I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen

I Know a Secret - Tess Gerritsen

She read

Publication date:  Aug. 15, 2017

This is the twelfth in Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles series, all of which I have read.  A riveting read, I thought it was one of the better written of the series, although all are good.

There are many twists to the plot and Gerritsen manages to keep you guessing. There is continued character development of not only the main players, but also some of the supporting ones such as Jane’s mother, Angela.  Gerritsen infuses forensic science into the story without belaboring the action.

You don’t have to have read the prior novels in the series, but doing so would provide more of the back story of the characters.  And, if you are only familiar with the TV series, there are significant family history differences with the book characters.  

Persons Unknown - Susie Steiner

Persons Unknown - Susie Steiner

She and He read

As in her first novel featuring DS Manon Bradshaw,(Missing, Presumed) Steiner places more emphasis on character development than actual police procedures and the story unfolds told from the perspective of different characters. Don’t expect explosive action or shocking twists and turns, just an attention grabbing literate read. 

Steiner has an amusing sense of humor and the many ruminations of Manon make her a very real person and character I really liked.   Unlike many series featuring one central character, Manon’s life does not remain static….it is changing, as are the lives of some of those around her. 

While it is not necessary to have read the first book in this series, doing so will give readers more background on some of the recurring players.  

The Fix - David Baldacci

The Fix - David Baldacci

He and She read

This third in a series of Amos Decker novels is a good beach read.  Although quick reading, there did seem to be parts that went on and on unnecessarily rehashing information. There were layers of complexity to the plot and the action wasn’t too far from plausibility.  

If you want to have better background information on the main characters, read the other books in this series; but that isn’t necessary to appreciate this one. 

Beyond Justice - Cara Putman

Beyond Justice - Cara Putman

She Read

Recently, I have read quite a few good mysteries and legal thrillers.  Unfortunately, this was not one of them.

I felt a lot of the story's action was contrived and sometimes didn't make sense.

I really had to force myself to stick with this book...it seemed to drag on and on.  All the ruminations of, in particular, the main character belabored the story.  And, I found her insecurity annoying.  Guess I have just read too many novels featuring strong, independent characters to find this one appealing.

London - Edward Rutherfurd

London - Edward Rutherfurd

He read

Comprehensive history of London serves as backdrop.  He enjoyed it...it is a "heavy"(literally) book!

The Graves - Pamela Wechsler

The Graves - Pamela Wechsler

She Read

Publication Date: May 2, 2017

This is Pamela Wechsler’s second in what I hope will be a long series featuring Abby Endicott, chief of the Boston DA’s homicide unit.  A former criminal prosecutor and now consultant, writer, and producer for a variety of successful network television legal shows, Wechsler has a breezy writing style that kept my eyes glued to the page.  I didn’t want to put the book down and, in fact, read it in one day. Although one might be tempted to compare Endicott with Linda Fairstein’s Alex Cooper character, Wechsler’s writing seemed fresh and original

Wechsler knows Boston well and those familiar with the city will enjoy the landmark references, even if many of them are made in relation to crimes!  Those unfamiliar with the city will appreciate the introduction to it. 

Although I don’t ever try to, I was able to guess the culprit fairly early on.  However, that didn’t detract from the unfolding story as there was so much else going on with the trial as well Abby’s personal life and a look into the underside of politics. 

There are references to the prior Abby Endicott novel in The Graves.  These references were not confusing; they did make me curious and I will now go back and read it.  

There was good character development and I look forward to future books in the series.

Startup - Doree Shafrir

Startup - Doree Shafrir

She read

This was not a typical genre or even generation for me, but I really enjoyed this satirical portrait of millennials negotiating the startup culture of today's tech world.  Shafrir gives a great snapshot (no pun intended) of what is becoming our social media driven society.  

Her biting wit resulted in me smiling a lot as I read....especially at some of the made up (or maybe not so fictional) apps being created.   What struck me is that despite the changing culture of the workplace as technology becomes a driving force, some things like the role of women and workplace relationships haven't changed all that much.

The ending is somewhat abrupt and enigmatic....but perhaps it is reflective of the environment about which Shafrir writes.  Enjoy this book for the satire it is and marvel at what we are becoming in our tech savvy world.