Blood Oath - Linda Fairstein
She read
Linda Fairstein’s Alexandra Cooper has been prosecuting sex crimes since long before the #MeToo movement. This is the twentieth novel in the series, of which I am a fan.
Newly returned to her job after a hiatus to recover from double personal traumas, Alex encounters a case involving a political rival. Fairstein was chief of the sex crimes unit of the Manhattan DAs office, so she knows whereof she writes.
In all of the Cooper series novels, one learns something about predators, the law, ,New York City History, and, of course, those popular Final Jeopardy answers. It was nice to see Alex back in the game at her full capacity. This one didn’t disappoint; it was fast paced, engrossing, and satisfying.
While all of the books contain the same familiar characters, the cases always remain fresh. If this is your first Alex Cooper read, it is fine as a stand alone and good introduction to the series. Do yourself a favor, though, and go back and read through some of the earlier ones.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Someone Knows - Lisa Scottoline
Someone Knows - Lisa Scottoline
She read
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
I am a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s novels, but this stand along “domestic thriller” was not one of my favorites. Told from the points of view of many different characters, it moves between the past (twenty years ago) and the present. All of these characters seem to have an over abundance of tribulations and clichéd emotional baggage.
Although this is a fast read, it seemed to take a long time to tell the story. There are many twists and turns, with the final reveal less than satisfying. Still, the book held my attention……
She read
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
I am a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s novels, but this stand along “domestic thriller” was not one of my favorites. Told from the points of view of many different characters, it moves between the past (twenty years ago) and the present. All of these characters seem to have an over abundance of tribulations and clichéd emotional baggage.
Although this is a fast read, it seemed to take a long time to tell the story. There are many twists and turns, with the final reveal less than satisfying. Still, the book held my attention……
Saturday, March 23, 2019
The Department of Sensitive Crimes - Alexander McCall Smith
The Department of Sensitive Crimes - Alexander McCall Smith
She read
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
The Department of Sensitive Crimes in Malmo, Sweden is comprised of three detectives and a clerk and deals with unusual transgressions requiring utmost discretion. The crimes range from a man stabbed in the back of the knee to possible missing persons to strange occurrences at a spa owned by the police commissioner’s cousin.
The characters are quirky; the conversations often inane, but with profound life observations smattered here and there, as well as some laugh out loud moments. While no one character is quite as charming as Precious Ramotse of this author’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, there is potential. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.
She read
Publication Date: April 16, 2019
The Department of Sensitive Crimes in Malmo, Sweden is comprised of three detectives and a clerk and deals with unusual transgressions requiring utmost discretion. The crimes range from a man stabbed in the back of the knee to possible missing persons to strange occurrences at a spa owned by the police commissioner’s cousin.
The characters are quirky; the conversations often inane, but with profound life observations smattered here and there, as well as some laugh out loud moments. While no one character is quite as charming as Precious Ramotse of this author’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, there is potential. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Judgment - Joseph Finder
Judgment - Joseph Finder
She read
A respected judge who commits a one time indiscretion finds herself the victim of blackmail. Refusing to succumb, she finds her career, life, and family in danger.
It took me a while to decide I liked this book. Initially, I found the main character annoying and unrealistic. In time, though, I warmed to her even though she did some really stupid things. At least one loose end was not tied up and I felt the resolution was a bit too pat.
She read
A respected judge who commits a one time indiscretion finds herself the victim of blackmail. Refusing to succumb, she finds her career, life, and family in danger.
It took me a while to decide I liked this book. Initially, I found the main character annoying and unrealistic. In time, though, I warmed to her even though she did some really stupid things. At least one loose end was not tied up and I felt the resolution was a bit too pat.
Sunday, March 10, 2019
The Promise - Teresa Driscoll
The Promise - Teresa Driscoll
She read
Three boarding school friends, Beth, Sally, and Carol, make a promise as adolescents. Now adults, the first two have lost touch with Carol; the secret that they promised not to tell threatens to be exposed and Beth’s family is endangered.
Moving back and forth from past to present, the story is told from four different points of view; that of the three friends and the private investigator hired to help Beth and Sally find Carol. The investigator appears to have secrets of his own.
There are lots of surprises in this well written psychological suspense novel.
She read
Three boarding school friends, Beth, Sally, and Carol, make a promise as adolescents. Now adults, the first two have lost touch with Carol; the secret that they promised not to tell threatens to be exposed and Beth’s family is endangered.
Moving back and forth from past to present, the story is told from four different points of view; that of the three friends and the private investigator hired to help Beth and Sally find Carol. The investigator appears to have secrets of his own.
There are lots of surprises in this well written psychological suspense novel.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Stalker - Lars Kepler
Stalker - Lars Kepler
She read
This is the fifth in the Swedish series of books featuring Joona Linna, who is now a former Detective Superintendent.
I don’t know if it is because of the translation, but the writing seemed very disjointed. Although the overall plot was good, I found none of the characters likable and it took a long time to tell the story. I had to force myself to finish the book and frequently skimmed over sections.
Fans of this series will probably enjoy it, but it just wasn’t one of my favorites.
She read
This is the fifth in the Swedish series of books featuring Joona Linna, who is now a former Detective Superintendent.
I don’t know if it is because of the translation, but the writing seemed very disjointed. Although the overall plot was good, I found none of the characters likable and it took a long time to tell the story. I had to force myself to finish the book and frequently skimmed over sections.
Fans of this series will probably enjoy it, but it just wasn’t one of my favorites.
Tuesday, February 19, 2019
Unto Us a Son is Given - Donna Leon
Unto Us a Son is Given - Donna Leon
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
He and she read
Whenever a new Commissario Guido Brunetti novel comes out, I stop everything I am doing to read it. I cannot believe that this the 28th! They are a joy! Donna Leon’s novels contain good writing, colorful character development, piquant observations of life both in general and specific to Venetian society.
I could have easily voraciously devoured this book, finishing it in one day while forsaking all else. However, writing this good should be savored and I tried to take my time, digesting it chapter by chapter.
Travel along with Brunetti past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping here and there for a coffee, wine, or a meal. Join him as he negotiates the politics and cynicism of the Italian justice system. Visit again with his family and the cast of characters with whom he works. They are all here!
For anyone new to Donna Leon, this certainly can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself? Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of these memorable characters.
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
He and she read
Whenever a new Commissario Guido Brunetti novel comes out, I stop everything I am doing to read it. I cannot believe that this the 28th! They are a joy! Donna Leon’s novels contain good writing, colorful character development, piquant observations of life both in general and specific to Venetian society.
I could have easily voraciously devoured this book, finishing it in one day while forsaking all else. However, writing this good should be savored and I tried to take my time, digesting it chapter by chapter.
Travel along with Brunetti past familiar Venetian landmarks, stopping here and there for a coffee, wine, or a meal. Join him as he negotiates the politics and cynicism of the Italian justice system. Visit again with his family and the cast of characters with whom he works. They are all here!
For anyone new to Donna Leon, this certainly can be read as a stand alone, but why deprive yourself? Go back to the beginning of the series and enjoy getting to know all of these memorable characters.
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