Here is the list of books from my first ever challenge finished!
1. Innocence by Karen Novak(Private Investigator)
2. Close to You by Mary Jane Clark (Stalker)
3. The Abortionist's Daughter by Elisabeth Hyde (Drama)
4. Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter (Forensic)
5. Black Out by Lisa Unger (Psychological)
6. In the Woods by Tana French (Police Procedural)
7. Bust by Ken Bruen and Jason Starr (Crime)
8. Telling Lies to Alice by Laura Wilson (Historical)
9. A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen (Serial Killer)
10. Married to a Stranger by Patricia MacDonald (Romantic Suspense)
11. The Likeness by Tana French (Murder Mystery)
12. Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C.J. Box (Amatuer Detective)
I had a FANTASTIC time with this challenge! Thanks J. Kaye!
Showing posts with label suspense challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suspense challenge. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Three Weeks to Say Goodbye by C.J. Box
I started reading a book by Meg Gardiner, but I put it down because it seemed like I was missing a lot of backstory and I didn't want to ruin the previous books. I decided to pick up Three Weeks to Say Goodbye, instead and am glad I did. Even though I was super busy and tired, I stayed up way too late to finish it and can grade it a A-.
From Amazon:
Jack and Melissa McGuane have spent years trying to have a baby. Finally their dream has come true with the adoption of their daughter, Angelina. But nine months after bringing her home, they receive a devastating phone call from the adoption agency: Angelina’s birth father, a teenager, never signed away his parental rights, and he wants her back. Worse, his father, a powerful Denver judge, wants him to own up to this responsibility and will use every advantage his position of power affords him to make sure it happens. When Jack and Melissa attempt to handle the situation rationally by meeting face-to-face with the father and son, it is immediately apparent that there’s something sinister about both of them and that love for Angelina is not the motivation for their actions.
As Angelina’s safety hangs in the balance, Jack and Melissa will stop at nothing to protect their child. A horrifying game of intimidation and double crosses begins that quickly becomes a death spiral where absolutely no one is safe.
How far would you go to save someone you love?
This book really tugged at my heart while having it race at the same time. It took me awhile to get into the book, but I really think it is because I worked all weekend and had only minutes here and there to sneak in a few pages. Once I finished work last night, I sat down and finished it in one sitting. I loved the way the book was written from Jack's point of view and showed the extreme that he would go to protect his wife and family. Mr. Box did a fantastic job with the suspense and I couldn't figure out where the story was going. There were plenty of twists and turns and the ending was something that was believable. I have picked up other of Mr. Box's books, but always put them down because the description didn't sound like something I would like, but I am definitely going to rethink that decision.
This book also allowed me to finish J. Kaye's Suspense and Thriller Challenge! This book qualifies for the Amateur Detective thriller and is my 12th and final book for the challenge. I loved this challenge and will always hold it close to me as it was my first challenge! Thanks J. Kaye for sponsoring such a fun challenge!!!!
Today at school I started Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy. It seems kind of weird right now, but I am only 60 pages in. I have to work tonight until 8:30, but when I get home I think I am going to cuddle up and just read. I relax so much when I read and right now I am wound up tight! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Jack and Melissa McGuane have spent years trying to have a baby. Finally their dream has come true with the adoption of their daughter, Angelina. But nine months after bringing her home, they receive a devastating phone call from the adoption agency: Angelina’s birth father, a teenager, never signed away his parental rights, and he wants her back. Worse, his father, a powerful Denver judge, wants him to own up to this responsibility and will use every advantage his position of power affords him to make sure it happens. When Jack and Melissa attempt to handle the situation rationally by meeting face-to-face with the father and son, it is immediately apparent that there’s something sinister about both of them and that love for Angelina is not the motivation for their actions.
As Angelina’s safety hangs in the balance, Jack and Melissa will stop at nothing to protect their child. A horrifying game of intimidation and double crosses begins that quickly becomes a death spiral where absolutely no one is safe.
How far would you go to save someone you love?
This book really tugged at my heart while having it race at the same time. It took me awhile to get into the book, but I really think it is because I worked all weekend and had only minutes here and there to sneak in a few pages. Once I finished work last night, I sat down and finished it in one sitting. I loved the way the book was written from Jack's point of view and showed the extreme that he would go to protect his wife and family. Mr. Box did a fantastic job with the suspense and I couldn't figure out where the story was going. There were plenty of twists and turns and the ending was something that was believable. I have picked up other of Mr. Box's books, but always put them down because the description didn't sound like something I would like, but I am definitely going to rethink that decision.
This book also allowed me to finish J. Kaye's Suspense and Thriller Challenge! This book qualifies for the Amateur Detective thriller and is my 12th and final book for the challenge. I loved this challenge and will always hold it close to me as it was my first challenge! Thanks J. Kaye for sponsoring such a fun challenge!!!!
Today at school I started Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy. It seems kind of weird right now, but I am only 60 pages in. I have to work tonight until 8:30, but when I get home I think I am going to cuddle up and just read. I relax so much when I read and right now I am wound up tight! Happy Reading!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
The Likeness by Tana French
After loving In The Woods, I quickly placed The Likeness on hold from my library. It came in last week and I started it on Sunday. I finally finished it and give it a B.
From Amazon:
Six months after the events of In the Woods, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make a commitment to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin. The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison—the identity Cassie used years ago as an undercover detective—and she looks exactly like Cassie.With no leads, no suspects, and no clue to Lexie’s real identity, Cassie’s old undercover boss, Frank Mackey, spots the opportunity of a lifetime. They can say that the stab wound wasn’t fatal and send Cassie undercover in her place to find out information that the police never would and to tempt the killer out of hiding. At first Cassie thinks the idea is crazy, but she is seduced by the prospect of working on a murder investigation again and by the idea of assuming the victim’s identity as a graduate student with a cozy group of friends.As she is drawn into Lexie’s world, Cassie realizes that the girl’s secrets run deeper than anyone imagined. Her friends are becoming suspicious, Sam has discovered a generations-old feud involving the old house the students live in, and Frank is starting to suspect that Cassie’s growing emotional involvement could put the whole investigation at risk.
This book wasn't as great as In the Woods. Part of the reason I believe, is because the reader has to suspend some belief that this story could even happen. I find it hard to believe that Cassie can look so much like Lexie that she is able to move in to her old house, live with her friends who are more like a family, and basically take over her life. I also felt that this book was about 100 pages too long. There were some descriptions and events in the book that felt somewhat like a filler to me. It took me awhile to read this, partly because I have been working 11+ hour days but also because there were some dry spots in the story. That all being said, it was a good book and a good police procedural. I would recommend this book, but I would advise people that it doesn't hold up to the great work of In the Woods. This book qualifies for the Library Challenge and Suspense challenge in the murder mystery category.
Up next is a book by Meg Gardnier. I am not sure what the title is and it is in another room and I am way too lazy right now to get up and get it. Right now I am working at subbing, my online job, and working at my mom's office. I am pooped and getting a bit frustrated because I feel like all I am doing is working and going to bed only to repeat in the morning. Oh well... I am not going to complain too much, in this economy I need to take everything and anything I can take. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Six months after the events of In the Woods, Detective Cassie Maddox is still trying to recover. She’s transferred out of the murder squad and started a relationship with Detective Sam O’Neill, but she’s too badly shaken to make a commitment to him or to her career. Then Sam calls her to the scene of his new case: a young woman found stabbed to death in a small town outside Dublin. The dead girl’s ID says her name is Lexie Madison—the identity Cassie used years ago as an undercover detective—and she looks exactly like Cassie.With no leads, no suspects, and no clue to Lexie’s real identity, Cassie’s old undercover boss, Frank Mackey, spots the opportunity of a lifetime. They can say that the stab wound wasn’t fatal and send Cassie undercover in her place to find out information that the police never would and to tempt the killer out of hiding. At first Cassie thinks the idea is crazy, but she is seduced by the prospect of working on a murder investigation again and by the idea of assuming the victim’s identity as a graduate student with a cozy group of friends.As she is drawn into Lexie’s world, Cassie realizes that the girl’s secrets run deeper than anyone imagined. Her friends are becoming suspicious, Sam has discovered a generations-old feud involving the old house the students live in, and Frank is starting to suspect that Cassie’s growing emotional involvement could put the whole investigation at risk.
This book wasn't as great as In the Woods. Part of the reason I believe, is because the reader has to suspend some belief that this story could even happen. I find it hard to believe that Cassie can look so much like Lexie that she is able to move in to her old house, live with her friends who are more like a family, and basically take over her life. I also felt that this book was about 100 pages too long. There were some descriptions and events in the book that felt somewhat like a filler to me. It took me awhile to read this, partly because I have been working 11+ hour days but also because there were some dry spots in the story. That all being said, it was a good book and a good police procedural. I would recommend this book, but I would advise people that it doesn't hold up to the great work of In the Woods. This book qualifies for the Library Challenge and Suspense challenge in the murder mystery category.
Up next is a book by Meg Gardnier. I am not sure what the title is and it is in another room and I am way too lazy right now to get up and get it. Right now I am working at subbing, my online job, and working at my mom's office. I am pooped and getting a bit frustrated because I feel like all I am doing is working and going to bed only to repeat in the morning. Oh well... I am not going to complain too much, in this economy I need to take everything and anything I can take. Happy Reading!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Married to a Stranger by Patricia MacDonald
I picked up Married to a Stranger when I was browsing at the library. It sounded like a good romantic suspense and something that would fit in to the Suspense and Thriller Challenge. This was a quick, easy read that held my attention. I rate it a B.
From Amazon:
Twenty-six-year-old Emma Hollis has it all -- a fortune she inherited from her father, a job she loves as a counselor at an adolescent crisis center, good friends, and a boyfriend who is crazy about her. Emma met sexy freelance journalist David Webster at a dinner party. Romantic, free-spirited, and a perfect lover, David sweeps Emma off her feet. Now a baby is on the way. Emma expects David to say goodbye, but David enjoys surprises. At their beautiful, impromptu wedding at a historic inn, Emma and David promise to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. The only shadow over Emma's happiness is cast by her stepfather, who is furious that David failed to sign a prenuptial agreement. As the newlyweds set off for their honeymoon at an idyllic cabin in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Emma has no idea that her life is about to turn into a wife's worst nightmare.
While reading about this book on Amazon, I saw that Ms. MacDonald got the idea for this book from the Laci Peterson story. I followed that case like a hawk and I can see some of the connections to this story. I also enjoy the type of story that is told from a woman's point of view sometimes and this book fit the bill. It reminds me a lot of Mary Higgins Clark, so if you are a fan of hers, you would probably enjoy Ms. MacDonald. That being said, I felt that the reader was not given enough clues to try and solve the mystery and the ending left me a little upset. Without giving away details or spoilers, it is hard to explain but it would suffice to say that I think more could have been done. There are red herrings thrown in that do make the suspense better.
Up next is another library book, though I am not sure which one. I just picked up three more this week, so I know I have quite a few that I want to try and get through quickly. I have an incredibly busy week coming up, so this weekend I plan on relaxing and getting lots of reading in! I do need to make it to the grocery store, though I am leaning towards going this evening or tomorrow evening during the Super Bowl. I love sports but for some reason can't get into the hype of the Super Bowl. I did get some squares so I will be checking the scores, but I figure a lot of people won't be at the grocery store when the game is on. I despise going when it is super busy! Well enough rambling from me... have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Twenty-six-year-old Emma Hollis has it all -- a fortune she inherited from her father, a job she loves as a counselor at an adolescent crisis center, good friends, and a boyfriend who is crazy about her. Emma met sexy freelance journalist David Webster at a dinner party. Romantic, free-spirited, and a perfect lover, David sweeps Emma off her feet. Now a baby is on the way. Emma expects David to say goodbye, but David enjoys surprises. At their beautiful, impromptu wedding at a historic inn, Emma and David promise to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. The only shadow over Emma's happiness is cast by her stepfather, who is furious that David failed to sign a prenuptial agreement. As the newlyweds set off for their honeymoon at an idyllic cabin in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, Emma has no idea that her life is about to turn into a wife's worst nightmare.
While reading about this book on Amazon, I saw that Ms. MacDonald got the idea for this book from the Laci Peterson story. I followed that case like a hawk and I can see some of the connections to this story. I also enjoy the type of story that is told from a woman's point of view sometimes and this book fit the bill. It reminds me a lot of Mary Higgins Clark, so if you are a fan of hers, you would probably enjoy Ms. MacDonald. That being said, I felt that the reader was not given enough clues to try and solve the mystery and the ending left me a little upset. Without giving away details or spoilers, it is hard to explain but it would suffice to say that I think more could have been done. There are red herrings thrown in that do make the suspense better.
Up next is another library book, though I am not sure which one. I just picked up three more this week, so I know I have quite a few that I want to try and get through quickly. I have an incredibly busy week coming up, so this weekend I plan on relaxing and getting lots of reading in! I do need to make it to the grocery store, though I am leaning towards going this evening or tomorrow evening during the Super Bowl. I love sports but for some reason can't get into the hype of the Super Bowl. I did get some squares so I will be checking the scores, but I figure a lot of people won't be at the grocery store when the game is on. I despise going when it is super busy! Well enough rambling from me... have a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen
As I mentioned in my previous post, the last time I was at the library I saw A Wicked Snow and remembered all of the great reviews about this book. J. Kaye even named it one of her top books of 2008! I read Mr. Olsen's second book, A Cold Dark Place, last summer and didn't love it, but I had to give A Wicked Snow a try. It was a good read and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Hannah Griffin was a girl when tragedy struck on her family's farm. She still remembers the flames reflected against the newly fallen snow and the bodies the police dug up one of them her mother's. It was the nation's worst murder scene in decades and the killer was never found! Twenty years later Hannah is a talented CSI investigating a case of child abuse when the past comes hurtling back. Years of buried questions are brought to life. A killer with unfinished business is on the hunt. And an anonymous message turns Hannah's blood cold: Your Mom called...
I started reading this Monday and stayed up too late last night finishing it. I loved the premise of this book and the idea that the bad guy was someone that normally isn't. Even though the reader knows who the bad guy through most of the book, the suspense was still there. I did have a couple of small problems with the book though. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and there were some questions that were left unanswered. I guess the reader can kind of surmise what happens, but sometimes I like things spelled out for me especially in a suspense book. I also really didn't feel a connection with Hannah. I'm not sure why as there was no reason for me to not like her, but I guess I felt she came across kind of flat. With all of that being said, I still enjoyed the book and am glad I read it. I will be looking for Mr. Olsen's next book when it is released, probably sometime this fall.
A Wicked Snow was read as part of the library and Suspense Challenge. A Wicked Snow falls under the category of serial killer suspense. My next read, which is also another library book, is called Married to a Stranger and is by Patricia MacDonald. This one will fall under the romantic suspense category. If I keep going at this rate I will have my first ever challenge completed within the month! Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Hannah Griffin was a girl when tragedy struck on her family's farm. She still remembers the flames reflected against the newly fallen snow and the bodies the police dug up one of them her mother's. It was the nation's worst murder scene in decades and the killer was never found! Twenty years later Hannah is a talented CSI investigating a case of child abuse when the past comes hurtling back. Years of buried questions are brought to life. A killer with unfinished business is on the hunt. And an anonymous message turns Hannah's blood cold: Your Mom called...
I started reading this Monday and stayed up too late last night finishing it. I loved the premise of this book and the idea that the bad guy was someone that normally isn't. Even though the reader knows who the bad guy through most of the book, the suspense was still there. I did have a couple of small problems with the book though. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and there were some questions that were left unanswered. I guess the reader can kind of surmise what happens, but sometimes I like things spelled out for me especially in a suspense book. I also really didn't feel a connection with Hannah. I'm not sure why as there was no reason for me to not like her, but I guess I felt she came across kind of flat. With all of that being said, I still enjoyed the book and am glad I read it. I will be looking for Mr. Olsen's next book when it is released, probably sometime this fall.
A Wicked Snow was read as part of the library and Suspense Challenge. A Wicked Snow falls under the category of serial killer suspense. My next read, which is also another library book, is called Married to a Stranger and is by Patricia MacDonald. This one will fall under the romantic suspense category. If I keep going at this rate I will have my first ever challenge completed within the month! Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Telling Lies to Alice by Laura Wilson
Telling Lies to Alice is another book I got from the library when I went last week. The back cover sounded so good and I was really hoping I found a new author to love. Unfortunely, I am not even sure why I finished this book. I give it a D.
From Amazon:
The entertainment world is stunned when famous comic Lenny Maxted commits suicide on an earl’s estate. Lenny’s fiancée, cocktail waitress Alice Conway, makes front-page headlines when she discovers his body. Traumatized by his inexplicable suicide and by her ill-considered marriage to a philandering photographer, Alice knows she must flee — to a place where the past can’t hurt her and where nobody dies.That is the first lie. Because there is no safe haven for Alice, who now lives on an isolated farm in Oxfordshire, haunted by vivid dreams of Lenny’s corpse. Seven years after his death, an anonymous envelope arrives containing a newspaper article detailing the grisly discovery of human remains found in a car recently fished out of the bottom of a lake. Alice thinks she knows who the dead woman is. And then, out of the blue, Jack Flowers, the other half of the legendary Maxted and Flowers comedy team, shows up on her doorstep. Alice has not seen Jack since Lenny’s funeral, but her surprise and pleasure turn to unease when she realizes that he is distressed, drinking heavily, and hiding her mail. Then she receives another anonymous clipping.… Someone is telling lies to Alice, playing with her mind until it is impossible to distinguish fact from falsehood. Someone who knows the truth about what really happened on a night six years ago...a monstrous secret that links a time, a place, and a group of friends and lovers. A secret that will put Alice in mortal danger.
This book just left so much to be desired. I didn't care about the characters and I could not get into the story. For starters, the book takes place during the 1960's London. I had no idea the book was a "historical" or that it was British. That in itself would not be a reason for me to dislike a book, but I think with everything else, it just irritated me. The writing style was very stream of consciousness and that doesn't work well with me. There was a serious lack of punctuation and a lot of telling and not showing. I don't even know why I finished the book. There was a serious amount of skimming going on and I think I just finished it because I didn't want to have a DNF on my list. I won't be doing that anymore... there simply isn't enough time to read bad books.
Up next is A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen. I read another one of Mr. Olsen's books, and while I didn't love it, I enjoyed it. I have read several reviews about A Wicked Snow that were outstanding and I believe that J. Kaye even rated it one of her top books of 2008. I saw it at the library and remembering all of those reviews, decided to pick it up. I hope it lives up to all of the great reviews! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
The entertainment world is stunned when famous comic Lenny Maxted commits suicide on an earl’s estate. Lenny’s fiancée, cocktail waitress Alice Conway, makes front-page headlines when she discovers his body. Traumatized by his inexplicable suicide and by her ill-considered marriage to a philandering photographer, Alice knows she must flee — to a place where the past can’t hurt her and where nobody dies.That is the first lie. Because there is no safe haven for Alice, who now lives on an isolated farm in Oxfordshire, haunted by vivid dreams of Lenny’s corpse. Seven years after his death, an anonymous envelope arrives containing a newspaper article detailing the grisly discovery of human remains found in a car recently fished out of the bottom of a lake. Alice thinks she knows who the dead woman is. And then, out of the blue, Jack Flowers, the other half of the legendary Maxted and Flowers comedy team, shows up on her doorstep. Alice has not seen Jack since Lenny’s funeral, but her surprise and pleasure turn to unease when she realizes that he is distressed, drinking heavily, and hiding her mail. Then she receives another anonymous clipping.… Someone is telling lies to Alice, playing with her mind until it is impossible to distinguish fact from falsehood. Someone who knows the truth about what really happened on a night six years ago...a monstrous secret that links a time, a place, and a group of friends and lovers. A secret that will put Alice in mortal danger.
This book just left so much to be desired. I didn't care about the characters and I could not get into the story. For starters, the book takes place during the 1960's London. I had no idea the book was a "historical" or that it was British. That in itself would not be a reason for me to dislike a book, but I think with everything else, it just irritated me. The writing style was very stream of consciousness and that doesn't work well with me. There was a serious lack of punctuation and a lot of telling and not showing. I don't even know why I finished the book. There was a serious amount of skimming going on and I think I just finished it because I didn't want to have a DNF on my list. I won't be doing that anymore... there simply isn't enough time to read bad books.
Up next is A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen. I read another one of Mr. Olsen's books, and while I didn't love it, I enjoyed it. I have read several reviews about A Wicked Snow that were outstanding and I believe that J. Kaye even rated it one of her top books of 2008. I saw it at the library and remembering all of those reviews, decided to pick it up. I hope it lives up to all of the great reviews! I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Bust by Ken Bruen and Jason Starr
I got Bust from the library and it was one of those rare cases where the cover drew me to grab the book. Bust is part of the Hard Case Crime series, which is supposed to be like the old hard pulp crime novels of the 1950s. I ended up loving this book and give it an A-.
Back cover:
Five important lessons you can learn from Bust:
1. When you hire a hit man to kill your wife, don't pick a psychopath.
2. Drano is not the best tool for getting rid of a dead body.
3. Those locks on hotel room doors? Not very secure.
4. A curly blond wig isn't much of a disguse.
5. Secrets can kill.
This book was a pleasant change from the heavy suspense and thriller books I have been reading lately. There was a ton of humor mixed in that had me smiling and chuckling to myself quite a bit. It was a very short book, only 254 pages, and a very quick read.Bust fits in for two of my challenges as well, the Library challenge and the Suspense challenge in the category of crime. It is the type of book that you can pick up and read a couple of pages here and there when you have time, though it was hard to put down. I love old movies and have always wanted to read some of the old crime novels, so I thought this was a nice way to kind of ease myself in. There are several different characters in this book that are definitely classified as a bad guy, but as the reader you almost feel like cheering for some of them. It was all around a great read and a lot of fun. I already picked up another book in this line from the library today.
Speaking of the library, I really need to stop checking out so many books. I have so many of my own to read, but lately I have been in the mood to buy more. Since I have been taking a hard look at my budget and where I spending money I have banned myself from the bookstore and have found going the library is the perfect replacement. I can go to several different cities and check out books so I always get a good variety. Today I went to one of the bigger libraries and had a great time browsing. I guess January and the early part of February will be my months to focus on the library challenge and then I will focus on the RYOB challenge. My next book will be another library one, though I am not sure which one. I am off to bed... a full day of subbing tomorrow and then 5 hours of tutoring at night. I am fighting a migraine so hopefully sleep will come quickly. Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Five important lessons you can learn from Bust:
1. When you hire a hit man to kill your wife, don't pick a psychopath.
2. Drano is not the best tool for getting rid of a dead body.
3. Those locks on hotel room doors? Not very secure.
4. A curly blond wig isn't much of a disguse.
5. Secrets can kill.
This book was a pleasant change from the heavy suspense and thriller books I have been reading lately. There was a ton of humor mixed in that had me smiling and chuckling to myself quite a bit. It was a very short book, only 254 pages, and a very quick read.Bust fits in for two of my challenges as well, the Library challenge and the Suspense challenge in the category of crime. It is the type of book that you can pick up and read a couple of pages here and there when you have time, though it was hard to put down. I love old movies and have always wanted to read some of the old crime novels, so I thought this was a nice way to kind of ease myself in. There are several different characters in this book that are definitely classified as a bad guy, but as the reader you almost feel like cheering for some of them. It was all around a great read and a lot of fun. I already picked up another book in this line from the library today.
Speaking of the library, I really need to stop checking out so many books. I have so many of my own to read, but lately I have been in the mood to buy more. Since I have been taking a hard look at my budget and where I spending money I have banned myself from the bookstore and have found going the library is the perfect replacement. I can go to several different cities and check out books so I always get a good variety. Today I went to one of the bigger libraries and had a great time browsing. I guess January and the early part of February will be my months to focus on the library challenge and then I will focus on the RYOB challenge. My next book will be another library one, though I am not sure which one. I am off to bed... a full day of subbing tomorrow and then 5 hours of tutoring at night. I am fighting a migraine so hopefully sleep will come quickly. Happy Reading!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
In the Woods by Tana French
I read so much about In The Woods and saw that it won the Edgar for the best first book, so last time I was at the library I decided to pick it up. I am glad that I did, because after a slow start, I have to give this book an A-.
From the author's website:
As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children, gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled shoes, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours.
Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a twelve-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox – his partner and closest friend – find themselves investigating a case with chilling links to that long-ago disappearance. Now, with only snippets of buried memories to guide him, Rob has the chance to unravel both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past.
Sometimes I have a difficult time reading books set abroad. I believe a part of it is because of the slang and local language that is used in the book that can be frustrating to me. I am embarrassed to say I almost had to force myself to start reading In the Woods, and there were several times I almost put the book down. I just finished it and I loved it. I loved the author's voice... once I got used to it... and loved Rob and Cassie's relationship. I had part of the mystery figured out fairly early on, but there were plenty of reasons to continue reading it. I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but I don't know if the book would have worked if it was written any other way. I don't want to give away anything, so I don't think I can explain myself too well, but I would recommend that you pick this book up if you haven't already. It did take me awhile to get into it, so if it has the same effect on you... DON'T give it up! This was a perfect fit for J. Kaye's Suspense Challenge in the police procedural category.
I am going to read another library book next. I am not sure what it is called (it's in the other room and I am way too lazy to go and get) but it is something different from what I usually try. I have off tomorrow from all of my jobs, but am planning on meeting up with a friend of mine. I also want to get some errands in, but I don't think anything is too pressing so I am hoping for some reading time. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
From the author's website:
As dusk approaches a small Dublin suburb in the summer of 1984, mothers begin to call their children home. But on this warm evening, three children do not return from the dark and silent woods. When the police arrive, they find only one of the children, gripping a tree trunk in terror, wearing blood-filled shoes, and unable to recall a single detail of the previous hours.
Twenty years later, the found boy, Rob Ryan, is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad and keeps his past a secret. But when a twelve-year-old girl is found murdered in the same woods, he and Detective Cassie Maddox – his partner and closest friend – find themselves investigating a case with chilling links to that long-ago disappearance. Now, with only snippets of buried memories to guide him, Rob has the chance to unravel both the mystery of the case before him and that of his own shadowy past.
Sometimes I have a difficult time reading books set abroad. I believe a part of it is because of the slang and local language that is used in the book that can be frustrating to me. I am embarrassed to say I almost had to force myself to start reading In the Woods, and there were several times I almost put the book down. I just finished it and I loved it. I loved the author's voice... once I got used to it... and loved Rob and Cassie's relationship. I had part of the mystery figured out fairly early on, but there were plenty of reasons to continue reading it. I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but I don't know if the book would have worked if it was written any other way. I don't want to give away anything, so I don't think I can explain myself too well, but I would recommend that you pick this book up if you haven't already. It did take me awhile to get into it, so if it has the same effect on you... DON'T give it up! This was a perfect fit for J. Kaye's Suspense Challenge in the police procedural category.
I am going to read another library book next. I am not sure what it is called (it's in the other room and I am way too lazy to go and get) but it is something different from what I usually try. I have off tomorrow from all of my jobs, but am planning on meeting up with a friend of mine. I also want to get some errands in, but I don't think anything is too pressing so I am hoping for some reading time. I hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Black Out by Lisa Unger
I have read a lot of reviews for Ms. Unger's books on several different blogs so last time I was at the library and saw one, I decided to pick up Black Out and give it a try. It was a perfect fit for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge under the category of psychological suspense. Black Out was different from anything else I have ever read and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
When my mother named me Ophelia, she thought she was being literary. She didn’t realize she was being tragic.On the surface, Annie Powers’s life in a wealthy Floridian suburb is happy and idyllic. Her husband, Gray, loves her fiercely; together, they dote on their beautiful young daughter, Victory. But the bubble surrounding Annie is pricked when she senses that the demons of her past have resurfaced and, to her horror, are now creeping up on her. These are demons she can’t fully recall because of a highly dissociative state that allowed her to forget the tragic and violent episodes of her earlier life as Ophelia March and to start over, under the loving and protective eye of Gray, as Annie Powers. Disturbing events—the appearance of a familiar dark figure on the beach, the mysterious murder of her psychologist—trigger strange and confusing memories for Annie, who realizes she has to quickly piece them together before her past comes to claim her future and her daughter.
The story was told from many different times, including the past from 10 years ago to a couple of weeks ago, along with the present. The reader learns what happens through Annie's dreams and memories and is thrown into the suspense and mystery of what exactly is going on in her life. There were times when my head was spinning-in a good way- trying to figure out what exactly was going on and who Annie could trust. I read this book a bit slower than usual because there was a lot to keep track of. I will admit that the ending left me a bit disappointed and with some questions not answered, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading more of Ms. Unger's books in the future.
Up next is another suspense book that I have read a lot about on other blogs, In the Woods by Tana French. It is set in Ireland and I have to admit that I normally don't read books set in other countries, though I am not sure why. I think part of it is because I like to be able to picture things as I am reading and tie it in to my own experiences. I am going to give it a try, but I just picked up some more books from the library and thrift store so if I can't get into it, I will pick something else up. School as been canceled the past two days because of the cold temperatures, but I have been busy working my other jobs. I have to work four hours tonight and seven tomorrow, so I am not sure how much reading I will be getting in but I plan on sneaking some in here and there. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
When my mother named me Ophelia, she thought she was being literary. She didn’t realize she was being tragic.On the surface, Annie Powers’s life in a wealthy Floridian suburb is happy and idyllic. Her husband, Gray, loves her fiercely; together, they dote on their beautiful young daughter, Victory. But the bubble surrounding Annie is pricked when she senses that the demons of her past have resurfaced and, to her horror, are now creeping up on her. These are demons she can’t fully recall because of a highly dissociative state that allowed her to forget the tragic and violent episodes of her earlier life as Ophelia March and to start over, under the loving and protective eye of Gray, as Annie Powers. Disturbing events—the appearance of a familiar dark figure on the beach, the mysterious murder of her psychologist—trigger strange and confusing memories for Annie, who realizes she has to quickly piece them together before her past comes to claim her future and her daughter.
The story was told from many different times, including the past from 10 years ago to a couple of weeks ago, along with the present. The reader learns what happens through Annie's dreams and memories and is thrown into the suspense and mystery of what exactly is going on in her life. There were times when my head was spinning-in a good way- trying to figure out what exactly was going on and who Annie could trust. I read this book a bit slower than usual because there was a lot to keep track of. I will admit that the ending left me a bit disappointed and with some questions not answered, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading more of Ms. Unger's books in the future.
Up next is another suspense book that I have read a lot about on other blogs, In the Woods by Tana French. It is set in Ireland and I have to admit that I normally don't read books set in other countries, though I am not sure why. I think part of it is because I like to be able to picture things as I am reading and tie it in to my own experiences. I am going to give it a try, but I just picked up some more books from the library and thrift store so if I can't get into it, I will pick something else up. School as been canceled the past two days because of the cold temperatures, but I have been busy working my other jobs. I have to work four hours tonight and seven tomorrow, so I am not sure how much reading I will be getting in but I plan on sneaking some in here and there. Happy Reading!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sleep Softly by Gwen Hunter
Sleep Softly was a library book that I picked up last week while browsing. It sounded like a perfect fit for the Suspense and Thriller Challenge in the forensic category and also counted towards the library challenge so I checked it out. It was a good read, nothing fantastic, but pleasant. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Four little girls—each blond, each on the verge of adolescence—stolen from their families.
Their bodies discovered months later in shallow graves, surrounded by trinkets they never owned, clutching a scrap of paper bearing a cryptic verse.
As a forensic nurse in rural South Carolina, Ashlee Davenport Chadwick acts as both caregiver and cop, gathering evidence from anyone who arrives in the local E.R. as the result of a crime. It's a tough job, both physically and emotionally draining, but deeply satisfying.
Then a child's red shoe is discovered on Davenport property. The evidence leads Ashlee to the body of a missing girl and her work suddenly invades every aspect of her life. As an expert and a witness, she must call upon all her resources. And when the killer's eye turns to her, she becomes intimately involved with a crime that tests her mind and her spirit…and the price of failure will be another child's life.
It seemed to me that this book may be part of a series, but when I looked on Amazon, I couldn't find one with Ashlee being the main character. I did recgonize a series with the lead character who was a very minor character in this book, so maybe they all tie together. It wasn't a big deal though as everything was pretty much fleshed out. I enjoyed this book, but the best part of it were all of the characters. Ashlee's grandmother is a pretty big character in the book and I loved her and her attitude. The mystery was a bit weak and I wasn't able to figure out who the bad guy was. I am not sure if it was me or the book though as I admit I may not have been focusing as much as I like to normally. That being said, it was a good book and I will probably pick up the next book Ms. Hunter has coming out which is set to be released February 1 by Mira if I find it at the library. I am really watching my budget this year and am going to cut way down on buying books.
Up next is another library book. I know I have two left, but for the life of me I can't remember what they are. I am working at my online job right now, though we are having tech issues, so I don't have any students. However, they can come in at any time so I can't leave my desk so I think I will call Chris and have him bring me one of my books... that way he can decide which one I read next! Happy Reading everyone!
From Amazon:
Four little girls—each blond, each on the verge of adolescence—stolen from their families.
Their bodies discovered months later in shallow graves, surrounded by trinkets they never owned, clutching a scrap of paper bearing a cryptic verse.
As a forensic nurse in rural South Carolina, Ashlee Davenport Chadwick acts as both caregiver and cop, gathering evidence from anyone who arrives in the local E.R. as the result of a crime. It's a tough job, both physically and emotionally draining, but deeply satisfying.
Then a child's red shoe is discovered on Davenport property. The evidence leads Ashlee to the body of a missing girl and her work suddenly invades every aspect of her life. As an expert and a witness, she must call upon all her resources. And when the killer's eye turns to her, she becomes intimately involved with a crime that tests her mind and her spirit…and the price of failure will be another child's life.
It seemed to me that this book may be part of a series, but when I looked on Amazon, I couldn't find one with Ashlee being the main character. I did recgonize a series with the lead character who was a very minor character in this book, so maybe they all tie together. It wasn't a big deal though as everything was pretty much fleshed out. I enjoyed this book, but the best part of it were all of the characters. Ashlee's grandmother is a pretty big character in the book and I loved her and her attitude. The mystery was a bit weak and I wasn't able to figure out who the bad guy was. I am not sure if it was me or the book though as I admit I may not have been focusing as much as I like to normally. That being said, it was a good book and I will probably pick up the next book Ms. Hunter has coming out which is set to be released February 1 by Mira if I find it at the library. I am really watching my budget this year and am going to cut way down on buying books.
Up next is another library book. I know I have two left, but for the life of me I can't remember what they are. I am working at my online job right now, though we are having tech issues, so I don't have any students. However, they can come in at any time so I can't leave my desk so I think I will call Chris and have him bring me one of my books... that way he can decide which one I read next! Happy Reading everyone!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
