The Fox - Frederick Forsyth

The Fox - Frederick Forsyth

He and she read

Publication Date:  October 23, 2018

It’s been a while since I read a Frederick Forsyth novel; I’d forgotten how much I enjoy this author‘s writing .  This novel moves quickly; it is more a narrative than an action story.  I liked that it didn’t get bogged down with page after page of descriptions of gun fights, etc.  Hostile encounters were dealt with matter of fact and to the point.

I don’t like stories that stretch credibility.   Scarily, I thought that just about everything that occurred in this cyber warfare tale could be very real.  The ending was a bit too convenient, but I don’t really know what would have made a better one……

Broken Ground - Val McDermid

Broken Ground - Val McDermid

She read

Release date: Dec. 5, 2018

This is the fifth book in the Karen Pirie Historic Cases Unit police procedural series by prolific writer, Val McDermid.  I’ve read one prior novel in this series and really like the main character.  She is strong, intelligent, vulnerable, but not overly flawed.

Karen is juggling three cases, two historic ones that are in her perview and a current one that she has insinuated herself into based on an overheard conversation.  Although still mourning the death of her love, Phil, she meets a new interesting man and her new supervisor, seemingly out to get her, has planted a spy in Karen’s three person department.

The unfolding of the primary case is told through the revelation of evidence as well as flashbacks to both 1944 which set the scene for the crime and 1995 when the crime was committed.   There were some unique aspects to the cases which made them interesting and the book held my attention throughout.  I thought the resolution came quickly and the final disposition of the case could only be assumed.  McDermid did lay some ground work for the next in the series and I look forward to it.

A Shot in the Dark - Lynne Truss

A Shot in the Dark  - Lynne Truss

She read

Release date: Nov. 6, 2018

If you enjoy farces, then you will like this story of characters adapted from a popular BBC radio series also written by this author.  It is difficult to give a book like this a rating.  Compared to other mysteries, it might be a bit over the top, but rated on its own merits, it was well written with intriguing characters and quite amusing.  I wouldn’t want to read a novel like this every day, but it was and enjoyable change of pace (genre).  Incidentally, I loved all the references to various British confections and enjoyed “Googling” them to find out what they were.

The Colors of All the Cattle - Alexander McCall Smith

The Colors of All the Cattle - Alexander McCall Smith

She read

Release Date:  Nov. 6, 2018

Sit back and relax with a cup of tea and the 19th installment of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. The same familiar cast of characters are here:  Mma Potokwane has bullied Precious into running for town council, there is an unsolved hit and run to investigate, and Charlie is maturing. And the Talking shoes make a cameo appearance.

Fear Trump in the White House - Bob Woodward

Fear Trump in the White House - Bob Woodward

He and she read

All I can say is ....read it!

Past Tense - Lee Child

Past Tense - Lee Child

She read

Release date: November 5, 2018

I am hesitant to rate this book.  Jack Reacher fans will probably welcome it, especially since it gives some information about his family background.

This is my first Reacher novel and I guess I am just not a fan.  I am not fond of stories that are seemingly fantastical and I found myself skimming over some of the action.  I have skipped all prior 22 Jack Reacher novels and now I guess I know why.

A Well-Behaved Woman - Therese Anne Fowler

A Well-Behaved Woman - Therese Anne Fowler

She read

Release date:  October 16, 2018

This is the fascinating story of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont, socialite, suffragette, and one of the wealthiest women of the robber baron era.  Descending from socially acceptable lineage, but having no money, her first marriage to William Vanderbilt was one of convenience.  Her second, to Oliver Belmont, supposedly one of love.  

A unique woman for her times, she displayed great interest in  philanthropy, architecture, and women’s rights.  

I don’t know how sanitized this historical fictional account is, but it was a well written, engaging read.  The  arbitrary but strict “rules” of late nineteenth century New York society were interesting, as was the ostentatious avarice of that era.