The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins


He read

I know this has been on the best seller list forever, but it has not appealed to me.  I did downloaded it to Kindle and he read it when we were away.

He thought it was a very long, intriguing story that doesn't seem as if it is of any interest, but you get hooked on it and want to read it to the conclusion.

And West is West - Ron Childress

And West is West - Ron Childress

He read


Excellent story combining high tech drone with currency drone and drama between people involved with both

Cash Landing - James Grippando

Cash Landing - James Grippando

He read.

Very lightweight reading, but entertaining.

Where All Light Tends to Go - David Joy

Where All Light Tends to Go - David Joy

He read.

Excellent story.  Good depiction of rural North Carolina mountain country.

The Boys from Dolores - Patrick Symmes

The Boys from Dolores - Patrick Symmes

He read.

Published in 2007, this is the non fiction account of Fidel and Raul Castro and their classmates who attended a  Jesuit boarding school in Santiago, Cuba.  It is well written, reading almost like a novel.  Very interesting...and mentions a classmate who became Desi Arnez!

All Dress in White  - Mary Higgins Clai $ Alafair Burke

She read.

The Guilty - David Baldacci

He and she read

The latest Baldacci featuring Will Robie and Jessica Reel.  A fast read; kept our attention. Two gunfights were a little much and the ending a bit contrived, but, overall, a good read.

The War Reporter - Martin Fletchcer

The War Reporter - Martin Fletcher


He read

Racing the Rain - John L. Parker Jr.

He read

Typical coming of age novel in the 50s-60s in rural Florida, with running as a theme.  

He liked it. 

This is your Life, Harriet Chance - Jonathan Evison
She read
Despite a bit of the supernatural (which I hate), I really enjoyed this novel.  In a clever manner, the author tells Harriet's life story, moving back and forth between present and past.  I really liked it.  He has a wonderful perspective of the lives of women of a certain age; at first I thought it had been written by a woman, he is so perceptive.

The Crossing - Michael Connelly

She read; he is about to!

Hard to believe I've been reading Michael Connelly for 23 years!  I do enjoy his books.  This is the latest in the Harry Bosch series, although Mickey Haller, his half brother the "Lincoln Lawyer", is also in this book.  Harry is now in forced retirement and teams up with Haller to help him on one of his cases.  I didn't want to put the book down and finished it in less than two afternoons. If you are a Connelly fan, don't miss this one; if you've never read him, try it!

Career of Evil - Robert Galbraith

Career of Evil - Robert Galbraith

She read.

This is JK Rowling's latest Cormoran Strike novel.  If you enjoyed the first, you will enjoy this one, despite the macabre subject matter.
Quick, easy reading.

Fates and Furies - Lauren Groff

She read

Intriguing story, good character development.  At times, though, I felt it lapsed into word salad.

Rogue Lawyer - John Grisham

He and she read

Typical Grisham.  Enjoyable, easy read.  At first, I thought it was going to be comprised of novellas, but Grisham tied things together nicely around the main character.

City on Fire - Garth Risk Hallberg

He and she read

Hallberg is an excellent writer.  Interesting story, great character development.  HOWEVER, at 900 pages, we both felt he could have edited a bit more and not hurt the story nor the character development.  By the end, we both found ourselves kind of skimming rather than reading and truly enjoying the good writing.

The Girl in the Spider's Web - David lagercrantz

He and she read

Next in the Lisbeth Salander novels, continuing Stieg Larsson's series after his death.  Story a bit implausible, but a decent read.  Author set himself up nicely for another one in the series.

X - Sue Grafton

She read - already published

I really enjoy Grafton's Kinsey Milhone novels.  I don't mind that they seem like a time warp, set in the late 1980s.  No cell phones, computers just starting to make their appearance....having to use directory assistance or a telephone book to look up a number...imagine!  Unfortunately, this one didn't quite hold my interest as well as her others in this series.  There were a couple of plot lines, none of them very strong.

Inheritance of Power - Edward Charles

He read - already published

Excellent historical fiction centering on the Medici family and the rise of their banking empire in Italy and Europe.  Written from a woman's point of view. The story is narrated by a slave woman from Sicily, purchased by Cosimo, who became not only his lover but his confidante in the struggle for his political power in Florence and influence throughout the continent.

The Scam - Janet Evanovich

She read - Publish date Sept. 15, 2015

This book in the Fox and O'Hare series is co written with Lee Goldberg.  I really enjoy Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series.  Yes, it is sometimes silly but it is SO Jersey and I find the characters very entertaining.  This was my first Fox and O'Hare and I probably will not read another.  It was sort of absurd, but it was funny and somewhat amusing.  If you read it with that point of view, you might enjoy it.  If you are a Fox and O'Hare fan, then you will be pleased that the ending sets the authors up for the next story in the series.

The Last Boleyn - Karen Harper

He read - already published

This is the story of Mary Boleyn, older sister of Ann Boleyn and the last Boleyn woman.  Excellent historical fiction based on the Boleyn family and King Henry VIII's reign.

Devil's Bridge - Linda Fairstein

She read - already published.

I've read all of Fairstein's Alex Cooper novels and usually enjoy them.  This one, featuring Mike Chapman, I found a bit tedious.  I didn't like it as much as the others.  I do always enjoy the bits of New York history that Fairstein introduces into her books.

Her Final Breath - Robert Dugoni

She Read - Publication date: Sept. 15, 2015

This is the second in the series featuring Tracy Crosswhite. When I read a mystery, I don't try to figure out "who done it".  But, in this case,  I knew what would happen without really even thinking about it.  Despite that, it held my interest and I enjoyed it.  I didn't read the first novel in this series, Her Sister's Grave, but it's on my list to read in the near future.

The Song of the Mockingbird - Bill Cronin

He read - already published

Good story. Deals with the depth of depression as main character tries to figure some tragedies from the past.  Redemptive ending and liked it so much that now I am reading the sequel, Ruby's Story

Cold Black Earth - Sam Reaves

He read - already published

Interesting story of family that has experienced set backs and are reuniting at a family farm in Illinois. Quickly turns into a murder mystery.  The best part for me was the depiction of small town agricultural life.  Nothing spectacular; good mystery.

The Daylight Marriage - Heidi Pitlor

She read - already published

The book is well written. It is almost 2 different novels; one a story of marriage and family as it becomes weary and trying and the other a mystery.  I enjoyed the first, the second was not well developed.  Without spoiling the story, I found some of the actions of the wife that lead to her disappearance annoying that she would be so stupid.   It was an OK read, but not one that I would say "don't miss".  Gone Girl it is not.

A Blossom of Bright Light - Suzanne Chazin

He read (she hasn't had time!).  Publish date Oct. 27, 2015

Excellent detective murder mystery story about the plight of the immigrant community...how sometimes crimes are not reported because of people's status and pressure on them. Well written, very interesting...compelling.

City of Echoes - Robert Ellis

He read - Publish date Sept. 1, 2015

New detective series featuring Matthew Jones.  Typical detective story; a bit scattered.  A beach read and that's about it.

The Melody Lingers On - Mary Higgins Clark

She read - already published

MHC was one of my mother's favorites, so, I guess, out of sentimentality, I still read all her books.  Typical MHC book....light, quick, easy reading, with happy endings. If you like her, then do read this...perhaps not as mysterious as some of her prior works, but she is 80 and still writing!!!  Obviously, if you are not a fan, don't bother...unless you need a mindless book for a day on the beach on an airplane ride.

Rebel Queen - Michelle Moran

He read - already published

Based on the true story , it was well written and a good story.  It highlighted the British East Indian Company and how Britain got its old on India, told through the eyes of a young girl who became a soldier/bodyguard to an Indian queen.  Lots of information about 19th centurylIndian life

Go Set a Watchman - Harper Lee

He read, she read - already published

He read

Didn't find the portrayal of Atticus disturbing at all.He seemed to be just an attorney who was looking for justice and upholding the law but was still caught up in the culture of the deep south.Related to a lot of the description of small town living.Light, realistic story about the south during the 50s.  A quick read.

She read

A quick read.  Don’t let all the publicity and negative comments about this book scare you off.  I enjoyed it.  I was just sorry that Harper Lee hadn’t had the opportunity to really edit and expand this novel.  

The English Spy - Daniel Silva

He read - already published

Another of the Gabriel Allon    series.  Good thriller.  Excellent story. Learned more about the IRA and the “Troubles” and the Ira connection to Iran.   If you are a Silva fan, you will enjoy this. 

A Song of Shadows - John Connolly

He read - Publish date 9/29/15

Standard  Charlie Parker genre with slightly supernatural twist.  I always enjoy the characters who surround Charlie. 

Playing with Fire - Tess Gerritson

She Read - Publish date: Oct. 27, 2015

As a fan of Gerritson’s Rizzoli and Isles characters, I wasn’t sure about reading a standalone novel….but I liked it.  I enjoyed the parallel stories, one taking place in the 1940s Fascist Italy   and the other present day.  Some reviewers of this book have said they didn’t like the ending; I did.  I thought it believable and satisfying

Bum Rap - Paul Levine

He read - Publish date July 1, 2015

A Jake Lassiter book.  Fast reading, entertaining; set in south Florida.   Interesting characters, A decent, light read.  

Luckiest Girl Alive - Jessica Knoll

She read - already published

When I first saw a review of this book, I wasn’t interested in it.  But, then it was on the NY TImes bestseller list for a number of weeks and was, in some ads, compared to Gone Girl  which I REALLY liked, so I thought I’d give it a chance.  After I started it, I was going to give it up…something I rarely do with a book.  But, I stuck with it.  There was a twist that came later in the book that peaked my interest a bit. All in all, though, it’s not one I would highly recommend.  If you have nothing else to read and are curious, give it a try.  And, by the way, I don’t think it can compare to Gone Girl.  

Bloodline - Alan Gold and Mike Jones

He read - written in 2013

This is the first book in The Heritage Trilogy, although he read the second one (Birthright) first. Like Birthright, he really liked the book.  Filled with facts, but an enjoyable read, the authors did an excellent job transitioning between ancient history and modern day Israel and Palestine.

In the Unlikely Event - Judy Blume

She read.....already published.

I'm a little late getting around to this, but...

  I really liked this book.  Based on true events, I wasn’t aware of the three plane crashes that occurred in Elizabeth, NJ in the winter of 51-52 which resulted in the closing down of Newark Airport for a period of time.  I liked the perspective of telling the stories of individuals and families who were touched by these events….how life goes on, but there is always the looming presence.  Blume begins each chapter with a short fictional, but historically accurate, newspaper clipping that reflects life in the early 50s.  

Circling the Sun - Paula McLain

He Read - Publish date July 28, 2015

Another work of historical fiction by the author of The Paris Wife.  If you enjoyed Out of Africa, you'll like this. Very informative about the colonial period of Africa.

The Murderer's Daughter - Jonathan Kellerman

She read - Publish date August 18, 2015

I am a fan of Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series.  This is a standalone work, although the main character who is also a psychologist does mention and has had contact with Delaware. I vacillated while reading this.  At first I didn’t particularly enjoy it; I forced myself to stay with it and then I became engrossed by it.  There is a dual storyline, the present activities of Dr. Grace Blades as well as her childhood. I found the childhood story more compelling, if somewhat of a fairytale.  Kellerman does a good job presenting a female perspective and psychological views.  Some people may not “connect" with Blades as an adult, but the revelations of her childhood explain the person she has become.  

Injustice - Lee Goodman

He read.   Publish date Sept. 15, 2015

Good story, character development and courtroom activity.  The book held my interest, although the ending could have been more realistic.  

Becoming George Washington Stephen Yoch

He read   Publish date Sept. 1, 2015


This is an EXCELLENT piece of historical fiction. I found this to be one of the best, if not the best depiction of Washington’s early life and career. Factfilled but written in an extremely interesting manner. A great read. 

Somebody I Used to Know - David Bell

She read.  Publish date July 7, 2015

This is my first David Bell novel, and I’m glad I discovered it.  It is a quick, engrossing read that will appeal to the mystery lover as well as the romantic. I didn’t want to put it down. It contains many twists, some of the predictable.  Somebody I Used to Know makes a great beach or curl up on the couch read.

Injustice - Lee Goodman

He Read  Publish date Sept. 15, 2015

Good story.  Held my interest.  Good character development and courtroom activity. Twists in the story.  The ending could have been more realistic.

Birthright - Alan Gold, Mike Jones

He read. Publish date Aug. 4, 2015

This is the second book in the Heritage Trilogy; reading the first one is not necessary to enjoy this excellent book.  Birthright provides historical background on the formation of the states of Palestine and Israel and today’s conflict.  Very informative, yet an enjoyable, suspenseful read. 

Killing Secrets - Dianne Emley

She read. Publish date July 21, 2015

This was my first Nan Vining mystery and I have added her to my list of beloved female sleuths.  A fast paced, absorbing read with well developed characters, I didn’t want to put it down. Now I will try to go back and read the previous novels in this series.

Speaking in Bones - Kathy Reichs

Publish date 7/21/15

She read.

Another in the "Bones" series by Kathy Reichs.  I have never watched the television series.  I tried it once for a few minutes, but the actress just didn't fit my "picture" of Tempe Brennan, so I was turned off to it......Anyway, my thoughts....

 Reading another Kathy Reichs Temperance Brennan “Bones” novels is like visiting with an old friend. A very intelligent friend who is sometimes not so smart when placing herself in dangerous situations. I always gleam some new information from her novels, whether it be in the area of forensic anthropology or, in this book, the "ghost lights" near Brown Mountain in Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s difficult to put down one of Ms. Reichs' novels as her foreshadowing of events at the ends of chapters keeps the intrigue going and prods the reader to go on for “just one more chapter". While this may not be her best effort, I enjoyed it and it was nice to see Ryan back in her life....or is he?

He read/she read

Join us to read quick reviews of the latest books we have read.  Our tastes are different.  He likes historical fiction; I usually choose mysteries...lighter beach reading.  We both enjoy courtroom and some police procedurals and dislike fantasy and science fiction.

I'm not going to summarize the books...you can read a summary of any of them on sites such as Amazon, Goodreads, etc.....