I think my friend (a big Stephen King fan)was right when she told me that she thought this was King's best book yet. I haven't read many of his latest...moreI think my friend (a big Stephen King fan)was right when she told me that she thought this was King's best book yet. I haven't read many of his latest books, since I've lost desire to read scary, gore-filled books. I LOVED this book! I'm still digesting much of what was in it, but I was entranced by it.
It was hard to stop reading it, and yet it took a LONG time to read since it is so HUGE. I couldn't carry it to work much because it weighed so much. I would have preferred to read this in e-book format, but getting library books in e-book format is much harder. I thought the wait for this would be too long.(less)
This is one of the most unique mysteries I have read. It is the first (of two that I know of so far)revolving around police artist Nate Rodriguez. It...moreThis is one of the most unique mysteries I have read. It is the first (of two that I know of so far)revolving around police artist Nate Rodriguez. It is filled with his sketches, thus making it visually appealing as well.
This is the eighth Tess Monaghan novel. I normally don't read series books out of order, but I put Laura Lippman on my author alert list at the librar...moreThis is the eighth Tess Monaghan novel. I normally don't read series books out of order, but I put Laura Lippman on my author alert list at the library after What the Dead Know, and this automatically was reserved for me. I enjoyed this book so much that I am going to go back and read the previous ones. (less)
I picked this book up at the library because of the near-death experience of the main character. I found it a little too Christian fundamentalist for...moreI picked this book up at the library because of the near-death experience of the main character. I found it a little too Christian fundamentalist for me at times, but I was able to ignore that for the most part. The main character, Sarah, is too harsh, too driven to be too likable for me. However, it was written well enough to keep me reading it all the way through. I actually felt more connected to the husband. I liked the lessons about putting family first, and giving to others (random acts of kindness) Not the best book I've read about these topics and near-death experiences, but an enjoyable read.(less)
I don't usually like books set in England much...not sure why... but this book was different. I could really relate to the character (a Yank who longs...moreI don't usually like books set in England much...not sure why... but this book was different. I could really relate to the character (a Yank who longs for living in a quiet, rural setting). This is the first book in a series--the second, Slaying is Such Sweet Sorrow was just as good.
I read this book while waiting for the second Thursday Next novel to be available at the library.
Like the Thursday Next novels, Fforde presents a worl...moreI read this book while waiting for the second Thursday Next novel to be available at the library.
Like the Thursday Next novels, Fforde presents a world where fiction blends with reality. In the Nursery Crime novels, nursery rhyme characters are "real", and there is a division of the police that deals specifically with crimes involving nursery characters.
In this first book of a series, Humpty Dumpty fell off the wall and shattered into bits. Was he pushed? Was it suicide? This is a case for the under-appreciated Nursery Crimes Division of the Reading Police Department, headed by DI Jack Spratt, aided by DS Mary Mary, and Constable Ashley, a Rambosian alien who thinks in binary numbers.
I really enjoyed the sly humor and references to the nursery characters. I also enjoyed getting to know Jack Spratt and Mary Mary and witnessing their evolving work relationship. I look forward to the next book in the series.(less)
I totally loved this book when I read it in October 1998, and re-read it again recently and loved it just as much the second time. Emily "Blue" McCarr...moreI totally loved this book when I read it in October 1998, and re-read it again recently and loved it just as much the second time. Emily "Blue" McCarron is a social psychologist, lesbian, loving owner of a doberman, Bronte, who consults with business owners on how to improve their businesses.
In this book, first of a series of two (Abigail Padgett has not written a book since the sequel, The Last Blue Plate Special, came out in 2001--don't know why, and am somewhat distressed about it.) a man comes to Blue's desert hideaway to ask her to help him prove that his sister, Muffin Crandell, is innocent of killing a man and freezing him in her deceased husband's game freezer in a storage facility. When the storage facility was hit by an earthquake, the electricity was disrupted and the smell alerted authorities to the presence of the body. Muffin has confessed to the crime, but her brother is sure she is innocent, and is willing to pay Blue up to $15,000 to prove it.
Some of my favorite passages:
p.46-47 ...When I explained that the part-time job I'd advertised would involve keeping the courtyard area clean and alerting the police about drug deals and illegal drinking, she lowered gold-shadowed lids over coffee-brown eyes and shook her head. The beads rattled. She just said, "Girl..."
The way black women say "girl" can be magical. Frankly, I have no solid beliefs about the survival of consciousness after physical death. But if it's going to happen I know what I want to see after my trek toward the light. I want to see a black woman who will smile and say, "Girl...."
The word's resonance is utterly female, the opening syllable of a story that will explain what's really going on. It says, "You don't have a clue, but I'm going to give you the inside scoop." The sound is hypnotic, like an audio version of that top-of-the-Ferris-wheel moment just before the downward rush. At that moment after my death, I would like to be told exactly what the universe is, and why. I would like to see the point. And in my fantasy the story will begin with that word on the tongue of a black woman.
page 60 ...It's one of my favorite notions that the universe is essentially music, and that we came from there. Psychoneurologists document cases in which people with brain deficits who can't talk or read or understand words at all can nevertheless sing entire arias after one or two exposures to the music. Mute and autistic idiots savants have surprised their caregivers by sitting down at a piano and playing the themes from every commercial on television in the dayroom that morning. Even the ancient reptile brains of certain snakes respond dramatically to music.
I think music is the original language of life, half-buried in the crumpled map of the brain. I think verbal discourse is an evolutionary newcomer, like opposable thumbs and politics. Music about communal utility bills would be like a mountain wearing a sweater. Beyond incongruous. Music has to be, and always is, about joy and despair, illumination and darkness, life and death. Even reptiles know this....
This is the debut book in a series. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't the most well-written book I've read. However, since it was a first book, I am...moreThis is the debut book in a series. I enjoyed this book, but it wasn't the most well-written book I've read. However, since it was a first book, I am willing to suspend criticism for now. There are many books in the series (this book was written in 1990!) so I plan to read at least the next few books to see how I enjoy the rest of the series.
I found the protagonist likeable, but I didn't feel as involved as I get with my other series favorites. This is probably due to the skill level of the author--the characters and setting have promise, so I am willing to read further to see if she improves in her skills. (Most authors do.)(less)
**spoiler alert** I love Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware books, and this did not disappoint!
I am so glad that Alex has worked out his relationship...more**spoiler alert** I love Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware books, and this did not disappoint!
I am so glad that Alex has worked out his relationship with Robin, as when there was turmoil in that area, it made me feel a little unsettled and uncomfortable. In this book, they seem very comfortable with their relationship.
The storyline was intriguing...pure Kellerman suspense.(less)
This is NOT Patricia Cornwell's best Scarpetta novel. I DID enjoy it, but I did not find it as gripping as her previous novels, and not as gruesome ei...moreThis is NOT Patricia Cornwell's best Scarpetta novel. I DID enjoy it, but I did not find it as gripping as her previous novels, and not as gruesome either (though that was a plus!) I did really enjoy an aspect of Scarpetta that I don't recall being shown in previous books: she was much more softer, especially toward animals, in this book, even crying when birds flew into her windows of her new home.
I felt the book ended rather abruptly...not sure if it was just because I was reading most of the end of the book in the hospital while waiting for a friend to come out of surgery. But because of the ending, I felt a little unfulfilled.(less)
I was intrigued by this book's title, and what I had read of a few reviews on this site, so I picked this book up at the library. I am glad I did, bec...moreI was intrigued by this book's title, and what I had read of a few reviews on this site, so I picked this book up at the library. I am glad I did, because I truly loved reading it.
This is one of the more unique books I have read. It is definitely meant for the young adult audience (the narration is often interrupted by "announcements", giving this book a fast-paced twenty-first century feel.) As an old fart, that took me awhile to get accustomed to, and was my least favorite aspect of this book.
The book is narrated by Death, who was portrayed as a sympathetic character, and we see the period of the Holocaust from the viewpoint of non-Jewish lower-class Germans living near the Dachau concentration camp.
Life is hard for those in this small town outside of Munich. But there is a lot of heart in this book: Papa's love of music, Liesl's love of books, and the interactions between neighbors and friends.
In the end, one's heart was soaring, even as it was breaking. This will be one book that stands out in my memory.(less)
I think this has to be my favorite Nevada Barr book to date! I really enjoyed the last one (Winter Study), but this one beats that one, although they...moreI think this has to be my favorite Nevada Barr book to date! I really enjoyed the last one (Winter Study), but this one beats that one, although they are very different.
Winter Study was darker, more suspenseful, almost horrific. This book, although Anna is still recovering from the events from the previous book, is more life-affirming and uplifting. Not that there is no suspense--there is a goodly amount.
At first, I was a little irritated that the chapters kept switching between the Mayor's story and Anna's story--I wanted to keep reading about Anna. Although, toward the end of the book, I realized that to do it any other way would hamper the story comprehension.
I love it that my favorite authors only get better and better--even though I thought they were the best that they could be! (less)
JB Stanley asked me to be her friend, right around the time a close friend of mine recommended Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale series. In one of Karen's...moreJB Stanley asked me to be her friend, right around the time a close friend of mine recommended Karen MacInerney's Gray Whale series. In one of Karen's books, she mentioned JB Stanley, as well as the Cozy Chicks, of which they are both members. So, I checked out all of her books from the library and I LOVED them!! The two series are both so different, yet both are excellent.
This first book in the series follows former English Lit professor, James Henry, who moved back to his hometown to care for his cranky widowed father, while he takes a position at the public library. James is feeling fat and out of shape, when one day someone asks to place a flyer in the library about the formation of a supper club. Thus, the Flab Five is born, and find themselves in the midst of a murder investigation, while they are becoming fast friends.
I loved the characters in this novel, and enjoyed following their lives through the first three books.
The only complaint I have about this book is that the only vegetarian in the book eats meat! (Although reluctantly, I admit.) I am a vegetarian (for ethical and health reasons) and most of the true vegetarians I know would rather go hungry than eat flesh! So, this is the one jarring aspect of the book--otherwise it was excellent!(less)
I really loved this last installment of the series! Mostly for the personal development aspects--I did not figure out "whodunnit" but I DID figure out...moreI really loved this last installment of the series! Mostly for the personal development aspects--I did not figure out "whodunnit" but I DID figure out a big secret in the book WAY before Dixie did. Well, actually, she NEVER figured it out--another character did. Maybe Dixie is way more naive than I am. I dunno.
I was also irritated at the author's assertion: "Blood has bacteria that seeps into cracks and crevices and gets into the air. It takes a specialized cleaning crew to sanitize a house where a brutal homicide has taken place." This makes it seem as if blood is festering with infection, and that's why the clean-up after homicides, when blood has no more bacteria in it (usually) than is EVERYWHERE present. Blood-borne pathogens are usually viruses, not bacteria. Most of the sanitization of a crime scene has more to do with killing any viruses present and removing any traces of hemoglobin. Most people do not like to dwell on the fact that our world is literally teeming with bacteria, molds, and very small "critters" that for the most part are harmless, and sometimes even beneficial to our health. But for the majority of readers, that would not even irritate them. I think my occupation as a clinical laboratory scientist has made me a little too sensitive about such matters! :-)
I can also highly recommend the author's blog (Kitty Litter) on her website: www.blaizeclement.com. In this book, as in previous books, she mentions Cora's Chocolate Bread. Well, I just happen to be going to a party tomorrow and wanted to try it, so I searched her website for "chocolate bread recipe" and found the blog entry that had the recipe. I am so excited to try it! I even have all the ingredients on hand. I will edit this review after I have tried it out and let you know how it came out. (Lisa, if you are reading this review, be sure to remind me!)
Overall, I love this series, and I really LOVED this book! If you like cozy mysteries, like I do, and like animals, you would love this series too! Try it out.
WOW! Jodi Picoult's books always intigue me and make my mind shift, and this book was no exception.
Told from four different viewpoints, this story mak...moreWOW! Jodi Picoult's books always intigue me and make my mind shift, and this book was no exception.
Told from four different viewpoints, this story makes you examine your thoughts on the death penalty and religion.
One voice is that of June Nealon, whose husband, police officer Kurt Nealon, and daughter by a previous marriage, Elizabeth, were brutally murdered one day as June, 7 months pregnant, was at an OB appointment.
Another voice is Michael, a university student pulled to serve on the jury that convicted Shay Bourne of the crime. He is so scarred by the experience that he became a priest to atone.
The third voice is Lucius, who is in the adjoining cell at the maximum security prison where Shay is brought 11 years later after his appeals have been denied.
The fourth voice is Maggie Bloom, an ACLU lawyer, who is trying to make Shay's wish to donate his heart to June's critically ill daughter, Claire, come true.
These four voices weave a dynamic and powerful story that had me in tears at points and laughing in others. The characters are so well-drawn and fleshed out that they could practically walk off the page. It was a very compelling read, and I am continually amazed at Picoult's talent.(less)
I read a lot of mysteries, and this kept me engrossed and guessing up until the last moment.
The main character is a reporte...moreI REALLY enjoyed this book!
I read a lot of mysteries, and this kept me engrossed and guessing up until the last moment.
The main character is a reporter with the Palm Beach Post, and the emails she receives from the readers of her column are interspersed throughout the book, and were interesting to read.
I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a suspenseful mystery with engaging characters and great writing.(less)
I loved this book. This is the best book of the series, IMHO. I love getting to know characters and their interplay, and loved Ayla learning to live w...moreI loved this book. This is the best book of the series, IMHO. I love getting to know characters and their interplay, and loved Ayla learning to live with the Clan of the Cave Bear. I don't like descriptive narrative of area so much (a la Mitchner, et al) so probably why I don't like the 4th book (Plains of Passage)(less)
NOTE: I was unable to read this book!! It looks like a great plot, however, I was unable to read beyond 2 1/2 pages, plus the acknowledgements and aut...moreNOTE: I was unable to read this book!! It looks like a great plot, however, I was unable to read beyond 2 1/2 pages, plus the acknowledgements and author's note (science behind the book.) I had the book for 9 weeks from the library, and I have reached the end of my renewals, so I will finally give up.
I don't know why I was unable to read this...Daniel Kalla's writing style seems close to Robin Cook and Michael Connolly, both of whom I enjoy. I guess it could be just a case of too much other books that appeal to me more strongly at the same time.
I am giving it 2-stars though I wish there was an option for unable to finish the book. Didn't want to give it 1-star, because I don't want to adversely affect others opinion of it, and I can't really say I didn't like it if I haven't read more than 3 pages!
I think I will try to read his other books first: maybe Blood Lies or Pandemic. If anyone has been able to finish this book, I would appreciate knowing what you thought.(less)
I couldn't decide what to rate this book: I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars.
I found this book fascinating, but I didn't feel like it was the...moreI couldn't decide what to rate this book: I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars.
I found this book fascinating, but I didn't feel like it was the most well-written book I've read. That may just be because it is SO different from the books written by US authors. It definitely has a foreign rhythm and pattern of speech.
This is written by a woman who lives in Pune, India, and I found the glimpses of life in India the most fascinating part of the book. The book revolves around a woman who starts up the Stellar Investigations Detective Agency that uses horoscopes to solve crimes. The horoscopes for the various characters are printed in the book, and are very different from Western horoscopes. Vedic horoscopes are rectangles with diamonds and triangles inside, and western horoscopes are circular with pie-shapes wedges inside. This book has made me want to learn more about astrology!
In the book, it seemed as if everyone in India had had a horoscope done. I was curious, and a coworker who is from India confirmed that is the case. He said that horoscopes are compared when two people are marrying.
The author says "her major concern is animal welfare and she strives for the care and protection of street dogs and cats." I give her a standing ovation for that!!!(less)
JA Jance is one of my all-time favorite authors. With this book, I think the Ali Reynolds series is now my most favorite of hers--although I still lov...moreJA Jance is one of my all-time favorite authors. With this book, I think the Ali Reynolds series is now my most favorite of hers--although I still love the Joanna Brady series. I always rejoice when I'm notified that a new JA Jance book has come in for me.(less)
JA Jance is my favorite author and the Joanna Brady series is my favorite series, and this book was the BEST of the entire series, bar none!
This book...moreJA Jance is my favorite author and the Joanna Brady series is my favorite series, and this book was the BEST of the entire series, bar none!
This book was very ambitious--it has been a very busy time in Cochise County. There are four separate police incidents in one weekend that Joanne gets involved in, her hubby, Butch, is preparing to head off on a book tour, AND their 4-month old baby is still not sleeping through the night.
But what I think I enjoyed most in this book, is that Joanne finally comes to terms with her mother at long last; through questions that arise about her late husband and her late father, tied in with one of the incidents.
This book was fast-paced and emotionally engaging. I cannot wait the year (or more) until I get another Joanna Brady "fix."(less)
This is a new series by one of my favorite authors, set in 1930. Just the fact that it was set so long ago in a very racist area should mean that I wo...moreThis is a new series by one of my favorite authors, set in 1930. Just the fact that it was set so long ago in a very racist area should mean that I wouldn't like it, but I really liked it. And not only because one of the characters is named Ophelia Snow!!
The Dahlias are women comprising a gardening club in Darling, Alabama. I really enjoyed reading this, and found that I was really immersed in the book and it was somewhat of a culture shock when I quit reading and came back to the "real world."
I'm still not clear on what a cucumber tree is, though. I know it is a magnolia tree--the Latin name was given several times--but I haven't looked it up yet. I don't know if it is the same kind of magnolia I gave to my father.
I found myself so immersed in the story that I felt like I was living in 1930's Alabama! It was a little bit of a culture shock coming back to real-time Indiana.
Very enjoyable book, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment.(less)
The sequel to the first Darling Dahlias book did not disappoint! If anything, it was even better.
Ms. Albert sprinkled it with history of the period, a...moreThe sequel to the first Darling Dahlias book did not disappoint! If anything, it was even better.
Ms. Albert sprinkled it with history of the period, as well as compelling subplots. There were new characters introduced, that I hope will make appearances in future books of the series.
Again, I was transported to that time. My mother was born in 1930, so I get a sense of what she might've gone through as I am reading. And the writing is superb--it is very evocative of the times. There was a list of the references used in the back, in case you wanted to troll through history yourself. There were also homemade cleaning tips using natural ingredients, something that I am very much interested in!
Read this book series! It will not disappoint.(less)
This is the first book in Sarah Graves Repair is Homicide mystery series. I first read it many years ago (1998?), along with the next two or three, th...moreThis is the first book in Sarah Graves Repair is Homicide mystery series. I first read it many years ago (1998?), along with the next two or three, then lost track of the series. I love this series! I made a concerted effort recently to read my way through once again and get caught up to date.
This first book is perhaps the weakest of the series, but Ms. Graves is only getting better and better. The protagonist is Jacobia Tiptree (Jake to her friends),a high powered stockbrocker who moves to Eastport, Maine, a tiny island community on the coast of Maine. She is recently divorced from a controlling, cheating husband, and her son, Sam, has gotten involved with drugs and unsavory friends in their Manhattan neighborhood.
Eastport Maine works wonders and her son blossoms and is happy. Jake is kept busy repairing and fixing up her old 1832 home. Then a dead man turns up in her ice room, and her best friend is charged with the murder. It is up to Jake to clear her name.
Regarding the title: I remember being somewhat alarmed at the title when I read it back in 1998. It is from a stock term for a slight rebound in stock prices after a significant drop. It comes from the saying: "Even a dead cat will bounce if dropped from high enough."(less)
A thoroughly entertaining book of short stories! Edited by Charlaine Harris (one of my absolute favorite authors) and Toni L.P. Kelner, it includes a...moreA thoroughly entertaining book of short stories! Edited by Charlaine Harris (one of my absolute favorite authors) and Toni L.P. Kelner, it includes a never-before published Sookie Stackhouse story.
Filled with stories about vampires, demons, and werewolves and other paranormal creatures, this book entertains in short bursts where you don't have a lot of time to get caught up in a novel (lunchtimes, waiting rooms, etc.)
I am anxiously awaiting their next anthology. (less)
I was very shocked when I picked up this book off the lending library shelf at work, and began reading. I am a big fan of JA Jance, and thought I had...moreI was very shocked when I picked up this book off the lending library shelf at work, and began reading. I am a big fan of JA Jance, and thought I had read all of the Sheriff Joanna Brady series, but this was the first one, and I had never read it.
I read the second (thinking it was the first)and remember Joanna remembering how her husband was murdered. It was done so adroitly, I never realized that there was an earlier book--I just thought it was backstory. It was fun going "back in time" and revisiting the characters at an earlier time. (less)
I thought Jan Burkes last Irene Kelly book, Bones, was her best yet. However, this latest installment to the series evens tops it!
Jan Burke's writing...moreI thought Jan Burkes last Irene Kelly book, Bones, was her best yet. However, this latest installment to the series evens tops it!
Jan Burke's writing has gotten better with each book, and I find it easy to lose myself in her narrative. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves series novels.(less)
I have been a fan of Jon Katz for many years. I REALLY enjoyed his suburban dectective series--I wish he still wrote mysteries. But his nonfiction dog...moreI have been a fan of Jon Katz for many years. I REALLY enjoyed his suburban dectective series--I wish he still wrote mysteries. But his nonfiction dog books give me a glimpse into his life. And it almost makes me want to have my own small farm. (But I know I am too lazy to all the work it takes to keep a farm going, and would need lots of $$$ to hire others to do it for me!)
I read this book in two days, then gave it to my 85 year old father, who read it in about the same time frame.
This book in particular made me re-think how I feel about my own animals. Specifically, that no matter how much you may love an animal, it may be better for that animal to live with someone else, no matter how hard it is on you.
There are two cats that are living with us that I am considering trying to relocate for their own sakes. One is a formerly feral cat, whom I completely adore, but is stalked and hounded by other cats in my household. She basically lives in my bedroom. I am now thinking that perhaps I should find her another loving home where she is the queen of all. The other is a recent addtion, a stray kitten that we were not able to find her owners. She is constantly growling at all the other animals (in fact, that's usually how I know where she is!) The problem is, she's not all that loving to people (maybe why she was lost and starving in the first place?) and would be hard to place. Plus, I don't believe in outdoor cats--it's just a too hard and dangerous life.
I will say that I don't totally agree with Jon's views on animals--I am more like his "Farm Goddess" who loves and respects ALL animals. I believe that we are all ONE, including all animals and other life (why I am vegetarian/vegan)and would never consider an animal a "number". (In the book, he mentions that when you call a vet, the vet asks if the animal has a number or a name; the inference being that animals with numbers are property and animals with names are a part of the family.)I hope that someday Jon will see his sheep as "names" and not numbers.(less)
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