The Hopefuls - Jennifer Close

The Hopefuls - Jennifer Close

She Read

A light, entertaining read about two couples who worked on the Obama campaign and moved to Washington, DC to work in the administration.  Good character development of three of the four characters, although the narrator tended to not have much of a personality.  Observations about life in DC and later Sugarland, Tx were engaging.  I have to say, though, I wish I had read it a few months ago; reading it now, in this political climate, was a bit depressing.

I Am No One - Patrick Flanery

I Am No One - Patrick Flanery

He read

The Commodore - P.T. Deutermann

The Commodore - P.T. Deutermann

He read

All True Not a Lie in It = Alix Hawley

All True Not a Lie in It = Alix Hawley

He read

Mediocre

The Trapped Girl - Robert Dugoni

The Trapped Girl - Robert Dugoni

She read

This is the fourth in the Tracy Crosswhite series.  The character development is so good that it is not necessary to have read the prior ones, although they would give more background on  some of the characters.

I've read some of Dugoni's other works and enjoy this writer.

This book had a "Gone Girl" feel to it in style and story. There are a number of twists and the plot is somewhat complex, but it is easy to follow.  It moves along at a good pace and kept my interest throughout.   Another winning police procedural for Dugoni.

Moral Defense - Marcia Clark

Moral Defense - Marcia Clark

She read

The second in the Samantha Brinkman series, it is the first one that I have read.   I didn't feel I missed anything by not reading the first book in the series as the repeating characters backgrounds and personalities were filled in pretty well. The action moved along, with twists and turns as more and more of the plot was revealed. The story's action and characters were easy to follow.  I probably will not seek out additional titles in this series as I didn't particularly like Samantha nor her freewheeling, personal forms of justice. I felt that as an attorney, she was almost as scary as the guilty parties introduced.

The Vanished - Lottie and Soren Hammer

The Vanished - Lotte and Soren Hammer

He read

This is the second book he read by this sister and brother team from Denmark.  An interesting story that he liked.

Everybody's Fool - Richard Russo

Everybody's Fool - Richard Russo

He read

He is a big fan of Richard Russo and enjoyed this sequel to Nobody's Fool.  Russo has a great grasp of small town living and conveys it well in his writing.

The Sleeping Beauty Killer - Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

The Sleeping Beauty Killer - Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke

She read

OK, if you've read my previous comments, you know that I read Mary Higgins Clark out of sentimentality....my mother really enjoyed her books and I stick with them in her memory.   This is the third in the Under Suspicion mysteries written with Alafair Burke and although I knew (even though I never try to guess...guess I've read too many of her books!) the killer VERY early on, I thought this was the best of the series.  Despite the formulaic quality of the book, and because it is a quick read, I had difficulty putting it down until it was finished.  There's just something about MHC.......

Turbo Twenty-Three - Janet Evanovich

Turbo Twenty-Three - Janet Evanovich

She read.

Yes, the Stephanie Plum novels are silly, but I really enjoy them. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining.  Maybe it's the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me as  I haven't really liked Evanovich's other works.  But the Stephanie Plum series is fun.  Yes, the characters are predictable, but I expect them to be.  Yes, the relationships don't progress, but, really, they are living in Trenton!!!! A quick, amusing read and I look forward to the next in the series. I almost don't care about the plot...its the characters I enjoy.

No Man's Land - David Baldacci

No Man's Land - David Baldacci

He and she read

The fourth in the John Puller, novels, you don't have to have read the prior ones, but it will fill in some background on the characters as there are references to their pasts.  A quick read.  I find Baldacci easy reading and if you enjoy him, you will probably enjoy this.  We didn't particularly as some of the story elements were a bit far fetched.  But, if you don't mind suspending credibility, go for it.

Redemption Road - John Hart

Redemption Road - John Hart

He Read

He thought it was an OK read with some twists and turns.

From GoodReads:

A boy with a gun waits for the man who killed his mother.

A troubled detective confronts her past in the aftermath of a brutal shooting.

After thirteen years in prison, a good cop walks free. But for how long?

And deep in the forest, on the altar of an abandoned church, the unthinkable has just happened…

This is a town on the brink. This is a road with no mercy.

Precious and Grace - Alexander McCall Smith

Precious and Grace - Alexander McCall Smith

She read

If you enjoy the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, you will enjoy this one, the 17th.  Light reading, simple lives, but deep philosophical thoughts.  It almost doesn't matter what the plot is, for the joy of these novels are the interactions between and musings of the by now very familiar main characters.

The Wrong Side of Goodbye - Michael Connelly

The Wrong Side of Goodbye - Michael Connelly

He and She read

Another of Connelly's Harry Bosch (with an appearance of "The Lincoln Lawyer", Mickey Haller) mysteries.  I am a fan of Connelly's and especially his Bosch series.  A good story that made we want to keep reading long into the night.   Not Connelly's best, but I enjoyed it.  One of the list of prolific mystery/legal thriller writers, Connelly didn't disappoint in this one as some of the others have recently. So glad that Harry's career isn't over yet!

The Whistler - John Grisham

The Whistler - John Grisham

She read; he is reading next

Old fashioned Grisham legal investigative "procedural".  A decent read....but not quite a thriller.  The action moved along, though.  Spoiler alert:  don't expect any twists and turns!

Exhume - Danielle Girard

Exhume - Danielle Girard

She read

Even though the story was a little over the top, I enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down.  This was the first time I have read anything by Danielle Girard, but I will look into some of her other books.  Purported to be the first in a new series about medical examiner Annabelle Schwartzman, I look forward to reading the next one and hope that the story will  be a little more grounded.  

The Trespasser - Tana French

The Trespasser - Tana French

She read

I have read most, if not all of Tana French's other novels and have enjoyed them.  This one was not my favorite.  It seemed to get a little bogged down, taking a while to get where it was going.  I didn't feel particularly sympathetic to Antoinette Conway, the only female member of the Dublin Murder Squad.  But, still, this is an enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys this author or police procedurals.  

Out of Bounds - Val McDermid

Out of Bounds, Val McDermid

She read

A Scottish police procedural, this is the fourth in the Inspector Karen Pirie series, and the 30th by McDermid; it is the first I have read.  I really liked it.  A member of the Historic Cases (cold cases) Unit, Pirie is a strong, intelligent, vulnerable, but not  overly flawed character.  I liked her better than many of the female protagonists who have inhabited other procedurals I have read recently. There are a few story lines here, but all could be followed easily and when they overlapped, they did so realistically. A gripping story, good character development and I liked the inclusion of topical issues/conversation such as Syrian refugees and the banter about Donald Trump. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/police procedural.  I'm glad I discovered this author!

Home - Harlan Coben

Home - Harlan Coben

He read; she read

I've read a few of Coben's novels that I have really liked; this one, not so much.  This is one in the Myron Bolitar series, the first in this series I have read.  Although the story held my attention and I was interested in finding out what happened, some of the main characters were a bit much.  I like realistic characters; Coben's character of Win, for example,  was a little too much of a "superhero" for me.  There were instances of humor throughout that I did enjoy.  I don't think I would read another Bolitar novel, but certainly look forward to other Coben works.

The Pick, the Spade, and the Crow - Bill Rogers

The Pick, the Spade, and the Crow - Bill Rogers

She read

A British police procedural, this is slated to be the first in a series about the National Crime Agency.  It introduces Senior Investigator Joanne Stuart and the rest of the team with whom she will be working.  Stuart's character was well developed and although there were no real twists or surprises, the novel held my attention and it was a quick read.  I look forward to the next in the series.

The Girl from Venice - Martin Cruz Smith

The Girl from Venice - Martin Cruz Smith

He read

Publication Date:  Oct. 18, 2016

An interesting story about the politics of the Fascist and Resistance groups in Italy during World War II.  The story takes place at the end of the war and focuses on how the two groups manage to coexist or not.  It also dealt with the Fascist elimination of the Jews in Italy. Tells the story of a Jewish girl, the only survivor of her family,  and the Venetian fisherman who becomes involved with her/

El Paso - Winston Groom

El Paso - Winston Groom

He read

Publication Date: October 4, 2016

By the author of Forrest Gump, an excellent adventure story set at the turn of the century focusing on Pancho Villa and his Revolution.  Many American characters are intertwined including Tom Mix, Jack Reed, and other notables 

Based loosely on historical facts of the time.

Seduced - Randy Wayne White

Seduced - Randy Wayne White

Release date:  October 18, 2016

She read

This is the first of the Hannah Smith novels I have read.  The beginning was a bit farcical, but I enjoyed the story and learning about the characters.   Living in SW Florida, I particularly appreciated the history, biology, and insight into problems in our area relating to the citrus industry and our well known issues with pythons.  If you are a fan of Randy Wayne White, or SW Florida, don't miss it.  If you haven't read White before and are looking for a light, quick read in which you will learn a bit about the area, read this book.

Damaged - Lisa Scottoline

Damaged - Lisa Scottoline

She read

Another in the Bennie Rosato novels featuring Mary Di Nunzio.  A fast read, good mystery, happy ending.

Three Sisters Three Queens

Three Sister Three Queens - Philippa Gregory

He read

Historical fiction about Katherine of Aragon, Mary and Margaret of Scotland.
He felt that this was Gregory's best novel yet.

Two Days Gone - Randall Silvis

Two Days Gone - Randall Silvis

Publication Date:  January 10, 2017

She Read

A well known writer/college professor’s family is found slain and he appears to be on the run.  An emotionally damaged detective who has had prior (noncriminal) dealings with the professor investigates.  As part of his investigation, he tries to get inside the writer’s mind, particularly as it relates to the novel he is presently writing.

There are literary references that I enjoyed and the book is well written, with the story being told from the points of view of these two.  Unfortunately, despite the grave circumstances for the professor, I felt no affinity for him. Although it took me a while to get into it, the story held my attention.  It is worth a read.  

Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins

Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins

She finally read it!

I've put off reading this but figured since the film will be out in October, I should probably read it.

I didn't have much feeling for the main character, Rachel.  In fact, I found her somewhat annoying.  But, the story did hook me and it was a good read.

Missing, Presumed - Susie Steiner

She Read

This is a decent British police procedural. Told from the various points of view of the main characters, this places more emphasis on character development than actual police work.  A fairly quick read, it held my attention throughout.

He also read

He liked it also.  Discusses the British investigative services.

Surrender, New York - Caleb Carr

She read

Publish date: Aug. 23, 2016

Having enjoyed reading Carr's previous novels, I looked forward to this one. What a disappointment.  I felt as though I plodded through it, reading it in short installments near the end just to be able to get through it. I didn't have a problem with the prose, it was the story that seemed to miss the mark.  I got the feeling that Carr fancied his two protagonists as modern day Sherlock Holmes and Watson or perhaps I looked at that as an excuse for what I thought was very unrealistic behavior by professionals.  I am not one who tries to figure out "who did it"  when I read a novel; I just like to let a story unfold.  Unfortunately, the "who did it"  was obvious early on.

Killer Look - Linda Fairstein

She read

The eighteenth in the Alexandra Cooper series, this story picks up soon after the last one.  Alex isn’t her old self as she tries to recover from an abduction that was the the focus of the last book.  You don’t have to have read the prior novels, although if you have it’s like visiting old friends which is why Alex’s PTSD behavior was a bit unsettling.  

An apparent suicide that is not, an interesting overview of the NYC rag trade and world of designer fashion, and family intrigue that Alex cannot resist makes this a quick and absorbing read. 

I always enjoy Fairstein’s use of familiar New York locations, along with some historical perspective and I love the Final Jeopardy questions, a trademark of the Alex Cooper series.

The twist at the end leaves readers hungry for the next in this series.

Blood Flag - Steve Martini

She read; he is reading it.

Another in the Paul Madriani series.   This one could have been written a little better, but I enjoyed it.  I liked that he took what seemed a little far fetched and made it more plausible.

The Pursuit - Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg

She read.

I do enjoy Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series...mostly, I guess because they make such fun out of New Jersey!  This is one of the "Fox and O'Hare" series.  I made myself read the one from this series.  I tried this one, but it was so silly (not funny...just silly) and blithely written that I quit after 50 pages.

The Last Time She Saw Him - Jane Haseldine

She read

Publication date: June 28, 2016

This is the author's first novel and it appears that it may be the first of a series.  It's difficult to write this review.  I liked the first 3/4s of this book.  Haseldine employs great use of descriptive language.  I really enjoyed her writing, feeling as though I were actually observing scenes.  I didn't want to put the book down initially, but I thought it unraveled as it got near the end and I did put it down because I needed a break from it.  It seemed to descend into a perverse, violent  Keystone komedy of actions.  That said, I thought it was a good debut and am looking forward to her next novel, hoping that style will win out over substance and her character's actions will become more realistic.

The Necessary Death of Lewis Winter - Malcolm Mackay

He read.

Another of Malcolm Mackay's novels.

THIS (not the one below)  was the first of an interesting trilogy dealing with Glasgow underworld. Excellent depiction of the characters and their positions. Introduces the main characters for the rest of series.Focuses on Calum,a hired gun for the mob and his exploits.   Still think the third. (which he read first) was the best of the trilogy. 

Kickback - Robert Parker

He Read

A Spenser novel.
Excellent read about corrupt juvenile judges and their relationships with private prisons.  Spenser uncovers a town where judges are shipping  juveniles off for little or no cause other than their personal gain.

Small Great Things - Jodi Picoult

She read

Publishing Date: Oct. 11, 2016

In this sure to be another best seller, Picoult tackles a frank presentation of racism, both overt and covert and something we all harbor in one way or another.  

The plot has been summarized in other reviews; it won’t be repeated here.  The story is told from three points of view, including that of a white supremacist; some of those passages were tough to read, yet so relevant in today’s political climate.  

It is evident that a lot of research, thought, and compassion went into this novel.  The ending may seem too contrived for some, but I think it was “just”.  

Small Great Things can be a quick, compelling read, or it can invite a lot of introspection on the part of the reader.  It would make a great choice for book clubs not afraid of an honest discussion.   Don’t neglect the Author’s Notes at the end.  

How a Gunman Says Goodbye - Malcolm Mackay

He read

This is the second book in a trilogy; he read the third one first and really liked it.  Focused on an aging killer and the rise of a new, young killer in a crime organization, this was not as interesting as the third one was.  The character development in the third was excellent, this one not as much.  The author has a good grasp of the underworld in Glasgow.

The Day the Rich Men Burned - Malcolm Mackay


Excellent story set in Glasgow and the criminal activities of money lenders and enforcers. Interesting how money lending/enforcing is done there vs in the US.  Great story of two young men growing up on the streets of Glasgow with no future and how they evolve into this trade and the tragic outcome.Enjoyed this book so much, going to read more by this author.

The Rent Collector - Camron Wright

He Read

Dramatic story in the f capital city of Cambodia and the people who live in make their living off of the dumps.  Fictional story but loosely based on actual characters the author knew.  Good depiction of the  poverty, hopelessness and eventually one family's minor escape via the rent collector how, in a past life, a teacher and how she used education to help this family crawl out of the misery of the dumps.

The Verdict - Nick Stone

He read.

Excellent story  emphasizing the roles of barrister, solicitor, and clerks in the British legal system.  Major history between the accused killer and the legal firm's clerk.  He enjoyed the way the information was provided.

15th Affair - James Patterson

She read.

The Women's Murder Club series is the only one of Patterson's series that I read.  If you are a fan of this series, you will enjoy yet another one, although this takes a bit of a dark turn with Lindsay's husband, Joe, exposing a secret life.  While you could read this one cold without reading any of the previous ones, there isn't much character development and you might enjoy it better if you read the entire series from the beginning.  As old, familiar characters, I was able to fill in a lot as I read, otherwise, it might have seemed a bit sketchy.

The Ex - Alafair Burke

He read

Typical lawyer/murder story with some twists.  Twenty years ago, the lawyer was engaged to the suspect.  A few interesting twists and turns, but basically that genre.  Ending was evident early on; no surprises here.

Crazy Blood - T. Jefferson Parker

He read

Beach read book about ski racing at Mammoth, CA.  Tragedy and revenge of two families and half brothers competing on the ski racing circuit.  Entertaining with some good information about ski racing.

Young Blood - Matt Gallagher

He read.

Excellent war story about Iraq and the difficulty of rules of engagement with terrorists and locals. A young man tries to do the right thing in very difficult circumstances

The Last Mile - David Baldacci

He and she read

Another Baldacci page turner.  He felt the ending was contrived; she said, "it's fiction...he has to tie everything up".

 Eligible - Curtis Sittenfeld

She Read.

This book was pre publish date advertised as an update of Pride and Prejudice.  Intrigued, I reserved it.  The first review I read about it trashed it.  I was about to cancel my reservation, but decided to try it.  It really was entertaining...certainly not literature, but kind of a fun read.

Blood Defense - Marcia Clark

He read.

The first in a proposed new series by Marcia Clark.  Although have read and enjoyed other of Clark's novels, this one not as much.  A beach read with some implausibles in the story.

The Story of the Lost Child - Elena Ferrante

She read

Finishing this fourth of the Neapolitan novels was bitter sweet.  I read all four in succession, so spent a lot of time of the life stories of these two friends.  As with the prior two, things do get a bit ponderous at times, but I enjoyed the series...as wasn't as depressed at the end as I thought I would be!

The Guest Room - Chris Bohjalian

He read.


A good story of an example of how a "perfect" life can be totally screwed up by one bad incident. Th main character has it all...good job, marriage, children.  He organizes a bachelor party for brother. Through an agency, he hires two women who attend with their body guards.  Essentially, they are sex slaves kidnapped from Armenia.  At the party, the one woman stabs one party guard, the other shoots the second guard. The girls escape and the seemed charmed life falls apart.

The Fall of Princes - Robert Goolrick

He read.

The story of a highly educated young man in finance who was making lots of money for his clients, but drinking, drugs and women were getting the best of him until he took out a wealthy client and made a fool of himself.  He was terminated from his lucrative job; the bulk of the book was about his fall and how he lost everything including money, wife and how he redeemed himself at the end.  Written in first person narrative.  Good story.

Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay - Elena Ferrante

She read.

Book three in Neapolitan novels. Although it gets bogged down a bit, I continue to enjoy this series and am looking forward to the fourth and perhaps final.

Warriors of the Storm - Bernard Cornwell

He read

Historical fictional account of early days of England being invaded by Norsemen and Danes.  King Alfred's daughter and their fight to keep the Norsemen from invading all of England.  Excellent story...typical Cornwell.

Once a Crooked Man - David McCallum

He read.

Yes, THE David McCallum of Mission Impossible and NCIS....  Interesting crime novel set in NYC and London with some interesting twists and turns. Enjoyable.  Quick read.

 As Time Goes By - Mary Higgins Clark

She read

Hard to believe I've been reading Mary Higgins Clark for 41 years!!!!  As I mentioned in a prior note about another one of her novels, I guess I still read her out of sentimentality as she was one of my mother's favorites.  This one is again typical....no suspense as you know the ending just about from the beginning.  But, it is light, quick reading and has a happy ending.  As I said in my prior review, if you are not a fan, don't bother....unless you need a mindless book for a day on the beach or an airplane trip.

Icarus - Deon Meyer

He read.

Good story about South Africa and its police force known as "The Hawks".  Good depiction of the growing of grapes for the wine business and the merging of black and white cultures post Apartheid.

Fool me Once - Harlan Coben

She read; he is just starting it.

I like most of Coben's writings.  This once kept me riveted...I put it down only once. But now that it has ended, with somewhat of a (spoiler) surprise ending, I'm not sure how I feel about it.  There were a few stretch my credulity  scenes and while the ending was kind of perfect for the story, I'm not sure it really "fit" with the character. I think the ending will provide a lot of "grist for the mill" for book discussion groups.

Everyone Brave is Forgiven - Chris Cleave

He read

World War II novel set in Britain during the bombings; it is about two friends, one who becomes a captain in Malta, the other is in charge of the children who remain in the city rather than being sent to the country.  The children left behind primarily were those who no one would adopt - disabled, children of color and others considered "undesirable".  Two women are involved with the two men and everyone does their bit during the war. Romance and tragedy of living throught the war.

The Waters of Eternal Youth - Donna Leon

He AND she read

I love Donna Leon's Guido Brunetti mysteries.  Set in Venice, Leon conveys so much about Venice is all about....the politics, the cynicism, the decaying beauty.  I feel that Brunetti and his family and associates are old friends.  Last time we were in Venice, I passed by the Questore fully expecting to encounter him and stopped at his favorite bar for a coffee.  Leon's books make me want to return to La Serenissima.
If you are a fan of Brunetti's, you will enjoy this work; if you haven't met him yet, you might enjoy reading the series from the beginning and getting to know the cast of characters.  A bit of a spoiler alert...sometimes Leon's novels end with one wondering if justice has been served....in this novel, it clearly has.

The Story of a New Name - Elena Ferrante

She read.

The second of the four Neapolitan Novels.

Although this did seem to drag a bit about three quarters through, it picked up again at the end and I am looking forward to the third one.

My Brilliant Friend - Elena Ferrante

She read.

I've read about the Neapolitan novels for a few years now, but wasn't sure I would like them, so put off reading them.  I'm glad I finally decided to see what they were all about. This is the first of 4 tracing the intricate relationships between two friends since childhood and the culture of their neighborhood in Naples.  It starts in present time, but quickly reverts to the beginning of the story in the 50s.  I couldn't wait to finish it and start the next one.  Ferrante's observations of the culture, the world, and the character of males and females is insightful.

Grey Salvation - Alan McDermott

He read.

Political thriller based on a country similar to the Ukraine today.  President tries to establish relationships with the EU but is hampered by Russians threatening to invade the country.  Story then becomes a typical shoot 'em up and rescue attempt.

 The Domino Game  - Greg Wilson

He read

Excellent story centering on politics and oligarchs in today's Russia.  Portrays the relationship of the oligarchs to business in the US.  Enjoyable story; factual information

Fields of Wrath - Mark Wheaton

He read

Very good.  Taking place in California, it deals with illegal migrant workers and the big corporations who exploit them resulting basically in slavery for these unfortunate migrant workers smuggled in to work in the fields.

The Fox in the Forest = J Gregson

He read.

A mystery with a couple of nice twists.  Good depiction of small town, rural England the intrigues among the characters who live there including the lord of the manor and his position in that small community.

The Widow - Fiona Barton

She read

Miller's Valley - Anna Quindlen

Publish date:  April 5, 2016

She read

I enjoy Anna Quindlen's writing and this book certainly added to that enjoyment.  It totally engaged me; I didn't want to put it down and in fact read it in two seatings.  She provided good insight into growing up in a small town as well as the life experiences of a woman growing up in the 60s.  Although the book spanned almost the entire lifetime of the main character, I never felt that it was rushed or that I was cheated out of knowing more about her.  I'm even recommending this book to my husband!

The Bitter Season - Tami Hoag
She read

In the past, I have read a few of Tami Hoag's novels.  Then I read one that I didn't like, and kind of avoided for a while.  I picked up this one, the fifth in the Kovac and Liska series and was glad I did.  I don't think it is necessary to have read the prior four novels to enjoy this one.  It had a decent story, good character development, and I enjoyed it.  If you haven't read Hoag or haven't in a while and like crime/detective stories, give this one a try.

My Name is Lucy Barton - Elizabeth Strout

She read.

When I read the synopsis of this book, I was going to pass.  By the author of Olive Kitteridge  and The Burgess Boys, I gave it a try and did enjoy it.  I'm not sure it really went anywhere, but it was a very quick, engaging book.  Not an equal of Olive by any means, however.

Scrapper - Matt Bell

He read

A good story of two damaged people trying to make some sense out of their lives.

Moscow Sting - Alex Dryden

He read

Excellent novel of modern day Russia; delves into oligarchs and their connection to the former KGB.
Excellent novel for anyone interested in learning a little more about how modern day Russia under Putin is operated, otherwise it is a typical spy/espionage story.

Her Highness the Traitor - Susan Higginbotham

He read.

Very good historical fiction of the lives of two prominent families in England the Dudleys and the Greys.
Extremely enjoyable reading based on a recorded facts
Would recommend this book to anyone interested in historical period of England 1540s through 1580s.

Tricky Twenty Two - Janet Evanovich

Tricky Twenty Two - Janet Evanovich

She read.

The latest in the Stephanie Plum series.  Yes, I know it's silly, but I enjoy this series...it makes me smile!