Testimony - Scott Turow

Testimony - Scott Turow

It’s been a while since Turow published a new novel and I’ve missed him.

Initially, Testimony  seems as if it is going to be a legal procedural, albeit unique in that it involves the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague. But then it takes a twist and becomes more menacing and turns into a thriller/mystery. 

The action takes place not only in the Netherlands, but also the Balkans and the US. and includes a look into the life of the Roma. Turow handles introducing the different countries and  cultures well. 

He successfully interweaves complex story lines; his personal life and reflections of midlife, familial background secrets, NATO’s involvement in the Balkans, the Roma culture. The story is

plausible and he ties up all loose ends.

Although a substantial novel, I read it quickly as it held my attention and I did not want to put it down. It was interesting to learn how the ICC functions and especially the United States’ relationship to it.  

Those who have read other Turow novels will find references to some familiar characters from Kindle County.  I always enjoy it when an author employs that device.  

Two Nights - Kathy Reichs

Two Nights - Kathy Reichs

She read.

I enjoy Reichs’ “Bones”  series featuring Temperance Brennan.  In this novel, a new protagonist, Sunday (Sunnie) Night is introduced and she is very different from Temperance.  With her own rough back story, Sunnie is hired to get answers about a year old bombing in which her employer’s daughter and grandson were killed and granddaughter is still missing.

I look forward to each new “Bones” novel and as I began reading Two Nights, I wasn’t sure if I would like this new character.  She is a damaged soul who is savvy, physical, and tough. 

This is a fast read.  There may be times when you aren’t sure you know what is going on, but stick with it and all will be answered. 

I enjoy Reichs’ writing.  She has a clever way with words and a good sense of humor comes through. If this becomes a series, I don't think it will replace the "Bones" series as a favorite, but I would certainly read the next one!

The Dark Flood Rises - Margaret Drabble

The Dark Flood Rises - Margaret Drabble

She Read

I’m not a huge fan of Margaret Drabble’s, but I did enjoy this book.  It is very literary and a bit of a slog to get through. I liked the characters and thought the reflections on aging were spot on. Although the effects of age and one’s mortality are ever present, the book was more comforting than depressing. Not a lot of action…just the ever passing on of everyday time and life. 

Anything is Possible - Elizabeth Strout

Anything is Possible - Elizabeth Strout

She read

Fans of Elizabeth Strout will be delighted with this new collection of loosely linked stories.  All of the characters have in common that they were familiar with the young Lucy Barton (My Name is Lucy Barton) as she grew up in a small midwestern town and now weave in and out of each others’ lives.   Strout is a gifted writer whose characters are beautifully drawn and her poignant observations of life are right on.  This book can be enjoyed on its own, but I think it my be more meaningful if one has read My Name is Lucy Barton. 

The Cutaway - Christina Kovac

The Cutaway - Christina Kovac

She read

This is a mystery from the perspective of a television news producer/investigative journalist. In addition to the main plot line described in the book synopsis, office relationships, the effect of family history on current characters’ functioning and the precarious position of tv news in today’s world are all subplots.  There are some twists, but as I was reading felt the story and characters to be somewhat flat; there was just something missing to connect with.

I thought the author was a little sloppy in pulling it all together as the mystery climaxed, but it moved along at a good pace, held my attention and I didn’t want to put it down.  I believe this is the author’s first novel.  It’s a good debut and I look forward to more from her. 

One Perfect Lie - Lisa Scottoline

One Perfect Lie - Lisa Scottoline

She read

I enjoy Scottoline’s writing and have read all of her books featuring attorney Bennie Rosato.  This is outside of that series and with it, Scottoline has hit a home run! The development of all the various characters is excellent.  There is good insight into the mind of a (non sexual) predator and a twist (well more than one) that has you guessing and makes you not want to put down the book until the end.  As a bonus, you even learn a little about our government! The climax was a little over the top, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.  Be prepared to read this book well into the night……

Heartbreak Hotel - Jonathan Kellerman

Heartbreak Hotel - Jonathan Kellerman

She read

I am a fan of Kellerman's Alex Delaware series and this is his 32nd. You do not have to have read all the prior ones, but familiarity with characters is part of the charm of reading this series.  I enjoyed this one, as I have just about all of the others except for the one where it got a little supernatural.