The Sunday Girl - Pip Drysdale

The Sunday Girl - Pip Drysdale

She read

Taylor is dumped by her abusive lover, Angus.  To make matters worse, he posts a sex tape of her on the internet.  Inspired by the book, The Art of War, Taylor exacts revenge.  But then, Angus comes back to her, contrite and willing to change.  Or is he?

This cat and mouse psychological thriller is a quick read, perfect for the beach or a rainy day on the couch.  Taylor’s naïveté was at times annoying, but she came into her own and the ending was satisfying.

Code Name Madeleine - Arthur J. Magida

Code Name Madeleine - Arthur J. Magida

She read

Publication Date:  June 9, 2020

Although I thought the writing got bogged down at times with names and details (it was well researched), this is a fascinating story about someone whom I had never heard about.  Although her story has been told in other books and on film, it bears retelling.

I did find frustrating that despite her intent and bravery Noor was careless in so many facets of her operations.  Perhaps that was just indicative of wartime operations; her handlers also seemed careless at times, especially when there were indications that her radio had been captured, yet they continued believing it was her transmitting, sending many other operators into traps set up by the enemies.

I am not a big fan of nonfiction, but am glad I read this and encourage others to do so as well. I learned a lot about the SEO and its wartime activities and met an incredible woman.

****

The Jane Austen Society - Natalie Jenner

The Jane Austen Society - Natalie Jenner

She read

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

What a charming story. It is a nice, comfortable read for times like this. Curl up with a nice cuppa and enjoy! While knowledge of Austen’s writings may be helpful, you don’t have to be an Austen scholar to find pleasure in this book

****

Daughter of the Reich - Louise Fein

Daughter of the Reich - Louise Fein

She read

Publication Date: May 12, 2020

This was a difficult read for me.  I really forced myself to persevere through the beginning of of the story. As Hitler rises and people embrace him, the rhetoric, the inhumanity, and the scary parallels to today were disturbing. Yet, I am glad I remained with the book.  After the tough beginning, I couldn’t put it down and, by the end, loved it.

*****

The Herd - Andrea Bartz

The Herd - Andrea Bartz

She read

Told from different points of view, like layers of an onion, the story unfolds revealing secrets and twists.  An engrossing quick read, I really enjoyed the author’s colorful descriptive metaphors that were original and perfect!!!

****

Little Secrets - Jennifer Hillier

Little Secrets - Jennifer Hillier

She read

Marin and Derek came from nothing, but they have worked hard to become wealthy, successful business owners.  Their comfortable world is shattered when their young son is abducted.  Somehow Marin survives the year, but is devastated again when she learns her husband is having an affair.  Secrets, lies, misplaced trust, betrayal hurtle this thriller forward to resolution.

I never try to figure out “who done it” when reading a story, but it became evident to me about halfway through this book.  Yet, that didn’t interfere with my interest or enjoyment of it.  This was a quick read, well written and engrossing.

****

Find Her Alive - Lisa Regan

Find Her Alive - Lisa Regan

She read

I have only recently discovered Lisa Regan and really enjoy her writing. This is the seventh in the Detective Josie Quinn series, the second I have read.  Although this plot was a bit of a stretch, it moved along quickly and kept me totally engrossed.  Josie is an intelligent, strong female protagonist. If you enjoy mysteries/ police procedurals, this is a must read.

*****