The Last Trial - Scott Turow

The Last Trial - Scott Turow

He and she read

Featuring familiar Turow character, Sandy Stern, in the last trial of his career, this is sure to be another best seller. A solid courtroom procedural, it is Stern’s contemplations of the life he has led and his observations of the ravages of aging and the approaching end of life that resonates with the reader.

*****

The End of October - Lawrence Wright

The End of October - Lawrence Wright

She read

I don’t usually read books where suspension of belief is necessary.  However, when I read the prepublication notes, I thought that I would try this one as the topic was most timely.  I really liked the first half of the novel.  Well researched, I learned a lot about viruses, pandemics, vaccines.  And, given what is going on in the world now, it was not at all unlikely.  The second half, however, became a bit extreme for me.  Still, I recommend this riveting thriller…a great escape, or not so much an escape from our current world situation.

  **** 1/2

Camino Winds - John Grisham

Camino Winds - John Grisham

She read

The second in the Camino Island series, many of the characters from the first reappear including the main protagonist, book seller Bruce Cable.  While the island is hit with a devastating hurricane, a local author is murdered.  Does it have something to do with the new book he is writing, a fictional exposé?  The local police do not seem up to the investigative job, so it falls on Bruce and friends  

I don’t feel that the Camino series is as strong as Grisham’s legal thrillers, but this makes a quick, enjoyable read.

****

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.

*****