Twelve Secrets - Robert Gold

 Twelve Secrets - Robert Gold

Pub. Date: Aug. 2, 2024

She read

Internet journalist Ben Harper’s brother and his friend were murdered twenty years ago by two female schoolmates.  After their release from prison, they started new lives under assumed names.  When one of them is found murdered in the same brutal manner as the victims, Ben pursues the truth about what happened in their small town so many years ago and also whether his mother really committed suicide ten years ago or was she also targeted. As  the story is revealed, so are twelve secrets held by twelve local residents.  

This is listed as the first in the Ben Harper series. It will be re released on August 2, 2024 and according to Amazon, so will books 2 and 3. There are quite a few characters in this tale, but with some concentration, it is fairly easy to keep track of them.  Some are likable, others not so.  Ben is a sympathetic but strong main character.  Well plotted, there are twists and red herrings in this fast, engrossing read. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

****

Framed - John Grisham and Jim McCloskey

 Framed - John Grisham and Jim McCloskey

Pub. Date:  Oct. 14, 2024

She read

John Grisham, best selling author and Jim McCloskey, founder of Centurian Ministries, recount 10 heartbreaking and frightening stories of people wrongfully convicted of crimes and the battles for their exonerations. 

Well written and engrossing, this non fiction book is absolutely chilling with the stories of innocent people who have been condemned, have their lives ruined, and, in some cases, put to death because police, prosecutors, so called medical or mental health professionals get it in their minds that a persn  or persons are guilty and have tunnel vision trying to prove it. They depend on lies, deceit, bribing criminals to lie, developing convoluted and impossible theories just to prove they are right. But, they are so very wrong.  

One case involved a woman who was doing her laundry ran out briefly to a convenience store where someone had been murdered.  When she tries to do her civic duty and calls to be helpful and share what she knows, she ends up being incarcerated and her life ruined.  A warning to all.  If you are ever called in as a witness or for any other reason involving a crime, ask for an attorney. Don’t worry that it may make you seem guilty.  If the authorities have it in their minds that you are, you don’t have a chance. Tell them you have read Framed and don’t want to proceed until your rights are protected. 

Thank you, John Grisham and Jim McCloskey for sharing these horrifying and eye opening accounts.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

*****

Identity Unknown - Patricia Cornwell

 Identity Unknown - Patricia Cornwell

Pub. Date:  Oct. 6, 2024

She read

When a body is dropped from a mysterious flying vehicle into a creepy abandoned amusement park, the victim is someone close to Dr. Kay Scarpetta.  She has just completed an autopsy on a young child who may have been murdered by her rich, loathsome parents when she is called on a secret mission with Marino and her Secret Service niece, Lucy, to retrieve the body.  That sets off a trail of mystery, danger and the involvement of all the latest technology available.

This is the 28th in the series featuring Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta and her supporting cast. I used to read these books faithfully and then abandoned them for some years. I came back for the 25th and now this one.

I have always enjoyed the characters.  If you are a fan of this series, you will welcome a new addition. It will keep readers wondering what the heck is going on. A bit over the top, it is a fast, engrossing read, except for some of the geologically technical information. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #GrandCentralPublishing  for the DRC.

****

Fools on the Hill:The Hooligans, Saboteurs, ConspiracyTheorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House - Dana Milbank

 Fools on the Hill:The Hooligans, Saboteurs, ConspiracyTheorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House - Dana Milbank

Pub. Date: Sept. 24, 2024

She Read

Author and columnist Dana Milbank reports on what he witnessed while covering the current US Congress beginning in January, 2023. 

Given the state of political affairs in the United States why would I want to read this book?  Why do that to myself?  Well, I enjoy Dana Millbank’s writing and wanted to read more it.

This is one of the scariest books I have ever read.  Here is the chaos, the lies, the conspiracy theories, the "constant cultural and political warfare”, the attacks on our freedoms, the hooligans, “the sheer volume of crazy” that is Congress today. 

Well written and documented, with some biting wit, it is a good thing this is    a true account because if it were fiction, I don’t think I would find it believable.  It is a horror story gone awry.

This is a book that everyone should read or listen to.  The problem with it is that the people who should, won’t.  

*****

So Many Ways to Be a Bird - Constance Anderson

 So Many Ways to Be a Bird - Constance Anderson

Pub. Date:  Nov. 1, 2024

She read

This beautifully illustrated book begins with what all birds have in common and then presents their diversity in all its glory.  There are so many ways to be a bird! They have different physical characteristics and abilities.  They have diversity in how they fly, how they make nests, what they eat. 

This book is a great way for children to learn about birds and instill a curiosity about them.  There is a section of additional information concerning their adaptations that adults can share with young children or older ones can read on their own.  

I learned from this book the sad fact that there are 3 billion fewer birds today than 30 years ago and the author lists things that a family or child can do to help preserve our bird populations.  A worthy read for all!

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Starbrightbooks for the DRC. 

*****

Ashes Never Lie - Lee Goldberg

 Ashes Never Lie - Lee Goldberg

Pub. Date: Sept. 17, 2024

She read

Veteran arson investigator Walker and his fairly new partner, former US Marshall Sharpe are back in action chasing down vacant homes being incinerated, a burned body that may be suicide or murder, an insurance scam, and a possible lethal scourge.  Both Walker and Sharpe, nicknamed Shar Pei because of his uncanny resemblance to one, are unique characters, a bit unconventional, but full of wit and intelligence. Best of all in this book, they have some opportunities to team up with Eve Ronin, a detective from one of Goldberg’s other popular series of which I am a fan.

With a few storylines, this is a fast paced thrill ride through southern California. I really enjoy the humorous wise cracks throughout the book and the relationship between the partners. It is a bit over the top at times, but is an entertaining read. An added bonus is insight into the investigative process involved in arson. A unique take on crime fiction/mystery/thriller.   

I did read the first book in this series, but this would work as a standalone.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

*****

The Solstice - Matt Brolly

 The Solstice - Matt Brolly

Pub. Date: Sept. 17, 2024

She read

When the bones of a child are discovered deep inside a cave, the occult behaviors of a quasi environmental commune are exposed.  Is human sacrifice a part of their rituals?  With the solstice fast approaching, DI Blackwell and her new partner race against time to uncover their secrets and save the life of another child.This case sees the return to work after maternity leave for Louise and with the pressures of child care and the case, she has some personal decisions to make.

This is the seventh in the DI Louise Blackwell series.  Although it is the fourth one I have read, it does work as a standalone. It is yet another fast paced, well plotted addition to the series.

I like the character of Louise, a strong female leader. Fans of British police procedurals will enjoy this book and want to read some of the prior in the series  

Thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasandMercer for the DRC.

*****

How to Piss Off Men - Kyle Prue

 How to Piss Off Men - Kyle Prue

Pub. Date: Sept. 17, 2024

She read

Written by an author/comedian and subtitled 109 Things to Say to Shatter the Male Ego, this short book is filled with questions, quips and retorts to help combat toxic masculinity, along with commentary by the writer.  

Given the title, how could I resist this selection?  A very quick read, it had me repeatedly laughing out loud and I have to say it takes something very good to make me do that.  A humorous break from some of the heavier reading I have been doing, it was a delightful read. I am going to try to remember some of the lines and hope I get to use them sometime.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #Sourcebooks for the DRC.

*****

Death at the Sanatorium - Ragnar Jónasson

 Death at the Sanatorium - Ragnar Jónasson

Pub. Date: Sept. 10, 2024

She Read

In 1983, a nurse was murdered at a former TB sanatorium in northern Iceland.  With a staff of only 5, who did it?  When the chief physician appears to have jumped to his death, he is considered to have been the perpetrator and the case closed.

Twenty nine years later a criminology student who has served as a police officer is using the events for his graduate dissertation.  As he reaches out to the surviving staff, all may not appear as it seemed back then and danger lurks.

This is the third book I have read by Jónasson and I have liked all of them.  Told in three timelines from various POVs, this Nordic Noir is highly readable, atmospheric, and engrossing. And, oh that ending!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress #Minotaur for the DRC.

*****

A Seaside Murder - Alice Castle

 A Seaside Murder - Alice Castle

Pub. Date: Sept. 5, 2024

She read

When I saw that this was only the second in a new cozy mystery series set along the English coastline, I couldn’t resist. It takes place in a fictional seaside town where GP Dr. Sarah Vane has retired and fancies herself an amateur sleuth.  When Sarah discovers the murdered body of beloved young teacher Adi Moffat on the doorstep of her best friend, Daphne's shop, she is hot on the trail of the killer, enlisting the help of Daphne and possible romantic interest, Charles.

A fast, engrossing read, with twists and some red herrings, the perpetrator is not immediately obvious. Castle paints a perfect picture of a quaint, seaside village and its denizens.  I really enjoyed the humor and quirky characters in the story. Bonuses are the anthropomorphic dog, Hamish and the terror of a cat, Mephisto. And, of course, there are the requisite tea and biscuits. 

Thanks to #Netgalley and @bookouture for the DRC.

****

Vincent van Gogh - Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

 Vincent van Gogh - Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Pub. Date: Sept. 3, 2024

She read

From the Little People, BIG DREAMS series, this is a biography of Vincent Van Gogh for children.  Beautifully illustrated in the style of Van Gogh, it gives an overview of his life and is comprehensive enough that adults may learn a bit about the artist.  

The book approaches the issue of the emotional difficulties Van Gogh experienced in a sensitive manner and ends on a positive note. I liked the emphasis on brotherly love and support and that even when we are troubled, we can find joy.

The back pages have more information and would be suitable for parents discussing with younger children or older children reading and learning on their own.  A resource is provided where one can read more information about the artist and, of course, mentions the wonderful Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @QuartoKids for the DRC.

*****

Tell Me Everything - Elizabeth Strout

 Tell Me Everything - Elizabeth Strout

Pub. Date: Sept. 10, 2024

He and she read

In the continuing tale of Lucy Barton, it is post covid time and she is still living in Maine with her former husband, William. As she goes about her daily activities, she interacts with familiar characters like Bob Burgess and Olive Kitteridge and we meet new people in her life. It is about “people and the lives they lead.” What does anyone’s life mean?

This is another beautiful novel…well thought out and written.  Strout is a gifted writer whose characters are idiosyncratic and delightful. This is about the living of life, particularly “unrecorded” lives, in all its poignancy.  There is sadness, joy, despair, hope. Written with humor and pathos, Strout, through Lucy and her other characters, is profound in her simple observations.  And yet there is also a reflection of the larger world and the divided country in which we now live.

Thanks to #NetGalley and @RandomHouse for the DRC.

He also really liked it.

Death at the Sign of the Rook - Kate Atkinson

 Death at the Sign of the Rook - Kate Atkinson

Pub. Date: Sept. 3, 2024

She   read

Private investigator Jackson Brodie has been hired by a brother and sister to find a painting stolen from the home of their recently deceased mother. 

DC Reggie Chase has been looking into an earlier theft of an another painting. Could the thefts be related? A murder mystery weekend has been planned at Rook Hall, a wing of the once majestic now a bit downtrodden Burton Makepeace. When a snowstorm ensues, these two detectives as well as others including the local vicar, a former major who has lost his leg in battle, an acting troupe and other invited and uninvited guests converge for a rollicking evening of mystery and crime.

This story is fast paced, entertaining, humorous, a bit farcical. I really enjoy Atkinson’s sharp wit and amusing characters. There are a few different storylines that come together and a large cast of players. This is a cozy mystery joyride with kind of a Knives Out vibe to it.

The sixth of the Jackson Brodie series, it is the second I have read.  It works well as a standalone.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DoubledayBooks for the DRC.

****