Saturday, August 29, 2015

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.

Sunday, August 23, 2015

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.

Monday, August 17, 2015

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.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

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

Monday, August 10, 2015

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.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

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.

Thursday, August 6, 2015

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.

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

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.

Monday, August 3, 2015

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.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

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