The Judge's List - John Grisham
She read; he is reading it
Grisham always weaves an interesting tale, and he does it again in The Judge’s List….I didn’t want to put it down! The story may be a bit over the top, but it will keep fans of Grisham enthralled. Some may, however, grumble at the ending.
This is a followup to The Whistler which I did read. However, I think it works well as a standalone.
The Last Time She Died - Zoe Sharp
She read
This is the first of what is to be a “Blake and Byron” series. The plot was decent, though
I thought it progressed slowly at times. There are certainly red herrings and twists. While the readers do eventually learn a little bit about Byron’s background, I hope that in the next book (which I will read) more is revealed as he remained a bit of a mystery.
****
Game On - Janet Evanovich
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 2, 2021
Yes, the Stephanie Plum stories are silly, but I so look forward to each new one that comes out….and I’ve read all 28 of them. Who cares about the plot when you have such colorful characters that fill each Stephanie Plum novel? As a former Jersey Girl, the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle really resonate with me.
I’ve tried some of Evanovich’s other books, but they just don’t have the same pizazz as this series…maybe it is the Jersey Girl thing…….
****
Over My Dead Body - Jeffrey Archer
She read
This is the fourth in the Detective William Warwick series. I read the first one, but somehow missed #2 and #3!
I really liked the first one, but #4, not quite as much. Although it takes place in the 1980s, there was a kind of old fashioned quality to it that reminded me of a much earlier era. There was a well crafted plot and the story moved along at a fast pace. I did think the murder on the cruise ship a bit superfluous and some of the plot a bit over the top. Yet, it was an enjoyable read.
If you are looking for a fast, somewhat quaint police procedural, you might enjoy this.
The Devil to Pay - Barbara Fradkin
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 16, 2021
This is the eleventh in the Inspector Green mystery series; it is the first I have read. I enjoyed the characters and felt this worked well as a standalone, although I’m sure I would enjoy reading some of the earlier books to learn more about them.
Hannah, a one time wayward young girl is now a probationary police officer. Although she is helpful in solving the case, one would hope that she would grow in future stories and her impulsive, insubordinate actions become more under control.
It takes a while for the case to evolve, but I did not find the story draggy. The ending was a bit open ended; the reader never finds out the final resolution. Having read so many American and British police procedurals, the change of setting to Canada and its law enforcement system was welcome.
One of the things I found most interesting was that the author deftly wove Covid protocols (masks, etc.) into the story very matter of factly. So much of it is a part of life now, that it just seems second nature.
Fans of police procedurals will enjoy The Devil to Pay.
****
The Neighbor's Secret - L. Alison Heller
She read
Despite two homicides, I felt this was “light reading”… and that is not a criticism. I found the book to be entertaining. Perhaps it was the ladies of the book club who were presented with humor, yet quite realistic!
There are a couple of secrets to unravel here and as one reads there are hints of some impending catastrophe and one from the past is slowly revealed as well. A fast, well paced read.
O Beautiful - Jung Yun
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 9, 2021
I have ambivalent about this work. The writing was wonderful. In the beginning I didn’t particularly like it. I didn’t like the protagonist and her self destructive, stupid actions. As the book progressed, it drew me in, though.
Just as Elinor saw several different story lines for the article she was supposed to write, the novel itself pursued several different themes. What they had in common was a pervasive toxicity in our society.
And that conclusion….not very satisfying. At times, I thought the story could accomplish great insight about so much. But in the end, it seemed it was just about Elinor.
I vacillate between three and four stars. I guess I have to give it four for the writing, but three for my reaction to it overall.
The Missing Piece - John Lescroart
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 16, 2021
This is the nineteenth in the Dismiss Hardy series; the first one was published in 1989! Over the years, I have read quite a few of them. I enjoy the repeating characters; it is like visiting with old acquaintances whenever a new book in the series is released.
A solid legal thriller/police procedural (albeit most of the work done by a former head of homicide turned PI), it takes a while for the case(s) to be solved as Glitsky chases a number of red herrings. The plot is maybe not the strongest in this series, but it still makes for a page turning, enjoyable read.
Lescroat quickly fills in the background information on the main characters meaning this book will work as a standalone, but I think it may be more enjoyable if you have read some of the others. I’m looking forward to the next in this series to see how Farrell (DA turned defense attorney) resolves his present career crisis.
****
Dead Mercy - Noelle Holten
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 19, 2021
This is the fifth in the DC Maggie Jamieson series; it is the fourth one I have read. Obviously, I enjoy Noelle Holten’s writing. Maggie, who in the past I thought was a bit too flighty, is starting to recognize her shortcomings and hopefully will continue strengthening her self awareness, techniques and skills.
This is a well paced, fast read. A solid police procedural, it delves into the savage world of institutional child abuse. I find Holten’s insight into and explanation of the British criminal justice very informative. Although part of a series, I think this can be read as a standalone…although the constant reference back to the previous book might make readers want to seek it out.
A Little Hope - Ethan Joella
She read
Publication Date: Nov. 16, 2021
I know I am in a minority here, but this book just didn’t work for me. So much loss and so much focusing on the unresolved mourning process. We’ve all had grief in our lives and have had to deal with it in our own ways. Yes, there was hope expressed, but the overriding tone is melancholy. Maybe it is for this reason that the characters seemed all one dimensional to me.
I did feel the author did a good job intertwining the lives of the characters and the small observations of life were poignant. Some critiques have likened this book to works by Elizabeth Strout. Perhaps the minute details and views of life were similar, but, for me, this just didn’t compare to her writing
I will stretch my rating to four stars, but….
****
