I picked up The Sleeping Doll purely on impulse a couple of weeks ago from the library when I was picking up another book. This was a fantastic read and one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I give it an A-.
Inside cover:
When Special Agent Kathryn Dance- a brilliant interrogator and kinesics expert with the CBI- is sent to question the convicted killer Daniel "Son of Manson" Pell as a suspenct in a newly unearthed crime, she feels both trepidation and electrifying intrigue. Pell is serving a life sentence for the brutal murders of the wealthy Croyton family in Carmel years earlier- a crime mirroring those perpetrated by Charles Manson in the 1960s. But Pell and his cult members were sloppy: Not only were they apprehended, they even left behind a survivor- the youngest of the Croyton daughters, who, because she was in bed hidden by her toys that terrible night, was dubbed the Sleeping Doll.
But the girl never spoke about that night, nor did the crime's mastermind. Indeed, Pell has long been both reticent and unrepentant about the crime. And so with the murderer transported from the Capitola superprison to an interrogation room in the Monerey County Courthouse, Dance sees an opportunity to pry a confession from him for the recent murder- and to learn more about the depraved mind of this career criminal who considers himself a master of control, a dark Svengali, forcing people to do what they otherwise would never conceive of doing. In an electrifying psychologica jousting match, Dance calls up all her skills as an interrogator and kinesics- body language- expert to get to the truth behind Daniel Pell.
But when Dance's plan goes terribly wrong and Pell escapes, leaving behind a trail of dead and injured, she finds herself in charge, of her first-ever manhunt. But far from simply fleeing, Pell turns on his pursuers- and other inccoecnts- for reasons Dance and her colleagues can't discern. As the idyllic Monterey Pennisula is paralyzed by the elusive killer, Dance turns to the past to find the truth about what Daniel Pell is really up to. She tracks down the now teenage Sleeping Doll to learn what really happened that night, and she arranges a reunion of the three women who were in his cult at the time of the killings. The lies of the past and the evasions of the present boil up under the relentless probing of Kathryn Dance, but will the truth about Daniel Pell emerge in time to stop him from killing again?
This book had a ton of twists and turns that kept me guessing the entire time. I had a difficult time putting it down, which to me, is always a great sign of a fantastic book. I loved the main character, Kathryn, and was really rooting for her. Pell is a scary villian, and one who is quite powerful as well. I thought Mr. Deaver did a great job with the research of cults which is something I am always intrigued by. I guess the whole idea of people completely losing control of themselves to the power of someone else is quite scary and a bit unbelieveable to me, but I enjoy reading about it. If you haven't tried Jeffrey Deaver, I highly suggest you read his books. This one is part of a series but I don't think I missed out on anything by not reading the other ones first. The next one that I want to read Roadside Crosses which I have heard great things about on various blogs.
I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend. I am sad that it is almost coming to an end, but I am not going to think about it. (Denial is a powerful thing!!!) Happy Reading everyone!!!
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Too Close for Comfort by Ellen Feldman
Too Close for Comfort is a book that has been sitting on my TBR shelves for far too long. I probably got it from a UBS or library sale, as it's an older book set in the 1990s. I thought it sounded right up my alley, but I was a bit disappointed. I give it a B-.
Back cover:
Half of the New Yorkers Isobel knew would kill for Pete's baronial Fifth Avenue apartment. Dr. Peter Arlen, psychiatrist, inherited it. Isobel Behringer, architectural preservationist and director of Urban Heritage, married into it. Flush and faintly guilty to be happily married at last, Isobel set about learning the rules of the house. But she couldn't help breaking a few as she cautiously took the shortcut through Pete's waiting room, naked under his shirt, to get more coffee, or look for a pair of gloves, or tempt fate. She thought no one could see her. Until the heavy-breathing calls began, disturbingly intimate, menacing, threatening her marriage and her peace of mind. Someone wanted to fill her shoes, her life, her husband's arms. Someone desperate, deranged. Sone only a razor-edge away...
Since this book is so old, I won't go into too many details or review it in depth. I thought so much more could have been done with the book, especially since it was almost 400 pages long, but a lot of it just focused on Isobel's daily life and the mundane things she does. The suspense really doesn't have a chance to build and Isobel isn't the most likeable character. Things did pick up in the second half of the book and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening between watching mindless tv. The reader discovers who is stalking Isobel with about 100 pages left in the book, and that takes away from the suspense a bit as well. I was able to figure things out towards the end but I find that happening more and more often. Oh well, I am happy to finally finish a book!
My new job is just draining me. I am absolutely miserable there and when I get home from work I am just so burned out I sit and count down the hours until I have to go back. I hope things get better, and holding out hope that they will get better, but if they don't I will be quitting. I've never quit a job before because I didn't like it and I hate the thought of quitting in this economy, but my mental health just isn't worth it. I had today off and am off until Tuesday, so I will be sending out resumes and can always return to subbing. Enought of all of that... I don't want to spend my next four days off thinking about that place. I hope to get lots of reading in this weekend, so I think I will head off to bed now so I can get up early tomorrow to fulfill that goal. Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
Half of the New Yorkers Isobel knew would kill for Pete's baronial Fifth Avenue apartment. Dr. Peter Arlen, psychiatrist, inherited it. Isobel Behringer, architectural preservationist and director of Urban Heritage, married into it. Flush and faintly guilty to be happily married at last, Isobel set about learning the rules of the house. But she couldn't help breaking a few as she cautiously took the shortcut through Pete's waiting room, naked under his shirt, to get more coffee, or look for a pair of gloves, or tempt fate. She thought no one could see her. Until the heavy-breathing calls began, disturbingly intimate, menacing, threatening her marriage and her peace of mind. Someone wanted to fill her shoes, her life, her husband's arms. Someone desperate, deranged. Sone only a razor-edge away...
Since this book is so old, I won't go into too many details or review it in depth. I thought so much more could have been done with the book, especially since it was almost 400 pages long, but a lot of it just focused on Isobel's daily life and the mundane things she does. The suspense really doesn't have a chance to build and Isobel isn't the most likeable character. Things did pick up in the second half of the book and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening between watching mindless tv. The reader discovers who is stalking Isobel with about 100 pages left in the book, and that takes away from the suspense a bit as well. I was able to figure things out towards the end but I find that happening more and more often. Oh well, I am happy to finally finish a book!
My new job is just draining me. I am absolutely miserable there and when I get home from work I am just so burned out I sit and count down the hours until I have to go back. I hope things get better, and holding out hope that they will get better, but if they don't I will be quitting. I've never quit a job before because I didn't like it and I hate the thought of quitting in this economy, but my mental health just isn't worth it. I had today off and am off until Tuesday, so I will be sending out resumes and can always return to subbing. Enought of all of that... I don't want to spend my next four days off thinking about that place. I hope to get lots of reading in this weekend, so I think I will head off to bed now so I can get up early tomorrow to fulfill that goal. Happy Reading everyone!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Happens Every Day by Isabel Gilles
I read about Happens Every Day on someone's blog, and since I am always on the lookout for a good memoir, I decided to place a hold on it from my library. Isabel Gilles is the actress who plays Detective Stabler's wie on one of my favorite tv shows, Law and Order: SVU, so that picqued my curiousity even more. A quick but painful read, I give Happens Every Day a B.
Inside cover:
Isabel Gilles had a wonderful life- a handsome, intelligent, loving husband; two glorious toddlers; a beautiful house; the time and place to express all her ebullience and affection and optimism. Suddenly that life is over. Her husband, Josiah, announced he was leaving her and their two young sons.
When Josiah took a teaching job at a Midwestern college, Isabel and their sons moved with him from New York City to Ohio, where Isabel taught acting, through herself into the college community, and delighted in the less-scheduled lives of toddlers raised away from the city. But within a few months, the marriage was over. The life Isabel had made crumbled. "Happens every day." said a friend.
Far from a self-pitying diatribe, Happens Every Day reads like an intimate conversation between friends. Gillies has written a dizzyingly candid, compulsively readable, ultimately redemptive story about love, marriage, family, heartbreak, and the unexpected turns of a life. One the one hand, reading this book is like watching a train wreck. On the other hand, as Gillies herself says, it is abot trying to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness, and loving your life even if it has slipped away. Hers is a remarkable new voice- instinctive, funny, and irresistible.
I do give Ms. Gillies a ton of credit. While her life is falling apart around her, Ms. Gillies keeps a positive attitude (well as positive as one can have) and keeps it together for her sons. She tries all she can in her power to keep her family and marriage together, and when it becomes apparent that she can't, she tries to stay as civil with her husband as she can for her sons. I hated her husband and wanted to rip through the pages and strangle him myself, so perhaps I am not as a good of a person as Ms. Gillies is. I absolutely love her quote, though, of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness, and can definitely use some of that spirit right now when dealing with my job. Her attitude is wonderful and I strongly believe that everyone can take something away from the story, whether you are married, single, widowed, or divorced. While Happens Every Day wasn't the best book or memoir I've read, I believe it is one that is worth the time.
In trying to keep with my promise to rotate reading one of my books with a library book, the next one I read will be one of my own. Which book that is, I'm not sure, but I hope it's a good one. I am exhausted for some reason ( I even napped today, which is something I rarely do) but hope to at least start a new book. Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
Isabel Gilles had a wonderful life- a handsome, intelligent, loving husband; two glorious toddlers; a beautiful house; the time and place to express all her ebullience and affection and optimism. Suddenly that life is over. Her husband, Josiah, announced he was leaving her and their two young sons.
When Josiah took a teaching job at a Midwestern college, Isabel and their sons moved with him from New York City to Ohio, where Isabel taught acting, through herself into the college community, and delighted in the less-scheduled lives of toddlers raised away from the city. But within a few months, the marriage was over. The life Isabel had made crumbled. "Happens every day." said a friend.
Far from a self-pitying diatribe, Happens Every Day reads like an intimate conversation between friends. Gillies has written a dizzyingly candid, compulsively readable, ultimately redemptive story about love, marriage, family, heartbreak, and the unexpected turns of a life. One the one hand, reading this book is like watching a train wreck. On the other hand, as Gillies herself says, it is abot trying to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness, and loving your life even if it has slipped away. Hers is a remarkable new voice- instinctive, funny, and irresistible.
I do give Ms. Gillies a ton of credit. While her life is falling apart around her, Ms. Gillies keeps a positive attitude (well as positive as one can have) and keeps it together for her sons. She tries all she can in her power to keep her family and marriage together, and when it becomes apparent that she can't, she tries to stay as civil with her husband as she can for her sons. I hated her husband and wanted to rip through the pages and strangle him myself, so perhaps I am not as a good of a person as Ms. Gillies is. I absolutely love her quote, though, of lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness, and can definitely use some of that spirit right now when dealing with my job. Her attitude is wonderful and I strongly believe that everyone can take something away from the story, whether you are married, single, widowed, or divorced. While Happens Every Day wasn't the best book or memoir I've read, I believe it is one that is worth the time.
In trying to keep with my promise to rotate reading one of my books with a library book, the next one I read will be one of my own. Which book that is, I'm not sure, but I hope it's a good one. I am exhausted for some reason ( I even napped today, which is something I rarely do) but hope to at least start a new book. Happy Reading everyone!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Paint it Red by Carla Cassidy
Carla Cassidy is a women's suspense author whose books I normally really enjoy. Paint It Red has been on my shelves for awhile, so I decided to pick it up and get it read. Unfortunetly, I didn't enjoy it all that much and give it a C.
Back cover:
Jim Abbott, an up-and-coming artist, drowned himself in the raging waters of Missouri River. His body was never recovered. Two years later, his widow, Vanessa, has arranged for one last showing of his brilliant, disturbing art. The event is a success: Critics are raving, pieces are selling, and Vanessa even meets an interesting man. Christian Connor is gentle, honest, and incredibly sexy. Soon their innocent flirtation heats up...
Then the gallery owner is found dead with a splash of red accross his body, and his corpse is only the first to bear that mark. Vanessa recgonizes the stroke: When Jim was unhappy with a painting, he'd slash it with furious crimson. And in her home, Jim's picture somehow finds its way onto the dresser and his jacket appears on the back of the sofa. Is she going crazy? Or has her husband returned to claim her as his own?
This book was just so-so. The main part of the story was romance, and as you know, I am not a huge fan of romance novels. Vanessa was a bit annoying, as well, and I didn't find her to be too convincing of a character. The mystery was also done so-so, and though there weren't many clues to who the killer was, it wasn't difficult to figure it out. If you enjoy romantic suspense, then you may enjoy this book, but it just wasn't one for me. Hopefully the next book I read with resonate more with me.
It's late and I need to get to bed, so I will leave you with a Good Night and Happy Reading!
Back cover:
Jim Abbott, an up-and-coming artist, drowned himself in the raging waters of Missouri River. His body was never recovered. Two years later, his widow, Vanessa, has arranged for one last showing of his brilliant, disturbing art. The event is a success: Critics are raving, pieces are selling, and Vanessa even meets an interesting man. Christian Connor is gentle, honest, and incredibly sexy. Soon their innocent flirtation heats up...
Then the gallery owner is found dead with a splash of red accross his body, and his corpse is only the first to bear that mark. Vanessa recgonizes the stroke: When Jim was unhappy with a painting, he'd slash it with furious crimson. And in her home, Jim's picture somehow finds its way onto the dresser and his jacket appears on the back of the sofa. Is she going crazy? Or has her husband returned to claim her as his own?
This book was just so-so. The main part of the story was romance, and as you know, I am not a huge fan of romance novels. Vanessa was a bit annoying, as well, and I didn't find her to be too convincing of a character. The mystery was also done so-so, and though there weren't many clues to who the killer was, it wasn't difficult to figure it out. If you enjoy romantic suspense, then you may enjoy this book, but it just wasn't one for me. Hopefully the next book I read with resonate more with me.
It's late and I need to get to bed, so I will leave you with a Good Night and Happy Reading!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Fear the Worst by Linwood Barclay
I fell in love with Mr. Barclay's work when I read his first book in a cozy mystery series surrounding a goofy dad who worked as a comic book author and have enjoyed his books ever since. I have been dying to read Fear the Worst since I first learned it was coming out and was so happy to finally pick it up from the library. It was another great book by Mr. Barclay, and I give it an A-.
Inside cover:
Tim is an average guy. He sells cars. He has an ex-wife who's moved in with a man whose moody son spends more time online than he should. Tim's girlfriend is turning out to be a bit of a flake. It's not a life without hassles, but nothing will prepare him for the nightmare that's about to begin.
His daughter, Sydney, has vanished into thin air. At the hotel where she supposedly worked, no one has ever heard of her. Even her closest friends seem to be at a loss. Now, as the days pass without word, Tim must face the fact that not only is Sydney missing, but that he may not have known his daughter as well as he thought.
As he retraces Sydney's steps, Tim discovers that the suburban Connecticut town he always thought of as idyllic is anything but. What he doesn't know is that his every move is being watched. There are others who want to find Sydney as much as Tim does.
But they're not planning a welcome home party.
The closer Tim comes to the truth, the closer he comes to every parent's worst nightmare- and the kind of evil only a parent's love has a chance in hell of stopping.
Mr. Barclay does such a great job writing books that are fast-paced, suspenseful, and have a touch of humor in them. Though the book's topic is heart-wrenching and the suspense is at top speed, there are little parts here and there that entice a chuckle or small smile out of you. I loved Tim and thought he was a wonderful character. A dad who loves his daughter and will do anything for her, but isn't so blind with his love that he doesn't see the stupid things that all teenagers do. I can't recommend Linwood Barclay books enough, and if you haven't checked one out from him, I highly suggest you run and get one! The reason for the A- and not an A is because of one little aspect of the story that seemed just a bit too unbelieveable for me and one that I really thought didn't have to be added to the story.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I still have some library books, including a biography that I would like to get to, but I really need to start reading some of my own books for the RYOB challenge. I can't believe August is almost over already! The job still stinks, and I am absolutely dreading going, but I am not going to let it ruin my evenings when I am home and can relax with a good book like I did yesterday. I am going to hop in the shower right now and sneak in a few chapters of one of my own books before bed time. Happy Reading everyone!
Inside cover:
Tim is an average guy. He sells cars. He has an ex-wife who's moved in with a man whose moody son spends more time online than he should. Tim's girlfriend is turning out to be a bit of a flake. It's not a life without hassles, but nothing will prepare him for the nightmare that's about to begin.
His daughter, Sydney, has vanished into thin air. At the hotel where she supposedly worked, no one has ever heard of her. Even her closest friends seem to be at a loss. Now, as the days pass without word, Tim must face the fact that not only is Sydney missing, but that he may not have known his daughter as well as he thought.
As he retraces Sydney's steps, Tim discovers that the suburban Connecticut town he always thought of as idyllic is anything but. What he doesn't know is that his every move is being watched. There are others who want to find Sydney as much as Tim does.
But they're not planning a welcome home party.
The closer Tim comes to the truth, the closer he comes to every parent's worst nightmare- and the kind of evil only a parent's love has a chance in hell of stopping.
Mr. Barclay does such a great job writing books that are fast-paced, suspenseful, and have a touch of humor in them. Though the book's topic is heart-wrenching and the suspense is at top speed, there are little parts here and there that entice a chuckle or small smile out of you. I loved Tim and thought he was a wonderful character. A dad who loves his daughter and will do anything for her, but isn't so blind with his love that he doesn't see the stupid things that all teenagers do. I can't recommend Linwood Barclay books enough, and if you haven't checked one out from him, I highly suggest you run and get one! The reason for the A- and not an A is because of one little aspect of the story that seemed just a bit too unbelieveable for me and one that I really thought didn't have to be added to the story.
I am not sure what I am going to read next. I still have some library books, including a biography that I would like to get to, but I really need to start reading some of my own books for the RYOB challenge. I can't believe August is almost over already! The job still stinks, and I am absolutely dreading going, but I am not going to let it ruin my evenings when I am home and can relax with a good book like I did yesterday. I am going to hop in the shower right now and sneak in a few chapters of one of my own books before bed time. Happy Reading everyone!
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!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Duggars: 20 and Counting!
I stumbled across 18 Kids and Counting a couple of months ago while flipping through the channels and immediately fell in love with the Duggar family. When I heard they had a book being released, I placed a hold on it from my local library and it finally came in. It helped me break out of this reading slump I have been in, and I finished it in a couple of hours this evening. It was a nice book to read and I give it a B+.
Back cover:
The Duggars: 20 and Counting! is a behind-the-scenes look at the surprise family that fascinates millions of television viewers across the world. From Idaho to Istanbul, people want to know how Arkansas parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar efficiently and lovingly manage eighteen happy, homeschooled children without going into debt- or losing their minds!
This, the Duggars' first book, is an entertaining and enlightening collection of stories, photos, recipes, tips, traditions, and practical ideas designed to answer the questions of the curious...
I really love the Duggar family and am always encouraged by their patient and loving ways with their children. As a teacher, I am amazed at how calm and patient they are and strive to learn from them. In the days of Jon and Kate and that crazy Octomom, it is comforting to see "normal" people raise a large and loving family. While they are strongly religious, they never come across as preachie... and they provide great tips for anyone, whether you have no children or 18. I learned some great tips on organization and love their budget ideas. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about a wholesome family or get some great recipes and tips.
As I mentioned, I have been in a reading slump and have started a new job that I am not sure I am going to keep. There is a lot to be concerned about, but in this economy, I am not sure I want to walk away from a steady paycheck. I plan on seriously thinking about all of this this weekend and hope to make a good decision. I also need to relax and hope to get in some reading time this weekend. It seems my hours at work are much longer than I was lead to believe, and as I am a salary employee, it is one of the things troubling me. I am not feeling to well right now (another migraine coming on... UGH!), and need to get some sleep, so if you don't mind, please send some good vibes my way. Any and all are appreciated as I try to work through this transistion. Happy Reading everyone!
Back cover:
The Duggars: 20 and Counting! is a behind-the-scenes look at the surprise family that fascinates millions of television viewers across the world. From Idaho to Istanbul, people want to know how Arkansas parents Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar efficiently and lovingly manage eighteen happy, homeschooled children without going into debt- or losing their minds!
This, the Duggars' first book, is an entertaining and enlightening collection of stories, photos, recipes, tips, traditions, and practical ideas designed to answer the questions of the curious...
I really love the Duggar family and am always encouraged by their patient and loving ways with their children. As a teacher, I am amazed at how calm and patient they are and strive to learn from them. In the days of Jon and Kate and that crazy Octomom, it is comforting to see "normal" people raise a large and loving family. While they are strongly religious, they never come across as preachie... and they provide great tips for anyone, whether you have no children or 18. I learned some great tips on organization and love their budget ideas. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about a wholesome family or get some great recipes and tips.
As I mentioned, I have been in a reading slump and have started a new job that I am not sure I am going to keep. There is a lot to be concerned about, but in this economy, I am not sure I want to walk away from a steady paycheck. I plan on seriously thinking about all of this this weekend and hope to make a good decision. I also need to relax and hope to get in some reading time this weekend. It seems my hours at work are much longer than I was lead to believe, and as I am a salary employee, it is one of the things troubling me. I am not feeling to well right now (another migraine coming on... UGH!), and need to get some sleep, so if you don't mind, please send some good vibes my way. Any and all are appreciated as I try to work through this transistion. Happy Reading everyone!
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