Striking Range by Margaret Mizushima

 Started: 10/8/2021

Finished: 10/15/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 275

Genre: mystery

Grade: A

Reason for reading: TBR/review for Reader Views

Blurb from Amazon: "He was suspect number one--the man who tried to kill Deputy Mattie Cobb and may have killed her father thirty years earlier. But when Mattie and cold case detective Jim Hauck reach the Colorado state prison where they will finally get to interview him, he's found dead in his cell. There's only one clue: a map leading to Timber Creek and rugged Redstone Ridge.

Though she usually works with veterinarian Cole Walker, Mattie's K-9 partner Robo has just sired a litter of pups, who require special, time-consuming care at Cole's clinic. Left to explore the map's clue without him, Mattie and Robo journey into the burned forest surrounding Redstone Ridge. But before they can finish their search they're called to help investigate the death of a young woman found in a campground filled with elk hunters. Identification of the deceased points to her having recently given birth, but the infant is nowhere to be found.

As a deadly storm descends upon the mountains, covering everything with a layer of ice and snow, Mattie and her team search for the missing newborn. The storm batters the area, taking its toll on the team and forcing the sheriff to call in reinforcements. When new evidence surfaces, they decide that finding the woman's killer will lead them to her baby, making them even more desperate to solve the case.

Then Cole goes missing, stranded alone in the high country with a person that Mattie now suspects is the mastermind behind several murders, including her father's. She and Robo take to the trail to find Cole--but the killer has a cold-blooded plan that threatens them all."

Opinion: Loved it. Full review is on Reader Views

 

The City by Dean Koontz

 Started: 9/30/2021

Finished: 10/8/2021

Year: 2014

Pages: 482

Genre: Literature

Grade: B

Reason for reading: TBR pile

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "A young boy, a musical prodigy, discovering life’s wonders—and mortal dangers.

His best friend, also a gifted musician, who will share his journey into destiny.
His remarkable family, tested by the extremes of evil and bound by the depths of love . . . on a collision course with a band of killers about to unleash anarchy.
And two unlikely allies, an everyday hero tempered by the past and a woman of mystery who holds the key to the future.

These are the people of The City, a place where enchantment and malice entwine, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart. Brilliantly illumined by magic dark and light, their unforgettable story is a riveting, soul-stirring saga that speaks to everyone, a major milestone in the celebrated career of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz and a dazzling realization of the evergreen dreams we all share."

Opinion: A slightly different type of book coming from Kootnz-it's been several years since I've read one of his and those have been more on the suspense/horror genre. This was more literature but still had a good mystery/suspense to it. This is the first of a series and I'm not 100% sure if I will go searching out for the rest of them.

Comic Relief by David M. Carner

 Started: 9/24/2021

Finished: 10/6/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 329

Genre: Mystery

Grade: B

Reason for reading: help my friend out with his book

Type: rough draft/ARC

Blurb: Zach finds more than what he expects when led on a wild chase.

Opinion: An interesting ride though San Francisco and LA....all in helping out a mysterious guest and their quest in finding out the truth.

Giant's Bread by Mary Westmacott

 Started: 9/24/2021

Finished: 9/29/2021

Year: 1930

Pages: 329

Genre: Romance

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "Vernon Deyre is a sensitive and brilliant musician, even a genius. But there is a high price to be paid for his talent, especially by his family and the two women in his life. His sheltered childhood in the home he loves has not prepared Vernon for the harsh reality of his adult years, and in order to write the great masterpiece of his life, he has to make a crucial decision with no time left to count the cost..."

Opinion: I think that this is the first romance that I read by Agatha Christie. Much prefer her mysteries. Karma got the characters that needed it.

good morning, monster by Catherine Gildiner

 Started: 9/19/2021

Finished: 9/24/2021

Year: 2019

Pages: 358

Genre: Psychology

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: goodreads.com giveaway

Type: ARC

Blurb (from Amazon): "In this fascinating narrative, therapist Catherine Gildiner’s presents five of what she calls her most heroic and memorable patients. Among them: a successful, first generation Chinese immigrant musician suffering sexual dysfunction; a young woman whose father abandoned her at age nine with her younger siblings in an isolated cottage in the depth of winter; and a glamorous workaholic whose narcissistic, negligent mother greeted her each morning of her childhood with "Good morning, Monster."

Each patient presents a mystery, one that will only be unpacked over years. They seek Gildiner's help to overcome an immediate challenge in their lives, but discover that the source of their suffering has been long buried.

As in such recent classics as The Glass Castle and Educated, each patient embodies self-reflection, stoicism, perseverance, and forgiveness as they work unflinchingly to face the truth. Gildiner's account of her journeys with them is moving, insightful, and sometimes very funny. Good Morning Monster offers an almost novelistic, behind-the-scenes look into the therapist's office, illustrating how the process can heal even the most unimaginable wounds."

Opinion: If you're a student or fan of true psychological insights about real people, then you will probably enjoy this book.  I don't agree with the length of therapy that these 5 people had because most therapies are meant to be short term-not years upon years-even though each person had overwhelming trauma that they had to recover from.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

 Started: 9/19/2021

Finished: 9/19/2021

Year: 1982

Pages: 295

Genre: Literature

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile

Type: Mass Market Paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "The lives of two sisters--Nettie, a missionary in Africa, and Celie, a southern woman married to a man she hates--are revealed in a series of letters exchanged over thirty years"

Opinion: I loved the movie. The book seemed to be different than the movie-more makes me want to rewatch the movie and see how closely they follow each other.

Flesh by Richard Laymon

 Started: 9/17/2021

Finished: 9/19/2021

Year: 1988

Pages: 355

Genre: Horror

Grade: B

Reason for reading: booklender.com

Type: paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "No one in town has ever seen anything like it: a slimy, mobile tube of glistening yellow flesh with dull, staring eyes and an obscene, probing mouth. But the real horror is not what it looks like, or what it does when it invades your flesh—but what it makes you do to others."

Opinion: A fun horror book with lots of characters who eventually get tied together. If you have a good imagination, then you will get caught up in the horror and suspense.

3096 Days in Captivity by Natascha Kampusch

 Started: 9/16/2021

Finished: 9/17/2021

Year: 2010

Pages: 310

Genre: Autobiography

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: booklender.com

Type: mass market paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "On March 2, 1998, ten-year-old Natascha Kampusch was kidnapped, and found herself locked in a house that would be her home for the next eight years. She was starved, beaten, treated as a slave, and forced to work for her deranged captor. But she never forgot who she was-and she never gave up hope of returning to the world. This is her story."

Opinion: An interesting look inside a traumatic kidnapping. It is pretty amazing how Natascha survived.

Nathaniel by John Saul

 Started: 9/9/2021

Finished: 9/15/2021

Year: 1984

Pages: 343

Genre: Horror

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: booklender.com book

Type: mass market paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "For a hundred years, the people of Prairie Bend have whispered Nathaniel's name in wonder and fear. Some say he is a folktale, created to frighten children on cold winter nights. Some sear he is a terrifying spirit returned to avenge the past. But soon...very soon....some will learn that Nathaniel lives still-that he is darkly, horrifyingly real.

"Nathaniel-he is the voice that calls to young Michael Hall across the prairie night...the voice that draws the boy into the shadowy depths of the old, crumbling, forbidden barn...the changing, compelling voice he will follow faithfully beyond the edge of terror...."

Opinion: Been a while since I read a decent horror book. Full of decent suspense. I need to read more Saul books-I have always enjoyed them.

Private Duty by Faith Baldwin

 Started: 9/9/2021

Finished: DNF

Year: 1964

Pages: 256

Genre: Romance

Grade: F

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "She was young and pretty and the world was hers. But all too quickly that world became overcrowded with attractive and persuasive men-

"One, a promising surgeon, who said he worked best with Carolyn at his side.

"Another, a young widower, who demanded her help....and her time.

"And a carefree bachelor who wouldn't let anyone but Carolyn nurse him through a grave illness.

"They all wanted Carolyn Cutler, the nurse, but only one loved Carolyn Cutler, the woman. Her problem was-which one?"

Opinion: Couldn't even get to page 50. Hard to follow and just blah

Real Men Knit by Kwana Jackson

 Started: 9/2/2021

Finished: 9/9/2021

Year: 2020

Pages: 319

Genre: Romance

Grade: B

Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway

Type: ARC

Blurb (from back cover): "Jesse Strong is known for two things: his devotion to his adoptive mom, Mama Joy, and his reputation for breaking hears. When Mama Joy unexpectedly passes away, he and his brothers have different plans on what to do with Strong Knits, their neighborhood knitting store. Jesse wants to keep it open. His brothers want to tie off loose ends and close shop...

"Part-time shop employee Kerry Fuller has kept her crush on Jesse a secert. When she overhears his impassioned plea to his brother to keep the knitting shop open, she volunteers to help. Unlike Jesse, Kerry knows the 'knitty-gritty' of the business

"But the more time they spend together, the stronger the chemistry builds between them. Kerry, knowing Jesse's history, doesn't believe their relationship can last. But Jesse is determined to prove to her that he can be the man for her forever and always-after all, real men knit."

Opinion: A decent contemporary romance. Predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. Any fan of romance would probably enjoy this one.

A River for Gemma by Debra Whiting Alexander

 Started: 8/26/21

Finished: DNF

Year: 2021

Pages: 407

Genre: Literature

Grade: F

Reason for reading: Review for Reader Views

Type: Paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "Miracles abound in Sugar Creek, a small-town nestled near the horse trails and hazelnut orchards of Oregon's lush countryside. It is here, where twenty-six-year old Gemma Porter lives a vibrant life chasing her dreams. But Gemma is underestimated by a world that pigeonholes her as 'intellectually disabled.' While the naysayers and bullies only see Gemma's limitations, her beloved grandmother sees the heart of a genius--and a soul of divination. When Gemma's longing to be a mother collides with her grandmother's hidden past, three generations of Porter women are put in peril. A harrowing adventure unfolds into a heroic quest to save their lives. As Gemma's bravery is tested, she will need to prove that regardless of age or intellect, a mother's love knows no bounds."

Opinion: This had a painfully slow pace. There was a mystery subplot going on but I couldn't even be interested enough to try to find out what it was all about because of the slow pace. Well written characters which was the book's saving grace.

The Haunted Looking Glass: Ghost Stories Chosen and Illustrated by Edward Gorey

 

Started: 8/23/2021

Finished: 8/25/2021

Year: 1959

Pages: 251

Genre: Short Stories

Grade: B

Reason for reading: booksfree.com book

Type: Paperback

Blurb: from Amazon:

The Haunted Looking Glass is the late Edward Gorey's selection of his favorite tales of ghosts, ghouls, and grisly goings-on. It includes stories by Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, M. R. James, W. W. Jacobs, and L. P. Hartley, among other masters of the fine art of making the flesh creep, all accompanied by Gorey's inimitable illustrations.

ALGERNON BLACKWOOD, "The Empty House"
W.F. HARVEY, "August Heat"
CHARLES DICKENS, "The Signalman"
L.P. HARTLEY, "A Visitor from Down Under"
R.H. MALDEN, "The Thirteenth Tree"
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, "The Body-Snatcher"
E. NESBIT, "Man-Size in Marble"
BRAM STOKER, "The Judge's House"
TOM HOOD, "The Shadow of a Shade"
W.W. JACOBS, "The Monkey's Paw,"
WILKIE COLLINS, "The Dream Woman"
M.R. JAMES, "Casting the Runes"

Opinion: as with all short story collections, I enjoy some more than others. The illustrations were impressive.

When the Ghost Screams by Leslie Rule

 Started: 8/20/2021

Finished: 8/22/2021

Year: 2006

Pages: 222

Genre: Paranormal

Grade: B+

Reason for reading: grabbed off TBR pile

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Hauntings-the word conjures up immediate and insatiable curiosity. Paranomal author Leslie Rule explores a new twist on this strange phenomenon when she investigates brutal deaths-and subsequent hauntings-all over the United States. Through extensive research and interviews, Leslie reveals how the souls of those who die violently are prone to remain earthbound.

"These spine-tingling true stores divulge the mysterious details of ghostly sightings as Rule visits the area, interview credible witnesses, and extensively researches the history of each location."

Opinion: I only wish that some of the stories had more information about them-local history or first person accounts. Overall, a good read for paranormal ghost fans.

A Rebellious Woman by Claire J. Griffin

 Started: 8/14/2021

Finished: 8/20/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 370

Genre: Literature

Grade: B

Reason for reading: review for Reader Views

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "A Rebellious Woman is based on the life story of Belle Boyd (1844-1900), whose coming of age coincided with the opening shots of the Civil War. Debutante, teenaged spy, seductress, actress, divorcee, crossdresser, and self-promoter, she carried a pistol and wasn't afraid to use it. In a century when a woman was meant to be noting more than a well-behaved wife and mother, Belle Boyd stands out as a scandalous woman of history defying all the rules."

Opinion: An interesting look at what was an interesting person during the Civil War period. I had not heard of Belle Boyd before reading this and I'm intrigued to learn more her. A more complete review will be posted on Reader Views in the near future.

Real to Reel: Truth and Trickery in Courtroom Movies by Michael Asimow and Paul Bergman

 Started: 8/5/2021

Finished: 8/13/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 421

Genre: Movies

Grade: B

Reason for reading: review for Reader Views

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "Real trials and courtroom movies are made for each other. Lawyers are storytellers, courtrooms are theaters, and the trial process provides drama, surprise, suspense or comedy.

This book will serve as a video guide to help you identify the courtroom movies you'd like to see. It ranks each of the films on a one- to four- gavel system, with four gavels for the classics. And it answers the questions you'll be asking as you see the films. Where does truth end and trickery begin? Can lawyers really pull rabbits out of hats with unexpected courtroom stunts? Did the trial process reveal the truth-or conceal it? How well do reel trials reflect real events?

These are just some of the topics you'll encounter as the authors analyze over 200 courtroom movies, including such classics as To Kill a Mockingbird, My Cousin Vinny, 12 Angry Men, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. An index at the back of the book lists all of the films reviewed in the book.

The book celebrates the courtroom genre that has intrigued viewers around the world. The authors will entertain and educate you on a fascinating journey through nine decades of reel law, lawyers and justice."

Opinion: An enjoyable collection of courtroom movies-drama and comedies-reviewed by lawyers so they can add their insight and explain what really happens. A more complete review will be on Reader Views in the near future.

More! by Tammie Rothermel

 Started: 8/2/2021

Finished: 8/5/2021

Year: 2020

Pages: 180

Genre: Literature

Grade: C

Reason for reading: review for Reader Views

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from back cover): "Worlds collide and sparks ignite when a simple country girl encounters a white hot rock star in rural Pennsylvania.

"Certainly, small town Nikki wasn't looking for love. But, from the moment she meets the universally famous Grant Henderson, More! comps the reader a backstage pass to the secrets, glitz, glam, and romance of a sizzling rock star's non-stop life.

"As Nikki climbs on board Grant's comet, her own charisma engages the world, even as a mysterious stranger pursues her from Naples to Hong Kong. Along the way espionage's notorious 'Agency' sucks Nikki into its beguiling embrace of treachery."

Opinion: Um, yeah....the pace of this book was just off and a lot of what was in it wasn't needed. The ending hints that another book could be there but honestly, I wouldn't read it.  I was hoping for more when I picked this one to review. A more thorough review will be on Reader Views in the near future.

Voices from the Fallen by Michael K. Tourville

 Started: 7/30/2021

Finished: 8/1/2021

Year: 2021

Pages: 161

Genre: Self Help-substance abuse

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: review for Reader Views

Type: Trade paperback

Blurb (from the back cover): "Voices from the Fallen takes us on an intimate journey inside the lives of people who have experienced the hell of addiction, the relentless defeat of relapse, and hope of recovery.

"Listen to them speak about fear and desperation, hope and optimism. Sit with them in solitary misery, feel their grief over a lost family member, and shar their joy with the promise of a renewed life.

"Listen closely, for these courageous voices come from those all around us, and can help rebuild shattered families, restore broken hearts, and save lives."

Opinion: A decent collection of stories about substance abuse. A couple are a little unbelievable since it is told in first person of people who overdosed....how did the author know that they were that close to trying to get help or how they truly felt about their drug use? A more complete review will be on Reader Views in the near future.

The Friends We Keep by Holly Chamberlin

 Started: 7/22/2021

Finished: 7/29/2021

Year: 2007

Pages: 408

Genre: fiction

Grade: B-

Reason for reading: bookcrossing.com book

Type: Trade Paperback

Blurb (from Amazon): "In her college freshman year, Sophie Holmes met Eva and John, forging the kind of deep friendship that seems destined to last forever. But time proved otherwise, and Sophie married and moved to Los Angeles. Now, two decades later, newly divorced and adrift, Sophie has returned to Boston, and instinctively reaches out to the people who once defined her world.

"Though they've stayed in the same city, Eva and John too have grown apart. Eva is an ambitious advertising executive who favors flings over relationships. John is a dedicated lawyer wondering if he's left it too late for love and marriage. Through Sophie's reappearance, their connection crackles to life once more. Just as they did long ago, the three confide their longings and secrets--until old insecurities and new betrayal threatens to shatter their bond for good."

Opinion: Predictable. One character was just awful but obviously well written in order for me to dislike the character as much as I did.  Sometimes friend reunions are just not all that they are cracked up to be.

Our House by Louise Candlish

 Started: 7/16/2021

Finished: 7/21/2021

Year: 2018

Pages: 399

Genre: Literature

Grade: C

Reason for reading: Goodreads.com giveaway

Type: ARC

Blurb (from back cover): "In the wake of her husband, Bram's infidelity, Fiona Lawson manages to keep her young sons' lives as stable as possible thanks to a bird's nest custody agreement. The two boys stay in the family home, while Fiona and Bram take turns living there. All seems to be going as well as possible until the terrible day Fiona arrives home-and sees another couple moving in.

"With Bram and their children missing, Fiona desperately searches for answer, uncovering a dangerous web of lies-and a betrayal so shocking it will teach her to keep her own secrets behind locked doors."

Opinion: Not a fan in how this story was told-part media interview with Fiona and part word document for Bram and then a real day account. A strange premise which makes it unique and unlike other stories about divorcing couples.