Started 3/16/17
Finished: 3/20/17
Year: 2015
Pages: 323
Genre: Thriller
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: bookray on Bookcrossing.com
Blurb (from book jacket): "Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She looks forward to it. She's even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life-as she sees it-is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.
"And then she sees something shocking. It's only a minute until the train moves on, but it's enough. Now everything's changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the loves of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?"
Opinion: My fiance and I had seen the movie first and thought that it was really good. I had been wanting to read the book for a while and got my change. The book is better than the movie and the movie did follow the book pretty well. Definitely some good suspense and a good thriller.
Friday, March 24, 2017
Friday, March 17, 2017
Long Black Veil by Jennifer Finney Boylan
Started: 3/3/17
Finished: 3/13/17
Year: 2017
Pages: 292
Genre: mystery
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: review for LibraryThing.com
Blurb (from back cover): "On a warm August night in 1980, six college students are up to no good inside the dilapidated ruins of Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary. It's not long before they realize they are locked in and not alone, and the terrible night ends in tragedy. Years later, one of them-celebrity chef Jon Casey-will finally be charged with murder, but will Jon's old friend Judith Carrigan testify to his innocence? Judith is protecting long-held and hard-won secrets of her own, and to defend her friend, she risks sacrificing the life she has fought to build and losing her husband and son. In any life that contains a before and an after, how is it possible to be one person, not two?"
Opinion: Each chapter is taken from a different character's point of view and it was confusing at times to figure out who was talking. There really is no trial for Casey so the blurb is misleading. There are two stories in one-the murder and then who Judith really is. Judith's story should be one of its own and not included in this book
Finished: 3/13/17
Year: 2017
Pages: 292
Genre: mystery
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: review for LibraryThing.com
Blurb (from back cover): "On a warm August night in 1980, six college students are up to no good inside the dilapidated ruins of Philadelphia's Eastern State Penitentiary. It's not long before they realize they are locked in and not alone, and the terrible night ends in tragedy. Years later, one of them-celebrity chef Jon Casey-will finally be charged with murder, but will Jon's old friend Judith Carrigan testify to his innocence? Judith is protecting long-held and hard-won secrets of her own, and to defend her friend, she risks sacrificing the life she has fought to build and losing her husband and son. In any life that contains a before and an after, how is it possible to be one person, not two?"
Opinion: Each chapter is taken from a different character's point of view and it was confusing at times to figure out who was talking. There really is no trial for Casey so the blurb is misleading. There are two stories in one-the murder and then who Judith really is. Judith's story should be one of its own and not included in this book
Thursday, March 02, 2017
Bone Box by Faye Kellerman
Started 2/13/17
Finished 3/2/17
Year: 2017
Pages: 414
Genre: Mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf
Blurb (from book jacket): "On a bright and crisp September morning, while walking a bucolic woodland trail, Rina stumbles upon human remains once buried deep beneath the forest floor. Immediately, she calls her husband, Peter Decker, a former detective lieutenant with the LAPD now working for the local Greenbury Police. Within hours, a vista of beauty and tranquility is transformed into a frenetic crime scene. The body has been interred for years and there is scant physical evidence at the gravesite: a youthful skeleton, a skull wound, and long, dark strands of hair surrounding the bones. As Decker and his partner, Tyler McAdams, investigate further, they realize that they're most likely dealing with a missing student from the nearby Five Colleges of Upstate-a well-know and well-respected consortium of higher learning where Rina works.
"And when more human remains are found in the same area, Decker and McAdams know this isn't just a one-off murder case. Short-staffed and with no convenient entree into the colleges, Decker enlists Rina's help to act as his eyes and ears on campus. Winding their way through a dangerous labyrinth of steely suspects and untouchable academics, Decker, McAdams, and Rina race to protect their community from a psychopathic killer still in the area-and on the hunt for a fresh victim.
Opinion: There seemed to be a lot of filler in this book. Lots of meaningless conversation that did not add to the mystery. And for that, I was disappointed. I've read other books by her and don't remember them to be so much filler. The mystery itself was interesting and had enough twists to keep me guessing.
Finished 3/2/17
Year: 2017
Pages: 414
Genre: Mystery
Grade: C
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf
Blurb (from book jacket): "On a bright and crisp September morning, while walking a bucolic woodland trail, Rina stumbles upon human remains once buried deep beneath the forest floor. Immediately, she calls her husband, Peter Decker, a former detective lieutenant with the LAPD now working for the local Greenbury Police. Within hours, a vista of beauty and tranquility is transformed into a frenetic crime scene. The body has been interred for years and there is scant physical evidence at the gravesite: a youthful skeleton, a skull wound, and long, dark strands of hair surrounding the bones. As Decker and his partner, Tyler McAdams, investigate further, they realize that they're most likely dealing with a missing student from the nearby Five Colleges of Upstate-a well-know and well-respected consortium of higher learning where Rina works.
"And when more human remains are found in the same area, Decker and McAdams know this isn't just a one-off murder case. Short-staffed and with no convenient entree into the colleges, Decker enlists Rina's help to act as his eyes and ears on campus. Winding their way through a dangerous labyrinth of steely suspects and untouchable academics, Decker, McAdams, and Rina race to protect their community from a psychopathic killer still in the area-and on the hunt for a fresh victim.
Opinion: There seemed to be a lot of filler in this book. Lots of meaningless conversation that did not add to the mystery. And for that, I was disappointed. I've read other books by her and don't remember them to be so much filler. The mystery itself was interesting and had enough twists to keep me guessing.
Monday, January 30, 2017
Ghosts Among Us by Leslie Rule
Started: 1/26/17
Finished: 1/30/17
Year: 2004
Pages: 222
Genre: Paranormal
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, the stories of the supernatural in Ghosts Among Us: True Stories of Spirit Encounters will keep you riveted. Macabre and fascinating, Leslie Rule's latest book offers true-life haunting accounts of eerie visitations and paranormal experiences along with artistically shot black-and-white photographs of haunted sites. The personal firsthand reports and chilling full-length stories explore mysterious events across the country-from Nantucket Island to San Antonio to Hollywood-events that the reader will find hard to pass off as mere coincidences.
Opinion: I'm a believer in ghosts as energy just doesn't stop. Some of the first hand stories are more interesting than others. There were several that I wanted to know more about-history of the places, what else has happened to people, etc.
Finished: 1/30/17
Year: 2004
Pages: 222
Genre: Paranormal
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, the stories of the supernatural in Ghosts Among Us: True Stories of Spirit Encounters will keep you riveted. Macabre and fascinating, Leslie Rule's latest book offers true-life haunting accounts of eerie visitations and paranormal experiences along with artistically shot black-and-white photographs of haunted sites. The personal firsthand reports and chilling full-length stories explore mysterious events across the country-from Nantucket Island to San Antonio to Hollywood-events that the reader will find hard to pass off as mere coincidences.
Opinion: I'm a believer in ghosts as energy just doesn't stop. Some of the first hand stories are more interesting than others. There were several that I wanted to know more about-history of the places, what else has happened to people, etc.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
The Complete Tales and Poems by Edgar Allen Poe
Started: 1/17/16
Finished: DNF
Genre: horror/literature
Grade: no grade
Opinion: I didn't finish this because I was not in the mood. I had read several of his stories and poems in school and on my own years before. Some of the new to me stuff was much more historical in nature. I am still a fan of his but just couldn't get into the stories for some reason.
Finished: DNF
Genre: horror/literature
Grade: no grade
Opinion: I didn't finish this because I was not in the mood. I had read several of his stories and poems in school and on my own years before. Some of the new to me stuff was much more historical in nature. I am still a fan of his but just couldn't get into the stories for some reason.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
Started: 1/6/17
Finished: 1/16/17
Year: 2003
Pages: 384
Genre: fiction
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "This richly imagined novel, set in Hawaii'i more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place-and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
"Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i. Here her life is supposed to end-but instead she discovers it is only just beginning."
Blurb: I had heard a lot about this book and finally managed to get a copy and read it. Definitely some heartfelt moments and characters that will stick with me for a while.
Finished: 1/16/17
Year: 2003
Pages: 384
Genre: fiction
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "This richly imagined novel, set in Hawaii'i more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place-and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
"Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka'i. Here her life is supposed to end-but instead she discovers it is only just beginning."
Blurb: I had heard a lot about this book and finally managed to get a copy and read it. Definitely some heartfelt moments and characters that will stick with me for a while.
Tuesday, January 03, 2017
Daddy King: An autobiography by The Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr.
Started: 12/29/16
Finished: 1/3/17
Year: 1980 (this edition 2017)
Pages: 202
Genre: Autobiography
Grade: B
Reason for reading: review for Librarything.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Born in 1899 to a family of sharecroppers in Stockbridge, Georgia, Martin Luther King, Sr., came of age under the looming threat of violence at the hands of white landowners. Growing up, he witnessed his family being crushed by the wight of poverty and racism, and escaped to Atlanta to answer the calling to become a preacher. before engaging in acts of political dissent or preaching at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he would remain for more than four decades, King, Sr., earned high school and college diplomas while working double shifts as a truck driver-and he won the heart of his future wife, Alberta 'Bunch' Williams.
"King, Sr., recalls the struggles and joys of his journey: the pain of leaving his parents and seven siblings on the family farm; the triumph of winning voting rights for black in Atlanta; and the feelings of fatherly pride and anxiety as he watched his son put his life in danger at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Originally published in 1980, Daddy King is an unexpected and poignant memoir."
Opinion: Growing up, I always was aware of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for Civil Rights. I found it interesting how much his father did before he continued the movement. I hadn't realized the deep history of the movement and how it influenced the generations to come. A great story to tell and to have heard.
Finished: 1/3/17
Year: 1980 (this edition 2017)
Pages: 202
Genre: Autobiography
Grade: B
Reason for reading: review for Librarything.com
Blurb (from back cover): "Born in 1899 to a family of sharecroppers in Stockbridge, Georgia, Martin Luther King, Sr., came of age under the looming threat of violence at the hands of white landowners. Growing up, he witnessed his family being crushed by the wight of poverty and racism, and escaped to Atlanta to answer the calling to become a preacher. before engaging in acts of political dissent or preaching at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he would remain for more than four decades, King, Sr., earned high school and college diplomas while working double shifts as a truck driver-and he won the heart of his future wife, Alberta 'Bunch' Williams.
"King, Sr., recalls the struggles and joys of his journey: the pain of leaving his parents and seven siblings on the family farm; the triumph of winning voting rights for black in Atlanta; and the feelings of fatherly pride and anxiety as he watched his son put his life in danger at the forefront of the civil rights movement. Originally published in 1980, Daddy King is an unexpected and poignant memoir."
Opinion: Growing up, I always was aware of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his fight for Civil Rights. I found it interesting how much his father did before he continued the movement. I hadn't realized the deep history of the movement and how it influenced the generations to come. A great story to tell and to have heard.
Friday, December 30, 2016
From Potter's Field by Patricia Cornwell
Started: 12/24/16
Finished: 12/29/16
Year: 1995
Pages: 352
Grade: B+
Genre: mystery
Reason for reading: TBR pile, fan of author
Blurb (from back cover): "Upon examining a dead woman fond in snowbound Central Park, Scarpetta immediately recognizes the grisly work of Temple Brooks Gault, a bold, brilliant killer from her past. Soon she realizes that Gault's murders are but a violent chain leading up to one ultimate kill: Scarpetta herself. Now she must stay her own fears and keep step with a psychopath who is always one step ahead, both everywhere and nowhere. but even with the help of her FBI and police comrades, Scarpetta knows the endgame is hers alone to play. Having repeatedly plunged into the madness of Gault's mind, Scarpetta must finally descend into his terrifying home in the subway tunnels beneath New York City. And confront the one killer who would not be caught..."
Opinion: Having read some of Cornwell's more current works, it is interesting to go back in time in Scarpetta's past relationships and cases. This, like her other works, is fast paced and a delight to read.
Finished: 12/29/16
Year: 1995
Pages: 352
Grade: B+
Genre: mystery
Reason for reading: TBR pile, fan of author
Blurb (from back cover): "Upon examining a dead woman fond in snowbound Central Park, Scarpetta immediately recognizes the grisly work of Temple Brooks Gault, a bold, brilliant killer from her past. Soon she realizes that Gault's murders are but a violent chain leading up to one ultimate kill: Scarpetta herself. Now she must stay her own fears and keep step with a psychopath who is always one step ahead, both everywhere and nowhere. but even with the help of her FBI and police comrades, Scarpetta knows the endgame is hers alone to play. Having repeatedly plunged into the madness of Gault's mind, Scarpetta must finally descend into his terrifying home in the subway tunnels beneath New York City. And confront the one killer who would not be caught..."
Opinion: Having read some of Cornwell's more current works, it is interesting to go back in time in Scarpetta's past relationships and cases. This, like her other works, is fast paced and a delight to read.
Friday, December 23, 2016
A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin
Started 12/7/16
Finished: 12/23/16
Year: 2011
Pages: 1128
Genre: Fantasy
Grade: B
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): "Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daeneyrs, mistress of the only three dragons left in the world. And as opposing forces maneuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others-a supernatural army of the living dead whose animates corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords..."
Opinion: Reading only to finish the series. Some characters are very likable and I'm reading to see what happens to them. Others are so hated that I'm reading to see if they get killed like they should.
Finished: 12/23/16
Year: 2011
Pages: 1128
Genre: Fantasy
Grade: B
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): "Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daeneyrs, mistress of the only three dragons left in the world. And as opposing forces maneuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others-a supernatural army of the living dead whose animates corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords..."
Opinion: Reading only to finish the series. Some characters are very likable and I'm reading to see what happens to them. Others are so hated that I'm reading to see if they get killed like they should.
Tuesday, December 06, 2016
At What Cost by James L'Etoile
Started: 12/4/16
Finished: 12/6/16
Year: 2016
Pages: 295
Genre: mystery/suspense
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from book cover): "When West Sacramento Police Department Detective John Penley and his new partner, Detective Paula Newberry are tasked with leading the investigation into a local serial killer, it's business as usual-if gruesome business. The killer has dumped three bodies in the past sex weeks-and all of them are missing their internal organs. But while pursuing a lead, the detectives tumble upon a personal message the killer left behind for Penley. And it's attached to a human kidney.
"How could the killer know Penley's son is on the kidney transplant waiting list? Now Penley's baited into an impossible trap that could jeopardize his entire career. Will the detective take down the killer and place his faith in the medical establishment to heal his child? Or will he make a deal with the devil for the transplant organ his son needs to live?"
Opinion: A good fast paced mystery but a couple of medical procedures have me scratching my head. And no real connection to why the person who did these heinous murders did them and went after Penley.
Finished: 12/6/16
Year: 2016
Pages: 295
Genre: mystery/suspense
Grade: B-
Reason for reading: review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from book cover): "When West Sacramento Police Department Detective John Penley and his new partner, Detective Paula Newberry are tasked with leading the investigation into a local serial killer, it's business as usual-if gruesome business. The killer has dumped three bodies in the past sex weeks-and all of them are missing their internal organs. But while pursuing a lead, the detectives tumble upon a personal message the killer left behind for Penley. And it's attached to a human kidney.
"How could the killer know Penley's son is on the kidney transplant waiting list? Now Penley's baited into an impossible trap that could jeopardize his entire career. Will the detective take down the killer and place his faith in the medical establishment to heal his child? Or will he make a deal with the devil for the transplant organ his son needs to live?"
Opinion: A good fast paced mystery but a couple of medical procedures have me scratching my head. And no real connection to why the person who did these heinous murders did them and went after Penley.
Saturday, December 03, 2016
The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror Edited by Stephen Jones
Started: 11/29/16
Finished: 12/3/16
Year: 2001
Pages: 542
Genre: Short stories/horror
Grade: D
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "The multiple award-winning Best New Horror series reaches volume 13-lucky for fans of contemporary dark fantasy and the supernatural! To mark the event, this latest edition of the world's premier annual showcase devoted exclusively to excellence in macabre fiction includes only the very best short stories and novellas by today's finest exponents of horror fiction.
"Among the contributors to this volume are: Dennis Etchison, Charles L Grant, Elizabeth Hand, Paul McAuley, Chico Kidd, Kelly Link, Richard A Lupoff and Conrad Williams."
Opinion: As a horror fan, I was very disappointed in this collection. None of the stories were scary. None of them suspenseful. None of them I would really classify as horror. I gave it a D because I finished it. Some of the stories were well written and some were just eh.
Finished: 12/3/16
Year: 2001
Pages: 542
Genre: Short stories/horror
Grade: D
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "The multiple award-winning Best New Horror series reaches volume 13-lucky for fans of contemporary dark fantasy and the supernatural! To mark the event, this latest edition of the world's premier annual showcase devoted exclusively to excellence in macabre fiction includes only the very best short stories and novellas by today's finest exponents of horror fiction.
"Among the contributors to this volume are: Dennis Etchison, Charles L Grant, Elizabeth Hand, Paul McAuley, Chico Kidd, Kelly Link, Richard A Lupoff and Conrad Williams."
Opinion: As a horror fan, I was very disappointed in this collection. None of the stories were scary. None of them suspenseful. None of them I would really classify as horror. I gave it a D because I finished it. Some of the stories were well written and some were just eh.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Broken Music by Sting
Started: 11/26/16
Finished: 11/29/16
Year: 2003
Pages: 337
Genre: Memoir
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR bookcase
Blurb (from book jacket): "Having been a songwriter most of my life, condensing my ideas and emotions into short rhyming couplets and setting them to music, I had never really considered writing a book. But upon arriving at the reflective age of fifty, I found myself drawn, for the first time, to write long passages that were as stimulating and intriguing to me as any songwriting I had ever done.
"And so Broken Music began to take shape. It is a book abut the early part of my life, from childhood through adolescence, right up to the eve of my success with the Police. It is a story very few people know.
"I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that's ever happened to me. Instead I found myself drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became."
Opinion: As a fan of Sting and of The Police, I had wondered how Sting came to be Sting. This book provides an insight to how Sting became the man that he is and the hard life of trying to make it into the music business. Overall an enjoyable read despite some parts seemed choppy.
Finished: 11/29/16
Year: 2003
Pages: 337
Genre: Memoir
Grade: B
Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR bookcase
Blurb (from book jacket): "Having been a songwriter most of my life, condensing my ideas and emotions into short rhyming couplets and setting them to music, I had never really considered writing a book. But upon arriving at the reflective age of fifty, I found myself drawn, for the first time, to write long passages that were as stimulating and intriguing to me as any songwriting I had ever done.
"And so Broken Music began to take shape. It is a book abut the early part of my life, from childhood through adolescence, right up to the eve of my success with the Police. It is a story very few people know.
"I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that's ever happened to me. Instead I found myself drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became."
Opinion: As a fan of Sting and of The Police, I had wondered how Sting came to be Sting. This book provides an insight to how Sting became the man that he is and the hard life of trying to make it into the music business. Overall an enjoyable read despite some parts seemed choppy.
Friday, November 25, 2016
The Barrowfields by Phillip Lewis
Started: 11/23/16
Finished: 11/24/16
Year: 2017 (ARC)
Pages: 348
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: review for LibraryThing
Blurb (from back cover): "Just before Henry Aster's birth, his father-outsized literary ambition and pregnant wife in tow-reluctantly returns to the small Appalachian town where he was raised and installs his young family in an immense house of iron and glass perched high on the side of a mountain. There, Henry grows up under the writing desk of this fiercely brilliant man. But when tragedy tips his father toward a fearsome unraveling, what was once a young son's reverences is poisoned and Henry flees, not to return until years later when he, too must go home again."
Opinion: A simple but yet complex literature novel that showcases how some can never leave home. Henry's characterization shows how alike he was to his father even though he didn't want to be. Overall a decent story.
Finished: 11/24/16
Year: 2017 (ARC)
Pages: 348
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: review for LibraryThing
Blurb (from back cover): "Just before Henry Aster's birth, his father-outsized literary ambition and pregnant wife in tow-reluctantly returns to the small Appalachian town where he was raised and installs his young family in an immense house of iron and glass perched high on the side of a mountain. There, Henry grows up under the writing desk of this fiercely brilliant man. But when tragedy tips his father toward a fearsome unraveling, what was once a young son's reverences is poisoned and Henry flees, not to return until years later when he, too must go home again."
Opinion: A simple but yet complex literature novel that showcases how some can never leave home. Henry's characterization shows how alike he was to his father even though he didn't want to be. Overall a decent story.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Feliz Navidead by Ann Myers
Started: 11/16/16
Finished: 11/20/16
Year: 2016
Pages: 331
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from back cover): "It's the most picturesque time of the year in Santa Fe, and Chef Rita Lafitte of Tres Amigas Cafe hopes the twinkling lights and tasty holiday treats will charm her visiting mom. Rita is is planning fun activities, such as watching her teenage daughter, Celia, perform in an outdoor Christmas play. What she doesn't plan for is murder.
"Rita discovers a dead actor during the premier performance, but vows to keep clear of the case. Sleuthing would upset her mom. Besides, there's already a prime suspect, caught red-handed in his bloodied Santa Suit. However, when the accused Santa's wife begs for assistance-and points out that
Celia and others performers could be danger-Rita can't say no. With the help of her elderly boss, Flori, and her coterie of rogue knitters, Rita strives to salvage her mother's vacation, unmask a murderer, and stop this festive season from turning even more fatal."
Opinion: This was a fun Christmas mystery read-with enough plot twists and turns. Flori and her gang of knitters cracked me up a few times. A definite read for cozy fans
Finished: 11/20/16
Year: 2016
Pages: 331
Genre: Mystery
Grade: B
Reason for reading: Review for MyShelf.com
Blurb (from back cover): "It's the most picturesque time of the year in Santa Fe, and Chef Rita Lafitte of Tres Amigas Cafe hopes the twinkling lights and tasty holiday treats will charm her visiting mom. Rita is is planning fun activities, such as watching her teenage daughter, Celia, perform in an outdoor Christmas play. What she doesn't plan for is murder.
"Rita discovers a dead actor during the premier performance, but vows to keep clear of the case. Sleuthing would upset her mom. Besides, there's already a prime suspect, caught red-handed in his bloodied Santa Suit. However, when the accused Santa's wife begs for assistance-and points out that
Celia and others performers could be danger-Rita can't say no. With the help of her elderly boss, Flori, and her coterie of rogue knitters, Rita strives to salvage her mother's vacation, unmask a murderer, and stop this festive season from turning even more fatal."
Opinion: This was a fun Christmas mystery read-with enough plot twists and turns. Flori and her gang of knitters cracked me up a few times. A definite read for cozy fans
Saturday, November 19, 2016
A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin
Started: 11/3/16
Finished: 11/15/16
Pages: 969
Year: 1999
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient city of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to take stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.
Opinion: Lots of blood, sex, brother and against brother. Ongoing decent characterization of characters that survived the first book. I will be continuing with the rest of the series.
Finished: 11/15/16
Pages: 969
Year: 1999
Genre: Literature
Grade: B
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient city of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to take stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.
Opinion: Lots of blood, sex, brother and against brother. Ongoing decent characterization of characters that survived the first book. I will be continuing with the rest of the series.
Thursday, November 03, 2016
The Name I Call Myself by Beth Moran
Started: 10/30/16
Finished: 11/3/16
Year: 2016
Pages" 338
Genre: Literature
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: Librarything
Blurb (from back cover): "The good news for Faith is that she has met Perry. He's rich, gorgeous, and has vowed to leave his playboy ways behind forever and marry her.
"The bad news is that Perry's mother is planning Faith's nightmare wedding, including the dress from hell.
"While dreaming about her ideal ceremony, Faith goes to her mother's church-and ends up joining the choir! Here she meets a man who makes her feel safe, perhaps even safe enough to share the dark secrets that are catching up with her.
"Secrets she's not even confided in her fiance, despite the fact that danger is closing in..."
Opinion: Faith seems to be an every day, laid back type of personal with a very scary history. Not surprising that she cannot disclose it to her fiance. Some of the situations that she finds herself in are funny and and written in just in time to break down the seriousness and dangerous parts of Faith's story. I do wish that the ending was slightly different in regards to Faith's brother. Other than that, this was a great read and I will be thinking about Faith's character for a while.
Finished: 11/3/16
Year: 2016
Pages" 338
Genre: Literature
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: Librarything
Blurb (from back cover): "The good news for Faith is that she has met Perry. He's rich, gorgeous, and has vowed to leave his playboy ways behind forever and marry her.
"The bad news is that Perry's mother is planning Faith's nightmare wedding, including the dress from hell.
"While dreaming about her ideal ceremony, Faith goes to her mother's church-and ends up joining the choir! Here she meets a man who makes her feel safe, perhaps even safe enough to share the dark secrets that are catching up with her.
"Secrets she's not even confided in her fiance, despite the fact that danger is closing in..."
Opinion: Faith seems to be an every day, laid back type of personal with a very scary history. Not surprising that she cannot disclose it to her fiance. Some of the situations that she finds herself in are funny and and written in just in time to break down the seriousness and dangerous parts of Faith's story. I do wish that the ending was slightly different in regards to Faith's brother. Other than that, this was a great read and I will be thinking about Faith's character for a while.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock by Sammy Hager with Joel Selvin
Started: 10/26/16
Finished: 10/29/16
Year: 2011
Pages: 252
Genre: autobiography
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): "For almost forty years, Sammy Hagar has been a fixture in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the band Montrose to his multiplatinum solo career to his ride as the front man of Van Halen, Sammy's powerful and unforgettable voice has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written-songs like 'I Can't Drive 55,' 'Right Now,' and 'Why Can't This Be Love.'
"In Red, Sammy tells the outrageous story of his tear through rock 'n' roll, From the decadence of being one of the world's biggest rock starts to the unfiltered story of being forced out of Van Halen, Sammy's account spares no one, least of all himself. His is a tale of a true rock 'n' roller-someone who's spent decades bringing the party with him wherever he goes but always headin' back to Cabo for mas tequila.
Opinion: For me personal, Van Halen is better with Sammy instead of David. Better lyrics, better music, etc. This is a no holds barred look at Sammy's life, including the mayhem with the Van Halen brothers and just being a rockstar in general. A must read for anyone who likes Van Halen, Sammy or rock and roll.
Finished: 10/29/16
Year: 2011
Pages: 252
Genre: autobiography
Grade: B+
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): "For almost forty years, Sammy Hagar has been a fixture in rock music. From breaking into the industry with the band Montrose to his multiplatinum solo career to his ride as the front man of Van Halen, Sammy's powerful and unforgettable voice has set the tone for some of the greatest rock anthems ever written-songs like 'I Can't Drive 55,' 'Right Now,' and 'Why Can't This Be Love.'
"In Red, Sammy tells the outrageous story of his tear through rock 'n' roll, From the decadence of being one of the world's biggest rock starts to the unfiltered story of being forced out of Van Halen, Sammy's account spares no one, least of all himself. His is a tale of a true rock 'n' roller-someone who's spent decades bringing the party with him wherever he goes but always headin' back to Cabo for mas tequila.
Opinion: For me personal, Van Halen is better with Sammy instead of David. Better lyrics, better music, etc. This is a no holds barred look at Sammy's life, including the mayhem with the Van Halen brothers and just being a rockstar in general. A must read for anyone who likes Van Halen, Sammy or rock and roll.
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Medical Murderers Edited by Rose G. Mandelsberg
Started: 10/16/16
Finished: 10/23/16
Year: 1991
Pages: 434
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "In hospitals and private examination rooms, nursing homes and clinics, they were entrusted with people's lives. As respected doctors, surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals, they had the power over life and death-and they wielded it to satisfy their own sadistic needs. They are dedicated healers turned perverse killers, preying on the sick and helpless, the innocent and trusting human beings they had sworn to protect."
Opinion: Not a bad collection of true crime stories that deal with medical professionals. Several took place outside the US. Would recommend for fans of true crime stories but don't expect a lot of detail.
Finished: 10/23/16
Year: 1991
Pages: 434
Genre: True Crime
Grade: B
Reason for reading: TBR pile
Blurb (from back cover): "In hospitals and private examination rooms, nursing homes and clinics, they were entrusted with people's lives. As respected doctors, surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals, they had the power over life and death-and they wielded it to satisfy their own sadistic needs. They are dedicated healers turned perverse killers, preying on the sick and helpless, the innocent and trusting human beings they had sworn to protect."
Opinion: Not a bad collection of true crime stories that deal with medical professionals. Several took place outside the US. Would recommend for fans of true crime stories but don't expect a lot of detail.
Sunday, October 16, 2016
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
Started 9/21/16
Finished: 10/16/16
Year: 1996
Pages: 807
Genre: fantasy
Grade: B
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): "In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes of the North of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of thw Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones."
Opinion: I was curious what the hype was about and an ex had suggested that I would enjoy them several years ago. Definitely a lot of characters to try to keep track of but I didn't feel overwhelmed by it. Interesting enough for me to continue with the series and probably check out the TV show when time allows.
Finished: 10/16/16
Year: 1996
Pages: 807
Genre: fantasy
Grade: B
Reason for reading: borrowed from Dave
Blurb (from back cover): "In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes of the North of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of thw Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones."
Opinion: I was curious what the hype was about and an ex had suggested that I would enjoy them several years ago. Definitely a lot of characters to try to keep track of but I didn't feel overwhelmed by it. Interesting enough for me to continue with the series and probably check out the TV show when time allows.
Friday, September 23, 2016
The Devil's Punchbowl by Greg Iles
Started: 10/2015
Finished: 9/22/16
Year: 2009
Pages: 707
Genre: Mystery/suspense
Grade: B
Reason for reading: TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "Penn Cage was elected mayor of Natchez, Mississippi-the hometown he returned to after the death of his wife-on a tide of support for change. Two years into his term, casino gambling has proved a sure bet for bringing new jobs and fresh money to this fading jewel of the Old South. But deep inside the Magnolia Queen, a fantastical repurposed steamboat, a depraved hidden world draws high-stakes players with money to burn on their unquenchable taste for blood sport and the dark views that go with it. When an old high school friends hands him blood-chilling evidence, Penn alone must beat the odds tracking a sophisticated killer who counters his every move, placing those nearest to him-including his young daughter, his renowned physician father, and a lover from the past-in grave danger, and all at the risk of jeopardizing forever the town he loves."
Opinion: It took some time for me to get into the book....then I couldn't put it down.......then the blood sport details hit and put me in a hard place. Overall it is a great book-great story, great plot, constant action. But, I was not a fan of the blood sporting.
Finished: 9/22/16
Year: 2009
Pages: 707
Genre: Mystery/suspense
Grade: B
Reason for reading: TBR shelf
Blurb (from back cover): "Penn Cage was elected mayor of Natchez, Mississippi-the hometown he returned to after the death of his wife-on a tide of support for change. Two years into his term, casino gambling has proved a sure bet for bringing new jobs and fresh money to this fading jewel of the Old South. But deep inside the Magnolia Queen, a fantastical repurposed steamboat, a depraved hidden world draws high-stakes players with money to burn on their unquenchable taste for blood sport and the dark views that go with it. When an old high school friends hands him blood-chilling evidence, Penn alone must beat the odds tracking a sophisticated killer who counters his every move, placing those nearest to him-including his young daughter, his renowned physician father, and a lover from the past-in grave danger, and all at the risk of jeopardizing forever the town he loves."
Opinion: It took some time for me to get into the book....then I couldn't put it down.......then the blood sport details hit and put me in a hard place. Overall it is a great book-great story, great plot, constant action. But, I was not a fan of the blood sporting.
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