The Rivals - Jane Pek

 The Rivals - Jane Pek

Pub. Date:  Dec. 3, 2024

He and she read

This is the second in what is being called the Claudia Lin series, the first being the very successful The Verifiers which I read and enjoyed.

Picking up where the first book left off, Claudia is co partner with two others in Veracity which, while maintaining a low, secretive profile, provides a service that investigates if those who post in online dating sites are truthful in their interactions with potential partners. When they uncover a possible AI plot by one of the sites which may also involve murder, they work to untangle a web of deceit.    

Similar to The Verifiers, this is a very contemporary story that is so much more than just a mystery.  There are family relationships, cultural stereotypes, information about the internet dating industry and the negatives encountered in our online, AI influenced world, as well as a homage to classic mystery and espionage stories.  I did think that it wandered around a bit in the middle but redeemed itself in the end. Those more in the know about all things tech than I am may not feel so lost.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @AAKnopf @VintageAnchorBooks for the DRC.

****

The London Year - Yolanda Zappaterra; Sarah Guy

 The London Year - Yolanda Zappaterra; Sarah Guy

Pub. Date:  Oct. 1, 2024

She read

With beautiful photographs, the authors present monthly activities available in London. The well known and the more obscure are discussed here to provide a years worth of fun for London visitors and residents.  There are cultural activities, musical, horticultural, fun, sports; a plethora of events to appeal to everyone, no matter their taste or interests. 

Having read this book, I regret that I don’t have a full year to spend in this lively city to enjoy all that is available.  

Thanks to #netGalley and @QuartobooksUK for the DRC.

****

The Crying Girls - Wendy Dranfield

 The Crying Girls - Wendy Dranfield

Pub. Date: Oct. 7, 2024

She read

Detective Madison Harper is now engaged to PI Nate who disappears to try to come to terms with the fact that he killed a man in self defense. Madison doesn’t have a lot of time to dwell on his absence as a headless, handless body is found in Lost Creek and she has also taken on the cold case of an abducted baby. And then someone places a photo of a young girl on Madison’s windshield with the notation “Sofia, day 1”.  Is there any connection among the cases or will Madison’s attention be spread thin trying to solve all of them?

There are mysteries to be solved here with some twists and unexpected revelations, along with family issues for both Madison and Nate. An engrossing read, there are some disturbing situations in this story with interwoven plot lines. 

This is the eighth in the Detective Madison Harper series.  It is the second I have read.  Although it does work as a standalone, the main characters, who are damaged individuals striving to do their best, have back stories which are alluded to but not fully explained. While it doesn’t interfere with the enjoyment of this book, it does leave the reader wanting to know more about their histories.  

Thanks to #NetGalley and @Bookouture for the DRC.

To Boob or Not To Boob - Liza L. Hernandez

 To Boob or Not to Boob - Liza L. Hernandez

She read

To Boob or Not to Boob - Liza L. Hernandez

This is the memoir of a woman’s personal journey in life from a diagnosis of breast cancer, to double mastectomy, to implants, and eventual removal of the implants in a flat closure procedure. 

I enjoyed learning a bit about Liza’s history, family, fears, and joys. Her insight in dealing with her cancer as well as her tips and recommendations for those undergoing a similar journey is helpful as well as hopeful. This book would be a wonderful resource for anyone undergoing a similar experience.  

****

An Insignificant Case - Phillip Margolin

 An Insignificant Case - Phillip Margolin

PUb. Date:  Nov. 5, 2024

She read

Charlie Webb, described as a “third rate” lawyer ekes out an existence by defending shady characters such as motorcycle gang members. He is appointed to defend a colorful character who sees himself as the reincarnation of artist Guido Sabatini. For him, painting is all. He breaks into the office of someone who has purchased one of his works to steal it back because she disrespected his talent by not hanging it where the public could view it. He also steals something out of her safe that turns out to be evidence in a sex trafficking case that may involve some important public figures. In the race to get the evidence back, three people are killed and Guido is charged with their murder. He insists that Charlie defend him, even though he has never defended a homicide suspect. The dangerous chase is on by both the good guys and the bad to reclaim the evidence and bring charges against the real killers and sex traffickers.

Through the years, I have read and enjoyed quite a few of Margolin’s books, especially the more recent ones in his attorney Robin Lockwood series. An Insignificant Case is a standalone.  Although a bit predictable, there were some twists in this fast, entertaining read. Recommended for those who enjoy mysteries, thrillers, crime novels, legal thrillers, and quirky characters. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks for the DRC.

The Waiting - Michael Connelly

The Waiting - Michael Connelly

Pub. Date:  Oct. 15, 2024

She read

This is the sixth in the Renee Ballard series, a spinoff of the Harry Bosch stories and Harry does make an appearance. Renee’s gun, badge and ID are stolen. Fearing disciplinary action, she doesn’t report it and when her investigation uncovers a possible terrorist plot, she seeks the assistance of Bosch.  

Meanwhile, her unsolved cases unit gets a DNA break on an old serial rapist/murder case and it just might involve a local judge. A new addition to the team is Maddie Bosch, Harry’s daughter, who thinks she might be able to solve a very old famous LA case. 

As a fan of the old Harry Bosch series, I love that Renee keeps her connection with him. I also like police procedurals, although Renee’s flaunting of the rules and unconventional practices make me a bit uncomfortable. But, then again, Harry never played by the rules either.

Connelly is a skilled story teller. Well plotted, this is another welcome addition to the Bosch/Ballard legacy. It would, however, work well as a standalone for those new to this series. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and @LittleBrown for the DRC.

****

 

The Lake of Lost Girls - Katherine Greene

 The Lake of Lost Girls - Katherine Greene

Pub. Date: Nov. 5, 2024

She read

In 1998/99, four young women disappeared from a college in a small North Carolina town. Twenty four years later, the body of one of them is discovered in a secluded lake. Which one? Lindsey is the younger sister of one of those girls; her family has never recovered from their loss. When a journalist wanting to write the story appears, he approaches Lindsey for assistance solving the mystery.  As she digs down into the case, secrets are revealed and suspects identified, but does Lindsey really want to find out the truth?

Set in dual timelines and different POVs, the story is interspersed with podcast transcripts, interview notes, and newspaper articles.  I have seen this technique used in other novels.  It works successfully here. There is the danger of male predators as well as the effects of their behaviors on their many victims, including their families. Twists, turns, and red herrings lead the reader on a suspenseful journey in this engrossing, fast read.   

Thanks to #NetGalley and @CrookedLaneBooks for the DRC.

****