Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich

Started: 6/26/2023

Finished: 6/27/2023

Year: 2015

Pages: 313

Genre: mysery

Grade: B

Reason for reading: continuing with the series

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "Stephanie Plum might not be the world’s greatest bounty hunter, but she knows when she’s being played. Ken Globovic (aka Gobbles), hailed as the Supreme Exalted Zookeeperof the animal house known as Zeta fraternity, has been arrested for beating up the dean of students at Kiltman College. Gobbles has missed his court date and gone into hiding. People have seen him on campus, but no one will talk. Things just aren’t adding up, and Stephanie can’t shake the feeling that something funny is going on at the college—and it’s not just Zeta fraternity pranks.

"As much as people love Gobbles, they hate Doug Linken. When Linken is gunned down in his backyard it’s good riddance, and the list of possible murder suspects is long. The only people who care about finding Linken’s killer are Trenton cop Joe Morelli, who has been assigned the case, security expert Ranger, who was hired to protect Linken, and Stephanie, who has her eye on a cash prize and hopefully has some tricks up her sleeve."

Opinion: Another fast paced fun read. Some amusing moments like usual.

Where are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark

Started: 6/22/2023

Finished: 6/26/2023

Year: 1975

Pages: 290

Genre: mystery

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: reread, refresh before reading the next one

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "Nancy Harmon long ago fled the heartbreak of her first marriage, the macabre deaths of her two little children, and the shocking charges against her. She changed her name, dyed her hair, and left California for the windswept peace of Cape Cod. Now remarried, she has two more beloved children, and the terrible pain has begun to heal—until the morning when she looks in the backyard for her little boy and girl and finds only one red mitten. She knows that the nightmare is beginning again..."

Opinion: I know that I read this YEARS ago. Intense mystery, hints of sexual abuse. Looking forward to reading the next one.

Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum

Started: 6/18/2023

Finished: 6/22/2023

Year: 2023

Pages: 257

Genre: Literature

Grade: C

Reason for reading: library book

Type: hardcover

Blurb (from Amazon): "None of them would claim to be a particularly good person. But who among them is actually capable of murder?

"Jen Weinstein and Lauren Parker rule the town of Salcombe, Fire Island every summer. They hold sway on the beach and the tennis court, and are adept at manipulating people to get what they want. Their husbands, Sam and Jason, have summered together on the island since childhood, despite lifelong grudges and numerous secrets. Their one single friend, Rachel Woolf, is looking to meet her match, whether he’s the tennis pro―or someone else’s husband. But even with plenty to gossip about, this season starts out as quietly as any other.

"Until a body is discovered, face down, off the side of the boardwalk."

Opinion: Talk about no redeeming qualities..for anyone. Was hoping that at least one person would have been good. Just shows that everyone has secrets.

The Ravenmaster by Christopher Skaife

Started: 6/14/2023

Finished: 6/17/2023

Year: 2018

Pages: 229

Genre: Memoir/history

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book-bookring

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "The ravens at the Tower of London are of mighty importance: rumor has it that if a raven from the Tower should ever leave, the city will fall.

"The title of Ravenmaster, therefore, is a serious title indeed, and after decades of serving the Queen, Yeoman Warder Christopher Skaife took on the added responsibility of caring for the infamous ravens. In The Ravenmaster, he lets us in on his life as he feeds his birds raw meat and biscuits soaked in blood, buys their food at Smithfield Market, and ensures that these unusual, misunderstood, and utterly brilliant corvids are healthy, happy, and ready to captivate the four million tourists who flock to the Tower every year.

"A rewarding, intimate, and inspiring partnership has developed between the ravens and their charismatic and charming human, the Ravenmaster, who shares the folklore, history, and superstitions surrounding the ravens and the Tower. Shining a light on the behavior of the birds, their pecking order and social structure, and the tricks they play on us, Skaife shows who the Tower’s true guardians really are―and the result is a compelling and irreverent narrative that will surprise and enchant."

Opinion: I thought that this was a fun insightful read. I've never been to London and did not know this part of the Tower of London...makes me want to check them out in person.

The She Shed by Leah Orr

Started: 6/12/2023

Finished: 6/14/2023

Year: 2022

Pages: 192

Genre: mystery

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: review for Librarything.com

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "Jensen Beach, Florida is a quaint coastal town once revered as the “land that time forgot.” The place where big city dwellers come for vacation. It was once known for its beautiful sandy beaches, breezy ocean air, pleasant year-round weather, frilly cocktails, hometown boutique shops and restaurants, and ocean activities.

"The town is also home to some unsavory characters and its many hidden skeletons—literally.

"When Aunt Adeline goes missing, it is up to her niece, Charlotte, to uncover the clues of her deeply hidden family secrets and the town she calls home."

Opinion: a thorough review is posted on Library Thing.

Free Fall by Glenna Jarvis

Started: 6/7/2023

Finished: 6/12/2023

Year: 2017

Pages: 227

Genre: mystery

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: continuing with the series

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "A Madera County supervisor falls to his death while climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The other climbers believe it's due to damaged gear. Hannah Monakee, crime reporter for the small Central Valley newspaper, the Borden Gazette, knows better and is determined to figure out what really happened in order to clear her boyfriend's name."

Opinion: Despite some grammar and misspelling, this is a good mystery. Decent suspense with lots of good suspects. 

The Fire Witness by Lars Kepler

Started: 5/30/2023

Finished: 6/6/2023

Year: 2011

Pages: 497

Genre: mystery, suspense

Grade: B

Reason for reading: continuing with the series, TBR pile

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "A brutal killing spree at a home for wayward teens. One girl is dead, another is missing. Joona Linna scrambles to track her down before the death toll mounts."

Opinion: Jonna's character continues to develop but it is not necessary that the books are read in order. Definitely an interesting twist.