Friday, May 31, 2019

The Last Night Out - Catherine O’Connell

The Last Night Out - Catherine O’Connell

She read

Six long time friends get together for Maggie’s bachelorette party.  The next morning, one of them is found dead and Maggie has done something that is sure to change her life forever.

This is a well written, engrossing read.  The character development is good and although you may think you have it all figured out…..read on!!!

Saturday, May 25, 2019

The Parisian - Isabella Hammad

The Parisian - Isabella Hammad

He and She read

It took me a while to get through this, but I was glad I did.  While it wasn’t an “I can’t put this book down”, it did hold my interest.  Although the story focuses on Midhat Kamal, a Palestinian educated in Paris before returning home, the broader context of the history of  Palestine during the early 20th century is an important one.

The author’s writing is lyrical, especially her descriptions. I thought that the beginning Paris portion of the novel a bit overlong and the liberal use of untranslated French and Arabic sometimes disrupted the flow.  Despite these shortcomings, this is a very worthwhile read.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

The 18th Abduction

The 18th Abduction - James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

She read

This is the latest in the Women's Murder Club series.  Fans of the series will probably enjoy it.  It may a bit confusing for those familiar with the series because the main story takes place five years before the the prologue and ending. Missing from the story are Joe and Lindsay's daughter, Julie, as well as Lt. Brady.  Presumably, this case is supposed to have taken place earlier in their careers.

It's a tough story and I didn't particularly enjoy that part of it.  I also kept wondering (spoiler alert) why the main villain started his atrocious behaviors again after a period of seemingly not engaging in them.  There just seemed to be a time warp problem.......I also thought that there seemed to be very little mention/interaction of the other members of the Women's Murder Club.

Still, I will be sure to read the next one, The 19th Christmas.

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Dead Inside - Noelle Holten

Dead Inside - Noelle Holten

She Read

Publication date. -May 31, 2019

The first of what is to be a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson, this focuses more on another character, Probation Officer Lucy Sherwood who works with domestic abusers.  When three abusers with whom she has had contact are brutally murdered, questions arise.  When a fourth, who happens to be her husband, is killed, Lucy is arrested.

A debut novel, this is well written and gives disturbing insight into the savage world of abusers and their victims.  Although the outcome is somewhat predictable, the story is engrossing and well paced.  

The story concludes with a hint of what is to come in the next in the series. While Lucy and many of the other characters are well developed, Maggie is not.  I hope this will be addressed in Book #2.