The Girls in the Picture - Melanie Benjamin

The Girls in the Picture - Melanie Benjamin

Release date: January 16, 2018

This is a fictionalized account of the careers and friendship of Mary Pickford and Frances Marion, pioneering women in Hollywood. Benjamin did a good job of encapsulating the history of film from the silent movies through the rise of talkies and the big studio era, highlighting the obstacles encountered by successful women.  

I enjoyed Benjamin’s prior novels, especially The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb and The Aviator’s Wife.  I thought this work a bit cloying, but still it made for an interesting and entertaining read.  

Poison - John Lescroart

Poison - John Lescroart

She read

Publication Date: Feb. 13, 2018

Dismas Hardy is ready to slow down and maybe even give up murder cases when a former client reaches out to him.  She has been arrested for killing her boss.  As the evidence mounts up, there are more killings seemingly unrelated to this case. Harry’s wife, still shell shocked from Dismas being shot in the last novel and fearing future danger, gives him an ultimatum regarding this case and Harry must race against the clock to prove his client’s innocence.  

It’s evident that there is some connection among the murders, and I didn’t want to put the book down until I found out what it was and how the case is resolved. 

It’s been a while since the last Hardy novel and it was a pleasure to have him back.  The usual cast of characters are there including Abe Glitsky, son and daughter, Vincent and Rebecca, private investigator Hunt. 

If you are a fan of John Lescroart, you will welcome this latest addition to the Dismas Hardy series.  If this is your first introduction to him, you will want to go back and read some of his prior works.  He is master of the legal thriller.

The Chalk Man - C.J. Tudor

The Chalk Man - C.J. Tudor

He and she read

Publication date: Jan. 9, 2018

I really liked this book.  Well written, excellent character development, intriguing, I read it in two sittings as I didn’t want to put it down.  The author’s wry humor and astute observations of life were a joy to read. Moving and and forth between past and present was a successful device in the unfolding of the story.  And the final ending…WOW!

I don’t often rate a book five stars, but this one deserved it. This should be one of the first books you read in the new year.

End Game - David Baldacci

End Game - David Baldacci

He and she read

The sixth  Will Robie, Jessica Reel novel.  This time, they team up to find their handler, Blue Man, who has disappeared in the wilds of Colorado where skinheads, neo Nazis, and other vigilante groups hang out. There is lots of shooting and action that stretches one’s credibility.  This is not my favorite Baldacci series, but if you enjoy it, you will like this addition.  In the future, I think we will both skip this series.  

Two Kinds of Truth - Michael Connelly

Two Kinds of Truth - Michael Connelly

He and she read

I’m a big fan of Michael Conley’s writing, especially the Hieronymus Bosch series. I think Two Kinds of Truth is one of his best.

It is well written with a credible plot and good character development. There are appearances by Harry’s daughter, his half brother, the Lincoln Lawyer, and even some old partners.

Often authors have difficulty ending their books. The endings seem contrived or not credible. The ending of Two Kind of Truth ties together nicely and is satisfying.

 If you enjoy Connelly’s writing, you will like this book. If you are new to Connelly, and like good police procedurals/legal thrillers, this book is for you. 

Hardcore Twenty Four - Janet Evanovich

Hardcore Twenty Four - Janet Evanovich

She read

The latest in the Stephanie Plum series. Yes, I know they are silly, but I usually enjoy these books. The ridiculous situations and the colorful characters are all very entertaining.  Maybe it's the Jersey setting/jokes/lifestyle that gets to me as that is where I am originally from.  Yes, the characters are predictable, but I expect them to be.  Yes, the relationships don't progress, but, really, they are living in Trenton!!!! This twenty fourth novel, though,  seemed a bit too rushed and fantastical.  

Two Girls Down - Louisa Luna

Two Girls Down - Louisa Luna

She read

Release date: Jan. 9 2018

Two sisters are missing from a local mall in a rundown Pennsylvania town. The family hires Alice Vega, noted for her ability to find missing persons. To find the girls, Alice teams up with a local PI who resigned from the town’s police force under a cloud.

Although I initially had a difficult time getting into this book, I really liked it. It is a  fast paced story with good character development and a plot that hangs together. I definitely would recommend it to mystery fans. 

Louisa Luna is known for her Young Adult fiction; she has made a successful transition to writing for adults. I think this would make a great series; I’d love to read more about Cap, the divorced PI with a precocious daughter, and Vega.  There are a lot more adventures they could have and so much of their history to learn about.