I continue to read the Stephanie Plum books each year because I so used to love the series. I have been disppointed by several of the past books, and from reading around the blogosphere, it seems to me that quite a few bloggers agree with me. I have since stopped buying the books and now only get them from my library. Sizzling Sixteen didn't do much sizzling for me, and I can only give it a B-.
From Amazon:
Trenton, New Jersey, bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has inherited a “lucky” bottle from her Uncle Pip. Problem is, Uncle Pip didn’t specify if the bottle brought good luck or bad luck. . . .
BAD LUCK:
Vinnie, of Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, has run up a gambling debt of $786,000 with mobster Bobby Sunflower and is being held until the cash can be produced. Nobody else will pay to get Vinnie back, leaving it up to Stephanie, office manager Connie, and file clerk Lula to raise the money if they want to save their jobs.
GOOD LUCK:
Being in the business of tracking down people, Stephanie, Lula, and Connie have an advantage in finding Vinnie. If they can rescue him, it will buy them some time to raise the cash.
BAD LUCK:
Finding a safe place to hide Vinnie turns out to be harder than raising $786,000. Vinnie’s messing up Mooner’s vibe, running up pay-per-view porn charges in Ranger’s apartment, and making Stephanie question genetics.
GOOD LUCK:
Between a bonds office yard sale that has the entire Burg turning out, Mooner’s Hobbit-Con charity event, and Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle, they just might raise enough money to save the business, and Vinnie, from ruin.
BAD LUCK:
Saving Vincent Plum Bail Bonds means Stephanie can keep being a bounty hunter. In Trenton, this involves hunting down a man wanted for polygamy, a turnpike toilet paper bandit, and a drug dealer with a pet alligator named Mr. Jingles.
GOOD LUCK:
The job of bounty hunter comes with perks in the guise of Trenton’s hottest cop, Joe Morelli, and the dark and dangerous security expert, Ranger. With any luck at all, Uncle Pip’s lucky bottle will have Stephanie getting lucky---the only question is . . . with whom?
Sizzling Sixteen . . . so hot, the pages might spontaneously combust!
All I really have to say is eh. Not much bounty hunting going on, not much resolution with the whole Joe and Ranger diabcle, and not much Grandma Mazur, my favorite Plum. While I don't regret reading the book, I was disappointed but so glad I didn't break down and buy it after waiting 3 plus months from the library to get it.
Showing posts with label mystery series. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mystery series. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saturday, August 14, 2010
71. Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo
I read and enjoyed Ms. Castillo's previous book last year that introduced former Amish police officer Kate Burkholder and was looking forward to reading the newest book in the series. It was an ok read, nothing to rememberable, and I give it a B.
From Amazon:
The Plank family moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to join the small Amish community of Painters Mill less than a year ago and seemed the model of the Plain Life—until on a cold October night, the entire family of seven was found slaughtered on their farm. Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her small force have few clues, no motive, and no suspect. Formerly Amish herself, Kate is no stranger to the secrets the Amish keep from the English—and each other—but this crime is horribly out of the ordinary.
State agent John Tomasetti arrives on the scene to assist. He and Kate worked together on a previous case during which they began a volatile relationship. They soon realize the disturbing details of this case will test their emotional limits and force them to face demons from their own troubled pasts—and for Kate, a personal connection that is particularly hard to bear.
When she discovers a diary that belonged to one of the teenaged daughters, Kate is shocked to learn the girl kept some very dark secrets and may have been living a lurid double life. Who is the charismatic stranger who stole the young Amish girl’s heart? Could the brother—a man with a violent past, rejected and shunned by his family and the Amish community, have come to seek out revenge? As Kate’s outrage grows so does her resolve to find the killer and bring him to justice—even if it means putting herself in the line of fire.
Like I mentioned above, I liked this book, but didn't think it was an utterly suspensful book. It's much more of a police procedural book. I do really enjoy the setting, though, and think that the mixture of the Amish and English living together. I definitely learned a lot about Amish people though, and enjoyed that aspect of the story. Kate and Joe are interesting match, but I have a feeling that the relationship will drag on for awhile. I will probably read the next book in the series, though, when it is released next year.
From Amazon:
The Plank family moved from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to join the small Amish community of Painters Mill less than a year ago and seemed the model of the Plain Life—until on a cold October night, the entire family of seven was found slaughtered on their farm. Police Chief Kate Burkholder and her small force have few clues, no motive, and no suspect. Formerly Amish herself, Kate is no stranger to the secrets the Amish keep from the English—and each other—but this crime is horribly out of the ordinary.
State agent John Tomasetti arrives on the scene to assist. He and Kate worked together on a previous case during which they began a volatile relationship. They soon realize the disturbing details of this case will test their emotional limits and force them to face demons from their own troubled pasts—and for Kate, a personal connection that is particularly hard to bear.
When she discovers a diary that belonged to one of the teenaged daughters, Kate is shocked to learn the girl kept some very dark secrets and may have been living a lurid double life. Who is the charismatic stranger who stole the young Amish girl’s heart? Could the brother—a man with a violent past, rejected and shunned by his family and the Amish community, have come to seek out revenge? As Kate’s outrage grows so does her resolve to find the killer and bring him to justice—even if it means putting herself in the line of fire.
Like I mentioned above, I liked this book, but didn't think it was an utterly suspensful book. It's much more of a police procedural book. I do really enjoy the setting, though, and think that the mixture of the Amish and English living together. I definitely learned a lot about Amish people though, and enjoyed that aspect of the story. Kate and Joe are interesting match, but I have a feeling that the relationship will drag on for awhile. I will probably read the next book in the series, though, when it is released next year.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
50. Dial H for Hitchcock by Susan Kandel
As a lover of all things Hitchcock, when I saw this book while browsing at my local library I knew I had to read it. While goofy at times, it was the perfect light hearted cozy mystery and one that I enjoyed. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Cece Caruso—mystery biographer extraordinaire, vintage clothing enthusiast, and part-time sleuth—is in freefall. First, she calls off her wedding, for reasons even she can't explain. Second, her newest biography (of Alfred Hitchcock) is way past deadline.
So Cece puts on a houndstooth suit with peplum and heads out to see Vertigo, only to come home with a cell phone belonging to a stranger named Anita Colby. Nothing if not a good citizen, Cece tries to return the cell phone—only to hear someone push Anita off a cliff.
Now a woman is dead, and Cece is under suspicion (tip: don't leave rambling, incoherent messages on someone's answering machine just before she gets murdered). To clear her name and put the real murderer in jail, Cece's going on the lam, where she'll encounter mysterious strangers, unhelpful strippers, a bottle of blond hair dye, and twists and turns so eerie it's as if Hitch himself were writing the script
I loved all of the little details thrown in about Alfred Hitchcock's life and some of the stories behind his movies. Certain plot lines that occurred in the movies also happen in the book which I thought was real clever. This is part of a series, and while I normally don't enjoy reading books out of order, I thought it was ok in this sense. I think I missed some of the realationship aspects of Cece's life, but I don't think it will bother me. I even went to the library to check out the previous book in this series, Christietown, based on Agatha Christie books. I read this book while sitting at my grandmother's bedside while she was in hospice (we just lost her last night... I'm still numb from it all) and it was the perfect type of book to pick up and read a few pages here and there. It wa a quick read and probably would have gotten a higher rating if it weren't for the silly ending. I thought the ending was lacking quite a bit. Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Cece Caruso—mystery biographer extraordinaire, vintage clothing enthusiast, and part-time sleuth—is in freefall. First, she calls off her wedding, for reasons even she can't explain. Second, her newest biography (of Alfred Hitchcock) is way past deadline.
So Cece puts on a houndstooth suit with peplum and heads out to see Vertigo, only to come home with a cell phone belonging to a stranger named Anita Colby. Nothing if not a good citizen, Cece tries to return the cell phone—only to hear someone push Anita off a cliff.
Now a woman is dead, and Cece is under suspicion (tip: don't leave rambling, incoherent messages on someone's answering machine just before she gets murdered). To clear her name and put the real murderer in jail, Cece's going on the lam, where she'll encounter mysterious strangers, unhelpful strippers, a bottle of blond hair dye, and twists and turns so eerie it's as if Hitch himself were writing the script
I loved all of the little details thrown in about Alfred Hitchcock's life and some of the stories behind his movies. Certain plot lines that occurred in the movies also happen in the book which I thought was real clever. This is part of a series, and while I normally don't enjoy reading books out of order, I thought it was ok in this sense. I think I missed some of the realationship aspects of Cece's life, but I don't think it will bother me. I even went to the library to check out the previous book in this series, Christietown, based on Agatha Christie books. I read this book while sitting at my grandmother's bedside while she was in hospice (we just lost her last night... I'm still numb from it all) and it was the perfect type of book to pick up and read a few pages here and there. It wa a quick read and probably would have gotten a higher rating if it weren't for the silly ending. I thought the ending was lacking quite a bit. Happy Reading!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
29. The Spellmans Strike Again by Lisa Lutz
Oh, how I love these books! Lisa Lutz has such a great voice and there are always several laugh out loud moments. The Spellmans Strike Again was not a letdown. I give it an A-!
From Amazon:
At the ripe old age of thirty-two, former wild child Isabel "Izzy" Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family business. And the transition won't be a smooth one. First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey--a task she may enjoy a little too much. Next, faced with a baffling missing-persons case at the home of an aging millionaire, Izzy hires an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the mansion as an undercover butler--a role he may enjoy a little much. Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother (photographic evidence of Prom Night 1994) to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals--an arrangement that doesn't thrill Connor, an Irish bartender on the brink of becoming Ex-boyfriend #12.
At Spellman headquarters, it's business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom's been spotted crying in the pantry, and a series of increasingly demanding Spellman Rules (Rule #27: No Speaking Today) can't quite hold the family together. Izzy also has to decipher weekly "phone calls from the edge" from her octogenarian lawyer, Morty, as well as Detective Henry Stone's mysterious interest in rekindling their relationsh...well, whatever it was. Just when it looks like things can't go more haywire, little sister Rae's internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a grassroots campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail--or land Rae in it.
This is the last Spellman book and I will miss them. I am not sure who my favorite character is as they all offer chuckles and laughs and I really enjoy it. There were some resolutions in the plot, which I was thankful, and while I will miss the books, I am pretty sure it was a good thing and that the stories shouldn't last forever and ever like the Evanovich books.
Well... I am off of work and have to go bowling, so I am going to cut this review short! Check out the Spellman books if you haven't but I do recommend reading them in order!
From Amazon:
At the ripe old age of thirty-two, former wild child Isabel "Izzy" Spellman has finally agreed to take over the family business. And the transition won't be a smooth one. First among her priorities as head of Spellman Investigations is to dig up some dirt on the competition, slippery ex-cop Rick Harkey--a task she may enjoy a little too much. Next, faced with a baffling missing-persons case at the home of an aging millionaire, Izzy hires an actor friend, Len, to infiltrate the mansion as an undercover butler--a role he may enjoy a little much. Meanwhile, Izzy is being blackmailed by her mother (photographic evidence of Prom Night 1994) to commit to regular blind dates with promising professionals--an arrangement that doesn't thrill Connor, an Irish bartender on the brink of becoming Ex-boyfriend #12.
At Spellman headquarters, it's business as unusual. Doorknobs and light fixtures are disappearing every day, Mom's been spotted crying in the pantry, and a series of increasingly demanding Spellman Rules (Rule #27: No Speaking Today) can't quite hold the family together. Izzy also has to decipher weekly "phone calls from the edge" from her octogenarian lawyer, Morty, as well as Detective Henry Stone's mysterious interest in rekindling their relationsh...well, whatever it was. Just when it looks like things can't go more haywire, little sister Rae's internship researching pro bono legal cases leads the youngest Spellman to launch a grassroots campaign that could spring an innocent man from jail--or land Rae in it.
This is the last Spellman book and I will miss them. I am not sure who my favorite character is as they all offer chuckles and laughs and I really enjoy it. There were some resolutions in the plot, which I was thankful, and while I will miss the books, I am pretty sure it was a good thing and that the stories shouldn't last forever and ever like the Evanovich books.
Well... I am off of work and have to go bowling, so I am going to cut this review short! Check out the Spellman books if you haven't but I do recommend reading them in order!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
10. Faces of the Gone by Brad Parks
I read about Faces of the Gone by Mr. Parks on someone's blog and immediately placed it on hold through my local library. I think it was definitely the type of book I needed to read after my railure with the Carlene Thompson book and I whizzed through it. I give Faces of the Gone a A-.
From Amazon:
Four bodies, each with a single bullet wound in the back of the head, stacked like cordwood in a weed-choked vacant lot: That’s the front-page news facing Carter Ross, investigative reporter with the Newark Eagle-Examiner. Immediately dispatched to the scene, Carter learns that the four victims—an exotic dancer, a drug dealer, a hustler, and a mama’s boy—came from different parts of the city and didn’t seem to know one another. The police, eager to calm jittery residents, leak a theory that the murders are revenge for a bar stickup, and Carter’s paper, hungry for a scoop, hastily prints it. Carter doesn’t come from the streets, but he understands a thing or two about Newark’s neighborhoods. And he knows there are no quick answers when dealing with a crime like this. Determined to uncover the true story, he enlists the aide of Tina Thompson, the paper’s smoking-hot city editor, to run interference at the office; Tommy Hernandez, the paper’s gay Cuban intern, to help him with legwork on the streets; and Tynesha Dales, a local stripper, to take him to Newark’s underside. It turns out that the four victims have one connection after all, and this knowledge will put Carter on the path of one very ambitious killer.
I loved Carter. I thought he was such a down-to-earth guy, a realistic reporter that will go to lengths to get a story, but not too act so stupid that he is unebelieveable. He seems like a genuine, nice down-to-earth character and one that comes across as someone I would love to hear talk about their lifes and stories in a bar. Mr. Parks does a fantastic job injecting some humor into the story, and Tommy is the perfect way to do this. He had me laughing the entire time when he was making fun of Tommy's pleated pants. The humor was perfect and lightened the mood of anotherwise grim story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books featuring Carter Ross in the future... Faces of The Gone was the first in a new series!
I am at school right now and it's time to get the kids ready to go home. I hope everyone is having a great week... thank God tomorrow is Friday!!! Happy Reading everyone!
From Amazon:
Four bodies, each with a single bullet wound in the back of the head, stacked like cordwood in a weed-choked vacant lot: That’s the front-page news facing Carter Ross, investigative reporter with the Newark Eagle-Examiner. Immediately dispatched to the scene, Carter learns that the four victims—an exotic dancer, a drug dealer, a hustler, and a mama’s boy—came from different parts of the city and didn’t seem to know one another. The police, eager to calm jittery residents, leak a theory that the murders are revenge for a bar stickup, and Carter’s paper, hungry for a scoop, hastily prints it. Carter doesn’t come from the streets, but he understands a thing or two about Newark’s neighborhoods. And he knows there are no quick answers when dealing with a crime like this. Determined to uncover the true story, he enlists the aide of Tina Thompson, the paper’s smoking-hot city editor, to run interference at the office; Tommy Hernandez, the paper’s gay Cuban intern, to help him with legwork on the streets; and Tynesha Dales, a local stripper, to take him to Newark’s underside. It turns out that the four victims have one connection after all, and this knowledge will put Carter on the path of one very ambitious killer.
I loved Carter. I thought he was such a down-to-earth guy, a realistic reporter that will go to lengths to get a story, but not too act so stupid that he is unebelieveable. He seems like a genuine, nice down-to-earth character and one that comes across as someone I would love to hear talk about their lifes and stories in a bar. Mr. Parks does a fantastic job injecting some humor into the story, and Tommy is the perfect way to do this. He had me laughing the entire time when he was making fun of Tommy's pleated pants. The humor was perfect and lightened the mood of anotherwise grim story. I will definitely be on the lookout for more books featuring Carter Ross in the future... Faces of The Gone was the first in a new series!
I am at school right now and it's time to get the kids ready to go home. I hope everyone is having a great week... thank God tomorrow is Friday!!! Happy Reading everyone!
Friday, January 8, 2010
3. Hush Money by Robert Parker
I picked up Hush Money at the library a couple of weeks ago and finished it a couple of days ago. It was a quick read and one I enjoyed. I give it a B.
Back cover:
Spenser has his hands full when he takes two cases on at the same time. In the first, a high-minded university might be hiding a killer within a swamp of political correctness. And in the other, Spenser comes to the aid of a stalking victim, only to find himself the unwilling object of the woman's dangerous affection.
This was my first book that I read in the series, but it definitely won't be my last. I really liked Spenser and his cast of characters that hang out with him, including his girlfriend Susan and his sometimes sidekick Hawk. This series is the perfect example of old-fashioned private investigator type of book. There is a lot of following others around and asking questions to find out the information needed. While the two cases Spenser is investigating aren't connected, it doesn't make the story the disjointed in any way and they both held my attention. I also thought liked the somewhat switcheroo where Spenser becomes the stalkee in the case he was investigating. If you haven't read any of the Spenser books, I would highly encourage you to pick one up. I am somewhat disappointed that I didn't start in the beginning, but I will probably go back and read some of the others in this series.
Right now I am reading a Greg Iles book, Blood Memories. It is a long book, over 700 pages long, though I am really enjoying it. I hope to get some serious reading time in this weekend. It's supposed to be very cold out so I would love to stay hunkered down under my Slanket reading quite a bit. Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Spenser has his hands full when he takes two cases on at the same time. In the first, a high-minded university might be hiding a killer within a swamp of political correctness. And in the other, Spenser comes to the aid of a stalking victim, only to find himself the unwilling object of the woman's dangerous affection.
This was my first book that I read in the series, but it definitely won't be my last. I really liked Spenser and his cast of characters that hang out with him, including his girlfriend Susan and his sometimes sidekick Hawk. This series is the perfect example of old-fashioned private investigator type of book. There is a lot of following others around and asking questions to find out the information needed. While the two cases Spenser is investigating aren't connected, it doesn't make the story the disjointed in any way and they both held my attention. I also thought liked the somewhat switcheroo where Spenser becomes the stalkee in the case he was investigating. If you haven't read any of the Spenser books, I would highly encourage you to pick one up. I am somewhat disappointed that I didn't start in the beginning, but I will probably go back and read some of the others in this series.
Right now I am reading a Greg Iles book, Blood Memories. It is a long book, over 700 pages long, though I am really enjoying it. I hope to get some serious reading time in this weekend. It's supposed to be very cold out so I would love to stay hunkered down under my Slanket reading quite a bit. Happy Reading everyone!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Head to Head by Linda Ladd
My reading has been so slow lately and it's somewhat disappointing. I am not sure why, I guess I've just been really busy lately. Hopefully the upcoming holidays will not slow me down further and maybe my upcoming Christmas break will help things speed up. Head to Head was a great book and fantastic new-to-me author that I discovered. I give it an A-.
Back cover:
After moving from Los Angeles to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, homicide detective Claire Morgan has at last adjusted to the peaceful rhythms of rural life. Until a grisly celebrity murder at an ultra-exclusive "wellness" resort shatters a quiet summer morning...
One of Dr. Nicholas Black's high-profile clients has been dound dead, taped to a chair at a fully set table... submerged in the lake. Back in L.A. Claire investigated the rich, famous, and the deadly- but she never expected the problems of the priviledged to follow her... just as she never imagined crossing the line with her prime suspect...
Claire finds herself drawn to the charismatic doctor, spending time in his company- and in his bed. To catch a killer, Claire will have to enter the darkest recesses of the human mind. But is Black leading there to help her... or luring her ever deeper into a madman's grip?
The suspense was really well done and while at times grisly, a great read. Ms. Ladd does a fantastic job of writing as Claire and manages to place some humor in Claire's voice in an otherwise somewhat dark voice. The reader gets an inside look at how and why the killer becomes a crazy psychopath which I enjoyed and manages to throw in a couple of red herrings into the mix as well. There is somewhat of a love aspect to the story, but it was minor and didn't really bother me that much as the real focus was on Claire and the murders she's investigating. I definitely plan on reading more by Ms. Ladd and it appears that Head to Head is the first in the series. I am a bit disappointed that my library doesn't have the next two available, so I may just have to order them off of Amazon if I don't run across them at a UBS. The newest one the series was just released in August and my library does have that one so I am in luck!
I have a busy week this week, with both work and pleasure activities but I must fit in some reading! I'm pretty sure I won't meet the goal I set for myself last year, 135 books, which is a bit disappointing especially since I had such a good late summer/early fall, but the most important thing is that I've read some really great books and I don't make it a chore! I'm off to start a new book in the next half hour before bed calls me, so Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
After moving from Los Angeles to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, homicide detective Claire Morgan has at last adjusted to the peaceful rhythms of rural life. Until a grisly celebrity murder at an ultra-exclusive "wellness" resort shatters a quiet summer morning...
One of Dr. Nicholas Black's high-profile clients has been dound dead, taped to a chair at a fully set table... submerged in the lake. Back in L.A. Claire investigated the rich, famous, and the deadly- but she never expected the problems of the priviledged to follow her... just as she never imagined crossing the line with her prime suspect...
Claire finds herself drawn to the charismatic doctor, spending time in his company- and in his bed. To catch a killer, Claire will have to enter the darkest recesses of the human mind. But is Black leading there to help her... or luring her ever deeper into a madman's grip?
The suspense was really well done and while at times grisly, a great read. Ms. Ladd does a fantastic job of writing as Claire and manages to place some humor in Claire's voice in an otherwise somewhat dark voice. The reader gets an inside look at how and why the killer becomes a crazy psychopath which I enjoyed and manages to throw in a couple of red herrings into the mix as well. There is somewhat of a love aspect to the story, but it was minor and didn't really bother me that much as the real focus was on Claire and the murders she's investigating. I definitely plan on reading more by Ms. Ladd and it appears that Head to Head is the first in the series. I am a bit disappointed that my library doesn't have the next two available, so I may just have to order them off of Amazon if I don't run across them at a UBS. The newest one the series was just released in August and my library does have that one so I am in luck!
I have a busy week this week, with both work and pleasure activities but I must fit in some reading! I'm pretty sure I won't meet the goal I set for myself last year, 135 books, which is a bit disappointing especially since I had such a good late summer/early fall, but the most important thing is that I've read some really great books and I don't make it a chore! I'm off to start a new book in the next half hour before bed calls me, so Happy Reading everyone!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
I love this series and always look forward to the newest installment. However, since these books can generally be read in one sitting and they run somewhere around $28.00, I always get it from the library. It was finally my turn to read it, and I really enjoyed it. I give it a B+.
Inside cover:
Recipe for disaster: Celebrity chef Stanley Chipolte comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head- literally. Throw in some spice- Bail bonds office worker Lula is witness to the crime, and the only one she'll talk to is Trenton cop Joe Morelli. Pump up the heat: Chipolte's sponsor is offering a million-dollar reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of the killers. Stir the pot: Lula recruits bounty hunter Stephanie Plum to help her find the killers and collect the moolah. Add a secret ingredient: Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur. Enough said. Bring to a boil: Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office and night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, aka Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, and five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, and solve Ranger's problems and not jump his bones? Warning: Habanero hot. So good you'll want seconds.
This is your usual Stephanie Plum book. Cars exploding, firebombs being thrown, and crazy funny fugitives for Stephanie to catch. Of course there's the usual Morelli vs. Ranger thing going on, and of course I am a HUGE Morelli fan. I think he would provide Stephanie with some much needed stability and they just seem to be a better match. My two favorite characters, Grandma Mazur and Lula, have quite a presence in the story and that really makes the book extra better. I love them. I admit some laugh out loud moments and it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon and early this morning. I'm glad I read it, but even more glad that I didn't buy the book.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have several library books I picked up Friday when the mood for shopping struck me, but should read one of my own books. I can't believe how close to the end of the year it is, and I really want to meet all of my challenges. I'm not sure if I will be able to get much reading time in today as I'm leaving for my mom's right now to go out to breakfast and then have a party to go to at 2:00. Then hubby comes home tonight, so I imagine we will spend some time catching up. I hope everyone is having a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
Recipe for disaster: Celebrity chef Stanley Chipolte comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head- literally. Throw in some spice- Bail bonds office worker Lula is witness to the crime, and the only one she'll talk to is Trenton cop Joe Morelli. Pump up the heat: Chipolte's sponsor is offering a million-dollar reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of the killers. Stir the pot: Lula recruits bounty hunter Stephanie Plum to help her find the killers and collect the moolah. Add a secret ingredient: Stephanie Plum's Grandma Mazur. Enough said. Bring to a boil: Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office and night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, aka Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, and five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, and solve Ranger's problems and not jump his bones? Warning: Habanero hot. So good you'll want seconds.
This is your usual Stephanie Plum book. Cars exploding, firebombs being thrown, and crazy funny fugitives for Stephanie to catch. Of course there's the usual Morelli vs. Ranger thing going on, and of course I am a HUGE Morelli fan. I think he would provide Stephanie with some much needed stability and they just seem to be a better match. My two favorite characters, Grandma Mazur and Lula, have quite a presence in the story and that really makes the book extra better. I love them. I admit some laugh out loud moments and it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon and early this morning. I'm glad I read it, but even more glad that I didn't buy the book.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have several library books I picked up Friday when the mood for shopping struck me, but should read one of my own books. I can't believe how close to the end of the year it is, and I really want to meet all of my challenges. I'm not sure if I will be able to get much reading time in today as I'm leaving for my mom's right now to go out to breakfast and then have a party to go to at 2:00. Then hubby comes home tonight, so I imagine we will spend some time catching up. I hope everyone is having a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
So I know in my previous entry, I said I was going to start reading the new Greg Iles book I had picked up from the library. Once I started reading it, however, I realized that it was part of a series that I am not caught up on, so back it went. I picked up another library book, Sworn to Silence, and got reading. I enjoyed it, and I give it a B+.
Inside cover:
In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and "English" residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from it's brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.
Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as chief of police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She's certain she's come to term with her past- until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again, but to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past- and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.
I really liked Kate as a character and could see her as someone I would enjoy to hang out with. I thought that the Amish setting was definitely something different, and it grabbed my attention. I have always wanted to learn more about the Amish and while they don't play a huge part of this book, I did get some of my curiousity fulfilled. There are quite a few mysteries running through the story and my attention was grabbed right away, but I did have it figured out about halfway thorugh the story. That didn't bother me too much, though, as I had to make sure I was right, and there were a few strings that were still left dangling for me to figure out. I have heard that this is the first book in a series I will definitely be on the lookout for more books in this series!
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Probably one of my own books though, as I've read several library books in a row. My long term subbing job ended today and I am exhausted. I've been fighting this stupid cold/flu for several weeks now and I just can't seem to shake it. I hope to do nothing more than take a hot shower and get quickly immersed in a great book. I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
In the sleepy rural town of Painters Mill, Ohio, the Amish and "English" residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But sixteen years ago, a series of brutal murders shattered the peaceful farming community. In the aftermath of the violence, the town was left with a sense of fragility, a loss of innocence. Kate Burkholder, a young Amish girl, survived the terror of the Slaughterhouse Killer but came away from it's brutality with the realization that she no longer belonged with the Amish.
Now, a wealth of experience later, Kate has been asked to return to Painters Mill as chief of police. Her Amish roots and big city law enforcement background make her the perfect candidate. She's certain she's come to term with her past- until the first body is discovered in a snowy field. Kate vows to stop the killer before he strikes again, but to do so, she must betray both her family and her Amish past- and expose a dark secret that could destroy her.
I really liked Kate as a character and could see her as someone I would enjoy to hang out with. I thought that the Amish setting was definitely something different, and it grabbed my attention. I have always wanted to learn more about the Amish and while they don't play a huge part of this book, I did get some of my curiousity fulfilled. There are quite a few mysteries running through the story and my attention was grabbed right away, but I did have it figured out about halfway thorugh the story. That didn't bother me too much, though, as I had to make sure I was right, and there were a few strings that were still left dangling for me to figure out. I have heard that this is the first book in a series I will definitely be on the lookout for more books in this series!
I am not sure what I am going to read next. Probably one of my own books though, as I've read several library books in a row. My long term subbing job ended today and I am exhausted. I've been fighting this stupid cold/flu for several weeks now and I just can't seem to shake it. I hope to do nothing more than take a hot shower and get quickly immersed in a great book. I hope all of you have a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Immoral by Brian Freeman
I have a couple of Brian Freeman's books on my shelves, and for some reason, his name just jumped out at me awhile ago. Remembering that on Sunday, while looking on my shelves for something new to read, I decided to pick one of his books up. I ended up choosing Immoral because it appears to be the first book in the series. It was a great book, and while it took me awhile to read it, I really enjoyed it. I give it a B+.
Back cover:
Lieutenant Jonathan Stride knows it's not a moral world. One teenage girl has already disappeared on his watch, leaving behind no body, no killer and no justice. Now, when another girl goes missing on a cold night in Minnesota, Stride must relive his worst nightmare...
This was a good suspense and police procedural. As the story continues, some of the characters, including the missing girl, Rachel, become really unlikeable, but it doesn't take away from the story any. If anything, I believe it made the story somewhat more believeable. Let's face it, in every crime case going on in the world, all of the victims are not the most loveable people, but does that mean that they don't deserve justice? Stride is another one of those characters who I really really shouldn't have liked, but I just couldn't help myself. The suspense was really well done and the curves kept coming. I had about 30 pages left today to finish the book, so I had the class I was subbing for do DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time a bit longer so I could finish the book! If you haven't had a chance to check out any books by Brian Freeman, I would highly recommend Immoral!
Up next is a library book I've had for awhile. I bumped it back when Evil at Heart came in and then wanted to keep with my rotation schedule I have going. It's called The Promised World by Lisa Tucker. I am not sure what blog I read about it on, (my handy-dandy little notebook hasn't been working too well for me lately) but as I read the inside cover, I have to admit it sounds pretty good. I hope you are all reading something great right now and having a great week. I am subbing all week in the same 4th grade class (at the same school where I did my student teaching at in 4th grade) and this class is just really needy. I think I forgot how young the 4th graders are as the school year starts and they are wearing me out so off to bed for me! Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Lieutenant Jonathan Stride knows it's not a moral world. One teenage girl has already disappeared on his watch, leaving behind no body, no killer and no justice. Now, when another girl goes missing on a cold night in Minnesota, Stride must relive his worst nightmare...
This was a good suspense and police procedural. As the story continues, some of the characters, including the missing girl, Rachel, become really unlikeable, but it doesn't take away from the story any. If anything, I believe it made the story somewhat more believeable. Let's face it, in every crime case going on in the world, all of the victims are not the most loveable people, but does that mean that they don't deserve justice? Stride is another one of those characters who I really really shouldn't have liked, but I just couldn't help myself. The suspense was really well done and the curves kept coming. I had about 30 pages left today to finish the book, so I had the class I was subbing for do DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time a bit longer so I could finish the book! If you haven't had a chance to check out any books by Brian Freeman, I would highly recommend Immoral!
Up next is a library book I've had for awhile. I bumped it back when Evil at Heart came in and then wanted to keep with my rotation schedule I have going. It's called The Promised World by Lisa Tucker. I am not sure what blog I read about it on, (my handy-dandy little notebook hasn't been working too well for me lately) but as I read the inside cover, I have to admit it sounds pretty good. I hope you are all reading something great right now and having a great week. I am subbing all week in the same 4th grade class (at the same school where I did my student teaching at in 4th grade) and this class is just really needy. I think I forgot how young the 4th graders are as the school year starts and they are wearing me out so off to bed for me! Happy Reading!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Evil at Heart by Chelsea Cain
I've been a fan of Chelsea Cain since her first Gretchen Lowell book was released 2 years ago. They are such a different type of suspense book, one unlike anything else out there. I've been waiting and waiting for Evil at Heart and finally had the chance to pick it up from the library yesterday. I couldn't wait to get into it and I ended up starting and finishing it this evening. I give it an A-.
I am not going to give the synopsis or inside cover of this book because I think if you haven't read either of the other two books in the series you will be spoiled. This is a series that MUST be read in order otherwise everything becomes ruined for you. I do feel the need to warn you though... if you are at all squeamish, sensitive to descriptive language and/or violence, I would probably pass on these books. Ms. Cain is one of a few authors who can actually spook me and creep me out.
I am not sure how much further this series will continue, though I do think that Evil at Heart seems a bit more resolved than the other books were. I am somewhat grateful for this because you never know with the publishing world... one day a series that is wildly popular can be discontinued the next day. Look up this series if you love a good suspense, especially one that focuses on serial killers.
I am not sure what I'm going to read next. I have one more library book, but would like to continue to reading one library book, and then one of my own books to keep up with the RYOB challenge. I pledged to read 40 of my own books and so far, out of the 103 books I've read this year, only 32 have been my own! I love my library, but need to read more of my own books. Well, I feel like I'm coming down with the cold/flu my hubby's had the past week, so I think I'm off to bed. Happy Reading everyone!
I am not going to give the synopsis or inside cover of this book because I think if you haven't read either of the other two books in the series you will be spoiled. This is a series that MUST be read in order otherwise everything becomes ruined for you. I do feel the need to warn you though... if you are at all squeamish, sensitive to descriptive language and/or violence, I would probably pass on these books. Ms. Cain is one of a few authors who can actually spook me and creep me out.
I am not sure how much further this series will continue, though I do think that Evil at Heart seems a bit more resolved than the other books were. I am somewhat grateful for this because you never know with the publishing world... one day a series that is wildly popular can be discontinued the next day. Look up this series if you love a good suspense, especially one that focuses on serial killers.
I am not sure what I'm going to read next. I have one more library book, but would like to continue to reading one library book, and then one of my own books to keep up with the RYOB challenge. I pledged to read 40 of my own books and so far, out of the 103 books I've read this year, only 32 have been my own! I love my library, but need to read more of my own books. Well, I feel like I'm coming down with the cold/flu my hubby's had the past week, so I think I'm off to bed. Happy Reading everyone!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Roadside Crosses by Jeffrey Deaver
Last week I read The Sleeping Doll, the first book in the Kathryn Dance series, and absolutely loved it, so I was excited that Roadside Crosses came in from the library so quickly. I thought the premise sounded fantastic, but I was a bit disappointed. I end up rating Roadside Crosses a B.
Inside cover:
The Monterey Peninsula is rocked when a killer begins to leave roadside crosses besides local highways- not in memoriam, but as the announcements of his intention to kill. And to kill in particularly horrific and efficient ways: using personal details about the victims that they've carelessly posted in blogs and on social networking sites.
The case lands on the desk of Kathryn Dance, the California Bureau of Investigations foremost body language expert. She and Deputy Michael O'Neil follow the leads to Travis Brigham, a troubled teenager whose role in a fatal car accident has inspired vicious attacks against him on a popular blog, The Chilton Report. As the investigation progresses, Travis disappears. Using techniques he learned as a brilliant participant in role-playing games, he easily evades his pursuers and continues to track his victims. Among the obstacles Kathryn must overcome are politicians from Sacremento, paranoid parents, and the blogger himself, James Chilton, whose belief in the importance of blogging and the new media threatens to derail the case and potientally Dance's career. It is this threat that causes Dance to take desperate and risky measures...
This book really resonated with me, especially since I am a blogger and am on Facebook. We really do reveal a lot about ourselves, no matter how careful we think we are being, which could allow a psycho like this villain to use against you. The book also touches on the subject of cyber bullying which is all too common nowadays. I love books that incorporate real life threats and Roadside Crosses really accomplishes that. And I mean, come on, leaving Roadside Crosses before someone dies... that is just soooo creepy to me! However, I thought that there were some unbelieveable parts, including how Dance and her team comes to solve the case and it comes out of nowhere. That being said, I would still recommend this series to anyone who likes a good thriller/police procedural!
I am not sure what I am going to read next. My reading has slowed down so much, so I hope I can pick up something that will jumpstart it again! I've only finished 4 books this month and last month by this time I had read 7! I know it's quality and not quantity, but I miss reading a lot of books, especially good books. I feel like I am getting in a bit of a depressive slump, so it's something I really need to fight through. I hope you all are reading something fantastic! Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
The Monterey Peninsula is rocked when a killer begins to leave roadside crosses besides local highways- not in memoriam, but as the announcements of his intention to kill. And to kill in particularly horrific and efficient ways: using personal details about the victims that they've carelessly posted in blogs and on social networking sites.
The case lands on the desk of Kathryn Dance, the California Bureau of Investigations foremost body language expert. She and Deputy Michael O'Neil follow the leads to Travis Brigham, a troubled teenager whose role in a fatal car accident has inspired vicious attacks against him on a popular blog, The Chilton Report. As the investigation progresses, Travis disappears. Using techniques he learned as a brilliant participant in role-playing games, he easily evades his pursuers and continues to track his victims. Among the obstacles Kathryn must overcome are politicians from Sacremento, paranoid parents, and the blogger himself, James Chilton, whose belief in the importance of blogging and the new media threatens to derail the case and potientally Dance's career. It is this threat that causes Dance to take desperate and risky measures...
This book really resonated with me, especially since I am a blogger and am on Facebook. We really do reveal a lot about ourselves, no matter how careful we think we are being, which could allow a psycho like this villain to use against you. The book also touches on the subject of cyber bullying which is all too common nowadays. I love books that incorporate real life threats and Roadside Crosses really accomplishes that. And I mean, come on, leaving Roadside Crosses before someone dies... that is just soooo creepy to me! However, I thought that there were some unbelieveable parts, including how Dance and her team comes to solve the case and it comes out of nowhere. That being said, I would still recommend this series to anyone who likes a good thriller/police procedural!
I am not sure what I am going to read next. My reading has slowed down so much, so I hope I can pick up something that will jumpstart it again! I've only finished 4 books this month and last month by this time I had read 7! I know it's quality and not quantity, but I miss reading a lot of books, especially good books. I feel like I am getting in a bit of a depressive slump, so it's something I really need to fight through. I hope you all are reading something fantastic! Happy Reading!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Water's Edge by Karin Fossum
I read another book by Norwegian author Karin Fossum a few weeks back and enjoyed it. The Water's Edge was the book that I heard a ton about from several different blogs and it finally came in through my library. It was a fast read, at just 227 pages long, but a good read. I give it a B.
Inside cover:
Reinhardt and Kristine Ris, a married couple, are out for a Sunday walk when they discover the body of a boy and see the figure of a man limping away. They alert the police, but not before Reinhardt, to Kristine's horror, kneels down and takes photographs of the dead child with his cell phone. Inspectors Konrad Sejer and Jacob Skarre begin to make inquiries in the little town of Huseby. But then another boy disappears, and an explanation seems more remote than ever. Meanwhile, the Rises' marriage unravels as Reinhardy becomes obsessed with the tragic events and his own part in them.
The Water's Edge is part of the Inspector Konrad Sejer series, though I don't think there is a big need to read them in order. I know this comes several books after the one I read previously, but I don't think I was missing out on anything. It is definitely interesting to read how Norway seems to judge different crimes, and since this story centers on pedophiles, I was somewhat surprised to see how strongly the difference was. The author focuses a lot on how Sejer and Skarre feel about the cases they see, which I feels like lends a different view to the story, but really takes away from the mystery. This is by no means an action-packed story, but a pleasant way to spend a cold, dreary Saturday afternoon.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but I am sure it will be a library book. I now have 5 I think to read, and now that I think about it, I did get in Linwood Barclay's latest which I have been dying to read. I hope to be able to get that one started sometime this evening and finish it tomorrow. Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
Reinhardt and Kristine Ris, a married couple, are out for a Sunday walk when they discover the body of a boy and see the figure of a man limping away. They alert the police, but not before Reinhardt, to Kristine's horror, kneels down and takes photographs of the dead child with his cell phone. Inspectors Konrad Sejer and Jacob Skarre begin to make inquiries in the little town of Huseby. But then another boy disappears, and an explanation seems more remote than ever. Meanwhile, the Rises' marriage unravels as Reinhardy becomes obsessed with the tragic events and his own part in them.
The Water's Edge is part of the Inspector Konrad Sejer series, though I don't think there is a big need to read them in order. I know this comes several books after the one I read previously, but I don't think I was missing out on anything. It is definitely interesting to read how Norway seems to judge different crimes, and since this story centers on pedophiles, I was somewhat surprised to see how strongly the difference was. The author focuses a lot on how Sejer and Skarre feel about the cases they see, which I feels like lends a different view to the story, but really takes away from the mystery. This is by no means an action-packed story, but a pleasant way to spend a cold, dreary Saturday afternoon.
I am not sure what I am going to read next, but I am sure it will be a library book. I now have 5 I think to read, and now that I think about it, I did get in Linwood Barclay's latest which I have been dying to read. I hope to be able to get that one started sometime this evening and finish it tomorrow. Happy Reading everyone!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl with April Henry
I first heard about Face of Betrayal on Bill O'Reilly's show and it seemed like something I would like; a ripped from the headlines legal thriller. I placed a hold on it through my library and it finally came in. Once I sat down and read it, the pages flew and it was enjoyable. I end up rating it a B.
Inside cover:
While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat- a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power.
Though authorities think Katie might have been kidnapped or run away, those theories shatter when Nicole uncovers Katie's blog. They reveal a girl troubled by a mysterious relationship with an older man. Possibly a U.S. Senator.
As the three women race against time to find Katie alive, their increasing emotional involvement brings out their own inner demons and external enemies. There are many faces of betrayal, but they mus find the one face in a crowd of growing suspects before they become the next victims.
Face of Betrayal is the beginning of a series that strongly reminds me of the Women's Murder Club by James Patterson. I really liked all of the characters and found them very different, but instead of clashing, their differences bring out the best of each woman. While some other mini-stories are running through the book, the main focus is on Katie's disappearance. I did have some problems with the other stories, as it just seemed like the author decided, "uh-oh, I only have x amount of pages to finish the book, I better wrap everything up now" because some of it was really rushed. I enjoyed the story, but am glad I didn't spend the $25.00 for it. If you enjoy the Women's Murder Club, I suggest you be on the lookout for Face of Betrayal.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have one library book, but I may choose something off of my own shelves. I have so much coming up this week, and haven't been feeling 100%, so I want something that I can immediately be sucked into. I haven't even read all of my blogs for the past two days, and I need to do some vacauming, and get my final grades in before tomorrow at noon, so I am going to be quite busy. I hope everyone else is having a more relaxing week and end of summer and Happy Reading!
Inside cover:
While home on Christmas break, a seventeen-year-old Senate page takes her dog out for a walk and never returns. Reporter Cassidy Shaw is the first to break the story. The resulting media firestorm quickly ensnares Federal Prosecutor Allison Pierce and FBI Special Agent Nicole Hedges. The three unique women are life-long friends who call themselves The Triple Threat- a nickname derived from their favorite dessert and their uncanny ability to crack cases via their three positions of power.
Though authorities think Katie might have been kidnapped or run away, those theories shatter when Nicole uncovers Katie's blog. They reveal a girl troubled by a mysterious relationship with an older man. Possibly a U.S. Senator.
As the three women race against time to find Katie alive, their increasing emotional involvement brings out their own inner demons and external enemies. There are many faces of betrayal, but they mus find the one face in a crowd of growing suspects before they become the next victims.
Face of Betrayal is the beginning of a series that strongly reminds me of the Women's Murder Club by James Patterson. I really liked all of the characters and found them very different, but instead of clashing, their differences bring out the best of each woman. While some other mini-stories are running through the book, the main focus is on Katie's disappearance. I did have some problems with the other stories, as it just seemed like the author decided, "uh-oh, I only have x amount of pages to finish the book, I better wrap everything up now" because some of it was really rushed. I enjoyed the story, but am glad I didn't spend the $25.00 for it. If you enjoy the Women's Murder Club, I suggest you be on the lookout for Face of Betrayal.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have one library book, but I may choose something off of my own shelves. I have so much coming up this week, and haven't been feeling 100%, so I want something that I can immediately be sucked into. I haven't even read all of my blogs for the past two days, and I need to do some vacauming, and get my final grades in before tomorrow at noon, so I am going to be quite busy. I hope everyone else is having a more relaxing week and end of summer and Happy Reading!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Black Seconds by Karin Fossum
So I have been reading a lot about Karin Fossum, the Norwegian suspense and police procedural author, from a lot of blogs about how wonderful her books are. They have just recently been translated into English throughout the past 5 or so years, and I decided to try one. I will admit that I almost returned this one back to library unopened, but for some reason decided to hang on to it and try it out. I am glad I did, it was an enjoyable read and one I give a B+.
Inside cover:
Ida Joner gets on her brand-new bike and sets off toward town. A good-natured, happy girl, she is looking forward to her tenth birthday. Thirty-five minues after Ida should have come home, her mother starts to worry. She phones store owners, Ida's friends- anyone who could have seen her. But no one has.
Suspicion immediately falls on Emil Mork, a local character who lives alone and hasn't spoken since childhood. His mother insists on cleaning his house weekly, although she's sometimes afraid of what she might find there. A mother's worst nightmare in either case- to lose a child or to think a child capable of murder. As Ida's relatives reach the breaking point and the media frenzy surrounding the case begins, Inspector Konrad Sejer is his usual calm and reassuring self. But he's puzzled. And disturbed. This is the strangest case he's seen in years.
I thought Ms. Fossum does a great job exploring and explaining the grief that Ida's mother Helga experiences through the loss of her daughter. When she becomes missing, the pain is evident though the pages, and while Helga takes a bit of a backseat to the story as it goes on, she is always in the back of the reader's mind. The descriptions of the reaction by the press, neighbors, and family members just feel like the real thing and it almost feels disturbing that you would be reading, spying even, on this town's and family's grief. Ms. Fossum does a fantastic job drawing the reader in and having you desperately care for each character in the story.
So you may be saying to yourself, if this was such a beautiful book, why the B+ and not an A, and I had to mark it down because of the lack of suspense. I had the whole mystery figured out, even the little tidbits, probably less than halfway through the story. I read suspense books to be thrilled and like being surprised while I read, so it does disappoint me a bit. I definitely plan on reading more books by Ms. Fossum, and have even placed one on hold through my library. While Black Seconds is part of a series, I definitely did feel like I was missing out on anything while reading it out of order.
I just checked my library's online catalog and discovered I have three books that have come in. I plan on picking them up from the library later on this afternoon and will start reading the next in the Hunter Morgan trilogy that I started this past weekend (well, actually read book 2). I am dying to find out who the serial killer is who is running crazy in a small beachside town. I have an idea to who I think it is and want to find out before I forget. Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
Ida Joner gets on her brand-new bike and sets off toward town. A good-natured, happy girl, she is looking forward to her tenth birthday. Thirty-five minues after Ida should have come home, her mother starts to worry. She phones store owners, Ida's friends- anyone who could have seen her. But no one has.
Suspicion immediately falls on Emil Mork, a local character who lives alone and hasn't spoken since childhood. His mother insists on cleaning his house weekly, although she's sometimes afraid of what she might find there. A mother's worst nightmare in either case- to lose a child or to think a child capable of murder. As Ida's relatives reach the breaking point and the media frenzy surrounding the case begins, Inspector Konrad Sejer is his usual calm and reassuring self. But he's puzzled. And disturbed. This is the strangest case he's seen in years.
I thought Ms. Fossum does a great job exploring and explaining the grief that Ida's mother Helga experiences through the loss of her daughter. When she becomes missing, the pain is evident though the pages, and while Helga takes a bit of a backseat to the story as it goes on, she is always in the back of the reader's mind. The descriptions of the reaction by the press, neighbors, and family members just feel like the real thing and it almost feels disturbing that you would be reading, spying even, on this town's and family's grief. Ms. Fossum does a fantastic job drawing the reader in and having you desperately care for each character in the story.
So you may be saying to yourself, if this was such a beautiful book, why the B+ and not an A, and I had to mark it down because of the lack of suspense. I had the whole mystery figured out, even the little tidbits, probably less than halfway through the story. I read suspense books to be thrilled and like being surprised while I read, so it does disappoint me a bit. I definitely plan on reading more books by Ms. Fossum, and have even placed one on hold through my library. While Black Seconds is part of a series, I definitely did feel like I was missing out on anything while reading it out of order.
I just checked my library's online catalog and discovered I have three books that have come in. I plan on picking them up from the library later on this afternoon and will start reading the next in the Hunter Morgan trilogy that I started this past weekend (well, actually read book 2). I am dying to find out who the serial killer is who is running crazy in a small beachside town. I have an idea to who I think it is and want to find out before I forget. Happy Reading everyone!
Friday, July 31, 2009
She'll Never Know by Hunter Morgan
I had a total shock yesterday regarding some family members yesterday and it has led to me being quite upset. Because of that, and the fact that I didn't want to sit there and dwell on things, I needed something that I could quickly get into to take my mind off of everything. She'll Never Know did the trick and I give it B+.
Back cover:
A victim of amnesia, Jillian Deere only knows that se was left by an unidentified man at a North Carolina hospital with a gunshot wound to her neck. But she has the strangest feeling she belongs elsewhere. Something is drawing her to the small Delaware town of Albany Beach- a town caught in the grip of a seemingly unstoppable serial killer...
The victims have all been blonde and blue-eyed, just like Jillian. One by one, they've disappeared from the beach town's quiet cottages and wind-swept streets, only to be found horribly murdered. Jillian can't imagine why she remembers Albany Beach or what it means. The only person she can turn to for help is lifeguard Ty Addison. Despite the almost ten-year difference in their ages, Jillian finds herself falling for his beach-bum good looks. And then the first memory flashes to horrifying life...
Haunted by her tragic past, unsure of whom to trust, Jillian is desperate to uncover the truth about her identity before it's too late. For someone is watching Jillian from out there in the dark. Someone who knows exactly who she is... his next victim...
While I normally don't enjoy romance in my thrillers, this one was done so nicely and I loved it! Jillian and Ty make such a cute couple and there wasn't the usual romance cliche of some misunderstanding that I really don't like. I loved Jillian as a charcter and felt so much compassion for her, though right about now, I wouldn't mind have some amnesia so I could forget some certain things. The mystery of who Jillian is was enjoyable, though I really liked the serial killer aspect more so. At the end, I was thrown through a total loop and realized that this book was the second in a trilogy so the serial killer mystery wasn't resolved. Ugh... I was so upset! I am also disappointed that I won't be able to read the first book in the series as some of the first book was rehashed in this one, and I will know have to pick up the next book in this series to find out how everything is resolved. If I had known it was a trilogy, I would have probably given this book a higher rating, but am definitely going to check my library's database for the next one in the series.
July was an awesome reading month for me with 19 books being finished. That is by far one of my highest reading months ever. I am so happy, especially since I've read so many great books. I hope this will be able to continue, though I doubt it will as I have my new job I will be starting later in August and I have a ton of baby and wedding showers coming up as well. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but I will be picking something up. I need to keep my mind occupied so I don't dwell on things and get upset. I hope everyone else has a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
A victim of amnesia, Jillian Deere only knows that se was left by an unidentified man at a North Carolina hospital with a gunshot wound to her neck. But she has the strangest feeling she belongs elsewhere. Something is drawing her to the small Delaware town of Albany Beach- a town caught in the grip of a seemingly unstoppable serial killer...
The victims have all been blonde and blue-eyed, just like Jillian. One by one, they've disappeared from the beach town's quiet cottages and wind-swept streets, only to be found horribly murdered. Jillian can't imagine why she remembers Albany Beach or what it means. The only person she can turn to for help is lifeguard Ty Addison. Despite the almost ten-year difference in their ages, Jillian finds herself falling for his beach-bum good looks. And then the first memory flashes to horrifying life...
Haunted by her tragic past, unsure of whom to trust, Jillian is desperate to uncover the truth about her identity before it's too late. For someone is watching Jillian from out there in the dark. Someone who knows exactly who she is... his next victim...
While I normally don't enjoy romance in my thrillers, this one was done so nicely and I loved it! Jillian and Ty make such a cute couple and there wasn't the usual romance cliche of some misunderstanding that I really don't like. I loved Jillian as a charcter and felt so much compassion for her, though right about now, I wouldn't mind have some amnesia so I could forget some certain things. The mystery of who Jillian is was enjoyable, though I really liked the serial killer aspect more so. At the end, I was thrown through a total loop and realized that this book was the second in a trilogy so the serial killer mystery wasn't resolved. Ugh... I was so upset! I am also disappointed that I won't be able to read the first book in the series as some of the first book was rehashed in this one, and I will know have to pick up the next book in this series to find out how everything is resolved. If I had known it was a trilogy, I would have probably given this book a higher rating, but am definitely going to check my library's database for the next one in the series.
July was an awesome reading month for me with 19 books being finished. That is by far one of my highest reading months ever. I am so happy, especially since I've read so many great books. I hope this will be able to continue, though I doubt it will as I have my new job I will be starting later in August and I have a ton of baby and wedding showers coming up as well. I am not sure what I am going to read next, but I will be picking something up. I need to keep my mind occupied so I don't dwell on things and get upset. I hope everyone else has a great weekend and Happy Reading!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Revenge of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
I absolutely adore Lisa Lutz's Spellman books, and I was so happy that I was able to pick this book up from the library so quickly! I read Revenge of the Spellmans most of yesterday and finished this afternoon and had several laughing out loud moments. I give it an A-.
Back cover:
Private investigator Isabel Spellman is back on the case and back on the couch- in court-ordered therapy after getting a little too close to the previous subject. As the book opens, Izzy in on hiatus from Spellman Inc. But when her boss, Milo, simultaneously cuts her bartending hours and introduces her to a "friend" looking for a private eye, Izzy reluctantly finds herself with a new client. She assures herself that the case- a suspicious husband who wants his wife tailed- will be short and sweet, and will involve nothing more that the most boring of PI rituals:surveillance. But with each passing hour, Izzy finds herself with more questions than hard evidence.
Meanwhile, Spellmania continues. Izzy's brother, David, the family's most upright member, has adopted an uncharacteristically unkempt apperance and attitude toward work, life, and Izzy. And the wayward youngest sister, Rae, a historic academic underachiever, aces the PSATS and subsequently offends her study partner and object of obsession, Detective Henry Stone, to the point of excommunication. The only unsurprising behavior comes from her parents, whose visits to Milo's bar amount to thinly veiled surveillance and artful attempts at getting Izzy to return to the Spellman Inc. fold.
As the case of the wayward wife continues to vex her, Izzy's personal life-and mental health- seem to be disintegrating. Facing a housing crisis, she can't sleep, she can't remember where she parked her car, and despite her shrinks persistence, she can't seem to break through in her appointments. SHe certainly can't explain why she forgets dates with her lawyer's grandson or fails to see the come-ons issued in an Irish brogue by Milo's new bartender. Nor can she explain how she feels about Detective Henry Stone and his plans to move in with his new Assistant DA girlfriend...
This book has it all... romance, mystery, drama, and humor. I love Ms. Spellman's writing and her voice. The footnotes and appendix just add to the humor and make things more interesting. Izzy is such a likeable character, as is all of her wacky family members. I also like that though the family members are wacky and crazy, they are still believable. I can see a lot of the things actually happening in real life, which is somewhat unlike Janet Evanovich's books. I truly hope that Ms. Lutz continues to write this loveable series that is such a break from the everyday, heavier suspense books I read normally. This was a wonderful way to end the Library Book Challenge held by J.Kaye.
Up next is a Lisa Jackson book to kick off the Lisa Jackson Read-a-thon. I am not sure which one I am going to read because I have to look at her list and decide which ones I have and where they fall in a series. I have the remainder of the day off, save for some tutoring appointments, and I want to get some cleaning in and possibly a nap as well. I am exhausted and had a lock down with Kindergartens (which is not fun) and has added to my exhaustion but I want to get some reading in. I have a full time job tomorrow and have to work Saturday as well. Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Private investigator Isabel Spellman is back on the case and back on the couch- in court-ordered therapy after getting a little too close to the previous subject. As the book opens, Izzy in on hiatus from Spellman Inc. But when her boss, Milo, simultaneously cuts her bartending hours and introduces her to a "friend" looking for a private eye, Izzy reluctantly finds herself with a new client. She assures herself that the case- a suspicious husband who wants his wife tailed- will be short and sweet, and will involve nothing more that the most boring of PI rituals:surveillance. But with each passing hour, Izzy finds herself with more questions than hard evidence.
Meanwhile, Spellmania continues. Izzy's brother, David, the family's most upright member, has adopted an uncharacteristically unkempt apperance and attitude toward work, life, and Izzy. And the wayward youngest sister, Rae, a historic academic underachiever, aces the PSATS and subsequently offends her study partner and object of obsession, Detective Henry Stone, to the point of excommunication. The only unsurprising behavior comes from her parents, whose visits to Milo's bar amount to thinly veiled surveillance and artful attempts at getting Izzy to return to the Spellman Inc. fold.
As the case of the wayward wife continues to vex her, Izzy's personal life-and mental health- seem to be disintegrating. Facing a housing crisis, she can't sleep, she can't remember where she parked her car, and despite her shrinks persistence, she can't seem to break through in her appointments. SHe certainly can't explain why she forgets dates with her lawyer's grandson or fails to see the come-ons issued in an Irish brogue by Milo's new bartender. Nor can she explain how she feels about Detective Henry Stone and his plans to move in with his new Assistant DA girlfriend...
This book has it all... romance, mystery, drama, and humor. I love Ms. Spellman's writing and her voice. The footnotes and appendix just add to the humor and make things more interesting. Izzy is such a likeable character, as is all of her wacky family members. I also like that though the family members are wacky and crazy, they are still believable. I can see a lot of the things actually happening in real life, which is somewhat unlike Janet Evanovich's books. I truly hope that Ms. Lutz continues to write this loveable series that is such a break from the everyday, heavier suspense books I read normally. This was a wonderful way to end the Library Book Challenge held by J.Kaye.
Up next is a Lisa Jackson book to kick off the Lisa Jackson Read-a-thon. I am not sure which one I am going to read because I have to look at her list and decide which ones I have and where they fall in a series. I have the remainder of the day off, save for some tutoring appointments, and I want to get some cleaning in and possibly a nap as well. I am exhausted and had a lock down with Kindergartens (which is not fun) and has added to my exhaustion but I want to get some reading in. I have a full time job tomorrow and have to work Saturday as well. Happy Reading everyone!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Pyschopath by Keith Ablow
I always enjoy Mr. Ablow's books, especially because they are written from a psychitrist's point of view. While I tried getting into Sinners and Saints and it just didn't grab me at the time, I picked up Pyschopath from the TBR shelves. It was a good read, and I give it a B.
From Amazon:
Former psychiatrist, Frank Clevenger, is tapped by the FBI to catch an elusive murderer known as the "Highway Killer", who has left twelve bodies strewn across twelve states. Clevenger reluctantly accepts the case, but what he and authorities cannot know is that the Highway Killer isn't just a serial killer- who is also a psychiatrist, whose brillance is as a gifted doctor is matched only by his precision as a killer. When he writes to a national newspaper challenging Clevenger to cure him through an exchange of open letters, a gripping public therapy unfolds. But as the Highway Killer confronts the demons that inhabit his own tortured mind, his brutality climbs to new heights. Will Clevenger be able to exorcise those demons before they spin completely out of control?
Pyschopath started off really strong, but I felt like it petered out towards the end. The reader starts out knowing who the Highway Killer is, but that doesn't take away from any of the suspense of the book. There are a lot of subplots going on in the story, but it just adds to the mystery and thrills building. I was upset to find that I have read yet another book out of order in a series, but I have no one to blame myself for that. I need to start researching that better before I read a book to make sure. However, towards the end of the book it seemed like the author said "Oops, we need to wrap this up... word count is getting high". Things were just wrapped up a bit to neatly and but without some things completely fleshed out. I am sure part of that is because it is a series, but I though Mr. Ablow could have done a better job. I will, however, be reading more in this series.
The next book is one I started today at lunch. I am only about 40 pages in, but it promises to be good. It is called The Other Twin and is by Hunter Morgan. The premise is intriguing... a serial killer who abducted one twin and murdered them, but left the other twin behind. Now someone is coming back and abducting the daughters of the twins left behind. I hope to get some good reading in tonight as my tutoring for tonight was cancelled. Happy Reading everyone !
From Amazon:
Former psychiatrist, Frank Clevenger, is tapped by the FBI to catch an elusive murderer known as the "Highway Killer", who has left twelve bodies strewn across twelve states. Clevenger reluctantly accepts the case, but what he and authorities cannot know is that the Highway Killer isn't just a serial killer- who is also a psychiatrist, whose brillance is as a gifted doctor is matched only by his precision as a killer. When he writes to a national newspaper challenging Clevenger to cure him through an exchange of open letters, a gripping public therapy unfolds. But as the Highway Killer confronts the demons that inhabit his own tortured mind, his brutality climbs to new heights. Will Clevenger be able to exorcise those demons before they spin completely out of control?
Pyschopath started off really strong, but I felt like it petered out towards the end. The reader starts out knowing who the Highway Killer is, but that doesn't take away from any of the suspense of the book. There are a lot of subplots going on in the story, but it just adds to the mystery and thrills building. I was upset to find that I have read yet another book out of order in a series, but I have no one to blame myself for that. I need to start researching that better before I read a book to make sure. However, towards the end of the book it seemed like the author said "Oops, we need to wrap this up... word count is getting high". Things were just wrapped up a bit to neatly and but without some things completely fleshed out. I am sure part of that is because it is a series, but I though Mr. Ablow could have done a better job. I will, however, be reading more in this series.
The next book is one I started today at lunch. I am only about 40 pages in, but it promises to be good. It is called The Other Twin and is by Hunter Morgan. The premise is intriguing... a serial killer who abducted one twin and murdered them, but left the other twin behind. Now someone is coming back and abducting the daughters of the twins left behind. I hope to get some good reading in tonight as my tutoring for tonight was cancelled. Happy Reading everyone !
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Angel's Tip by Alafair Burke
The last time I was out browsing at the library, I ran across Ms. Burke's latest novel in her Ellie Hatcher series. I read the first one last year some time, and remembering enjoying it but not loving it. Angel's Tip sounded reallly interesting, so I decided to pick it up and give it a try. Angel's Tip was an enjoyable read, though nothing I was over the moon about. I give it a B.
From Amazon:
In a city full of victims . . . it's hard to choose just one.
Fresh-faced Indiana college student Chelsea Hart is so excited to spend the final hours of her spring break in the VIP room of an elite New York City club that she remains behind when her girlfriends call it a night. The next morning, as her concerned friends anxiously pace their hotel lobby, joggers find Chelsea's body in East River Park, her wavy blond hair brutally hacked off.
NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher catches the case and homes in on the group of privileged men who were last seen plying Chelsea with free-flowing alcohol. But before she can even gather the preliminary evidence, the gruesome murder is grabbing headlines and drawing unwanted media attention to the department. So when Ellie builds a tight case against Jake Myers, a young hedge fund manager, the department brass and the district attorney's office are elated: the case will soon be cleared, the media will tout the department's quick work, and Ellie will be a dream witness at the trial against Myers.
But Ellie has her doubts. Chelsea's murder is eerily similar to three other deaths that occurred nearly a decade ago: the victims were young, female, and in each case, the killer had taken her hair as a souvenir.
Ellie's investigation pulls her into a late-night world of exclusive clubs, conspicuous wealth, and hedonistic consumption. And her search for the truth not only pits her against her fellow cops but also places her under the watchful eye of a psychopath eager to add the prideful young female detective to his list.
I thought I had this book all figured out. About halfway through, I was positive I knew who the killer was and why he was doing the things he was. Even with only about 15 pages left, I was still sure I knew who the killer was even though it was pretty apparent that he couldn't be the one committing the crimes. I enjoyed the fact that I was wrong... it added to the mystery and I was pleasantly surprised that there were so many red herrings thrown in. Nowadays, it seems like the more mystery books I read, the less I am being "mystified". Ellie is a likeable character and at times I was cheering for her to show up all of the guys who thought that she wouldn't make a great detective, just because she was a girl. However, this book had more "cozy mystery" aspects than "thriller" aspects, and I was a bit disappointed. All around a good read, just nothing that will stick with me for the long term.
Up next is the last library book I have checked out for right now and it is one that I have looked at several times before. It is called Sinners and Saints and is by Eileen Dreyer. I was positive I owned the book but checked it out anyways, and was surprised to see when I got home that I didn't own it. The book just looks really, really familar to me so I have probably picked it up a dozen times at the bookstore but just never bought it for some reason. I hope that isn't a clue about how the book will be. Well, I am off to finish a bit of work and then plan on finishing the word day reading! Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
In a city full of victims . . . it's hard to choose just one.
Fresh-faced Indiana college student Chelsea Hart is so excited to spend the final hours of her spring break in the VIP room of an elite New York City club that she remains behind when her girlfriends call it a night. The next morning, as her concerned friends anxiously pace their hotel lobby, joggers find Chelsea's body in East River Park, her wavy blond hair brutally hacked off.
NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher catches the case and homes in on the group of privileged men who were last seen plying Chelsea with free-flowing alcohol. But before she can even gather the preliminary evidence, the gruesome murder is grabbing headlines and drawing unwanted media attention to the department. So when Ellie builds a tight case against Jake Myers, a young hedge fund manager, the department brass and the district attorney's office are elated: the case will soon be cleared, the media will tout the department's quick work, and Ellie will be a dream witness at the trial against Myers.
But Ellie has her doubts. Chelsea's murder is eerily similar to three other deaths that occurred nearly a decade ago: the victims were young, female, and in each case, the killer had taken her hair as a souvenir.
Ellie's investigation pulls her into a late-night world of exclusive clubs, conspicuous wealth, and hedonistic consumption. And her search for the truth not only pits her against her fellow cops but also places her under the watchful eye of a psychopath eager to add the prideful young female detective to his list.
I thought I had this book all figured out. About halfway through, I was positive I knew who the killer was and why he was doing the things he was. Even with only about 15 pages left, I was still sure I knew who the killer was even though it was pretty apparent that he couldn't be the one committing the crimes. I enjoyed the fact that I was wrong... it added to the mystery and I was pleasantly surprised that there were so many red herrings thrown in. Nowadays, it seems like the more mystery books I read, the less I am being "mystified". Ellie is a likeable character and at times I was cheering for her to show up all of the guys who thought that she wouldn't make a great detective, just because she was a girl. However, this book had more "cozy mystery" aspects than "thriller" aspects, and I was a bit disappointed. All around a good read, just nothing that will stick with me for the long term.
Up next is the last library book I have checked out for right now and it is one that I have looked at several times before. It is called Sinners and Saints and is by Eileen Dreyer. I was positive I owned the book but checked it out anyways, and was surprised to see when I got home that I didn't own it. The book just looks really, really familar to me so I have probably picked it up a dozen times at the bookstore but just never bought it for some reason. I hope that isn't a clue about how the book will be. Well, I am off to finish a bit of work and then plan on finishing the word day reading! Have a great weekend everyone and Happy Reading!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich
I always enjoy the Stephanie Plum books, but I refuse to pay for them. $28.00 for something that takes me a couple of hours to read is not worth it, especially when I don't reread them. So after waiting awhile for the book to come in from the library, I finally picked it up yesterday and jumped right in. It was a fun book, and I give it a B+.
From Amazon:
Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey. According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys. Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He’s chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he’s chosen the Barrens as his new playground. Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. He’s now twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn’t made it out of the boys’ department at Macy’s. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn’t met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court. Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel. Diesel pops in and out of Plum’s life like birthday cake – delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He’s an über bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He’s after Grimoire, and now he’s also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn’t mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs. Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.
My favorite character, Grandma Mazur only makes a small apperance in this book, but there is plenty of Lula and hot guys all over. Stephanie is up to all of her old tricks and has a fun, cute monkey along for the ride. I am always amazed at the trouble Stephanie gets into and love the comments her mom makes about her career. In this book, Mrs. Plum asks why Stephanie can't have a nice job at the bank like someone's daughter and that just totally seems like something a mother would say. There were plenty of smiles and chuckles while reading this book and it was the perfect one to read between tutoring jobs. I only wish for more Morelli since I seriously love him and wish Stephanie would just choose him. I guess the Plum books wouldn't be the same if Stephanie did choose, and I have to admit that it probably is a bit fun to "be" Stephanie and have all of these men chasing after her and wanting to protect her. With all of that being said, I do look forward to "Finger Licking Fifteen" being released in June and plan on placing my hold as soon as it is released in my library's catalogue.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have three more library books to choose from, but I may just choose one of my own. Since I am on a reading streak, I think I can sneak in one of my own and not hold up the library books for too long. Right now is time for bed, right after I get the last load of laundry out and pick out my clothes for tomorrow. I don't have a job yet, but I am sure I will get a lovely wake up call around 5:3o a.m. to come in. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
From Amazon:
Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey. According to legend, the Jersey Devil prowls the Pine Barrens and soars above the treetops in the dark of night. As eerie as this might seem, there are things in the Barrens that are even more frightening and dangerous. And there are monkeys. Lots of monkeys. Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He’s chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as his new business partner, and he’s chosen the Barrens as his new playground. Munch received his doctorate degree in quantum physics when he was twenty-two. He’s now twenty-four, and while his brain is large, his body hasn’t made it out of the boys’ department at Macy’s. Anyone who says good things come in small packages hasn’t met Munch. Wulf Grimoire is looking for world domination. Martin Munch would be happy if he could just get a woman naked and tied to a tree. Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has Munch on her most-wanted list for failure to appear in court. Plum is the all-American girl stuck in an uncomfortable job, succeeding on luck and tenacity. Usually she gets her man. This time she gets a monkey. She also gets a big guy named Diesel. Diesel pops in and out of Plum’s life like birthday cake – delicious to look at and taste, not especially healthy as a steady diet, gone by the end of the week if not sooner. He’s an über bounty hunter with special skills when it comes to tracking men and pleasing women. He’s after Grimoire, and now he’s also after Munch. And if truth were told, he wouldn’t mind setting Stephanie Plum in his crosshairs. Diesel and Plum hunt down Munch and Grimoire, following them into the Barrens, surviving cranberry bogs, the Jersey Devil, a hair-raising experience, sand in their underwear, and, of course . . . monkeys.
My favorite character, Grandma Mazur only makes a small apperance in this book, but there is plenty of Lula and hot guys all over. Stephanie is up to all of her old tricks and has a fun, cute monkey along for the ride. I am always amazed at the trouble Stephanie gets into and love the comments her mom makes about her career. In this book, Mrs. Plum asks why Stephanie can't have a nice job at the bank like someone's daughter and that just totally seems like something a mother would say. There were plenty of smiles and chuckles while reading this book and it was the perfect one to read between tutoring jobs. I only wish for more Morelli since I seriously love him and wish Stephanie would just choose him. I guess the Plum books wouldn't be the same if Stephanie did choose, and I have to admit that it probably is a bit fun to "be" Stephanie and have all of these men chasing after her and wanting to protect her. With all of that being said, I do look forward to "Finger Licking Fifteen" being released in June and plan on placing my hold as soon as it is released in my library's catalogue.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I have three more library books to choose from, but I may just choose one of my own. Since I am on a reading streak, I think I can sneak in one of my own and not hold up the library books for too long. Right now is time for bed, right after I get the last load of laundry out and pick out my clothes for tomorrow. I don't have a job yet, but I am sure I will get a lovely wake up call around 5:3o a.m. to come in. I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and Happy Reading!
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