In My Dreams I Hold a Knife - Ashley Winstead

 In My Dreams I Hold a Knife - Ashley Winstead

She read

Publication Date: Aug. 8, 2021

I guess I am in the minority here but I just did not like this book.  I thought it adolescent.

On the positive side, it was well written and the dual timeline was an effective device.  

On the other side, I found the characters so unlikable I could barely finish the book; I really had to push myself to get through it.  They are all shallow, self possessed, narcissistic.  Ten years after college and you would have thought they had matured a bit…but, no.

***

Her Deadly Touch -- Lisa Regan

 Her Deadly Touch - Lisa Regan

She read

Publication Date:  Aug. 12, 2021

I like Lisa Regan’s Josie Quinn detective series; this is the 12th in the series, the fifth I have read. 

Josie is still fragile after losing her beloved grandmother in the last book’s case. Returning to work after a leave, she is perhaps not as strong as she has been in the past and more vulnerable, but every bit as intelligent and competent. The plot and subplots are a bit complex, but do tie together. Everyone, it seems, has a secret, so there are lots of red herrings and twists. There are a number of characters, but each one is distinct enough to not be confusing. 

As Josie deals with her loss (and the author copes with her own loss while writing this book), grief and especially the guilt that can accompany it are threaded throughout.  If only we could deal with the “if only” in our lives. 

Fast paced,  I didn’t want to put this book down.  Although I thought this one was a bit of a stretch, I still enjoyed it.

I always appreciate revisiting the repeating characters in Josie’s life.  Although this would work as a stand alone, I think it will be appreciated more by those who have read others in the series and are familiar with Josie’s personal story. 

If you like police procedurals/thrillers, and are not familiar with Lisa Regan, I would recommend her.  I can’t wait for the next one!

****

How to Find Your Way in the Dark - Derek B. Miller

 How to Find Your Way in the Dark -Derek B. Miller

He and she read

I did not read Norwegian by Night, for which this novel is a prequel.  

A tender historical fiction, coming of age novel, this is well written, character driven, and introspective.  There are a few different story lines, but they are woven together well.  I was a bit surprised by the emphasis on the gangster side of life and felt in a way it took something from what was the more important aspect of the story…the world wide anti Semitism and horror it brought prior to and during World War II.  

There were a few misses in this novel but, overall, a recommended read.

BTW - he really liked it.

****

Woman in Shadow - Carrie Stuart Parks

 Woman in Shadow - Carrie Stuart Parks

She read

The first chapter of this book did not hook me; by chapter five I was all in.  However, it then turned a bit too preposterous for me.  I knew nothing about this author prior to reading Woman in Shadow, so I looked at her website which describes her writing as “ hyper-realistic”.  If you define that term as distorting or exaggerating reality, then it is an apt term.

The main character, Darby, is a forensic linguist and I did enjoy that unique perspective, as well as some of her humor.  

This was a fast, but not particularly satisfying read.   

***

The Clockmaker's Wife - Daisy Wood

 The Clockmaker's Wife  - Daisy Wood

She read

Publication Date: July 27, 2021

It seems I have read quite a few books in the past year or so about the World War II era.  This one had a slightly different perspective as it focused on the destruction of London as well as a fifth column operating within Britain.  Utilizing two timelines in the unspooling of the story was an effective device and the author’s descriptions of London both in the 1940s and today were particularly evocative.

The book did drag at times with overlong descriptions, even when those descriptions involved action and aspects of the story were unrealistic.  

Readers who enjoy historical fiction (with the emphasis on fiction) or tales  of the courage of strong women in troubling times or those who have investigated their ancestral stories, should give this book a try.

****

The Good Lie - A.R. Torre

 The Good Lie - A. R. Torre

She read

Hmmm….Still trying to figure out how I feel about this book.

For the first 80%, I really liked it and didn’t want to put it down  Then it took a twist that I’m still not sure how I feel about. Additionally, I had  problems with some of the professionally ethical questions and behaviors, particularly on Gwen’s part.  That is why I down rated it from 5 to 4 stars.  So, 5 stars for style and engaging the reader, 4 for plot.  

****

21st Birthday - James Patterson and Maxine Paedro

 21st Birthday - James Patterson and Maxine Paedro

She read

This is the only James Patterson series I have read in its entirety and, in fact, the only of Patterson’s works that I continue to read. His writing is prolific and a bit light weight. Although the plot of this one was a bit of a stretch, I do enjoy these characters and visiting with them periodically. If you like this series, or are interested in a quick easy read for relaxation, then you  may enjoy this latest addition.  

****