Monday, February 11, 2019

The Hiding Place - C.J. Tudor

The Hiding Place - C.J. Tudor

She read

 I loved The Chalk Man, giving it one of my very few five stars rating.  I couldn’t wait to read this novel.  And now I find that I am having a difficult time giving it a rating.   It was very well written, but I just didn’t like it.

The beginning was intriguing, but I struggled to finish as the story progressed.
To me, none of the characters were likable, or even seemed to have any redeeming qualities.

I didn’t realize it had the air of supernatural to it, or I probably would not have chosen to read it as I greatly dislike the mystical or anything where one has to suspend one’s beliefs.

I’m sure there will be others who will like this book, but it just wasn’t for me……

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

The Perfect Alibi - Phillip Margolin

The Perfect Alibi - Phillip Margolin

She read

Publication Date:  March 5, 2019

A wealthy, arrogant young man is convicted of rape based, in large part,  on DNA evidence. The victim has retained attorney Robin Lockwood, introduced in an earlier Margolin novel, to sue the man for damages.  Soon after he is locked up, another rape is committed and the DNA evidence matches the first case. 

Parallel to this, the partner of the attorney who represented the young man is murdered.  A vengeful DA targets the attorney as the main suspect.   Soon, there are other murder victims as well who are seemingly unrelated…..or, are they?

As bodies pile up, this legal thriller will have you guessing as to how the cases may or may not be connected.  This is a quick, engrossing read.  

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Say Nothing - Patrick Radden Keefe

Say Nothing A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland - Patrick Radden Keefe

He and she read

Publication date: Feb. 26, 2019

In telling the true story of the 1972 disappearance of a mother of ten in Northern Ireland, Patrick Radden Keefe presents a well researched, comprehensive review of the “Troubles”,  some of the main characters involved, their history with the republican movement and the atrocities on both sides. The narration takes the reader up to current times and notes some of the implications of this history in view of Brexit.

I found the book riveting and, despite a full cast of characters, easy to follow
There is so much I never realized about this situation….this is a MUST read.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

The Wedding Guest - Jonathan Kellerman

The Wedding Guest - Jonathan Kellerman

She read

Release date: Feb. 5, 2019

In the middle of a wedding that takes place in an unusual venue, a former strip club, a young woman is found murdered.  The bride and groom do not know who she is, nor do any of the guests.

In their familiar pattern, detective Milo Sturgis and psychologist Alex Delaware chase down leads and red herrings in what becomes a more and more complex case.

I am a fan of Kellerman’s Alex Delaware series and always look forward to the next one (can this really be #34)?.  This one did not disappoint.

These novels tend to be formulaic, but I enjoy them.  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.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Cuba Libre - Tony Perrottet

Cuba Libre - Tony Perrottet

He and She read

Publication Date: Jan. 22, 2019

This is an extensively researched, well written account of the Cuban Revolution and the overthrow of Batista.  It is well written, reading more like a novel than non fiction.

All of the main revolutionary characters are here as well as cameo appearances by some surprising individuals.  The roll of the US meddling in and attempts to control not only Cuba, but other Latin American countries as well is also presented.

I’m not a big fan of non fiction, but I really liked this book and would highly recommend it.  It’s an incredible story!

Friday, January 11, 2019

The Eighth Sister - Robert Dugoni

The Eighth Sister - Robert Dugoni

He and She read

Publication Date: April 9, 2019

I enjoy Robert Dugoni’s novels, especially his homicide detective, Tracy Crosswhite series.  The Eighth Sister is a totally different genre and a return tocharacters introduced seven years ago, attorney David Sloane and his friend, Charles Jenkins.

Jenkins, former CIA agent is seemingly called back into duty and travels to and harrowingly escapes from Russia.  But, was he really serving his country or his own financial interests?  On trial for espionage, it is up to David Sloane to defend him against an antagonistic government.

Spy stories are not my favorite, but  I thought I would try this one and was glad I did.  As with most heroes in this genre, I found some of the action a bit of a stretch and a little too convenient, but the book was easy to follow and suspenseful.  It moved along quickly and was ever so engrossing.

Thursday, January 3, 2019

The Second Wife - Sheryl Browne

The Second Wife - Sheryl Browne

Publication date:  Jan. 29, 2019

She read

Becky returns to Britain for the funeral of her best friend, Nicole, who has committed suicide. Although she kept in touch with Nicole through the years, she is surprised as she learns how much her friend had changed while married to Richard.  Becky is welcomed into Richard’s home by him and his daughter, Olivia.  He seems the perfect man and she is soon attracted to him.  As she uncovers the truth about Nicole’s life, be prepared!

The unfolding of the story alternates between past and present and different points of view. Fast paced and engrossing, full of darkness and twists, fans of The Wife between Us, Unraveling Oliver, and others of this genre will surely enjoy this read. You’ll find yourself cheering for Becky and hoping that she is able to uncover the truth and seek some justice for her friend.