, but this summer I have two jobs. In three weeks, I start my second job and though it is Monday through Friday, I only work until noon. However, I will be teaching so there will be a bunch of planning and all of that. I do have two weeks off at the end of summer so I hope to get lots of reading in. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Happy Reading!
From the back of the book:
Joe Keough, a former New York City police detective, moved to St. Louis to get away from the bloodshed of the Big Apple and start fresh. But five minutes into Keough's new life, four-year-old Brady Sanders walked into his St. Loius police station, leaving behind a trail of bloody footprints.
That was only the beginning of a twisted trail of darkness and fear, from Brady's missing parents and their blood soaked house, to the kidnapping of beautiful mothers and their small children. Were these hideous acts a series of unrelated coincidences, or was there a serial killer on the loose, stalking and killing the citizens of St. Louis? It wasn't long before Keough was forced to realize that death in the Midwest is no different from death in New York. Terror is terror, no matter where you live.
This was a good book and I was really interested in it. It was very easy to read and the characters were very likeable. I think this book could have been excellent if it was written more as a thriller instead of a police procedural but it wasn't bad. The violence and descriptions was done in a way that there wasn't any graphic details. I have a feeling that this was a part of a series though I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything. The only thing that bothered me was the fact that the police didn't use any sort of technology to help them. I am not even talking about DNA or forensic evidence, but there wasn't any use of computers. The book was originally published in 1998, though I remember using the internet and computers ten years ago. Just something that annoyed me but not really a big deal.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I doubt I will be able to get another book in before the end of the month. Looking at my statistics, I have currently read 58 books this year. I am almost on track to meet my goal this year of 120 books. I hope I am able to reach it. Normally I don't work in the summer which would help me, but this summer I have two jobs. In three weeks, I start my second job and though it is Monday through Friday, I only work until noon. However, I will be teaching so there will be a bunch of planning and all of that. I do have two weeks off at the end of summer so I hope to get lots of reading in. I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Crazy School by Cornelia Read
I have heard so much about Cornelia Read that I was surprised to find out that The Crazy School was only her second book. The premise sounded really interesting and I thought it would be a great book to read. However, I was a little let down and can only give it a C.
From Amazon:
From the acclaimed author of A FIELD OF DARKNESS comes another compelling novel featuring the acerbic and memorable voice of ex-debutante Madeline Dare.Madeline Dare has finally escaped rust-belt Syracuse, New York, for the lush BerkshireMountains in Massachusetts. After her husband's job offer falls through, Maddie signs on as a teacher at the SantangeloAcademy, a boarding school for disturbed teenagers. Behind the academy's ornate gates, she discovers a disturbing realm where students and teachers alike must submit to the founder's bizarre therapeutic regimen. From day one, Maddie feels uneasy about smooth-talking Dr. Santangelo but when she questions his methods, she's appalled to find that her fellow teachers would rather turn on each other than stand up for themselves, much less protect the students in their care. A chilling event confirms Maddie's worst suspicions, then hints at an even darker secret history, one that twines through the academy's very heart. Cut off from the outside world, Maddie must join forces with a small band of the school's most violently rebellious students-kids whose troubled grip on reality may well prove to be her only chance of salvation.
After reading through the first couple of chapters, I realized that this was the second book in a series. Being the anal person I am, I hate when I read books out of order. I kept reading though because the story seemed something that I would be really interested in. I am really amazed by the whole cult experience and it just baffles my mind on how people can become sucked in to believe someone so much. I also loved the idea of a teacher really trying to help troubled students. However, the book left me disappointed. I didn't get to learn a lot about Maddie's past, probably because it was the second book in a series. There was also some words and phrases used that weren't easily understood (at least by me) and background of things in history that I had absolutely no idea about. I consider myself to be somewhat educated, however, a lot of it was over my head. I ended up skimming a lot of the book though I did want to know what was going on and how it was going to end. I think the book and the premise had a lot of hope and promise and wish I had enjoyed it more.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I don't have any library books checked out, with The Crazy School being the last one, so I am going to go down to my mini library and pick out something that grabs my attention. The Red Wings play this afternoon so I will be watching and reading at the same time. My lovely husband, Chris, did all of the cleaning and laundry yesterday when I was at work so I don't have anything pressing to worry about. I do need to color my hair and want to try and get to Michael's to buy a new wreath for my door. I have a 50% off coupon for today only, so I might try to make it up there. I have another one that is good on Friday, I think, so if I don't get there today I am going to go then. I have another crazy week this week but then next week is Spring Break so I have a week off! Yay! I need to re-catalogue all of my books and get organized but I am planning on a lot of reading! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
From the acclaimed author of A FIELD OF DARKNESS comes another compelling novel featuring the acerbic and memorable voice of ex-debutante Madeline Dare.Madeline Dare has finally escaped rust-belt Syracuse, New York, for the lush BerkshireMountains in Massachusetts. After her husband's job offer falls through, Maddie signs on as a teacher at the SantangeloAcademy, a boarding school for disturbed teenagers. Behind the academy's ornate gates, she discovers a disturbing realm where students and teachers alike must submit to the founder's bizarre therapeutic regimen. From day one, Maddie feels uneasy about smooth-talking Dr. Santangelo but when she questions his methods, she's appalled to find that her fellow teachers would rather turn on each other than stand up for themselves, much less protect the students in their care. A chilling event confirms Maddie's worst suspicions, then hints at an even darker secret history, one that twines through the academy's very heart. Cut off from the outside world, Maddie must join forces with a small band of the school's most violently rebellious students-kids whose troubled grip on reality may well prove to be her only chance of salvation.
After reading through the first couple of chapters, I realized that this was the second book in a series. Being the anal person I am, I hate when I read books out of order. I kept reading though because the story seemed something that I would be really interested in. I am really amazed by the whole cult experience and it just baffles my mind on how people can become sucked in to believe someone so much. I also loved the idea of a teacher really trying to help troubled students. However, the book left me disappointed. I didn't get to learn a lot about Maddie's past, probably because it was the second book in a series. There was also some words and phrases used that weren't easily understood (at least by me) and background of things in history that I had absolutely no idea about. I consider myself to be somewhat educated, however, a lot of it was over my head. I ended up skimming a lot of the book though I did want to know what was going on and how it was going to end. I think the book and the premise had a lot of hope and promise and wish I had enjoyed it more.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I don't have any library books checked out, with The Crazy School being the last one, so I am going to go down to my mini library and pick out something that grabs my attention. The Red Wings play this afternoon so I will be watching and reading at the same time. My lovely husband, Chris, did all of the cleaning and laundry yesterday when I was at work so I don't have anything pressing to worry about. I do need to color my hair and want to try and get to Michael's to buy a new wreath for my door. I have a 50% off coupon for today only, so I might try to make it up there. I have another one that is good on Friday, I think, so if I don't get there today I am going to go then. I have another crazy week this week but then next week is Spring Break so I have a week off! Yay! I need to re-catalogue all of my books and get organized but I am planning on a lot of reading! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Smash Cut by Steven Womack
After reading By Blood Written by Mr. Womack, I immediately looked for his backlist. Thankfully my library had several of his books and I placed a hold on Smash Cut. Unfortunetly, Smash Cut did not live up to any amount of success that By Blood Written had for me. I give it a C.
From Amazon:
The head of a sleazy international film studio becomes tangled in corrupt Louisiana politics in Womack's fine second mystery to feature public relations expert Jack Lynch. When Pearl Bergeron, the head of Louisiana's state film commission and the governor's daughter, challenges millionaire filmmaker Andrew Kwang's bid to turn a failed nuclear plant outside New Orleans into a major studio, Kwang calls on Lynch for help. Kwang becomes a suspect when Bergeron is found beaten to death, so Lynch simultaneously investigates the victim's unsavory lifestyle while employing damage-control tactics for his cool, calculating client. Tutored in film world mores by cinematographer Lois Finlayson, the first person for whom he has any feeling since the murder of an earlier love (in Murphy's Fault ), Lynch is threatened himself . He persists in his quest and uncovers a curious connection--another death--between Kwang and Bergeron.
I don't why this book didn't work for me. Part of it is probably because of the tie in with politics, as I tend to shy away from books with politics. Maybe it was because there were so many characters in the story and I felt like the majority of them did not play a role in the story. Some were set up as possible suspects, but it was not very convincing and I knew about 25% through the way in who the killer was. Another thing could have been that the book was written in 1991, though in the past I haven't had problems with books that were written before the invention of cell phones and the Internet. Overall, it just really didn't work for me andit is a part of a trilogy and so I felt like it wasn't really resolved. I am happy to be done with it.
I have hit a rough spot in my reading lately. All ho-hum books and I hope to have some good reads coming up. I leave for vacation on Saturday and I need to have good books to read while I am gone. I think for the time being, I am going to start Jen Lancaster's first book, Bitter is the New Black. I loved her first book, which got me started on my memoir kick. I have had it on hold forever at the library and finally got it in last week when all of those books came in. I am sure I will whip right through this one and it should get me back on the right track. I am dreading that tomorrow is Monday, and I have a job. I have Tuesday off for appointments and then Wednesday I can only work half a day, so I should just muddle through it. But the thought of just laying around the house is so appealing. I am starting to feel real anxious again and I so don't want to be traveling down that road again. Hope everyone else's reading is going better and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
The head of a sleazy international film studio becomes tangled in corrupt Louisiana politics in Womack's fine second mystery to feature public relations expert Jack Lynch. When Pearl Bergeron, the head of Louisiana's state film commission and the governor's daughter, challenges millionaire filmmaker Andrew Kwang's bid to turn a failed nuclear plant outside New Orleans into a major studio, Kwang calls on Lynch for help. Kwang becomes a suspect when Bergeron is found beaten to death, so Lynch simultaneously investigates the victim's unsavory lifestyle while employing damage-control tactics for his cool, calculating client. Tutored in film world mores by cinematographer Lois Finlayson, the first person for whom he has any feeling since the murder of an earlier love (in Murphy's Fault ), Lynch is threatened himself . He persists in his quest and uncovers a curious connection--another death--between Kwang and Bergeron.
I don't why this book didn't work for me. Part of it is probably because of the tie in with politics, as I tend to shy away from books with politics. Maybe it was because there were so many characters in the story and I felt like the majority of them did not play a role in the story. Some were set up as possible suspects, but it was not very convincing and I knew about 25% through the way in who the killer was. Another thing could have been that the book was written in 1991, though in the past I haven't had problems with books that were written before the invention of cell phones and the Internet. Overall, it just really didn't work for me andit is a part of a trilogy and so I felt like it wasn't really resolved. I am happy to be done with it.
I have hit a rough spot in my reading lately. All ho-hum books and I hope to have some good reads coming up. I leave for vacation on Saturday and I need to have good books to read while I am gone. I think for the time being, I am going to start Jen Lancaster's first book, Bitter is the New Black. I loved her first book, which got me started on my memoir kick. I have had it on hold forever at the library and finally got it in last week when all of those books came in. I am sure I will whip right through this one and it should get me back on the right track. I am dreading that tomorrow is Monday, and I have a job. I have Tuesday off for appointments and then Wednesday I can only work half a day, so I should just muddle through it. But the thought of just laying around the house is so appealing. I am starting to feel real anxious again and I so don't want to be traveling down that road again. Hope everyone else's reading is going better and Happy Reading!
Sunday, December 30, 2007
They Did It With Love by Kate Morgenroth
I read about They Did It With Love on another reader's blog and placed the book on hold at my local library. It came in pretty quickly and I started to read yesterday and finished it this morning. It was such a wonderful book and I really, really loved it. I would rate it an A.
From Amazon:
Sofie and her husband have left Manhattan in search of a more tranquil life in the suburbs. But when a member of Sofie’s new neighborhood book club turns up dead, things get messy. She discovers that everybody has something to hide, including her own husband. Her neighbor Priscilla has been married to Gordon for fifteen years, but the love left their marriage a long time ago. Susan is Priscilla’s biggest supporter until she has to choose between loyalty to her friend and telling the truth. Ashley is eager to fit in, but her youth and status as a second wife keep her on the outside. She may know more than they think she does, though. Julia seems to have it all—the perfect house, job and husband. But her untimely death has people questioning how perfect her life really was. Through this swamp of suburban secrets, Sofie must wade to find the truth behind Julia’s murder and the state of her own marriage.
The premise is one of my favorites and I love the setting. I really enjoy reading about the wealthy and think it is fascinating to read about their lives. The fact that the characters are such fans of mystery books and have a book club dedicated to them was also a great idea. This book had its own mystery going on and they were a ton of twists and turns throughout the story. I ended up having parts of the whodunit correct but I was surprised with some of the ending. The characters were really well written, and as it turned out I didn't really like many of the characters but I still enjoyed the story. That was surprising for me. I am also going to look for the two other books Ms. Morgenroth wrote and check those out. I really enjoy her writing and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
I think I have one more book to read to reach my goal and I don't think I will be able to finish it. I am still not feeling too well and I also have more work to get done for my mom so that doesn't leave me with a lot of wiggle room. I am going to start a new book I just got earlier in the week called By Blood Written and seems to be quite the suspense book. Hope everyone else is having a relaxing weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Sofie and her husband have left Manhattan in search of a more tranquil life in the suburbs. But when a member of Sofie’s new neighborhood book club turns up dead, things get messy. She discovers that everybody has something to hide, including her own husband. Her neighbor Priscilla has been married to Gordon for fifteen years, but the love left their marriage a long time ago. Susan is Priscilla’s biggest supporter until she has to choose between loyalty to her friend and telling the truth. Ashley is eager to fit in, but her youth and status as a second wife keep her on the outside. She may know more than they think she does, though. Julia seems to have it all—the perfect house, job and husband. But her untimely death has people questioning how perfect her life really was. Through this swamp of suburban secrets, Sofie must wade to find the truth behind Julia’s murder and the state of her own marriage.
The premise is one of my favorites and I love the setting. I really enjoy reading about the wealthy and think it is fascinating to read about their lives. The fact that the characters are such fans of mystery books and have a book club dedicated to them was also a great idea. This book had its own mystery going on and they were a ton of twists and turns throughout the story. I ended up having parts of the whodunit correct but I was surprised with some of the ending. The characters were really well written, and as it turned out I didn't really like many of the characters but I still enjoyed the story. That was surprising for me. I am also going to look for the two other books Ms. Morgenroth wrote and check those out. I really enjoy her writing and highly recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery.
I think I have one more book to read to reach my goal and I don't think I will be able to finish it. I am still not feeling too well and I also have more work to get done for my mom so that doesn't leave me with a lot of wiggle room. I am going to start a new book I just got earlier in the week called By Blood Written and seems to be quite the suspense book. Hope everyone else is having a relaxing weekend and Happy Reading!
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