Started: 11/15/11
Finished: 12/6/11
Year: 2011
Pages: 260
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: Review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from book jacket): "When a homeless woman is found dead on the shore of Lake Minnetonka, she's wearing something that holds the key to her identity but also opens up a mystery. Embroidered on her blouse is her will, in which she bequeaths everything she owns to Emily Hame, her neice-a member of the Monday Bunch at Betsy Devonshire's Crewel World needlework shop!
"Emily's aunt is, in fact, the second homeless wooman to be found dead under mysterious circumstances. Is someone targeting the homeless in Excelsior, Minnesota? Or is her aunt's death related to what turns out to be a sizable inheritance, thought with some bizarre conditions?
"It's all too much for Emily, who seeks the help of her good friend and fellow needlecrafter Betsy to discover the common thread between the deaths-and to determine if a murderer may strike again..."
Opinion: A pretty good mystery with a predictable suspect. For a more complete review, please check out MyShelf.com
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Suffer the Children by John Saul
Started: 7/23/11
Finished: 8/29/11
Year: 1977
Pages: 378
Genre: Horror
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR shelf
Blurb(from back cover): "One hundred years ago in Port Arbello a pretty little girl began to scream. And struggle. And die. Non one heard. No one saw. Just one man whose guilty heart burst in pain as he dashed himself to death in the sea...
"Now something peculiar is happening in Port Arbello. The children are disappearing, one by one. An evil history is repeating itself. And one strange, terrified child has ended her silence with a scream that began a hundred years ago."
Opinion: Pretty good horror book.
Finished: 8/29/11
Year: 1977
Pages: 378
Genre: Horror
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR shelf
Blurb(from back cover): "One hundred years ago in Port Arbello a pretty little girl began to scream. And struggle. And die. Non one heard. No one saw. Just one man whose guilty heart burst in pain as he dashed himself to death in the sea...
"Now something peculiar is happening in Port Arbello. The children are disappearing, one by one. An evil history is repeating itself. And one strange, terrified child has ended her silence with a scream that began a hundred years ago."
Opinion: Pretty good horror book.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Candyfreak by Steve Almond
Started: 7/18/11
Finished: 7/23/11
Year: 2004
Pages: 266
Genre: Non fiction
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR shelf
Blurb: Steve Almond has a fascination of candy and goes to several different local chocolate companies around the United States.
Opinion: Another person after my own heart. A fun and enjoyable read
Finished: 7/23/11
Year: 2004
Pages: 266
Genre: Non fiction
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR shelf
Blurb: Steve Almond has a fascination of candy and goes to several different local chocolate companies around the United States.
Opinion: Another person after my own heart. A fun and enjoyable read
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Bad Blood: The Shocking True Story Behind the Menendez Killings
Started: 7/8/11
Finished: 7/18/11
Year: 1994
Pages: 256
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Grabbed off the TBR shelf
Blurb: The court case of the Menendez brothers who were acquitted of killing their parents.
Opinion: Spoiled brats got away with murder is my take on the situation. Not quite sure how the juries for both were dead locked but that's the story.
Finished: 7/18/11
Year: 1994
Pages: 256
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Grabbed off the TBR shelf
Blurb: The court case of the Menendez brothers who were acquitted of killing their parents.
Opinion: Spoiled brats got away with murder is my take on the situation. Not quite sure how the juries for both were dead locked but that's the story.
Friday, July 08, 2011
The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
Started: 5/15/11
Finished: 7/8/11
Year: 1992
Pages: 412
Genre: Mystery
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch-hero, maverick, nighthawk-the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal.
"The dead man, Billy Meadows, was a fellow Vietnam 'tunnel rat' who fought side by side with him in a nightmare underground war that brought them to the depths of hell. Now, Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city to the torturous link that must be uncovered, his survival instinct will once again be tested to their limit.
"Joining with an enigmatic an seductive female FBI agent, pitted against enemies inside his own department, Bosch must make the agonizing choice between justice and vengeance, as he tracks down a killer whose true face will shock him."
Opinion: Another great book by Connelly. Just wish I had the time to read more.
Finished: 7/8/11
Year: 1992
Pages: 412
Genre: Mystery
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "For LAPD homicide cop Harry Bosch-hero, maverick, nighthawk-the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal.
"The dead man, Billy Meadows, was a fellow Vietnam 'tunnel rat' who fought side by side with him in a nightmare underground war that brought them to the depths of hell. Now, Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city to the torturous link that must be uncovered, his survival instinct will once again be tested to their limit.
"Joining with an enigmatic an seductive female FBI agent, pitted against enemies inside his own department, Bosch must make the agonizing choice between justice and vengeance, as he tracks down a killer whose true face will shock him."
Opinion: Another great book by Connelly. Just wish I had the time to read more.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Lake News by Barbara Delinsky
Started: 4/27/11
Finished: 5/14/11
Year: 1999
Pages: 514
Genre: Literature
Grade: A-
Reason for reading: grabbed from TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "After an unscrupulous reported falsely accuses Boston lounge singer Lily Blake of having an affair with a newly appointed Cardinal, she's hounded by the press, fired from her job, and robbed of all public freedom. The humiliation and violation of privacy leaves her no choice but to retreat to her rural hometown of Lake Henry, New Hampshire.
"In search of refuge, Lily forms an uneasy alliance with John Kipling, a former Boston reporter with trust issues of his own. Now editing Lake Henry's local newspaper, John cannot ignore Lily's appeal or her plight-even at the risk of taking on his former colleagues.
"Surprising and deeply satisfying, Lake News offers an intimate look at the complex relationship between an enigmatic man and a vulnerable woman, both struggling to find a new sense of cummunity in a strange place they once called home."
Opinion: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Simple and delightful read.
Finished: 5/14/11
Year: 1999
Pages: 514
Genre: Literature
Grade: A-
Reason for reading: grabbed from TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "After an unscrupulous reported falsely accuses Boston lounge singer Lily Blake of having an affair with a newly appointed Cardinal, she's hounded by the press, fired from her job, and robbed of all public freedom. The humiliation and violation of privacy leaves her no choice but to retreat to her rural hometown of Lake Henry, New Hampshire.
"In search of refuge, Lily forms an uneasy alliance with John Kipling, a former Boston reporter with trust issues of his own. Now editing Lake Henry's local newspaper, John cannot ignore Lily's appeal or her plight-even at the risk of taking on his former colleagues.
"Surprising and deeply satisfying, Lake News offers an intimate look at the complex relationship between an enigmatic man and a vulnerable woman, both struggling to find a new sense of cummunity in a strange place they once called home."
Opinion: I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. Simple and delightful read.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Driven to Kill by Cliff Linedecker
Started: 4/13/11
Finished: 4/16/11
Year: 2003
Pages: 253
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed from TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "'David, look what you made me do!' screamed Clara Harris as she held her dying husband's crushed body in her arms only minutes after running him over three times with her Mercedes. The mother of twin toddlers had been a hugely successful dentist, businesswoman and former beauty queen-but none of that was enough for David Harris, who carried on a blatant and torrid affair with his sexy receptionist, Gail Bridges. Pushed to the breaking point, Clara finally snapped. Driven to Kill puts you behind the wheel with never-before-revealed details of this murder by motor vehicle that gripped all of America-and like a real-life Greek tragedy, left no one.
Opinion: An average sensational true crime book. Guess all should be forewarned before they go cheating on a spouse.
Finished: 4/16/11
Year: 2003
Pages: 253
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed from TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "'David, look what you made me do!' screamed Clara Harris as she held her dying husband's crushed body in her arms only minutes after running him over three times with her Mercedes. The mother of twin toddlers had been a hugely successful dentist, businesswoman and former beauty queen-but none of that was enough for David Harris, who carried on a blatant and torrid affair with his sexy receptionist, Gail Bridges. Pushed to the breaking point, Clara finally snapped. Driven to Kill puts you behind the wheel with never-before-revealed details of this murder by motor vehicle that gripped all of America-and like a real-life Greek tragedy, left no one.
Opinion: An average sensational true crime book. Guess all should be forewarned before they go cheating on a spouse.
The Bone Thief by Jefferson Bass
Started: 3/25/11
Finished: 4/13/11
Year: 2010
Pages: 359
Genre: Thriller
Grade: A
Reason for reading: grabbed from TBR shelf, bought on a recent trip to DC
Blurb (from book jacket): "Dr. Bill Brockton has been called in on a seemingly routine case, to exhume a body and obtain a bone sample for a DNA paternity test. But when the coffin is opened, Brockton and his colleagues, including his graduate assistant Miranda Lovelady, are stunned to see that the corpse has been horribly violated.
"Brockton's initial shock gives way to astonishment as he uncovers a flourishing and lucrative black market in body parts. At the center of this ghoulish empire is a daring and prosperous grave robber. Soon Brockton finds himself drawn into the dangerous enterprise when the FBI recruits him to bring down the postmortem chop shop-using corpses from the Body Farm as bait in an undercover sting operation.
"As Brockton struggles to play the unscrupulous role the FBI asks of him, his friend and colleague medical examiner Eddie Garcia faces a devastating injury that could end his career. Exposed to a near-lethal dose of radioactivity, Dr. Garcia has lost most of his right hand and his entire left hand. Out of options, he embarks on a desperate quest: both of his ravaged hands will be severed at the wrist and replaced with those from a cadaver. But unless suitable ones are found soon, the opportunity will be lost.
"As Brockton delves deep into the clandestine trade, he is faced with an agonizing choice: Is he willing to risk an FBI investigation-and his own principles-to help his friend? Will he be able to live with himself if he crosses that line"? Will he be able to live with himself if he crosses that line? Will he be able to live with himself if he doesn't? And as the criminal case and the medical crisis converge, a pair of simpler questions arise: Will Dr. Garcia survive-and will Brockton?"
Opinion: Great book. Fast paced. Easy summer read
Finished: 4/13/11
Year: 2010
Pages: 359
Genre: Thriller
Grade: A
Reason for reading: grabbed from TBR shelf, bought on a recent trip to DC
Blurb (from book jacket): "Dr. Bill Brockton has been called in on a seemingly routine case, to exhume a body and obtain a bone sample for a DNA paternity test. But when the coffin is opened, Brockton and his colleagues, including his graduate assistant Miranda Lovelady, are stunned to see that the corpse has been horribly violated.
"Brockton's initial shock gives way to astonishment as he uncovers a flourishing and lucrative black market in body parts. At the center of this ghoulish empire is a daring and prosperous grave robber. Soon Brockton finds himself drawn into the dangerous enterprise when the FBI recruits him to bring down the postmortem chop shop-using corpses from the Body Farm as bait in an undercover sting operation.
"As Brockton struggles to play the unscrupulous role the FBI asks of him, his friend and colleague medical examiner Eddie Garcia faces a devastating injury that could end his career. Exposed to a near-lethal dose of radioactivity, Dr. Garcia has lost most of his right hand and his entire left hand. Out of options, he embarks on a desperate quest: both of his ravaged hands will be severed at the wrist and replaced with those from a cadaver. But unless suitable ones are found soon, the opportunity will be lost.
"As Brockton delves deep into the clandestine trade, he is faced with an agonizing choice: Is he willing to risk an FBI investigation-and his own principles-to help his friend? Will he be able to live with himself if he crosses that line"? Will he be able to live with himself if he crosses that line? Will he be able to live with himself if he doesn't? And as the criminal case and the medical crisis converge, a pair of simpler questions arise: Will Dr. Garcia survive-and will Brockton?"
Opinion: Great book. Fast paced. Easy summer read
Iron River by T. Jefferson Parker
Started: 2/3/11
Finished: 4/13/11
Year: 2011
Pages: 388
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Along the United States-Mexico border, a man named Mike Finnegan wakes up in the hospital in Buenavista after a hit-and-run accident, eerily aware of events he should know nothing about. His daughter claims he's schizophrenic, but she's every bit as odd. Also strange is that he was found with ninety thousand dollars in cash-and Charlie Hood's name and address in his wallet.
"Hood's down there tracking the flow of illegal guns into Mexico when his team accidentally kills the son of Benjamin Armenta, head of the Gulf Cartel and one of the most violent men in the world. Now, to save his own life and those of his team, Hood works to grasp the enigmatic forces fighting for control of Buenavista-forces that circle back to the Finnegans and to Armenta's unstoppable plan for brute vengeance."
Opinion: Obviously it took me forever to read this and I was very confused throughout the book. For a more complete review, please check out MyShelf.com in the future months.
Finished: 4/13/11
Year: 2011
Pages: 388
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Along the United States-Mexico border, a man named Mike Finnegan wakes up in the hospital in Buenavista after a hit-and-run accident, eerily aware of events he should know nothing about. His daughter claims he's schizophrenic, but she's every bit as odd. Also strange is that he was found with ninety thousand dollars in cash-and Charlie Hood's name and address in his wallet.
"Hood's down there tracking the flow of illegal guns into Mexico when his team accidentally kills the son of Benjamin Armenta, head of the Gulf Cartel and one of the most violent men in the world. Now, to save his own life and those of his team, Hood works to grasp the enigmatic forces fighting for control of Buenavista-forces that circle back to the Finnegans and to Armenta's unstoppable plan for brute vengeance."
Opinion: Obviously it took me forever to read this and I was very confused throughout the book. For a more complete review, please check out MyShelf.com in the future months.
Friday, February 04, 2011
What the Night Knows by Dean Koontz
Started: 1/3/11
Finished: 2/3/11
Year: 2010
Pages: 442
Genre: Thriller
Grade: b+
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR pile
Blurb (from book jacket): "In the late summer of a long-ago year, a killer arrived in a small city. His name was Alton Turner Blackwood, and in the space of a few months he brutally murdered four families. His savage spree ended only when he himself was killed by the last survivor of the last family, a fourteen-year-old boy.
"Half a continent away and two decades later, someone is murdering families again, re-creating in detail Blackwood's crimes. Homicide detective John Calvino is certain that his own family-his wife and three children-will be targets in the fourth crime, just as his parents and sisters were victims on that distant night when he was fourteen and their slayer.
"As a detective, John is a man of reason who deals in cold facts. But an extraordinary experience convinces him that sometimes death is not a one-way journey, that sometiems the dead return."
Opinion: Koontz is back. This reminded me of how he used to write. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just wish that it didn't take me so long to read it.
Finished: 2/3/11
Year: 2010
Pages: 442
Genre: Thriller
Grade: b+
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR pile
Blurb (from book jacket): "In the late summer of a long-ago year, a killer arrived in a small city. His name was Alton Turner Blackwood, and in the space of a few months he brutally murdered four families. His savage spree ended only when he himself was killed by the last survivor of the last family, a fourteen-year-old boy.
"Half a continent away and two decades later, someone is murdering families again, re-creating in detail Blackwood's crimes. Homicide detective John Calvino is certain that his own family-his wife and three children-will be targets in the fourth crime, just as his parents and sisters were victims on that distant night when he was fourteen and their slayer.
"As a detective, John is a man of reason who deals in cold facts. But an extraordinary experience convinces him that sometimes death is not a one-way journey, that sometiems the dead return."
Opinion: Koontz is back. This reminded me of how he used to write. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just wish that it didn't take me so long to read it.
Monday, January 03, 2011
Prime Cut by Diane Mott Davidson
Started: 12/22/10
Finished: 1/02/11
Year: 2000 (this edition)
Pages: 368
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Caterer Goldy Schulz is convinced things couldn't get worse. An unscrupulous rival is driving her out of business. An incompetent contractor has left her precious kitchen in shambles. And she has just agreed to cater a fashion shoot at a nineteenth century mountain cabin with her mentor and old friend, French chef Andre Hibbard.
"Together Goldy and Andre struggle in a hopelessly outdated kitchen to cater to a vacuous crowd of beautiful people whose personal dramas climax when a camera is pitched through a window...into the buffet. Then Goldy's contractor is found hanging in the house of one of her best friends. A second murder follows and Goldy must somehow solve a mystery and prepare for a society soiree that could make-or break-her career.
"It's a mystery that involves the dead contractor's unwholesome past, a food saboteur, the theft of four historical cookbooks, and an overzealous D.A. who has suspended Goldy's detective husband, Tom, form the force. What Goldy discovers is the perfect recipe for murder. And she may be dessert!"
Opinion: Just as good as her other Goldy books. I will be continuing the series.
Finished: 1/02/11
Year: 2000 (this edition)
Pages: 368
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed off the TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Caterer Goldy Schulz is convinced things couldn't get worse. An unscrupulous rival is driving her out of business. An incompetent contractor has left her precious kitchen in shambles. And she has just agreed to cater a fashion shoot at a nineteenth century mountain cabin with her mentor and old friend, French chef Andre Hibbard.
"Together Goldy and Andre struggle in a hopelessly outdated kitchen to cater to a vacuous crowd of beautiful people whose personal dramas climax when a camera is pitched through a window...into the buffet. Then Goldy's contractor is found hanging in the house of one of her best friends. A second murder follows and Goldy must somehow solve a mystery and prepare for a society soiree that could make-or break-her career.
"It's a mystery that involves the dead contractor's unwholesome past, a food saboteur, the theft of four historical cookbooks, and an overzealous D.A. who has suspended Goldy's detective husband, Tom, form the force. What Goldy discovers is the perfect recipe for murder. And she may be dessert!"
Opinion: Just as good as her other Goldy books. I will be continuing the series.
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