What Waits for You - Joseph Schneider

 What Waits for You - Joseph Schneider

Publication Date: Jan. 5, 2021

This is the second in the Detective Tully Jarsdel series. I read the first and enjoyed it.  I thought the main character, a former academic with an almost completed PhD in history was unique and interesting; the different slant on the protagonist, refreshing.  In this book, not so refreshing….in fact, a bit of a boor.

The grisly background story is the pursuit of a serial killer dubbed the Eastside Creeper who does grotesque things to his victims.  Unfortunately, the novel got bogged down with lots of digressions into other subplots as well as the psyche of Jarsdel.  These threw off the rhythm of the novel and interrupted the suspense.  

***

Serpentine - Johnathan Kellerman

Serpentine - Jonathan Kellerman

She read

Publication Date:Feb. 2, 2021

 

I am a big fan of Jonathan Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series; I have read all of them.

I always enjoy joining old friends and colleagues Milo Sturgis  and Alex, detective and psychologist, as they drive and eat together, uncovering information, sharing and revising theories. I think Serpentine might be one of my favorites. 

The case this time is a cold one.  Milo is tasked with finding what happened to a woman shot and burned more than thirty years ago.  The case resurfaces because her daughter, wealthy and with influential connections, wants to know more about her mother.  

Kellerman writes true police procedurals, albeit a little different due to Milo being unconventional and Alex along to provide psychological insight.  True, they do tend to be a bit formulaic, as Alex and Milo chase down leads, generate and discuss different theories, interview persons of interest, enjoy a few good meals. Kellerman’s descriptions are particularly picturesque and entertaining and he always seems to put a fresh spin on cases. 

Yes, this can be read as a standalone, but if you are familiar with this series,  it is always enjoyable to meet up with these familiar characters. 

The Wicked Hour - Alice Blanchard

The Wicked Hour - Alice Blanchard

She read

This is the second in the Natalie Lockhart detective series. The town of Burning Lake is known for its Halloween festivities which draw crowds of tourists each year.  As the town starts to clean up after the latest Halloween, the body of a young woman is found in a dumpster.  

I had a hard time rating this book.  It is a solid mystery; a decent police procedural.  And for that, I would give it four stars.  Being the second in the series, though, there are repeated references to characters and actions from the prior novel.  In fact, Natalie has been so damaged by the past case which apparently involved her sisters, it permeates her thoughts and actions.

Those who have read the first book will most likely be familiar with the characters and the references.  However, I did not and not really knowing what she was talking about or reacting to, I just couldn’t connect with Natalie.  

I think the author could have done a better job filling in the background.  I’ve read a number of other book series having missed the earlier stories, but the authors were able to do a good job introducing the recurring characters and their history.  I missed that in this book, and for that I would rate it 3 stars. There also were instances when the author would repeat the same information almost verbatim.  This was a galley copy I read and perhaps the author will edit for the final copy.  There also were some factual errors which bothered me.

All that said, I did not feel a burning desire to go back and read the first novel in the series.   

The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham

 The Berlin Girl - Mandy Robotham

She read

It seems there have been a lot of novels lately about Germany in the 30s and 40s.  Coincidence, considering what is going on these days?  Anyway, I wasn’t sure I wanted to read another one but was glad I did.  It is an engaging read, with solid plot and well developed characters. Georgie is a strong, independent female character for her times and I particularly liked that the author took time at the end of the book to followup on her characters’ lives after the war years.  

It is also a cautionary tale for our times.  What happens when an authoritarian takes over…when venom and nationalism is spewed from the top….when treaties and agreements are ignored…when the persecuted are refused a refuge by “humanitarian” countries….how deluded and hypnotically devoted the populace can become when a “leader” is viewed as a messiah.

This was a rewarding read…….

*****

And Now She’s Gone - Rachel Howzell Hall

And Now She’s Gone  - Rachel Howzell Hall

She read

 I almost put this book down, but I found the plot intriguing and stuck with it.

Initially, I didn’t like it at all, a rarity for me.  I thought the writing style was very elementary and it was disjointed, with poor dialog and an overuse of metaphors many of which just didn’t work.

As I read on, though, I either got used to it or the writing improved.

There did seem to be a few holes in the story, but I finished the book with a better attitude about it than I had for the first half of it. The action moved along quickly resulting in a fast read.  I think it deserves more than 3 stars but I can’t quite give it 4.  

***

Breathe Your Last - Lisa Regan

 Breathe Your Last - Lisa Regan

She read

This is the tenth in the Detective Josie Quinn series; it is the third one I have read.  I enjoy Josie; despite all the travails she has met with in her life, she remains a strong, intelligent, though vulnerable, character. 

I also enjoy Lisa Regan’s writing.  Fast paced, engrossing and If the plot is indeed plausible (I didn’t check!), it is very, very scary.

Having read some of the prior novels in this series, I enjoyed revisiting with the repeating characters.  Yet, this would work well as a stand alone.  However, since so many of us have time on our hands these days, why not go back and start the series from the beginning?

If you like police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with Lisa Regan, I would recommend her.  

*****

Night in Tehran - Philip Kaplan

 Night in Tehran - Philip Kaplan

He and she read

It is 1978 and David Weiseman, an American diplomat, is caught up in the intrigue and manipulations of the last days of the Shah of Iran, the struggle among competing forces as to who will next rule the country, and the  race to free the American hostages, as well as safeguard those who have been of assistance to him.  

Although I am not  a particular fan of “spy” novels, I really enjoyed this book but don’t see it as a “thriller”.  It read more like an historical account of the fall of the shah, rise of Khomeni, and the taking of American hostages. I’m not sure how much was fact and how much fiction, but I felt I learned a lot about this situation.

Although there were many names to keep track of, the story was tightly woven and engrossing.  The author is an experienced diplomat, and his knowledge of Iran and the word of espionage is evident.  

It is said that we should learn from history and I felt there were a lot of lessons for our times in this novel….as well as warnings….beware the ascent of religious zealots and authoritarians. In the author’s notes, he mentions the importance of “decent moderates of civil society to survive and safeguard American interests”.  While he applies this to the mideast, it is oh so important for our country as well. 

*****

He read it and like it also

Take it Back - Kia Abdullah

 Take it Back - Kia Abdullah

He and she read

Lara a young Muslim woman, has given up a lucrative, high powered legal career to work at a rape counseling center. When she takes on a case involving the alleged sexual assault of a physically deformed white student by four Muslim classmates, her world explodes, as does the shaky relationship between the Muslim and non Muslim world of London.  As the court case proceeds, there are a lot of disturbing questions.   

This is a well written, fast, yet engrossing read. It raises a lot of social and cultural issues, giving the reader much food for thought and debate; it would be a great read for a book club.

The ending left readers to hypothesize what happens next.  Again, another question open for debate.  

He liked it also

*****