Beyond Justice - Cara Putman

Beyond Justice - Cara Putman

She Read

Recently, I have read quite a few good mysteries and legal thrillers.  Unfortunately, this was not one of them.

I felt a lot of the story's action was contrived and sometimes didn't make sense.

I really had to force myself to stick with this book...it seemed to drag on and on.  All the ruminations of, in particular, the main character belabored the story.  And, I found her insecurity annoying.  Guess I have just read too many novels featuring strong, independent characters to find this one appealing.

London - Edward Rutherfurd

London - Edward Rutherfurd

He read

Comprehensive history of London serves as backdrop.  He enjoyed it...it is a "heavy"(literally) book!

The Graves - Pamela Wechsler

The Graves - Pamela Wechsler

She Read

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

This is Pamela Wechsler’s second in what I hope will be a long series featuring Abby Endicott, chief of the Boston DA’s homicide unit.  A former criminal prosecutor and now consultant, writer, and producer for a variety of successful network television legal shows, Wechsler has a breezy writing style that kept my eyes glued to the page.  I didn’t want to put the book down and, in fact, read it in one day. Although one might be tempted to compare Endicott with Linda Fairstein’s Alex Cooper character, Wechsler’s writing seemed fresh and original

Wechsler knows Boston well and those familiar with the city will enjoy the landmark references, even if many of them are made in relation to crimes!  Those unfamiliar with the city will appreciate the introduction to it. 

Although I don’t ever try to, I was able to guess the culprit fairly early on.  However, that didn’t detract from the unfolding story as there was so much else going on with the trial as well Abby’s personal life and a look into the underside of politics. 

There are references to the prior Abby Endicott novel in The Graves.  These references were not confusing; they did make me curious and I will now go back and read it.  

There was good character development and I look forward to future books in the series.

Startup - Doree Shafrir

Startup - Doree Shafrir

She read

This was not a typical genre or even generation for me, but I really enjoyed this satirical portrait of millennials negotiating the startup culture of today's tech world.  Shafrir gives a great snapshot (no pun intended) of what is becoming our social media driven society.  

Her biting wit resulted in me smiling a lot as I read....especially at some of the made up (or maybe not so fictional) apps being created.   What struck me is that despite the changing culture of the workplace as technology becomes a driving force, some things like the role of women and workplace relationships haven't changed all that much.

The ending is somewhat abrupt and enigmatic....but perhaps it is reflective of the environment about which Shafrir writes.  Enjoy this book for the satire it is and marvel at what we are becoming in our tech savvy world.    

The Girl Who Was Taken - Charlie Donlea

The Girl Who Was Taken - Charlie Donlea

She read

Although this is the second book by Charlie Donlea, it is the first I have read and I am glad I found him.

A popular convention of late, the story moved back and forth from the past to the present.  Yet, it was not formulaic and there was never confusion about the time frame or the different characters.  There are clues sprinkled throughout the book that will keep the reader guessing.

It nagged at me a bit that Livia, a medical examiner in training and sister of a missing girl did a lot of investigating on her own, including taking evidence; were there to be a criminal case, it could be negatively affected.  That aside, I really enjoyed the book and didn’t want to put it down.  

There was strong character development of both the major and minor players.  The insight into an underworld of abduction “groupies” was original and the insight into forensic medicine added to my interest. 

Fans of a good mystery, thriller, and forensic pathology will like this book.   I could easily see it becoming a series or being made into a screenplay. 

The Nix - Nathan Hill

The Nix - Nathan Hill

He read

Testimony - Scott Turow

Testimony - Scott Turow

It’s been a while since Turow published a new novel and I’ve missed him.

Initially, Testimony  seems as if it is going to be a legal procedural, albeit unique in that it involves the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague. But then it takes a twist and becomes more menacing and turns into a thriller/mystery. 

The action takes place not only in the Netherlands, but also the Balkans and the US. and includes a look into the life of the Roma. Turow handles introducing the different countries and  cultures well. 

He successfully interweaves complex story lines; his personal life and reflections of midlife, familial background secrets, NATO’s involvement in the Balkans, the Roma culture. The story is

plausible and he ties up all loose ends.

Although a substantial novel, I read it quickly as it held my attention and I did not want to put it down. It was interesting to learn how the ICC functions and especially the United States’ relationship to it.  

Those who have read other Turow novels will find references to some familiar characters from Kindle County.  I always enjoy it when an author employs that device.  

Two Nights - Kathy Reichs

Two Nights - Kathy Reichs

She read.

I enjoy Reichs’ “Bones”  series featuring Temperance Brennan.  In this novel, a new protagonist, Sunday (Sunnie) Night is introduced and she is very different from Temperance.  With her own rough back story, Sunnie is hired to get answers about a year old bombing in which her employer’s daughter and grandson were killed and granddaughter is still missing.

I look forward to each new “Bones” novel and as I began reading Two Nights, I wasn’t sure if I would like this new character.  She is a damaged soul who is savvy, physical, and tough. 

This is a fast read.  There may be times when you aren’t sure you know what is going on, but stick with it and all will be answered. 

I enjoy Reichs’ writing.  She has a clever way with words and a good sense of humor comes through. If this becomes a series, I don't think it will replace the "Bones" series as a favorite, but I would certainly read the next one!