Deadfall - Linda Fairstein

Deadfall - Linda Fairstein

She Read

Release date: July 25, 2017

Fans of Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper series will be pleased that Alex is back and  starting to heal emotionally from the damage inflected after being abducted in an earlier novel.  It’s been a year since the last Alex Cooper novel which had a twist at the end leaving readers hungry for Deadfall, the 19th in this series.

Deadfall picks up where the last one, Killer Look,  left off, with the shooting of long time New York City DA Paul Battaglia.  Alex, still on leave as a prosecutor in the DAs office,  finds herself in the crosshairs of both the investigation and the killer.  Even though she shouldn’t be involved in the case, she can’t stop herself and teams up with her usual cohorts to find the truth.  

One of the things I like about Fairstein’s books is that you always pick up new knowledge about some New York City landmark.  In Deadfall  it is the Bronx Zoological Park, along with insight into the criminal world of animal trafficking and a brief history of subway cars!  And, of course, there are the Final Jeopardy questions, a hallmark of the Alex Cooper novels. As always with Fairstein’s books, this a quick and absorbing read.  

This book can be read as a stand alone, but there are many references to actions that took place in the last novel, so anyone new to this series might consider reading it at the very least. Then there is the long history of the main characters and their many fascinating cases, so why not start the series from the beginning?

Into the Water - Paula Hawkins

Into the Water - Paula Hawkins

She read

Another dark story from Paula Hawkins, author of Girl on the Train.   Told from the different viewpoints of the characters in a small British town where a number of women have succumbed to what is known as “The Drowning Pool”, the truth gradually unfolds.

Unlike other reviewers, I did not find the number of characters overwhelming or confusing.  (Note: If you are someone who does have difficulty remembering names, take a minute to jot down the names and relationships as you read and then you will be less confused).

The book held my interest and it was a fast read.  I would rate it a good, not great read.  

Exposed - Lisa Scottoline

Exposed - Lisa Scottoline

She read
Release date: August 15, 2017

Fans of Lisa Scottoline’s Bennie Rosato/Mary DiNunzio series will be happy to see this latest entry.  A case involving Mary’s close friend, almost family, Simon Pensiera, finds the partners involved in a professional ethics quandary and questioning their personal and professional relationship.   

There are legal machinations and plot twists as well as some (violent) action all the while exploring who/what constitutes family and what we will do for them.  

Readers don’t have to be familiar with the earlier books in this series, but knowing the history of the law firm and Mary’s close neighborhood ties does add to the enjoyment of this story’s continued  insight into these characters and their motivations.  

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.