Button Man - Andrew Gross

Button Man - Andrew Gross

He and she read

Release date:  September 18, 2018

Inspired by the life story of the author’s grandfather who was an early entrepreneur in the “rag trade” in New York City, this historical novel gives a good overview of what it was like in the 1930s when mobsters tried to control the unions and companies.  Through this family saga, notorious figures such as Dutch Schultz  and Louis “Lepke” Buchalter as well as crime fighter and future governor Thomas Dewey are introduced.  While some of the culminating action may strain credibility, this was a well written, engrossing read. 

The Kennedy Debutante - Kerri Maher

The Kennedy Debutante - Kerri Maher

He and She read

Release date: Oct. 2, 2018

I’m usually not a fan of fictional accounts of historical figures, but found this one charming and engrossing. The Kennedy Debutante focuses on Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy and her family during the London and World War II years. Although the story revolves around Kick, insight is also given into her parents and siblings.

Maher conveys a good sense of the times both culturally and politically as well as the changes that war would bring. The emphasis on the dilemma of a mixed religion marriage became a bit tedious, but, given the social positions of Kick and her husband to be as well as family pressure and the era, one can see its importance and, knowing what happened to both of them, the futility of it in the scheme of life.

Well researched, this is an excellent debut for Kerri Maher.

Sunrise Highway - Peter Blauner

Sunrise Highway - Peter Blauner

He and she read

Release date: Sept. 4, 2018

This is the second book in a series about Latina New York City police detective Lourdes Robles.  It is not necessary to have read the first one to follow the characters and action of this story.

The plot line revolves around a murder investigation that leads to a corrupt police chief and supporting high profile individuals and includes three different timelines.  Once you get into the rhythm of moving among the timelines, this literary device works well in revealing the story.  

The antagonist was such a despicable character I had a little problem engaging with the book, yet couldn’t put it down as I kept hoping that justice would prevail.

Private Lies - T. E. Woods

Private Lies - T. E. Woods

Release date:  August 14, 2018

This is the third in the Hush Money  series by TE Woods, an author new to me.  It features Sydney Richardson, a Madison, Wisconsin restaurateur, the adopted daughter of a police officer who was killed in the line of duty years ago.  A present day case being investigated by friends of Sydney (and her father’s former partner) may hold a clue to his unsolved murder.

It took a while to get into the story, but once I did,  couldn’t put it down.  Yes, there were some things that were obvious immediately, but it still made for a satisfying read with suspense and good character development.

There were some issues left unresolved; perhaps they will be addressed in the next book in this series. I will definitely put TE Woods on my reading list.

A Measure of Darkness - Jonathan Kellerman, Jesse Kellerman

A Measure of Darkness - Jonathan Kellerman, Jesse Kellerman

Release Date:  July 31, 2018

This is the second in the Kellerman father and son team’s Deputy Coroner Clay Edison series.  You do not have to have read the first book, although it would help in providing some background for this character.  The Kellermans jumped right into this story, with little introduction to Clay.  I think that if I had not read the first, I would have spent a lot of time wondering just who he was.  There is some additional insight into his history when his brother is introduced.

My opinion of this book improved over time.  I thought the beginning a bit choppy, with some unnecessary fillers such as a play by play of a one on one basketball game. About halfway through, this police procedural story grabbed my attention and I didn’t want to put it down.  

I always enjoy the descriptive language used by the Kellermans. I find it observant and often amusing. Fans of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware character will be pleased to see that he makes another cameo appearance.