Thursday, November 28, 2019

When You See Me - Lisa Gardner

When You See Me - Lisa Gardner

She read

Publication Date:Jan. 28, 2020


his is the eleventh in the Detective D.D. Warren series and it brings together players from past novels including former victim Flora Dane, FBI agent Kimberly Quincy, and computer savant Keith as they travel to Georgia to investigate the discovery of human bones deep in the woods.  As they delve into this mystery, all is not what it seems in this bucolic small town and more gruesome revelations are uncovered.

Told from different viewpoints, the plot moves along quickly as does the evil.

This is my second in a row of this series and once again I found it engrossing.  It is well written with strong continuing character development.  Some of the twists and turns were an easy guess, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of the story. This books works well as a standalone, but for more background on the primary actors, go back to the introduction of Flora Dane in Find Me followed by subsequent books featuring her.

**** 1/2


Saturday, November 23, 2019

Twisted Twenty-Six - Janet Evanovich

Twisted Twenty Six - 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.  This series is just plain 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!!!! These books are always good for a quick, amusing read.  I almost don't care about the plot...its the characters I enjoy….although this plot finds Grandma Mazur in danger.

For the first time I remember in this series, the ending is somewhat open ended and clearly leads to a sequel….. the 27th Stephanie Plum book!

The Museum of Desire - Jonathan Kellerman

The Museum of Desire - Jonathan Kellerman

He and she read

Publication Date: Feb. 4, 2020

This is the 35th Alex Delaware novel, and I have read them all.  Obviously I am a fan of these police procedurals from a psychologist’s point of view.  The usual cast is here with an interesting plot and colorful characters.

Yes, these novels tend to be formulaic, but why mess with success?  Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good meals, with Delaware as a no nonsense narrator.  Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh spin on cases.

You can certainly read this as a standalone, but if you are unfamiliar with this series, do yourself a favor and read some of the earlier ones as well.

#netgalley #museumofdesire

Monday, November 11, 2019

Under Occupation - Alan Furst

Under Occupation - Alan Furst

She read; he gave it up

Publication date:  Nov. 26, 2019


I have enjoyed some of Furst’s prior novels.  Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for this one.

The writing is very simplistic, with not much depth to the characters, plot, setting, or action.  The Resistance fighters featured perform quite a few jobs for the cause, but Furst just skims over them.  He notes what they were and that the were carried out, but we get no details, no drama, no action.  I also thought the story could have been written without all the salaciousness and gratuitous sex spread throughout it.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

The Perfect Widow - A.M. Castle

The Perfect Widow - A.M. Castle

She read

Publication Date: Nov. 15, 2019

Louise’s husband has been killed in a fire at work.  One of the police officers, Becca,  who delivers the news to her thinks something is “off” about this wife’s reaction and, despite her own emotional issues, pursues the case. Told from the perspectives of these two characters, much is revealed about both of their backgrounds and what has brought them to this time and place.

I really liked this psychological thriller; I couldn’t put it down. I think it is one of the best of this genre that I have read.  The writing is excellent, with vivid descriptions, a painfully good understanding of human nature, and a sharp sense of humor.

The Guardians - John Grisham

The Guardians - John Grisham

He and she read

Grisham is a great story teller and this one does not disappoint.  Great characters, good plot, and an engrossing read. Another best seller for sure….

Agent Running in the Field - John le Carré

Agent Running in the Field - John le Carré

He and she read


I’m typically not a Lle Carré fan; I often find his novels a bit ponderous.  However, I really enjoyed this one.  Perhaps it is his resonance with today’s politics that made it more readable, but I definitely recommend it.

He is also not a le Carré fan but liked this one......