|
Becker Big Lake Clear Lake Elk River Princeton St. Cloud Zimmerman
|
|
Welcome to Dick & Linda's Book Picks Archive!
In case you missed all of Dick or Linda's past Book
Reviews, you can find them here.
Not a Happy Family
by Shari Lapena |
Verity
by Colleen Hoover |
Fox
Creek by Kent Krueger |
The Things We Cannot Say
by Kelly Rimmer |
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover |
The Crooked Branch
by Jeanine Cummins |
The Last Flight by Julie Clark |
The Home Stretch by Dave Nimmer |
The Hummingbird by Stephen Kiernan |
Midnight
at the Blackbird Cafe by Heather
Webber |
Summer Island
by Kristin Hannah |
Fortune's Rocks by Anita Shreve |
The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides |
The Dutch House by Kristen Harmel |
The Life Intended
by Kristin Harmel |
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek
by Kim
Michele Richardson |
Dancing on a Silver Moon by
Margie Zats |
Magic
Hour by by Kristin Hannah |
The Deep Deep Snow
by Brian Freeman |
Masked Prey
by John Sanford |
This Tender Land by William Kent
Kreuger |
Fast Falls the Night
by Julia Keller |
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah |
When We Meet Again
by Kristin Harmel |
Summer of '69 by Erin Hilderbrand |
Ordinary
Grace by William Ken Kreuger |
Deep Grass Roots by Marcia Neely |
The Reckoning
by Josh Grisham |
Before We Were Yours
by Lisa Wingate |
The
Old Man - by Thomas Perry |
The Things We Do For Love
by Kristin Hannah |
All The Light We Cannot See by
Anthony Doerr |
The Great Alone
by William Kristin Hannah |
Desolation Mountain
by William Kent Krueger |
Lilac Girls
by Martha Hall Kelly |
The Space Between Us
by Dete Meserve |
Angel Falls
by Kristin Hannah |
Something in the Water
by Catherine Steadman |
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich |
The
Late Show by Michael Connelly |
The Ferguson Rifle
by Louis L'Amour |
Back
Story by Robert B. Parker |
Justice Denied by J.A. Jance |
NYPD
RED 2
by James Patterson
in collaboration with Marshall Karp |
Windigo Island
by William Kent Kruger |
Robert B. Parkers Lullaby
by Ace Atkins |
Robert B. Parkers Wonderland by
Ace Atkins
|
The Keeper by John Lescroart |
Wayfaring
Stranger by James Lee Burke |
Field of
Prey by John Sandford |
Body
Movers by Stephanie Bond |
Tamarack County by William Kent
Krueger |
Just
Breathe by Susan Wiggs |
Light of the World
by James Lee Burke |
Miss
Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker |
Bitsy's
Bait & BBQ by Pamela Morsi |
The
Innocent by David Baldacci |
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy |
Ties That Bind
by Phillip Margolin |
The
Black Box by Michael Connelly |
Supreme Justice by Phillip Margolin |
Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger |
Wild Justice by Phillip Morgolin |
Robert B. Parker's "Killing the Blues" by Michael Brandman |
The Brothers -- Allen
D. Anderson |
Stolen Prey -- John Sanford |
The Drop -- Michael Connelly |
The Fifth Witness
-- Michael Connelly |
Prime Witness -- Steve Martini |
The Litigators -- John Grisham |
Treasure Hunt -- John Lescroart |
The Hunger Games
-- Suzanne Collins (Reviewed by guest student Jack
Horita) |
Louis L'Amour - about the author |
Step On A Crack
-- James
Patterson |
Capitol Threat
-- William
Bernhardt |
Cross
--
James Patterson |
Thunder Bay
-- William Kent Krueger |
Dakota Born
-- Debbie Macomber |
Duma Key
--
Stephen King |
7th Heaven
--
James Patterson |
The Mulligan
-- Nathan Jorgenson |
L.A. Outlaws
-- T. Jefferson Parker |
From Hell To
Midnight -- Richard S. Wheeler |
Simple
Genius -- David Baldacci |
Sail
-- James
Patterson & Howard Roughan |
Phantom Prey
--
John Sandford |
Resolution
-- Robert B. Parker |
Red
Knife -- William Kent Krueger |
The
Shop On Blossom Street --
Debbie Macomber |
Famous
Crimes - Stories of Law & Order in Minnesota
-- Sheri O'Meara & Merle Minda |
Heat
Lightning -- John Sandford |
Cross
Country -- James Patterson |
The
Escape -- Robert Tanenbaum |
Stranger In
Paradise -- Robert B. Parker |
Wicked
Prey -- John Sandford |
Monkeewrench
-- P.J. Tracy |
Rough
Country -- John Sandford |
Heaven's
Keep -- William Kent Krueger |
Scarpetta
-- Patricia Cornwell |
A
Thousand Bones -- P.J. Parrish |
The
Scarecrow -- Michael Connelly |
Deadly Night
-- Heather Graham |
Alex Cross's
Trial --
James Patterson |
9
Dragons -- Michael Connelly |
A Plague of Secrets
-- John Lescroart |
The
Reversal -- Michael Connelly |
Private
-- James Patterson |
Minding Frankie
-- Maeve Binchy |
Buried Prey --
John Sandford |
|
|
NOT A HAPPY FAMILY
BY
SHARI LAPENA
REVIEWED BY
LINDA WICKLUND
This
book was suggested to me by a wonderful neighbor
who couldn’t put it down until 3:00 a.m. when she
found out "who done it " ! A recommendation I
couldn’t refuse. Even if it is a "real"
book. (I ❤️ my
Kindle) Then, I read that Ms. Lapena is well
known as a "master of manipulation with yet
another page-turner". Who knew? So many great
authors!
The book begins by
describing a lavish mansion in Brecken Hill an
exclusive area near the Hudson River and New York
City. It’s a beautiful, peaceful looking place.
What no one is aware of is that there’s been two
gruesome murders inside on Easter night. The story
begins 24 hours earlier when the Merton adult
children are dressing to go to Easter dinner at
the same lavish mansion where their parents Sheila
and Fred Merton reside. Dan and Jenna two of the
siblings dread this family affair, while Catherine
the eldest is looking forward to the holiday
dinner. As it turns out, they all had reasons to
expect their Father’s vindictive wrath, since all
three were considered a disappointment to him.
As you can imagine,
with millions at stake, Detective Reyes, the
investigating officer looks at the children as his
first suspects. Especially when he discovers he’s
been lied to by all three of them. But this is
just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many
others like the former nanny, the jealous sister,
and the former assistant that have secrets which
could make them suspects as well. So, just when
you think you’ve solved this mystery, you probably
have not!
As one reviewer said,
"Ms. Lapena keeps you guessing until the very last
page."
Happy reading! |
|
|
VERITY
BY
COLLEEN HOOVER
REVIEWED BY
LINDA WICKLUND
This
is only the second novel I've read by Ms Hoover.
To say it was much different from "It Ends with
Us" would be a huge understatement! It is
very suspenseful and at times only suited for
mature readers. That's not to say the story
isn't captivating because the reader is left
wondering what is fact and what is someone's
imagination. Is Verity really as evil as her
autobiography would lead you to believe.
Which leads me to repeat from previous reviews -
my definition of a really good read is one you
can't wait to get back to.
The story begins with
Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, being offered
a dream job when hired by the husband of a
bestselling author to complete a successful series
his injured wife, Verity, isn't able to finish. Lowen
goes to Verity's home to sort through her notes
and files to get started on her assignment. What
Lowen discovers though in Verity's office is an
unfinished autobiography. Verity is admitting to
actions she never intended anyone else to know
about. The autobiography is not only captivating
but twisted.
As Lowen tries to
focus on her work she becomes more fond of
Verity's husband Jeremy. But, she also
becomes more wary of Verity who is bedridden.
Unable to talk or walk... How can you become
fearful of a woman in this condition? Clues begin
to emerge at this point.
When Lowen's feelings
begin to deepen for Jeremy she wonders if it is
wise to keep the manuscript from him. After all,
most of it relates to his children. Or, is
she being selfish due to her feelings for Jeremy.
Surely he couldn't continue to love a person as
cruel and manipulative as Verity
This novel is a
psychological thriller like none other I've read
in recent times. To the very last page the
reader is left wondering if Verity is really this
evil? A page turner without a doubt.
Happy reading!!
|
|
FOX CREEK
BY
KENT KRUEGER
REVIEWED BY
LINDA WICKLUND
According
to the New York Times this "genuinely thrilling
and atmospheric novel" has the author's character
Cork O'Connor racing to save his wife, a
mysterious stranger and Cork's lifelong friend,
Henry Meloux, from certain death at the hands of
dangerous mercenaries. This is Mr. Krueger’s
19th novel in the Cork O'Connor series. I've
read all 19 and they never disappoint!
The story begins with
a man coming to Cork's burger joint asking for
help because his wife has gone missing. Her name
is Delores and has become very interested in all
things "Indian" the man tells Cork. Cork
asks him if he has a problem with "native" people.
But, the stranger believes she has a Native lover
who is from the area. His name is Henry
Meloux, Cork's 105 year old friend... When Cork
repeats the story to his family he laughs, yep
"Henry the home-wrecker."
So begins the mystery
of where is Delores and is the stranger really her
husband? When Cork goes to Henry's cabin to talk
to him, Henry, Rainy (Cork's wife) and Delores
have all disappeared. His best guess is that they
have gone deep into the Boundary waters to escape
from the killers who are in pursuit of Delores. No
one knows the woods better than Henry.
The question is what
do these "hunters" want with Delores and where is
her real husband Louis? Their trek through the
forest is long and difficult and then a snow storm
comes along to make things even more of a
challenge. It's an exciting read with each
chapter telling the story from different
character's perspective. i.e. the wolf,
Rainy, Cork etc.
As always, there's so
much more to the story that keeps you in suspense
as only Mr. Krueger can do. I'm always amazed at
how beautifully descriptive his prose is and how
vivid all the background is to the reader. If you
haven't read his work you should give him a try.
By the way the series started back in 1998, with
the novel Iron Lake.
Happy reading!!
|
|
|
THE THINGS WE
CANNOT SAY
BY
KELLY RIMMER
REVIEWED BY
LINDA WICKLUND
I
often say I've read so many books about the Second
World War and the atrocities committed by the Nazi
occupations that I've read enough on the subject.
But then a friend suggested this book and I'm
really glad she did. Although of course it
has many sad parts it also tells the story of two
generations of women and their unimaginable
struggles and heartbreak. Especially, for me, the
courage and strength that millions of people
demonstrated during this time in history.
The prologue of the
book is set in Russia in 1942, where a priest is
presiding over the wedding of Alina and Tomasz.
It's an extremely cold day for September but Alina
says "Our love had been my reason to live and to
fight for many years." In spite of the deplorable
conditions of the refuge camp, Alina "refused to
let it shake my confidence in the man I loved."
The second story
begins with Alice (Alina's Granddaughter) trying
to get her son Eddie off the floor of the grocery
where a major meltdown is happening. Eddie
is autistic and is screaming and emptying the
grocery shelves because they have changed the
label on his favorite yogurt. Alice has been
rushing everywhere this morning doing her best to
get to the hospital to see her beloved Grandmother
who has suffered a stroke. The dilemma that Alice
deals with is that in the seven years since Eddie
was born her husband, Wade, has been unable to
adapt to the reality of Eddie's disability.
She is basically doing it alone.
The book goes back
and forth between the brutality and injustice her
Grandparents endured to modern day depicting what
Alice is confronted with daily, especially when
her Grandmother has an urgent request. Alina
or Babcia (the Polish word for Grandmother) is
unable to speak because of the stroke she
suffered. But, through an App on their Ipad
she types "Find Tomasz, Need help, Emergency."
Alice is stunned because her Grandfather died the
year before. Doesn't Alina remember?
To honor her Babcia's
request, in spite of significant obstacles in
Alice's home life, she travels to Poland to try
and unlock the mystery of what her Grandmother has
asked of her. The rest of the story I'll
leave for you to discover. Both women's stories
are blended together beautifully and in a
heartwarming way.
I'll close with a
quote from the author, "Like many of their
generation, they had little time to reflect or
grieve even once the war ended. Their focus
was on the future and the physical, emotional and
psychological wounds of war were soon trapped
beneath the surface of the new life they were
forging."
Happy reading!
|
|
IT
ENDS WITH US
BY
COLLEEN HOOVER
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
It
Ends with Us is a novel about Lily Bloom a young
woman who has witnessed domestic abuse from a very
early age. Sadly, it was her Father, Andrew Bloom,
who regularly abused her Mom. Andrew was the
"adored mayor of a small town in Maine." Her
Father had just passed on and she was asked to
deliver his eulogy. She introduces herself to the
people gathered for the memorial service. She
thanks them for coming to mourn his loss. "I
wanted to take a moment to honor his life by
sharing with you five great things about my
Father. The first thing... I stood up there for
two solid minutes without saying another word."
There wasn't one great thing to say about him.
This is where
Lily's story begins when she returns to Boston and
meets Ryle Kincaid. Ryle is "beautiful", dressed
perfectly with a two-hundred-dollar haircut. And
to make him even more perfect he's a Neurosurgeon!
Except he's not since he has an aversion to
relationships and is only interested in one night
stands. His only goal in life is to have success.
The story then
flashes back to Lily's teenage years and her first
love Atlas. He was a homeless boy who was
finishing his senior year in high school. Lily
takes him under her wing since the house he stayed
in had no water, electricity or food. Their
relationship grows into a wonderful friendship and
then to young love. A chance encounter puts them
in contact after many years.
In current times,
Lily decides to pursue her dream of opening a
flower shop since flowers and gardening have
always been her passion. (She laughs that she can
capitalize on her name.) Her Mom visits the
storefront that has so much potential. She tells
Lily "people will say it was a brave, bold, smart
business decision."
Lily continues
telling her story of falling in love with that
"perfect" man Ryle. And about their passionate
loving relationship until she realizes first hand
that maybe her Mom wasn't weak at all for staying
with her Father. Maybe she just stayed because
she loved him too much.
I hope you'll
enjoy this well-told story about loving someone
which is wonderful, but being "brave and bold" is
much more important.
Happy reading! |
|
THE
CROOKED BRANCH
BY JEANINE
CUMMINS
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I
don't often say that I love a book, but this is
one. It's not that I'm that critical - I hope.
But this historical novel touched me because of
the way in which it blended two women's stories of
desperation and loss. As I'm sure I've mentioned
before even a fictional novel can teach us so
much.
In this case, in
1896, Ginny Doyle is suffering through the Great
Hunger often called the potato famine. Then in
present day Majella's story is a first time Mother
struggling to cope with caring for her baby girl,
Emma. She feels as though she is failing her and
might even have mental health problems. When
Majella finds a diary that belonged to her great,
great Grandmother Ginny Doyle, she is even more
worried. Because after reading part of the diary
she tells her therapist "There are all different
kinds of crazy, but mostly I think it's
ancestral."
Ginny's story
begins with the start of Ireland's potato famine.
Overnight a noxious fog blows into the western
shores of Ireland. Ginny and Raymond look out at
their decimated fields. Everywhere they look
there is nothing but rot. Ginny looks back at her
four children but she "could never conceive of the
kind of suffering that would follow."
Majella's story
starts with her first visit to a psychiatrist. She
believes her depression is more than post-partum
depression. She tells the doctor that she thinks
she is going crazy. For clarification she tells
him 'Like actual crazy, not fun-crazy." Majella
tells her story in the first person and sometimes
adds a bit of humor to lighten the story.
Ginny and her
husband Raymond's primary concern is paying the
rent. They decided that their only hope was for
Raymond to go to America to find work and send
money back to his family. They sold enough oats
and their hog to pay the rent. Because, if you
didn't pay the English landlords you would be
thrown out of your cottage and they would burn it
to the ground! From this point the hardships they
endure are hard to fathom. Ginny watches as her
family and neighbors begin to literally starve to
death. Then Ginny hears that an estate nearby
needs a chambermaid. She makes the agonizing
decision to leave her children and go to work at
Spring Hill. So Ginny sets off to see if she can
be hired as the new chambermaid. Leaving her
eldest daughter Maire in charge of her three
younger siblings.
You might think
that Majella's story and unhappiness doesn't
compare to Ginny's agonizing problems. But, to
Majella it's devastating because she wants so
badly to be her old self-assured self and to be
the great Mother she dreamed of. She feels
isolated from her family and friends. She reaches
out to her Mother who hasn't made any attempt to
see Emma and when Majella calls her for support
her Mom says, "Listen I don't have long, I'm about
to run to water aerobics."
There is so, so
much more to this novel that I'm sure you'll find
both heartbreaking and believable in both of these
two women's lives. In spite of the huge time
difference in their experiences both Mothers are
determined to protect their children at any cost.
In closing, I
read quite a lot and I’d say this is the best book
I’ve read this year!
Happy reading! |
|
THE
LAST FLIGHT
BY JULIE
CLARK
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I'm
always amazed by the number of wonderful authors
out there who I haven't read! In this case, I
found Julie Clark who wrote this novel. It's not
only a superior and suspenseful read, but also a
narrative of how women are so often deemed
"unreliable and then expendable" which leads to
both physical and mental abuse. The story begins
with two women who are desperate enough to take
the risk of not walking but running away from
their former lives.
Claire Cook is the
first woman you'll meet. She has a seemingly
perfect life. She is married to a powerful
politician who in the beginning was charismatic
and loving until he was not... So now after 10
years of abuse and isolation from her former life,
she's carefully orchestrated a plan to leave.
Unfortunately, the morning of her escape her
husband changes her destination from a trip to
Detroit to one to Puerto Rico for a different
humanitarian event. All of the documents and
money she has hidden away have already been sent
to Detroit!
While waiting in
the airport bar for her flight Claire seemingly,
by chance, meets the other woman in the story.
Her name is Eva and she tells Claire she is a
grieving widow who just lost her husband to
Cancer. She then went on to say that she and David
had decided to end his suffering. But, "now it
seems they have questions and there might be
consequences." Just as Eva had planned, Claire out
of her own desperation suggests they switch
tickets. She tells Eva it's her only chance.
Now, I don't want
to be a spoiler, but this happens in the
beginning. One of the women's planes crashes with
no survivors! The rest of the story continues
filling in lots of their backgrounds in the years
leading up to this fateful day.
I know I've
mentioned before that the best books I've read are
those you can't wait to get back to. This is a
suspenseful and fast paced story of two women who
have had enough sadness and abuse to take them to
desperate measures in order to live a better life.
Happy reading! |
|
THE
HOME STRETCH
BY DAVE
NIMMER
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
is a very different book for me. As you know from
previous reviews I usually read fiction. So, this
was a enjoyable change mainly because many of us
can relate to the inevitable issues that go along
with growing older which are told in a light and
often sensitive way.
You may remember
Dave Nimmer from WCCO television where he was a
reporter and assistant news director. But he was
mainly a highly respected journalist. He worked as
a reporter then a managing editor of the
Minneapolis Star. He then taught journalism at the
University of St. Thomas for 11 years.
The book is an
autobiographical collection of stories about his
family, friends and colleagues. All are told with
a hint of humor and honesty (it seemed to me). The
stories range from his time growing up in Fond du
lac, Wisconsin to his hiking and fishing
adventures after retirement.
One of my favorite
stories, which was told in a beautifully
descriptive way, took place along the Rogue River
Gorge from the Oregon Coast. The author writes of
the beautiful trees and trails, "Shafts of
sunlight cut through the forest canopy like a beam
from a lighthouse". But the most memorable part of
this fishing trip wasn't the natural beauty, but a
waitress they met. She told them about her son who
was an Marine Corp veteran who came back from Iraq
a changed man. Dave and his friends listened with
caring and empathy offering suggestions that could
become a solution to her estrangement from her Son
and his family. To me it's extraordinary that this
was the "most memorable part" of their fishing
trip!
I think you'll
find this a refreshing read that all of us of a
certain age will surely enjoy.
Happy reading! |
|
THE
HUMMINGBIRD
BY
STEPHEN KIERNAN
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
The
Hummingbird is the first novel I've read by this
author and it won't be my last. It was a story
within a story involving a seasoned hospice nurse,
Deb, and her struggles coping with her husband,
Michael, who after returning from his third
deployment to Iraq is a changed man. He is
tormented by rage and experiences endless
nightmares. It takes all of Deb's patience,
compassion and determination to try to restore
their marriage to the loving one they once had.
The other story is
that of her current hospice patient, Barclay Reed,
a retired history professor who is an expert in
the Pacific Theater of World War II. Barclay is a
cantankerous patient at best. In fact, he'd
already dismissed two other caregivers.
Fortunately for him, he had met his match since
Deb was known for "sticking, for staying and never
giving up."
It's at this point
Barclay asks Deb to read to him from his final
book named the Sword. I think I've mentioned
before that although this is a work of fiction
many times novels are also educational. The Sword
is an account of a Japanese pilot's mission to fly
off a submarine and into Oregon to create chaos in
1942. "The plan was to set the forests of the
Pacific Northwest on fire." At the time, the
Department of War, kept this a secret. Some of
you may remember the expression, "Loose Lips Sink
Ships."
The stories
continue as Deb earns Barclay's respect and she
tries her best to help her husband let go of his
anger and forgive himself for his memories of
war. Ironically, it's Barclay who helps her help
Michael with his insight that "It is possible for
a warrior to become a man of peace."
I hope you enjoy
this well-told story of love and a wedding vow not
taken lightly. As well as the amazing dedication
of a hospice nurse who does such difficult work
everyday with empathy and compassion.
Happy reading! |
|
MIDNIGHT AT THE
BLACKBIRD CAFE
BY
HEATHER WEBBER
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
When
deciding which book to review this month, I
thought about a mystery or an historical novel by
one of the authors I usually write about. Then, I
remembered a novel I read recently with a
completely different theme. Plus, it's nice to
introduce a new author. Ms. Webber has written a
number of novels, but this is the first one that
is considered women's fiction. Another thing that
I hope you'll enjoy is as the USA Today put it, "a
captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming
romance and small-town Southern charm." Something
it seems to me is very appealing in today's world.
The story begins
with Anna Kate being abruptly awakened very early
one beautiful morning in the sleepy town of
Wicklow, Alabama. She had just arrived in town
because her beloved Grandmother Zee had
unexpectedly passed away. It had been an intense
week not only planning her Grandmother's funeral,
but coming up-to-speed on how to reopen the
Blackbird Café which had been willed to her.
Especially because she had never set foot in the
Blackbird Cafe. You see, her deceased mom, Eden,
had left Wicklow at eighteen years old, "vowing
that we would never return." Eden was six weeks'
pregnant with Anna Kate at the time.
It had only been
through visits to see Anna Kate that her
Grandmother had shared the legend of the blackbird
pie Zee told her that as guardians, women of
Celtic decent were supposed to bake the pies "to
serve those who mourn, those left behind." And
now that Zee was gone, making the pies fell on
Anna Kate.
Natalie is the
next character who had just moved back to Wicklow
out of necessity. Natalie had needed to come home
with her daughter Ollie, since her husband had
died in a tragic boating accident. Natalie is
headed to the Blackbird Cafe for a piece of pie.
She was hopeful that the pie would give her the
answers she needed to find peace and healing for
her troubled heart. Just so her Mom, Seelie,
didn't catch her since there was a decades long
feud between Seelie and Anna Kate's family
As always, there
is so much more to tell. Both Natalie and Anna
Kate have life changing decisions to make. Anna
Kate is enrolled in medical school in the Fall, so
she is determined to fulfill her two month
obligation to the cafe and go back to her former
life. While Natalie has to reinvent herself for
the good of her infant daughter. There are lots of
interesting characters in this novel which are
beautifully described and brought to life. This is
a heartwarming story of life, love, loss and
forgiveness and a small Southern town that won't
let you go.
Happy reading! |
|
|
|
SUMMER ISLAND
BY
KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
Since
we're in the midst of an early heat wave, I
thought it would be appropriate to review a good
beach read for you. As always, the author tells
us a story of a family who has their share of
"issues" (like most families) and their desire to
heal and to love each other again. No one does
feelings and emotions better than Kristin Hannah.
The story begins
with Nora Bridge, "the newest sensation in talk
radio" on the air with her show Spiritual Healing
with Nora. Some reviewers mention the purity of
her heart. But, to Nora it's more the impurity of
her heart that makes her successful. You see, the
public doesn't know the real story of her past,
the fact that she walked out on her husband and
two daughters’ years ago.
Nora's youngest
daughter, Ruby, is a struggling comedian who often
uses her famous mother as material for her cynical
humor. She has never forgiven her mother for
leaving them and hasn't seen Nora in almost a
decade. So, when a scandalous secret is discovered
about Nora's past, Ruby is offered an opportunity
to write a tell-all story about her mother.
When Nora's
career blows up from the negative tabloid coverage
of her indiscretion, she is involved in a very
serious car accident. Since she needs a care taker
during her recovery the most unlikely person,
Ruby, reluctantly takes on the job and Nora
insists they spend the time on Summer Island in
the lovely old house where Ruby grew up. What a
bitter sweet time filled with memories of love and
joy before she was abandoned.
As time passes
Ruby discovers that Nora is not the woman she has
hated all these years. She is forced to grow up
and to understand that there were circumstances
she had never known about that caused her mother
to leave and that she desperately wanted to
reconcile with her daughter.
Summer Island is
a lovely novel that is filled with other side
stories like Ruby's teenage love who has never
found anyone like her, and a young man with
terminal cancer who lives on the island and is
like a son to Nora for instance.
The surprising
thing to me was the humor that Ms. Hannah includes
in these emotional story lines. It makes the
story lighter and not at all like a soap opera of
family problems. I've read many of her books and
have always admired her ability to make you feel
that you know her characters on a very personal
level.
Happy Reading! |
|
FORTUNE'S ROCKS
BY ANITA
SHREVE
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
By
way of an introduction. I’ll admit that I had a
bit of trouble getting “into” this book. (Actually
an understatement.) In fact, I started another
book but have always finished the books I start.
So, I went back to Fortune’s Rocks and I’m really
glad I did. You’ll need to be patient with what
the author calls “nineteenth century language”. I
was thankful I read on a Kindle with a dictionary
available with just a touch. Some examples would
be: accretion, dismasted barque, unprepossessing,
pinched torpor, etc.
The story begins
with Olympia a beautiful, fifteen year-old girl
arriving at the beach on Fortune’s Rocks on the
New England coast with her family for the summer
at the turn of the 20th century. Olympia is a
privileged and very well-educated young girl on
the brink of becoming a young woman.
Everything changes
for Olympia when she meets John Haskell a friend
of her father. Though Haskell (as she thinks of
him) is a 41 year-old, married man with children,
they cannot resist the passion they feel. So,they
start an illicit affair which they cannot resist
in spite of all moral codes both then and now..
As you can
imagine, this liaison comes to a catastrophic end
with many people deeply hurt and even damaged. The
author beautifully tells how Olympia also suffers
and is an outcast for many years to come. The
journey of her life from this point is far from
the pampered existence she was used to, which she
accepts as her penance.
I hope you’ll
enjoy this passionate, beautifully written
historical novel as I did. It not only reveals a
disastrous love story but, the huge class
differences during this era. Young immigrant
children working in textile mills beginning at 10
years of age for example with little to no health
care for anyone.
I hope you’ll
enjoy this story of love, loss, and ultimately
redemption.
Happy reading! |
|
THE SILENT PATIENT
BY ALEX
MICHAELIDES
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
novel is the author's debut novel which usually
bodes well, especially when it becomes a New York
Times best seller within weeks. So, you know how
most murder mysteries give you an inkling of "who
dunnit". Not this skillfully written novel. It's
very rare and an excellent read!
The story begins
with thirty-three year old Alicia Berenson
shooting her husband five times in the face. (a
slow start) She and Gabriel were both artists.
She a painter and Gabriel a fashion photographer.
This was a seemingly devoted couple so from the
start - the why of it was the question. You see,
after the killing Alicia cut her own wrists, but
survived and never spoke again.
From this point,
Theo Faber a criminal psychotherapist narrates the
story. He had waited a long time for the chance to
try to help Alicia and make her speak and tell her
story. He went above and beyond the boundaries
that a therapist normally goes. Often facing the
wrath of his co-workers and supervisors. It had
been six years since the killing, so her family
and Gabriels were very reluctant to dredge up that
painful time.
Another
interesting facet of the story is that Theo says,
"We are drawn to this profession because we are
damaged - we study psychology to heal ourselves."
His contention is that our personalities are
formed in early childhood. In his case, his
abusive father caused terrible anxiety because he
never felt safe.
As always there is
so much more to the story. For example, Theo's
devotion to his wife Kathy who was the love of his
life. He says, "Kathy brought me into a magical
world of warmth and light." He had never been
truly loved before. Until she betrayed him...
Well, as usual
I'll let you discover the rest of this fascinating
mystery. If you skip to the end - you'll regret
it!!
Happy reading! |
|
THE DUTCH HOUSE
BY
KRISTIN HARMEL
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
highly acclaimed novel is one of my favorite books
in a very long time. It was a finalist for the
Pulitzer Prize, New York Times best seller, one of
the best books of the year by NPR, and many more.
Have you ever read
a book where a house (really an amazing mansion)
is the central focus of the story? The Dutch
House is the dream of Cyril Conroy. The
unfortunate thing is that his wife does not share
his dream so she and his two children Danny and
Maeve experience decades of trying to overcome the
unhappiness and turmoil that follow their rags to
riches story.
The story begins
with fifteen year-old Maeve and eight year-old
Danny being summoned to meet a friend of their
fathers. The friend, Andrea, we're told was the
first woman he had brought home since their mother
left. When Maeve asked, "How do you do?
Andrea replied she was very well. Of course she
was. It had been her goal for years to get inside
the house."
The book continues
by describing the remarkable bond of the two
siblings. It was described by one reviewer as "a
dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot
overcome their past." The author has a wonderful
way of telling this sad story with just the right
amount of humor.
As Danny grows
older the first Saturday of every month was a
special day. He gets to ride along with his
father to collect the rent from his tenants. It's
a learning experience as his father teaches him
many of the life and business lessons that made
him so successful. After dinner that day, Maeve
wanted a detailed account of everything they did.
Because, although she was seven years older and
excellent in Math she was never invited to ride
along.
As this book spans
five decades in the life of this family I can't
begin to tell you all the things that transpire.
In a nutshell though, the one most traumatic event
is the untimely death of their father. Since they
had been deserted by their mother and their father
had married Andrea a couple of years before, they
were at the mercy of their truly wicked
stepmother!
I hope you'll
enjoy this beautifully written story of a family,
but mostly about a brother and sister who in spite
of their past love and support each other
unconditionally.
Happy reading! |
|
THE LIFE INTENDED
BY
KRISTEN HARMEL
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
Can
you imagine if your dreams could give you a
glimpse of what might have been? Or lead you
towards things you dreamed about without even
realizing it?
This is the main
theme of this book. It's about the forever love
of Kate and Patrick which even tragedy can't
destroy.
The story begins
with Kate and Patrick, newly weds, starting their
day making plans for that evening. But, in only
30 minutes Kate's world comes crashing down.
Needless to say, this tragedy changes the course
of her life.
The book picks up
12 years later when Kate is rushing to meet her
friend for dinner. Dan surprises her with a
restaurant full of their friends and family and a
proposal! She thought she would never find love
again but Dan says, "I'm going to make you the
happiest woman in the world."
It's soon after
that Kate begins having difficulty sleeping. She
begins having very vivid dreams of Patrick and
another life that could have been. They are so
real that when she awakens she's confused and
wondering if Patrick is trying to tell her
something... Their mantra "I knew before I met you
that I was meant to be yours" plays over and over
in her mind.
The author tells
us "The Life Intended is the story of Kate
Waithman finding her way back to the life she was
supposed to have all along." The book delves into
details about foster care, cochlear implants,
deafness and music therapy. All things I found
interesting to learn about. Although fiction, so
many
novels help to
educate us in a very entertaining, enjoyable way.
I hope you enjoy this lovely story. Happy
reading!
|
|
|
THE BOOK WOMAN
OF TROUBLESOME CREEK
BY KIM
MICHELE RICHARDSON
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
Don't you love to read an historical novel and learn a little known
fact of our history? This novel is such a book.
The book covers two subjects I had never heard of.
First, that there was a Pack Horse Library Project that
was established in 1935, as part of President
Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration. The
project was designed to bring books and reading
material into Appalachia, the poorest and most
isolated areas of eastern Kentucky. The area had
few schools, no libraries and mostly inaccessible
roads. These fearless Kentucky librarians
were known as "book women" because there were only a small number
of men in their ranks.
The second fascinating subject concerns a family from France who
immigrated to Kentucky's remote wilderness named
Fugate. This family carried a very rare gene that
causes skin to be blue. It was in Troublesome
Creek where it was first discovered. The disease
that causes this is called Methemoglobinemia.
This story is based on these two interesting subjects and the
author hoped "to pay tribute to the fearsome Pack
Horse librarians - and to write a human story set
in a unique landscape."
The story begins with nineteen-year-old Cussy Mary Carter in a
heated discussion with her Pa. You see, he's
preparing a courting candle for her latest suitor.
He feels this will not only have her safely
married, but forced to quit her job as a pack
horse librarian. Unfortunately, Cussy's prospects
for marriage were very limited because she was the
"last female of blue mountainfolk". Blues had been
ridiculed and discriminated against for decades.
The story continues telling of Cussy's love of her books and
serving her patrons who look forward to her visits
and the books and reading materials she delivers.
She did so much more than deliver books. Her
visits gave these terribly impoverished people
bits of the outside world they would never have
seen otherwise. You'll get to meet them and learn
their stories.
Finally, this is the kind of book that gives you a glimpse into the
past and how other generations survived with next
to nothing to sustain them. Children dying of
starvation, coal miners working in life
threatening conditions and rampant bigotry toward
anyone who didn't fit the mold.
On that cheerful note - happy reading! |
|
|
DANCING ON A
SILVER MOON
BY
MARGIE ZATS
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I'm
excited to share this charming novel with you as
it's quite unusual. (At least to me.) First, it's
written by a Minneapolis based author who has been
a chef, caterer and culinary instructor. In
addition, her resume includes having graduated
from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris.
Secondly, she wrote her first novel, "Alexandra
the Grate" at the age of 82 years young! Dancing
on a Silver Moon is the sequel to that novel.
The story begins
with Alex deciding to downsize by selling the
beautiful home where she raised her beloved son
David and was the dutiful wife to her former
husband in a forever: marriage which had ended
bitterly.
After her very
popular cooking show ends, Alex still needs to
support herself and find security and a retirement
plan for the future. As another door opens she is
offered exactly what she needs. A position as a
culinary arts teacher at a local community
college. She would be doing what she loved best
mentoring young people!
Alex has all
levels of students, but her outstanding protégé is
a boy called Garrett. He is extremely talented and
becomes a valuable asset to her program and she
becomes a lifelong inspiration and friend to him.
Just when life
falls into a very comfortable routine - she is
swept off her feet by a very charming fellow,
Charlie Coleman. Once again Alex is faced with a
life changing decision. Running off to New
Orleans with a "lunatic musician" or staying put
in her safe, secure life.
I think you'll
thoroughly enjoy the rest of this charming story.
Alex again finds herself making tough decisions
and reinventing herself in order to be the
tenacious, courageous woman she's become.
Happy reading!
|
MAGIC HOUR
BY
KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
As
you may have noticed Ms. Hannah is one of my
favorite authors. Mainly because her writing is so
beautifully descriptive and she often writes about
the struggles of women trying to help others which
in turn helps them to heal. This novel is no
exception.
The theme of this
book is very special and unique. It centers
around two sisters who are very different, but
have a common goal. Trying to help a tiny
six-year-old girl who appears one afternoon
"hidden high in the autumn-colored leaves of the
maple tree." The little child will not speak and
holds a snarling wolf pup in her arms.
The story begins
with one of the sisters, Julia Cates, a
psychiatrist who lives in Los Angeles going to
court to respond to a charge that she was
partially responsible for the suicide of one her
patients who killed three of her friends and then
herself. She is exonerated that morning, but
unfortunately her reputation and practice are
ruined.
Meanwhile, her
sister Ellie Barton, who is the Police Chief in
their hometown of Rain Valley in the Pacific
Northwest is dealing with the little girl in the
Maple tree who won't come down! Ellie had read all
kinds of manuals about police procedures and
dealing with murder and mayhem, but there was
nothing to prepare her for a silent child and a
snarling wolf pup. She needs help and that would
be her sister Julia.
Julia and Ellie
then take on the extremely difficult task of
finding this abused and battered child's family.
Alice (the name they give her) is malnourished,
dehydrated, and covered with evidence of severe
physical abuse including ligature marks on one
ankle indicating she'd been tied for a long period
of time.
With infinite
patience and love, Julia and Ellie work tirelessly
to save this beautiful child and discover her
past. It is a story you will long remember as one
of tender healing and recovery as Julia makes
remarkable progress with one word at a time -
safe.
I hope you enjoy
this beautiful story of two sisters saving Alice
and themselves as well.
Happy reading! |
|
|
THE DEEP DEEP SNOW
BY BRIAN
FREEMAN
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I
think it's always fun to try a new author you
haven't read before. In this case, I was really
happy I did. The interesting thing is that the
main character, Shelby Lake who is a female Deputy Sheriff, tells the story in the first person. A
book
written by a male author. I don't think that's
very common...
Another enjoyable
thing is the multiple story lines in this book. It
is not only a story about a 10-year-old boy who
goes missing and his devastated family, but also
Shelby's story which includes her Dad the town's
sheriff who is desperately trying to hang on with
early onset Alzheimer’s.
The story begins
with Shelby telling how her Dad rescued her as a
newborn who was left on his doorstep on a freezing
night. His house used to be a church complete
with a white steeple and stained glass windows.
So, the birth mother assumed she would be found.
Shelby was always thankful that a wonderful,
caring 30 year old Tom Ginn found her in time. He
was to become her Dad and best friend.
It's a beautiful
summer’s day when young Jeremiah disappears with
the only clue being his bicycle tipped over on the
shoulder of the road. Jeremiah's older brother
tells everyone that the reason they didn't stay
together that morning was because Jeremiah wanted
to go home and he wasn't ready. Needless to say,
this did not make their parents happy that he let
his younger brother go alone. It's at this point
in the story that the lies begin..
As the
investigation begins no one wants to admit the
awful truth. The child is not just lost in the
woods, but really missing. "Hard to believe
someone took him. Not around here." The next day
there was nothing to do but call in the FBI to
help with the search. Of course, along with the
FBI comes the inevitable media circus. In spite
of all the resources of the FBI no suspect was
ever arrested. Summer turns to fall and fall
turns to winter but, "In every investigation where
there are simply no more clues and no matter hard
you try, you can't create them."
I think I'll leave
you to discover the interesting characters and
twists in this story that I doubt you'll see
coming. It's Shelby who discovers the clue that
no one else had to unlock the final secret. Her
Dad tells her, "Do you know what they say about
the deep, deep snow?" "It hides every secret. It
covers every sin."
Happy reading! |
MASKED PREY
BY JOHN
SANFORD
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
Masked
Prey is the 30th Prey novel by this Pulitzer Prize
winning author. I have read all 30 primarily
because for many years they took place in Mn.
where Mr. Sanford called home. In recent times,
Lucas Davenport, his main character has become a
U.S. Marshall which takes him to Washington, D.C.
Davenport is known for his toughness and
unorthodox methods which get results, but are
often very dangerous. He also adds comic relief at
times in a very irreverent way.
The story begins with 17 year old Audrey Coil and
a classmate working on a video for her blog when
they come across another blog titled 1919. It
contains candid photos of children of influential
Washington politicians outside their schools
including Audrey. Along with the photos are
vicious political rants from various extremist and
radical groups. It's this discovery that causes
Lucas Davenport to be summoned to Washington D.C.
to investigate this troubling blog.
From this point Lucas and his team investigate a
number of Nazi and other right-wing groups hoping
to avoid any violence. Needless to say they
encounter some very dangerous and life threatening
"interviews". Then the situation gets worse when
"a number of people in these alt-rights groups
have gotten letters suggesting that the meaning of
the 1919 group was to encourage somebody to shoot
a kid.."
In closing, while this was definitely a good plot
it contained way more information about guns and
fringe groups than I needed to know. If this is of
interest to you - you'll enjoy this book more than
I did. I think I mentioned in another review that
my definition of a really good read is one that
you can't wait to get back to. I could wait...
Happy reading!!
|
THIS TENDER LAND
BY
WILLIAM KENT KREUGER
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
By
way of introduction, this book is what I would
call a labor of love for the author. He spent
almost three years writing the first manuscript
and decided it did not meet his expectations. This
Tender Land was to be a companion novel to
Ordinary Grace which was published in 2013, and
widely acclaimed by readers and critics. In fact,
it won the Edgar Award for the Best Novel that
year. I too loved Ordinary Grace. A beautifully
written story. (You can find a review of that
book in the archives.
Mr. Kreuger then
made another attempt and he writes "I saw almost
immediately the story I should have been
writing." He then spent another three years and
writes, "I love this book every bit as I loved
Ordinary Grace."
The story begins
with an aged Odie O'Banion spinning tales to his
great-grandchildren. He tells them to "Open
yourself to every possibility, for there is
nothing your heart can imagine that is not so."
It's a tale of "killing and kidnapping of courage
and cowardice, love and betrayal and of course,
there will be hope."
Odie and Albert (Odie's
older brother) find themselves in the "quiet room"
at the Lincoln Indian Training School in the
summer of 1932. A place that had been used for
solitary confinement when the facility had been a
military outpost. Odie is only eight and Albert is
twelve and they were being punished for daring to
question Mrs. Brickman about the meaning of story
she'd just read the children.
The brothers'
father was dead less than a week at this point and
their mother had passed away two years earlier.
They had no family in Minnesota so they were sent
to live at the Indian Training school. They were
the only white boys in the school and learned
quickly that Mrs. Brickman, the school's
administrator, richly deserved her nickname the
"Black Witch". The children were beaten, half
starved and required to work back breaking work on
local farms to help fund the Brickman's lifestyle.
Four years pass
and the old, "frightened Odie O'Banion like my
mother and father, long dead" finds circumstances
even more unbearable and the two brothers, their
Native American friend Mose and a little orphan
friend Emmy escape from the school in hopes of
finding a forever home.
They start out in
a canoe on the Gilead River in Minnesota, to the
mighty Mississippi with their dream of reaching
St. Louis where they have an Aunt. The orphans
trip is one filled with a series of terrifying and
sometimes heart-warming experiences.
From a drunken
farmer who imprisons them to work on his farm, to
bootleggers and then to Sister Eve and her healing
crusade. They also meet some wonderful people who
live in "Hooverville" a shanty village of families
with almost nothing, but good hearts who share
what little food they have.
I'll leave you to
enjoy this beautifully written novel that you will
long remember for it's beautiful prose and message
of hope, the vagabonds never gave up on. I hope
you enjoy this wonderful epic by an outstanding
Minnesota author who puts his heart and soul into
this story.
Happy reading!
P.S. While this is
a work of fiction, places like the Indian Training
School actually existed. In Pipestone there was
the Pipestone Indian Training School where Native
American children were taken from their families
to "re-educate" them. |
|
FAST FALLS THE
NIGHT
BY
JULIA KELLER
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
is a story based on true events which transpired
in Huntington, West Virginia which happens to be
the author's hometown in a 24-hour period of
terrible tragedy. You see, the overdoses began
just after midnight when a young woman locked
herself in the bathroom of a gas station and is
found a short time later dead from tainted heroin.
This death is just
the first that day. What follows is twenty-eight
overdoses of which four deaths occur. Bell Elkins
is the main character in this novel. She is the
county prosecutor in the small town of Ackers Gap,
West Virginia. Actually, you should know that
this is the sixth in a series of "Bell Elkins"
books. It can be a stand alone story, but there is
background information that is helpful in
understanding her history.
Bell has done her
best in the past eight years to help her hometown
but, she considered it a "rescue mission" since
the coal mines shut down and drug addiction was
rampant. Because "West Virginia still had the
highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the
nation."
So, as you can
imagine, the book follows the investigation of
these overdoses and the Sheriff, Deputies, and
Paramedics who are doing what they can to stop the
dying. There are back stories of course, like the
relationship that Bell has with her sister Shirley
who spent most of her life in prison for killing
their abusive Father.
I'll be honest,
this book sounds like a "page turner" which is why
I started it. But, to me it was really slow and
had way too many characters. Unless you want to
keep a log of who is who, I had to go back and
figure it out. I have read other books by Ms.
Keller which I enjoyed. So, if you are a fan of
hers maybe you'll enjoy this one too.
P.S. I read one
customer review on Amazon that said she thought it
was excellent...
Happy reading! |
|
BETWEEN SISTERS
BY
KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
Between
Sisters is another engaging and beautifully
written novel about a family with an assortment of
troubles and few joys along the way. Ms. Hannah
if you'll remember also wrote two other books
worth reading. "The Nightingale" and "The Great
Alone" which are vividly descriptive and
heartfelt.
This is the story
of two sisters who couldn't be more different.
Meghann Dontess, the older sister is an
high-powered divorce attorney in Seattle with a
failed marriage and a distain for intimacy in it's
wake. While her younger sister, Claire lives a
very different life as a single Mother in a small
town in the Pacific Northwest helping her Dad run
a low budget resort.
The painful memory
that haunts the two sisters goes back to when they
were 16 and 9 and Meghann had to make the painful
choice to leave her sister with Claire's
biological father, who they had never met, when
they were abandoned by their Mother. "Now all
these years later, their lives were connected by
the thinnest of strands." It turned them into
"polite strangers who shared a blood type and an
ugly childhood."
There is also
another mysterious and sad side-story about a man,
Joe Wyatt, who is on the run from his former
life. You wonder what he has to do with this
story until the author brings him home to the same
small town in the Pacific Northwest.
As the story
progresses Claire and her long-time friends decide
on a night on the town. She's on the dance floor
with her friends when Bobby Austin takes the
stage. He says, "This song is for The One. The one
I've been lookin'for all my life." Claire had
never been in love until that minute! She was
thirty-five years old and she knew he was The One.
It's at this point
that Meg has a life threatening experience which
changes the course of her life. During the same
period of time, Claire calls to tell her she's
marrying Bobby Jack Austin after knowing him for
all of ten days. Meg says "I need to meet him
now. I'll be there tomorrow night."
The rest of the
story unfolds as Meg volunteers to plan the
wedding and works to make it the most special day
of Claire's life in spite of her serious
reservations about her choice of husbands. While
staying with her sister Meg meets the mysterious
stranger, Joe, and the two stories intersect. They
have absolutely nothing in common except their
loneliness and longing to connect with another
human being.
There's so much
more to the story, but I always think it's better
to discover most of the tale on your own. As in
real life, there are highs like an audition for
Bobby in Nashville to perhaps realize his dream.
Then lows like Meghann returning to Seattle and
her lonely, melancholy thoughts of Joe. Finally,
when Claire and Bobby are at there happiest, Meg
gets a call from Claire who has just returned from
Nashville. Claire is in her car and screams, "I
can't remember how to get home."
As always, I hope
you enjoy the story of two sisters who rediscover
their love and bond that they shared as children.
Ms. Hannah has such a gift of writing about
families and their relationships in a very tender,
moving way.
Happy reading!
|
|
WHEN WE MEET AGAIN
BY
KRISTIN HARMEL
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
is an historical novel about a time during World
War II in which there were POW internment camps
around our country for German soldiers. In fact,
we had camps right here in MN. The prisoners were
assigned jobs working in the fields to help with
the shortage of manpower due to the war. It was a
pretty well kept secret since the government
didn't want to scare our citizens with the enemy
right in our own back yards.
But, it's also
the story of a young journalist, Emily Emerson,
who is in a very bad place. She's just been laid
off from her job, she's depressed just thinking
about her dysfunctional family and most of all she
can't shake her guilt over giving her baby
daughter up for adoption 18 years ago.
The story begins
with Emily receiving a mysterious package from
Munich, Germany. The package contains a painting
of a beautiful young woman standing at the edge of
a sugarcane field in a red dress. The only
message that accompanied the painting was a
cryptic note: Your grandfather never stopped
loving her. Margaret was the love of his life.
Emily is totally shocked because "the man had
vanished before my father was even born." Her
grandmother would never speak of him.
It's at this
point that you go back in time to 1944, when you
learn about the POW camp in south FL near Lake
Okeechobee and the prisoners who work there. It's
where Peter first sees Margaret. A beautiful
young woman with long, brown hair in a red cotton
dress.
The novel then
weaves the past with the present as Emily trys to
discover who her grandmother really was and who
was her grandfather? As a journalist, she uses
every resource she can think of and at times it
seems hopeless. As the Author notes, "when one is
living with a broken heart, it's too hard to give
voice to the stories that hurt the most."
This is a story
of forever love, abandonment both real and
imagined, long kept secrets and finally learning
to forgive others as well as yourself.
Happy reading! |
|
SUMMER OF '69
BY ELIN
HILDERBRAND
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I've
not read Ms. Hilderbrand before, but I learned
that she is referred to as the "The Queen of Beach
Reads" which makes sense since she has lived most
of her life on Nantucket writing and raising her
three children. This is the story of a family
living through the tumultuous Summer of '69.
As she writes, "Nixon was a new president, the war
in Vietnam was raging as well as the protests
against the war, civil rights and women's lib were
hot topics."
The story begins
with one of the saddest days of Kate's life.
Her 19 year old son, Tiger, receives his letter
from the Selective Service calling him to duty in
Vietnam. Ironically, he is to report on Kate's
birthday - April 21. She dearly loves all of her
four children but "she will say only that she
loves him differently."
The book continues
from the viewpoint of Kate and her family. Her
Mother, Exalta is the matriarch of the family and
owns their summer place on Nantucket. Blair
the eldest child is twenty-four and marries that
summer and quickly becomes pregnant with twins.
Kirby is the "free spirit" of the family still
attending college and as many protests as possible
against the war. Jessie at 13 is the
youngest and the closest with her beloved big
brother, Tiger. And we shouldn't forget Kate's
husband David who works in Boston so is just an
occasional visitor on the island.
One of the sad,
but important parts of the book are about Kate's
first husband - Wilder. He was a combat
veteran in Korea who came back from war a changed
man. He was very depressed and angry.
So, when he died from a gun shot wound while
cleaning his Beretta, the insurance company
claimed his death was a suicide. Kate was
left with three young children. She hired an
attorney to represent her and convince the court
the death was accidental. She hired David Levin
(her second husband) to handle the case and six
months later they started dating.
Throughout the
rest of the book each chapter is entitled a
different current song. Born to be Wild - a
chapter about Kirby. The wild child.
Fly me to the Moon - a chapter about Blair who is
married to a controlling astrophysics professor at
MIT who is working with NASA on the first moon
landing. Time of the Season - a chapter about
Jessie who just turned thirteen and is a typically
curious teenager. And finally, Those Were the Days
about Kate. Unfortunately for everyone,
Kate's answer to the worry about Tiger is alcohol.
She spends a great deal of time in a haze not
really noticing her other children.
I'll let you
discover for yourself the rest of this families
dynamics, secrets, and inspiration too, as Tiger
serves his country with courage and valor. In my
opinion, this is an fictional account of a Summer
in which our country went through a number of
historical benchmarks. Not just a fluffy
"beach read".
Happy reading!
|
|
ORDINARY GRACE
BY
WILLIAM KENT KREUGER
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I
read Ordinary Grace a few years ago and thought it
was a beautifully written book. This book was a
stand alone book unlike Mr. Kreuger's well known
Cork O'Connor series which are excellent too. Last
year I had the chance to meet him at a book
signing and he mentioned he was working on a new
novel. A "companion" story to Ordinary Grace.
Since I couldn't remember the whole story and
wanted to read this new book - This Tender Land, I
did something I don't think I've ever done
before. I read Ordinary Grace again!
And now I have an
even greater appreciation of Mr. Kreuger's gift.
His descriptions of places and his character's
emotions as they deal with multiple tragedies
during the Summer of 1961, in the fictional town
of New Bremen, Mn. are truly amazing.
The story begins
with this first sentence, "All the dying that
summer began with the death of a child, a boy with
golden hair and thick glasses, killed on the
railroad tracks." This is the first of three
deaths 13 year old Frank Drum has to deal with
this Summer and the story is told from his
perspective looking back four decades.
Frank is somewhat
of a rebel who really has his doubts about God
which makes having a Methodist minister for a Dad
a little tricky. His Mom on the other hand is an
artistic musician who doesn't really enjoy being
married to a minister - he was "supposed" to be a
rich lawyer! Frank adores his older sister Ariel
who is 18 and planning to attend Juilliard. His
younger brother Jake is Frank's best friend who is
unfortunately afflicted with a stutter which
worsened when he was nervous or upset.
The beautiful
Summer days bring more tragedy to the small
usually quiet town and then sadly to Frank's
family and the way the author describes these
events with compassion and grace is exceptional.
This is so much more that a mystery, it describes
how a family and a small town can go from
innocence to learning to deal and grieve while
things seem to be falling apart all around them.
The Edgar Award
winning best novel of the year in 2014, was so
richly deserved.
I'm sure you will
love this book as I did.
Happy reading!
|
|
DEEP GRASS ROOTS
BY
MARCIA NEELY
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I have read two other books in recent times, but
when I read this book I couldn't wait to get it
out to you. It's author has published other essays
and books on herbs and cooking, but I believe this
is her first novel. It was also interesting to me
because she is a Minnesotan who wrote a
fictionalized version about two very strong,
courageous women with a dream. Can you imagine two
21 year old women leaving their family and
comforts of home in Minnesota to go to
northwestern North Dakota in 1900?
The story begins with Tillie Melbakken and
Bertha Harstad corresponding with a fellow
Minnesotan who had already staked a claim in North
Dakota in a Norwegian community. He encouraged
them to come to the community if they were sure
they had the "strength and stamina" to take on the
challenge. As Tillie and Bertha board the train to
begin their adventure they are both excited, but
Bertha admits, ""it's natural to be a bit afraid"
as they travel west. Fortunately, Hans and Henry
were there as promised to help them get settled.
They assured the "girls" as they were referred to,
that in just a few days they would put up
temporary huts for them for shelter until their
shacks were built. The men dumped hay into the
tiny hut for them to sleep upon. So, for the
remainder of the book they refer to going to bed
as "hitting the hay".
As the book continues you meet a wealth of
characters who are members of the Norwegian
community and become Tillie and Bertha's extended
family. The people of the community seem so real
that you feel connections with their friends and
feel their joy or pain as if you knew them also.
From this point on you'll continue the journey
through good times and tragedies which the girls
encounter as time goes by. Their hard work and
strong faith carries them through as they not only
work the land, but start a school in their tar
paper shacks for the children of the community.
Who would guess there was even time for a little
romance? One other interesting note from the
Author is that Tillie Hagenstad Stoen was the
Mother of Ms. Neely's adopted Father.
I think I'll leave you here by saying that
I've read many books and rarely have I read one
where the characters are so real and the
descriptions are so beautifully written that you
can picture the people and their surroundings in a
very special way.
Thanks Sue for sharing this very special
book with me.
Happy reading!
|
|
|
THE RECKONING
BY JOSH
GRISHAM
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I
think I'll start with an interesting bit of
information from the author. In the Author's Note
he reveals that many years ago he heard a story
about two prominent business men in Mississippi in
the 1930's. "One killed the other for no
discernible reason" and the killer would never
reveal the reason for the murder. "And so, I stole
this story" states the author.
If you enjoy a mystery in which you don't
know the why or who of the story to the very end.
This is the book for you. And, if you are
interested in books about World War II and in
particular the war in the Philippines including
the Bataan Death March. This is the book for you.
The story begins in 1946, when Pete Banning
wakes with the reality that "it was time for the
killing." Pete you'll learn is a decorated World
War II hero with severe leg wounds to prove it. He
believes to avoid the killing would be an act of
cowardice... So when Pete walked into the
Methodist church, he was a soldier on a mission.
Who commits a shocking crime.
What follows in Part I is the aftermath of
his deed and his refusal to offer any kind of an
explanation or justification for his act. He
simply states - "I have nothing to say." Sadly,
this is what he also tells his beloved family,
friends, and his long-time attorney.
Part II goes back in time to 1925, when
Pete was twenty-two years old and had just
graduated from West Point. He is invited to attend
a debutante ball and is a very handsome young man
in his formal army dress whites. It's here he
meets the most beautiful girl in the room Liza
Sweeney. Pete is "thoroughly smitten" and the
courtship began. They were married the year they
met.
In 1941, when President Roosevelt announced
a complete oil embargo on Japan, war seemed
imminent. Pete as a reservist received his orders
in September of 1941. Pete's assignment sent him
to the Philippines and the "timing couldn't have
been worse."
It's from this point the author goes into a
lengthy description of General MacArthur's
handling of the American forces who were confined
to the peninsula. During The Battle of Bataan the
Americans and Filipinos fought valiantly with
little food and non-existant reinforcements, while
the Japanese had an endless supply of men,
armaments and provisions.
I learned so much about the incredible
bravery and sacrifice that thousands of American
and Filipino soldiers endured not only on the
Bataan Death March, but in the prisoner of war
camps "where the worst was yet to come." The
cruelty inflicted on these men is beyond belief.
In the final part of the story, Pete's children
are left to deal with many legal issues as well as
trying to help their Mother recover from her bouts
of severe depression. They have more questions
then answers about their Father's crime. When at
the very end of the book they finally learn the
"truth". Joel (Pete's son) wishes he was
"blissfully ignorant" since one lie changed the
course of so many lives with terrible
consequences.
Though this is a fictional story, "the
suffering and heroism of those soldiers is
difficult to imagine." A quote from John Grisham.
Happy reading!
|
BEFORE WE WERE YOURS
BY LISA
WINGATE
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
is a story based on the unbelievable true events
that transpired in this country from the 1920's
through 1950. The story of babies and older
children who were either kidnapped or taken from
their parents under false pretenses. This book
tells how the Tennessee Children's Home Society
and Georgia Tann, it's director, sold these
children for profit and her own greed. Blond
children in particular were popular and at greater
risk if born to poor families, single mothers, or
those needing help from the welfare services. The
fictional Foss children, were such a poor family
who dearly loved their children, but were taken
from their parents by "authorities" who were on
her payroll. Ms. Tann had a high-profile list of
people who illegally adopted these children
including politicians, Hollywood celebrities and
other wealthy individuals.
The story is told from two perspectives - the
first from present day and the character's name is
Avery Stafford. She is from a prominent family in
Aiken, South Carolina. Avery has returned home
from Washington, D.C. to help with her father's
re-election campaign. Her father is not well and
going through cancer treatment while trying to
appear in public as strong and capable as before
his diagnosis.
While in Aiken, Avery meets an elderly woman named
May Crandall, who is drawn to her and who seems to
have a connection to her grandmother and causes
her to look into her grandmother's past which
seems somewhat mysterious and leads to long kept
secrets.
The other perspective is from twelve year old Rill
Foss. The year is 1939, and she lives on a river
boat with her parents. Rill is the oldest of five
children and she helps care for her four younger
siblings. They are known as Shanty boat kids and
their entertainment comes from the river and the
woods that surround them. When Rill's mother and
father need to leave the boat for the hospital,
the "authorities" swoop in and take the children
away.
The book then has alternating chapters telling the
story of Avery's family and Rill's which the
author beautifully weaves into one tale of finding
the truth of her grandmother's past and for Rill
trying to survive, while holding onto her family.
When Avery is told that her bracelet, a family
heirloom from her grandmother, was found with May
at the care facility, she returns to visit May and
retrieve her bracelet. She's told that May is
having a difficult time adjusting to leaving her
home and is a bit "confused". It's during this
visit that Avery becomes even more curious. A very
old photograph of a young handsome couple sits on
May's night stand and the woman in the photo has a
striking resemblance to her grandmother. Is she
imagining this connection to her family?
The other story line, as I mentioned is about Rill
Foss and her siblings who have been taken from
their home on the river by officers claiming their
Mamma and Daddy are waiting for them. They hope if
they cooperate things will be alright... A quote
from the book tells us why this is considered by
at least by one other reviewer as one of the best
books you'll read this year. "The abduction of the
five little river gypsies who suffered at the
hands of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society
deserve to have their stories carried forward." At
the end of this book there's a note from the
author. Ms. Wingate gives us many references that
verify the abuse and cruelty that actually
happened in our country "that in this land of the
free and home of the brave there is a great baby
market?". A quote from the Saturday Evening Post,
February 1, 1930.
I hope you enjoy this story of a family who are
separated as children, but by mere chance are able
to find their way back together.
Happy reading!
|
|
THE OLD MAN
BY
THOMAS PERRY
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I've
never read Thomas Perry before, but I found this
spy story one that moves along nicely and relevant
to many stories you see on the news about monies
given to foreign countries to help them in many
different ways. This is the story of a military
intelligence officer who has been hunted for 35
years, for trying to do the right thing.
The story begins with Dan Chase
taking his two big mutts, Dave and Carol, for
their daily four to five mile walk in Northern,
New England. Dan wore a pair of short leashes
hanging around his neck. His belief was "that all
dogs wanted to be good dogs" so if he saw a
stranger, he could snap the leashes to their
collars. It's at this point that his instincts
kick in and he senses that he is being followed.
When he returns home there are no signs that
whoever was following him had broken in. But as a
cautious man, he sets up some old fashioned
security - tin cans connected to invisible fishing
line around the entry ways.
I'll leave you hanging right
there, but it gets pretty exciting at this
point... He collects his escape kit loaded with
two guns, spare magazines, three wallets with
different identities as well as American and
Canadian passports and lots of cash.
As you will find out, as a
young man he was discharged from the Army and
moved into a civilian special ops status that left
no records. His first assignment was to deliver a
huge amount of money to Libya to a middle-man
named Faris Hamzah. Dan stayed there for two
months waiting for the money to do it's work. The
insurgents were short of food, weapons, and fuel.
Meanwhile, Faris Hamzah, was driving a new car, a
Rolls-Royce and his body guards were driving two
new Range Rovers. When he reported this to his
handler, his reply was "you only gave him twenty
million". It was then that he made the decision
that changed the course of his life. To try to do
the right thing.
Throughout the book Dan takes
on several identities and moves several times.
There was even time for a little romance.
The sad part is that it's not
only the Libyan assassins that have him running,
but our own government who have falsely labeled
him a traitor and a thief as part of a cover-up.
I'm sure you've gotten the gist of this story by
now. There is lots of action and exciting parts
that have you wondering if he will come out
alive. He's been living on the edge for so many
years he's not afraid of death, but would rather
be alive enjoying his long walks with his two dogs
and maintaining a long-distance relationship with
his daughter and two grandsons.
'til next time, happy
reading!!! |
|
|
THE THINGS WE DO
FOR LOVE
BY
KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This
is the story of two women. One an adult,
Angie Malone who has longed for a baby during
the fourteen years of her marriage and a young
seventeen year old girl Lauren Ribido who had
longed for a mother who loved her and took
care of her.
The story
begins with Angie Malone returning home to
West Bend for a family dinner. She's from a
large, wonderful Italian family and it's good
to see everyone. Except, Angie is still
grieving the loss of her baby girl Sophia who
only lived a few short days. Prior to this
two other babies had ended in a miscarriage.
Their final attempt at becoming parents was
adoption which also ended badly. After six
months of supporting a teenage girl who
promised them her baby, she changed her mind
once the child was born.
It's at this
point that Angie and Conlan decide to end
their marriage. "Her need for a child had been
like a high tide, that had drowned them."
While Angie is deciding what comes next, she
finds out that her families' restaurant which
has been the hub of their family for decades,
is in financial trouble. "Mama" has a
suggestion, "Angie can help". As a successful
creative director she has created many
successful campaigns which her deceased "Papa"
had been so proud of. So, begins a new
chapter in Angie's life. She moves back to
the beach house near her family home in West
Bend, Washington.
Lauren Ribido
is a bright, motivated young woman who is
working very hard to be the best she can be.
She's a senior at "one of the best private
schools in Washington on full Scholarship."
Unfortunately, her single Mom is more
interested in hanging at the local pub and
finding someone to love her than in actually
caring for Lauren as she should. Now, Lauren
is working to pay the past due rent, studying
to earn a scholarship for college and keep her
grades high.
One rainy
night, Angie and Lauren "meet" in a parking
lot where Lauren is distributing flyers
reading "Work Wanted. Steady, Reliable." In
the pouring rain, Angie convinces Lauren to
take a wad of bills which goes immediately to
help pay her rent.
As the story
goes on, Angie and Lauren form a very special
bond. Angie hires Lauren at the family
restaurant and becomes a part of the DeSaria
family. (Mama isn't sure since Lauren isn't
Italian.) Then when Lauren's Mom abandons her
Angie doesn't hesitate to offer her a place to
live.
There are many
more dramatic events, but I hope this much
peaks your interest to read this emotional
story of how these characters find hope and
love when it seems impossible. As you know,
Kristin Hannah has a wonderful way of telling
a story as in "The Nightingale" or "The Great
Alone". Happy reading!!
|
|
|
ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE
BY
ANTHONY DOERR
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
This 2015
Pulitzer Prize and the 2015 Andrew Carnegie
Medal for Excellence novel was highly
recommended to me, so despite the fact that it
was another book about World War Two, I wanted
to read it. Although it is beautifully
written, you have to know going in – it’s not
a “beach read”. It’s challenging at least it
was for me… There is a great deal of technical
information regarding electrical circuity and
the study of marine biology. The vocabulary in
this book is also challenging. I think I have
a fairly good vocabulary, but I was happy to
be reading on my Kindle, because I had to look
up more words than I care to admit.
The story
begins in 1944 in the beautiful beach front
town of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France. “ A
sightless sixteen-year-old girl named
Marie-Laure LeBlanc” Is listening as Allied
bombers attack the city to reclaim the city
from the Germans. Meanwhile just streets away.
a young German soldier, Werner Pfennig is told
to “get to the cellar”. This once beautiful
hotel has become a fortress to make a last
stand to hold the city.
There are
so many elements to this story that it would
be very difficult to cover all of them in this
review. (It took the author 10 years to write
this 530 page book!) This book is mainly about
two children – one French girl who survived in
spite of unbelievable odds and one German boy
who due to his remarkable understanding of
circuitry is inducted into a Nazi military
training school, training boys as young as
nine years old to be part of the elite
Wehrmacht. (The defensive force) Ultimately,
their paths cross when Werner’s unit is sent
to Saint-Malo and he and Marie-Laure become
unlikely friends in the final days of the
occupation of France. In their short time
together he tells her “You are very brave” and
she replies, “It’s not bravery; I have no
choice. I wake up and live my life.” This
story covers so many more characters and
events spanning a period of time from 1934 to
1974, which is what makes it a very special
book. Happy reading!!
|
|
THE GREAT ALONE
BY
KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA
WICKLUND
I’d like to preface my review
with a reminder of something I said in an
earlier Review. My idea of a good book is one
that you can’t wait to get back to. Another
thought of mine is that a good book, is one
that even though you want to find out what’s
going to happen next, you don’t want the book
to end. This is such a book.
The story begins in 1974, with
Leni a 13 year old girl dreading going to her
first day of school at her fifth school in the
last four years. Not a bit easy for a lonely
young girl. You see, her Dad, Ernt can’t keep
a job because “nothing ever worked out the way
he wanted”. He is a Vietnam veteran who had
been a POW. He came back to his family a
totally different man. He was not only scarred
emotionally but also physically.
Unfortunately, his anger is hardest on his
family. Cora (his wife) and Leni adore him,
but also fear his violent outbursts. Then,
out of the blue Ernt receives a letter from
the Dad of his best friend in Vietnam who had
died there. His friend had left him “forty
acres with a cabin that needs fixing” in
Alaska! This is a new beginning for the
family and they leave for Alaska in a VW bus
with high hopes and little else.
This book speaks
to the incredible beauty of Alaska, the many
dangers of living in Northern Alaska in 1974
(the expression used in the book is “that you
can make two mistakes – the second one can
kill you”) and the characters various types of
love. There is young love when Leni finally
has a friend named Matthew. Toxic love shared
by her parents when Cora lives in constant
fear and pain. And finally, the love of
virtual strangers who make them welcome in
Kaneq and teach them all the skills needed to
survive in the wilderness. Kristin Hannah is
an incredible author with a descriptive
writing ability that amazes me. If you read
the Nightingale you probably agree. Happy
Reading!
|
|
|
Linda's Featured Review:
DESOLATION MOUNTAIN
By
WILLIAM KENT
KRUEGER
Desolation
Mountain is William Kent Krueger’s 17th novel
of the Cork O’Connor series.I have read and
enjoyed the series and recommended them to many
friends along the way. I suppose since the stories
have mainly taken place in Northern Minnesota and
include learning more about the Ojibwe culture and
beliefs; they have held my interest and loyalty to
this author. The main character, Cork O’Connor is
half Native American and half Irish which serves
him well in the small town of Aurora, Mn where he
once served as the Sheriff and is now working as a
private investigator.
The story begins
with a tragic airplane crash killing Senator
Olympia McCarthy and her family near Desolation
Mountain on the Iron Lake Reservation. Cork as a
part of the Tamarack County Search and Rescue Team
is one of the first responders, along with others
from the Iron Lake Reservation.
They arrive and when no one can be saved they
immediately try to find the cause of the crash.
But before they can discover anything, but the
carnage of the crash, they are hustled off by the
FBI and Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. Pilot
error was the initial report from the NTSB
(National Transportation Safety Board) reported in
the local paper. But Cork has his doubts almost
immediately. Senator McCarthy was a rather
controversial individual with strong beliefs
concerning open pit mining in the Boundary Waters
area and gun control. Two hot button topics
on the national level as well. It’s at this point
the story, while interesting, seems more like a
spy novel. There is an alphabet of
governmental agencies involved the NTSB, DSS, FBI,
DoD. You get my drift. Plus there are
unknown bullies searching the area making threats
to the first responders who just want to find the
truth about this tragedy on their land.
In my opinion, a
story is better when it moves along and there is
more clarity and less unknown entities. But, I
mainly read for the entertainment factor! Like
watching a good movie. As the story progresses,
Cork, his family and friends meet their share of
peril and danger, but as always his Native
American instincts and Irish strength pull him
through. I hope you enjoy this novel. Happy
reading!
|
|
|
Linda's Featured Review:
Lilac Girls
By Martha Hall Kelly
I
must admit this book was recommended to me more
than once and I resisted reading it. It was about
the World War II. I have read so many books about
the war. But, finally a friend convinced me it was
much more than another book about the war.
It's about three
very different women and their stories which
intersect in the course of the war. The story
begins in 1939, with Caroline a wealthy New Yorker
who volunteers her time working at the French
Consulate organizing galas and other fund raising
events to help French children and others affected
by the war in Europe. Not an easy task as most
Americans wanted to stay out of the war at that
point. As the war goes on, she begins selling her
families antique silver when France is occupied
and no funds are contributed from Europe.
Then you'll meet
Kasia a Polish teenager who is out with her
friends on beautiful afternoon when German planes
started circling their town and bombing the
refugees who were digging potatoes and milking
their cows. This was just the beginning of her
harrowing, painful journey for many years.
The third woman
is Herta. A German medical student who is loyal
to the Fuhrer and hoping to become a surgeon.
Unfortunately, she believes Hitler's propaganda
"This war will be over within weeks." When she has
trouble finding a job as a physician, she finds an
ad looking for a camp doctor at a "reeducation
camp" for women named Ravensbruck. On her first
day she sees women being whipped, but is told any
breach of security will lead to your family's
imprisonment and possible death penalty for you.
She soon becomes involved in horrendous acts,
including experimental surgeries on young Polish
girls. They become known as the "Rabbits".
It became well
known after the war, of the horrific acts of the
Third Reich, but I really never thought about the
aftermath of the war and how these victims tried
to put their lives back together. The book ends
in 1959, so as you'll see the suffering was not
over for many years.
This is a story
you won't soon forget and it's true. Again, a
debut novel which is sometimes the best according
to a dear friend. Happy reading!
|
|
Linda's Featured Review:
The Space Between Us
By
Dete Meserve
Happy
New Year everyone. Sorry I haven’t written for a
while.
Anyway, this is a book I read
back in November and really enjoyed. It’s unique
in that the main character, Sarah is a scientist
and astronomer so there is a back story with
information on our planet, solar system,
constellations and the like.
The story begins with Sarah
returning from making a presentation in
Washington, D.C. to high level NASA people on a
major discovery called a Trojan asteroid. When
she returns to L.A. her excitement quickly turns
to concern. It’s 1 o’clock a.m. and her husband
isn’t home and all her teenage son tells her is
that her husband’s last words to him were: keep
the doors locked and set the alarm… Next she finds
a loaded Glock in their night stand. They had
never owned a gun.
As the days pass and Ben (her
husband) is still missing she tries to piece
together the puzzle of his disappearance. The
space between their fond memories and the mystery
of current clues and accusations against him.
If you enjoy a good who dunit
and why, I think you will enjoy this read. Happy
reading until next time.
|
Linda's Featured Review:
Angel Falls
By Kristin Hannah
Angel
Falls is a story of a family who seemingly have it
all. A small beautiful community, a lovely log
home, 2 beautiful children, a loving Dad and a
"perfect" Mom. Until, Halloween morning when
their lives are turned upside down...
Precious nine year old Bret is up by 5:30 a.m.
dressing in his new outfit for Halloween. He's a
young cowboy from head to foot. He's on a mission
to prove to his horse savvy Mom that he is old
enough for the Angel Falls overnight trail ride.
When Mom joins him in the barn is when things
begin to go awry. Mikaela (Mom) has a terrible
fall that morning and falls into a coma...
With no guarantee she will wake up, the family
spends day and night at her beside, hoping their
love and devotion will bring her back. Sadly,
it's a long kept secret about Mikaela that is
seemly her only hope...
The
author has a beautiful, descriptive way of writing
about a family in crisis. Will their love and
devotion to remain a family be enough? I hope you
enjoy this poignant novel. Happy reading. |
Linda's Featured Review:
Something in the Water
By Catherine Steadman
I
usually say I hate books that start with the
ending. But, in this instance I enjoyed this
debut novel by Catherine Steadman so much because
she definitely keeps you guessing! Just as a
footnote she also had a role on the popular series
"Downton Abbey". Lots of talents.
As
I mentioned, the books begins with Erin digging a
grave...That's on the first page - so not a
spoiler. The story is about a young British
couple, Erin and Mark, who are planning their
wedding. Everything is going along well but,
before the nuptials, Mark loses his job which
leads to some tension and downsizing of the
wedding.
They decide to splurge and fly first class to Bora
Bora where things get really interesting when they
go scuba diving and "find something in the
water"... It changes the course of their lives
and nothing turns out as you would expect.
My
definition of a good book is one that you CANNOT
wait to get back to. This is one of those books.
I hope you enjoy this novel. Happy reading.
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich
Plum’s the name, and fugitive apprehension is the game. Some call it skip
tracing or even bounty hunting. Regardless of the
name; Janet Evanovich has written twenty or more
Stephanie Plum novels, so has pretty much covered
the field.
“Notorious
Nineteen” is a fun and funny book. Questionably
funny, considering the dark nature of the
material. But what’s not funny about a grandma
with an evil eye? Or how about a giant albino
partnered with a gutsy dwarf? Anyway, things
didn’t really get going until one of the skippers
landed in the hospital for surgery and then
disappeared. Wait---two more did the same??
OK---what does it mean? Perhaps it has something
to do with some embezzled millions in gold?? Or,
something much more sinister? Think dead bodies,
and grave digging. And other options present
themselves also, so read the book, and enjoy!!
Janet Evanovich
is a number one New York Times bestseller, with
numerous awards, including the prestigious John
Creasey Memorial.
|
Dick's Featured Review:
The
Late Show by
Michael Connelly
“The
Late Show” by best selling author Michael Connelly
is our introduction to spirited young crime
fighter, Renee’ Ballard. Ballard works “The Late
Show” (midnight shift), the worst of the worst
because she had the tenacity to accuse a
supervisor of sexual harassment. But, if she has
to do the job, she does it right. And doing it
right calls for putting her job and life on the
line.
Two cases come
together in a single night and gives Ballard the
opportunity to bring her skills into play for
something more important than late night drunks.
First she finds a badly beaten prostitutes. Then
she is called in for a case of mass murder. Five
people have been cut down in a night club. Thus
begins a tense investigation that leads Ballard to
a fight for her life.
A great ending
rounds out a winner of a story and one of the best
surprise endings in a long time. Read it and
enjoy.
Connelly has
written 29 other novels and has sold over 60
million copies. |
Dick's Featured Review:
The Ferguson Rifle
by Louis L'Amour
Considered
by many to be the greatest western writer of them
all, Louis L’Amour has written more than 400 short
stories and novels, with millions in print at any
time. Many of these works have been made into
movies, such as “Hondo” starring John Wayne.
L’Amour has used
his study and personal experience as the basis for
many of his characters. He was a longshoreman,
lumberjack, elephant handler, flume builder, fruit
picker and an officer in a tank destroyer during
WWII as well as a professional boxer, winning 51 of
59 bouts.
“The Ferguson
Rifle” has all the requirements for a good story.
Good characters, interesting plot and some
romantic interest. Bringing together these
factors with the historical and geographical
information L’Amour was famous for, we have a pure
winner.
With his wife and
son dead from a suspicious home fire,
Ronan Chantry heads west
to face his destiny. He heads into the mountains
and meets a group of mountain men. Together they
face Indians, both hostile and friendly. Life is
a constant struggle for survival and then they
find a lovely girl who seeks help finding a 200
year old treasure, and protection from a dangerous
uncle. And so the story continues. There’s
plenty of action to go around. Oh, and by the
way, we meet a tough old man who lives in a cave.
Etc. Etc., Read it and Enjoy!
L’Amour died
06/10/88 |
Dick's Featured Review:
Back Story by Robert B. Parker
"Back
Story" is an original Spenser private eye novel,
bringing us the original story characters.
Robert B. Parker died a few years ago, leaving
behind a treasure trove of great stories.
New stories are being released quite often,
written by various authors who do a spot on job of
bringing the original characters back to life.
But this is an original story. This is a
convoluted story of mayhem and murder. All
the regulars are here, Ty-Bop, Vinnie, Susan and
of course Spenser's friend, and sometimes partner,
Hawke. Whether helping or protecting, their
presence is always welcome.
A friend of
Spenser's refers to him a woman whose mother was
killed during a bank robbery 28 years before.
Find who did it please. Why the delay?
Suspicious? Local law enforcement and the
FBI appear to be discouraging this investigation.
How Come? Because the robbers were a
revolutionary group known as "the Dread Scott
Brigade"? Or is it because a mob boss is in
the background?? Regardless, Spenser is in a
lot of trouble.
As usual,
enlightening conversation, loaded with humor and
irony keeps the reader wide awake and looking for
more of the same. Read it & Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Justice Denied by J.A. Jance
J.A.
Jance’s “Justice Denied” is yet another
bestselling novel featuring Seattle cop J.P.
Beaumont & his partner/lover Mel Soames. Kicked
off with the murder of a recently exonerated young
man, this story widens into a search for an
apparent vigilante, or vigilantes.
Ordered to keep
details of his investigation hush-hush, Beau soon
finds that the case Mel is working on is also
being kept quiet. Sex offenders from all over
Washington State are dying under suspicious
circumstances. Questions arise when it is found
that DNA evidence has been tampered with. Friends
of friends make it difficult to do their jobs as
Beau & Mel realize they are dealing with something
much bigger and more dangerous than they had
thought. Did I mention the three nuns?? It’s a
good read! Enjoy!
J.A. Jance is the
New York Times Best Selling Author of the J.P.
Beaumont series of novels. She has also written a
series starring Joanna Brady, and 4 stand-alone
thrillers.
|
Dick's Featured Review:
NYPD RED 2 by James Patterson
in collaboration with Marshall Karp
“NYPD
RED 2” by James Patterson, in collaboration with
Marshall Karp, is a satisfying story of vengeance
via vigilance. The victims of the vigilantes have
been found garbed in Tyvek coveralls (hazmat-like
clothes), thus the tabloids have named him/her the
“Hazmat Killer”. Shortly after the victims are
found a video is on the internet showing the
victim confessing to some terrible crime of
his/her own! The fourth victim is wealthy,
politically connected and famous. And NYPD RED is
just the outfit that handles cases involving such
people. Wealth & politics call for special
handling by everyone. Top detectives Zach Jordan
and his partner Kylie MacDonald are called upon to
close this case in a hurry, because elections are
imminent and jobs are at risk.
It all began years
ago when the son of a mob boss was killed by high
school victims of the son’s arrogance and evil.
So we can suspect the WHY of subsequent actions,
but the WHO is still up in the air and answering
that is the fun in this story.
Zach & Kylie have
a history & Kylie’s husband is an addict and Zach
still has feeling for her, but Cheryl loves Zach
and Zach is concerned that Matt is getting too
close to Cheryl… Oh well, just ignore all this as
it has little to do with the big question… WHO?
Despite the
political & personal pressure, Zach & Kylie keep
eliminating the chaff and finally get to the
“Uhha” moment when things come together & they
realize who they have been seeking. By then
however, because of a son’s carelessness, and a
mother’s thoughtfulness, the vigilantes find
themselves as the victims of vigilante justice!
Oh, go ahead and
read it, there is a lot more to it and you’ll
enjoy it! |
Dick's Featured Review:
Windigo Island by William Kent Kruger
“Windigo
Island” is another area winner by William Kent
Kruger. It’s no walk in the park on a summer day
kind of book, but rather a hard rainy, stormy
weather sort of story, that gets down and dirty on
several levels. It takes all hands on deck for
Cork O’Connor. His friend and mentor, the 100
year old healer, Henry Meloux is on hand with his
advice, as is Cork’s obstinate daughter Jenny.
The story involves the lives of missing young
girls, and Cork's efforts to not only find them,
but to find those responsible for their
disappearance. The tale starts out ugly and goes
down hill from there.
Some kids, doing what kids do,
met on a small rock strewn island in lake
Superior, for a bit of harmless vandalism. What
they found was the body of teen-ager Carrie Verga.
Area residents were convinced that “Windingo” a
killer beast of mythical legend had killed again.
Carrie was one of two young girls who went missing
the year before. The family of the other girl,
Mariah Arseneaux has requested former sheriff and
now private investigator O’Connor to find their
missing daughter before it is to late for her too.
Cork soon finds that the sex
trade, involving helpless young native American
children has a tight hold on the lives of these
kids. Things get more and more dangerous as clues
lead to those responsible for this horrendous
activity. A man named “Wolf”, and his brother who
has taken the appropriate name “Windingo” take
serious exception to Cork’s efforts and things get
deadly for family and friends. The final showdown
takes a terrible toll on body and mind.
But,…..well read it and enjoy!! |
Dick's Featured Review:
Robert B. Parkers
Lullaby by Ace Atkins
"Robert
B. Parker’s Lullaby", written by Ace Atkins is a
well-done, fast paced story starring Spenser.
Hero, knight in shinning armor, Don Quixote…
Spenser may be any, all, or none of these,
depending who is asked. He may not be liked by
everyone, but he is respected by all. So it is
that a 14 year old, street smart, girl asks
Spenser to investigate her mother’s murder. Not
wanting to be considered an easy mark, Spenser
settles for 2 frosted donuts for his fee. That
includes the services of Spenser’s friend & often
partner, Hawk. And so the tale begins!
Mother may have
been a
drunken, drug addicted prostitute, but no matter,
she was mom. It soon became clear that getting
the full story of mom’s background would entail
going to Spenser’s sources; from pickpockets, to
company presidents, to mob bosses and of course
his friends in law enforcement. Spencer’s case
started to come together. Oh, there were some
trying times like when Hawk was shot-gunned in the
chest and Spenser was also taken down. And the
toughest part of the job was keeping Mattie out of
the way & safe. With a sassy attitude, and a big
mouth, Mattie was a hindrance, not a help. But
Spenser is Spenser and we’re glad of it, and the
action, and wise cracks keep on coming.
Good story, great
characters and thumbs up to Atkins for a job well
done. Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Robert B. Parkers Wonderland by
Ace Atkins
"Robert.
B. Parker’s Wonderland" is another Spenser novel
written by Ace Atkins. Really well drawn
characters bring this tale to life. And those
characters are Parker’s characters. Spenser is
the Spenser we have known before. Everything
bespeaks Robert. B. Parker. The feel is right,
the tone is right, the attitude is there & I can
say with certainty Spenser is there too! And the
story gives us the chance to see Spenser at his
best: tough guy with an unstoppable sense of humor
and quick witted, with street smarts & street
friends.
Henry Cimoli is
one of those friends, and he needs Spenser’s
help. Three thugs have threatened him if he
doesn’t stop causing trouble in the attempted
purchase of Cimoli’s condo. Spenser and his new
protégé; “Z”, took care of the trio the next time
they visited Henry. And that was just the start
of a lot of serious bodily contact. There was
very serious interest in Cimoli’s condo. Rumor
had it that the condo could be the key-stone in a
plan to open a casino in the Boston area. The
interest was from local parties and from as far
away as Las Vegas. Politicians, a beautiful,
forceful woman, our ambitions developer (who by
the way loses his head over the whole thing)
propel this tale. If you can handle serious
violence, with bodily injury and death, this story
is for you. Enjoy!! |
Dick's Featured Review:
The Keeper
by John Lescroart
“The
Keeper” by John Lescroart is a good platform for
displaying the talents and instincts of premier
defense lawyer Dismas Hardy. And in this case, we
are doubly blessed to have the tough, hardworking,
Abe Glitsky working for the defense. This is a
rather difficult position for the retired police
homicide investigator, but as a long-time friend
of Dismas, Abe has come out of retirement to
assist. And the case is a challenge for everyone;
a jail guard accused of murdering his wife.
Suspiciously, Hal
Chase, hired Dismas when his wife was just missing
for a couple days. But, maybe it was a good idea,
since soon after she was found murdered. And, Hal
was arrested on suspicion. Abe Glitsky offers his
services to Dismas, and so begins a wild ride on
the way to solution of a very complicated case.
Part of the problem is that suspicious deaths have
occurred at the jail where Hal has been a guard
for several years. Oh, the deaths were called
suicides, accidents or natural causes, but….??
Abe makes a few
fumbles and a couple downright missteps, but a
couple good, instinctual actions on Abe’s part
brings about truly surprising results. You know
me & surprises – Love ‘em!
Lescroart does a
good job of building an interesting story step by
step and at the same time making us know
the people involved. This is a good example.
Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Wayfaring
Stranger by James Lee Burke
"Wayfaring
Stranger" by James Lee Burke is not what I had
expected. I have previously read all of
Burke's wonderful novels starring detective Dave Robicheaux, and this is not
them! I am a feel good
reader, and even a tragic, or harsh story can
offer up a feeling of satisfaction and
completeness without being depressive. This
story is depressive. Despite Burke's
wonderful prose and philosophical asides, the
over-all pall of the story is overwhelming.
In 1934 at age 16
Weldon Holland fired a gunshot into the rear of a
stolen 1932 Chevy Confederate automobile carrying
the infamous bank robbers Bonnie & Clyde.
Whether in reality or in imagination this incident
returns, at significant moments throughout the tale.
And years later in an almost fantastic bit of
story telling, the car comes back once again in a
starring role in the story finale.
In 1944, at the
age of 26, Weldon and his Sgt. Hershel Pine, fight
their way from behind enemy lines at the Battle of
the Bulge, and while doing this, Weldon rescues
his future wife Rosita from a destroyed
extermination camp inside Germany.
With war over,
Weldon and Hershel start a business servicing oil
pipelines. Together with Hershel's new wife
Linda Gail, and Rosita, this tale plods on. Linda Gail manages to fuel the fire of
malicious persecution that smothers their lives:
"Here's to you Linda Gail. You've wrecked
three cars, struck a behemoth of a Houston
policeman in the face with your bare hand, and are
on the edge of entering a adulterous affair with a
man married to probably one of the most vicious
women in Texas, and its not even noon." And
so it goes, deceit follows deceit with every
action aimed at destroying them and their company.
The Epilogue to
this story does give one modicum of respite from
the interminable downward spiral of the tale -
but, its then too late to allow me to call this a
feel-good story. However, there are
undoubtedly people out there who will find this
story just fine. To them I say
Enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Field of
Prey by John Sandford
John
Sandford has another winner in his latest book
“Field of Prey”. He lays out the story plot step
by step and keeps us aware of what it takes to
bring together all the parts into a final
resolution. Oh there’s a lot of “by guess and by
gosh” mixed with pure luck, but overall there is
mostly hard work to bring this case to an end. Be
advised that the story is a hideous one involving
torture and murder – and murder – and murder!!
And Norman Bates (“Psycho”) has nothing on the
killer (killers?) in this story. Lucas Davenport,
once again, heads up the investigation.
A young couple was
searching for a spot in the woods where they
could…well, socialize. However, they were
disturbed by a terrible stench. Searching it out,
they found a body in a partially covered cistern.
One body turned in to fifteen by the time
Davenport came on the scene. With identification
came the realization that the murders had occurred
one a year for numerous years. With the BCA,
local police sheriff’s department and Feds
involved, it would seem things should wrap up
quickly….not so! One of Lucas’ people is killed,
one of the local investigators is killed and one
the sheriff’s people is kidnapped and tortured.
Finally, there is a break, but also an
unbelievable surprise. Who’d have thought
that….well, read it, you will find it to be one of Sandford’s best ever stories. Enjoy!! |
Dick's Featured Review:
Body
Movers by Stephanie Bond
“Body
Movers” by Stephanie Bond is a look at the life of
Carlotta Wren, sales woman for Neiman Marcus. Ten
years ago she was part of a well-to-do family,
engaged to a wealthy young up and comer, and
generally part of the “in crowd”. And then her
father was indicted for investment fraud. And to
make things worse, mom & dad took off for parts
unknown. Left with a nine year old brother,
Wesley, and with no extended family to help,
seventeen year old Carlotta had her work cut out
for her. And, oh, her fiancé dropped her, and so
called friends became scarce. Enough yet?!!
Angela Ashford is
now married to Peter Ashford, Carlotta’s former
fiancé, and believe it when I say she doesn’t like
Carlotta! When Angela is found murdered in her
swimming pool, suspicion falls on Carlotta.
Wesley is no help – his gambling addiction has
brought him to the attention of a cop who has long
hoped to find Carlotta’s parents. Despite finally
getting a job, transporting bodies from accidents
and nursing homes, any money Wesley earns goes
right to some very ugly “creditors”. Carlotta
suspects Peter is guilty of murder when another
body is found. Oh, and wait until you find out
who the killer is! Believe me, this is one
convoluted (don’t you love that word) story.
Don’t worry, it all comes together and I’m sure
you will ENJOY! |
Dick's Featured Review:
Tamarack
County by William Kent Krueger
"Tamarack
County" by William Ken Krueger is yet again a
winner for one of my favorite mystery writers.
Suspense? It's here. Great Character?
You bet! And plenty of twists and surprises.
We all know how I love surprises. So, lets
just put it out there ---Winner!! Cork
O'Connor is back in a case that challenges all his
talents as a private investigator. And this
one fully envelopes Cork's family as well.
Would-be nun, daughter Anna, brings home an
unexpected surprise, and son, Stephan, finds first
love can be difficult. Oh, Cork also finds
love has its challenges.
Just before
Christmas Cork is asked to help in the search for
the missing wife of a very unlikable retired
judge. The disappearance starts to look like
part of an entirely different story, as clues
point to a connection with a long-ago murder of a
young woman. A man connected to that case
finds his dog slaughtered and decapitated.
Cork was also a part of that earlier case.
Coincidence? It appears someone may be
seeking vengeance - a judge, a witness, the
deputy-in-charge??? But the attacks are not
directly at them, but those closest to them.
The urgency of solving this case and stopping the
assailant is magnified when Stephan is almost
killed.
This is the
thirteenth Cork O'Connor novel, and quality
writing shows throughout. It is a pleasure
to read and I know you will...Enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Just
Breathe by Susan Wiggs
"Just
Breathe" by Susan Wiggs follows the life and times
of Sarah Moon, cartoonist of the syndicated strip
"Just Breath", starring Sarah's alter ego, Shirl.
As with her own life, Shirl's is filled with hope,
love, fertility treatments, infidelity and above
all, change. Yes, with the hope of having a
child, Sarah & Shirl were having fertility
treatments when an early arrival, at home, at an
inopportune time, found Sarah's husband being
infidelitous (is there such a word?) Anyway,
that's when the change part starts to happen.
What would Shirl do?
Well, Sarah knew
what to do! She closed her separate bank
account, sold her husbands GTO automobile, got a
new hairdo, and headed to her family in
California, in her new Cooper S. Mini convertible.
Home for Sarah
was not a happy carefree place growing up.
Loss of her mother, and a distant father, made for
a quiet, moody girl whose only outlet for her
feelings were comics she drew lampooning others
she felt needed a realty check. One of her
favorite targets was Will Bommer [heart throb
extraordinaire]. He also has had drastic
changes in his life. Together something
might well....well, you know. Its at this
point Sarah discovers she is pregnant...with her
ex's twins!! What would Shirl do?
I could tell you
more - about Will's adopted daughter, about
Sarah's husband & his mother, about the arsonist
who is plaguing the town, about ....well, read it
yourself, you will enjoy it. |
Dick's Featured Review:
Light of
the World by James Lee Burke
With
32 previous novels under his belt, James Lee Burke
has brought us another gripping story in “Light of
the World”. I have used the terms murder & mayhem
in the past, but in this savage tale, the term
must be MURDER & MAYHEM. This is not just the
usual well-written detective story we expect from
Burke, but it is also a well-written Horror
story. From the hideous stench surrounding a
mountain cave, on the wall of which is written a
devilish statement, to the tracks of an upright
beast found beneath a bedroom window, the two
genres come together for a fascinating joy ride of
action & terror.
Dave Robicheaux,
the Louisiana Sherriff’s Detective we’ve met in
several earlier stories by Burke, has gone to
Montana for vacation with family & friends. Soon
after arriving, daughter Alafair is nearly killed
while hiking. Then the daughter of Dave’s partner
is savagely assaulted. It is about then that
Alafair thinks she has seen a horror from the
past, in the person of Asa Surrette, convicted
sadist and serial killer. But how can that be so,
since this killer was reportedly killed in a fiery
car crash just recently?
The adopted
daughter of a millionaire oil man is killed, and
yet another avenue of murder and mayhem opens up.
Or, is it the same avenue with different
characters?? The oil man’s son, a nutcase cowboy,
and his frightening girl friend, as well as
dishonest cops complete the cast of characters
that make this story work. Not for the feint of
heart-but heck, suck it up and …Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Review:
Miss
Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker
“Miss
Invisible” by Laura Jensen Walker is a real hoot.
Funny, yet sad to a degree, the story follows the
struggle to find one’s place in a world that does
not necessarily accept everyone equally. “One
size does not fit all” says Frederika “Freddie”
Heinz. A big woman (not “plus-sized” please),
Freddie’s life is one long effort to feel she is
not invisible; ignored by waiters, sales clerks &
John Doe on the street. And, disapproving stares
when she’s seen trying to enjoy a dessert are
certainly no better than being totally ignored.
Something must change!
Instead of
imagining wonderful changes and great scenarios,
(oh, believe me, Walter Mitty had nothing on
Freddie), she starts a blog that encourages change
in all women living large. Hyped by this positive
activity, she decides to go all the way…I am
woman!!! And, the fun & funny begins.
Led into the new
life of a free woman (free from the weight of
constant concern with appearance) by Deborah, a
plus, plus woman friend, new clothes, hair-do and
attitude make a good start to the desired change.
Fired from her job as a head baker, she doesn’t
miss a step and joins Deborah in her catering
business . She meets a man…then another man, and
then…well, give it a read, its worth the time.
Enjoy. |
Dick's Featured Review:
Bitsy's
Bait & BBQ by Pamela Morsi
“Bitsy’s
Bait & BBQ” by Pamela Morsi is a fun story about
hope and determination; determine a course and
hope for the best. This could very well be the
motto for Emma Collins and her sister Katy Dodson,
as Emma once again backs Katy’s rash action, in
buying a B & B in a small out of the way village
in the Ozark Mountains. Sight unseen, purchased
off the internet, the B & B is of course not what
Katy had thought it was. B & B to most people
means Bed & Breakfast. In this small town it
means “Bait & BBQ”. The run-down establishment
had once been the center of activity during, and
after, vacation season (read: Fishing Season), and
townsfolk have hope it will be again.
Knowing nothing
about fishing, disliking grubs & worms, and unable
to make decent BBQ, the women and Katy’s 5 year
old son Josh begin a life completely foreign to
them. But, everyone in town wants to help them
make a success of the venture. This includes the
mailman, who is also the pastor and the bait
salesman, who is also the local lawyer (somewhat
retired). Things move along and even the BBQ
improves, well a bit anyway. And then Katy’s
former mother-in-law (who felt Katy was unworthy
of her son Sean) decides she is the best one to
have custody of Josh. And so begins phase two of
the lives & loves of Emma and Katy in Warbler
Lake. Enjoy!! |
Dick's Featured Review:
The Innocent by David Baldacci
David
Baldacci’s “The Innocent” is yet another winner
for an author who has a long history of winners
such as “Absolute Power”, “The Camel Club” and
“Split Second”. Non-stop, breathtaking action is
a key component of Baldacci’s success. And, it’s
all here in a story of murder for hire. Yes, our
protagonist is a killer. He’s no 007, but he is
licensed to kill. Will Robie is the best because
he has never let sentiment interfere with his
work. Until his last job! His last job was
different and the difference started everything.
Not completing the
job left him out in the cold. While fleeing the
scene, after an attempt on his life, Robie meets a
young girl running from a foster home following
her parent’s murder. And with this meeting (a
coincidence??), a cat and mouse game begins. At
first it appears Robie is marked for death, but
too many missed opportunities for his demise make
them wonder just who is the target.
Despite his
lone-wolf philosophy, Robie realizes he needs
help. He finds that help in the person of FBI
agent Nicole Vance. Was it a mistake? Deceit
follows deceit. Who can be trusted? One
tantalizing clue after another ends with someone’s
death. And, also, someone doesn’t care about
wholesale collateral damage.
This is a
seductive read loaded with suspense, intrigue and
a full dose of mayhem & murder. Baldacci at his
best. Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Review:
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy
“A Week in Winter”
is Maeve Binchy’s last and final novel. Her death
in the last year truly leaves a void in the lives
of all who love really good stories; stories that
are what I call feel-good stories. Ok, I like
mystery and action, as well as horror stories and
westerns, but give me an old-fashioned feel gooder,
and I’m really a satisfied reader. Maeve was the
Queen of this genre. There is romance and
inspiration, as well as sadness and fulfillment.
We meet people we really would love to meet;
people with all the trials and tribulations that
make up human existence. But, above all else, we
finish her books feeling good!
“A Week in Winter”
tells the story of Chicky, a young Irish woman,
who left her home in Stonybridge, Ireland to be
with her lover in New York. Betrayal follows and
after years of a solo existence, she returns
home. Working with Queenie, an elderly spinster,
she turns Queenie’s run-down mansion into a
seaside B&B. The rest of this story is a
compilation of biographies of the people who are
the backbone of the “Week in Winter”; the week
when all the characters come together for the
opening of the newly renovated Inn. People like
Rigger, the bad boy who becomes indispensible to
Chicky. Like Orla, Chicky’s niece who has tired
of London and came home to manage Chicky’s
finances. Then there’s “John” (not his real name)
who came to the B&B by accident, but stayed on
purpose. And Anders who came on purpose, and
stayed with purpose. And, of course there is Miss
Howe, probably the only person in the world who
could find nothing to enjoy at Stoneybridge, and
went home.
These and the
others who came that week to help open that
wonderful, welcoming Inn brought, with their
individuality, all that was necessary to make this
a truly rewarding read. Go ahead, read it &
enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Ties That Bind by Phillip Margolin
“Ties
That Bind” by Phillip Margolin is the follow-up
novel to “Wild Justice”, his widely successful
novel featuring Amanda Jaffe, attorney at law. In
that story she was up against a sociopathic
doctor, Cardoni. The experience left Amanda a
psychologically damaged individual, afraid for her
sanity and her life. Now, she must pull herself
together to take on her most difficult case yet,
one that has been turned down by all the top
lawyers in town.
In December 1970 a
bloody clash of diparate individuals gave rise to
a secret alliance that was to influence even the
highest courts in the land. This alliance was
also to influence the life of Amanda Jaffe, when
she was appointed to defend the case of Jon Dupre,
upscale escort service owner (read: Pimp).
Accused of murdering a US Senator, he claims to
have proof of the existence of the secret alliance
of now powerful men, whose entry fee is …murder!
Despite Amanda’s
fears, and the threats to herself and her family,
she determines to forge ahead with a defense that
is hindered not only by the threats from outside,
but also from the violent and uncooperative
defendant. And, we find that even Amanda can
respond with violence.
A tricky ending to
this story finishes it off very nicely thank you.
I know you will…Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
The Black Box by Michael Connelly
“The
Black Box” by Michael Connelly gets off slowly for
the 1st third of the book and then gets
up and running with a good story and a smashing
ending. We can say it’s another well written
crime novel by a well recognized author.
Connelly’s Harry Bosch character is well drawn as
a tough, independent S.O.B. who fights for doing
the right thing even if it goes against the grain
of those who count, regarding his career.
Politics is not his forte.
In 1992 Los Angels
exploded into a city-wide riot that stunned the
world. A young free-lance writer named Anneka
Jaspersen flew to the city to cover the riot, and
was found dead in a dark alley, by members of the
National Guard. Harry Bosch was the investigating
officer for the LA police. Because of the unreal
violence of the riot the police could do no more
than a cursory investigation before the basic
facts were filed.
Twenty years
later, approaching the riot anniversary, Harry
gets the job of following up with an investigation
of the still open, unsolved case. He believed
every case had what he compared to an airlines
“black box”; a piece of evidence etc. that brought
a complete and final understanding of all factors
that led to a solutions. With that in mind, his
search begins. Harry goes his own way despite
obstructions from superiors who are trying to foce
him to early “Drop” retirement (see my earlier
review of “The Drop”). From LA to Kuwait, the
evidence follows the activities and purpose behind
Jespersen’s travel to LA. What was she looking
for?? Despite early missteps in direction, it
becomes clear that her death was more than just
another riot death.
Good story. It
takes a while to get down to the nitty gritty ,
but it’s worth every written word. This is
Connelly’s 25th book. As with many
good authors, he is a former newspaper reporter.
Enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Supreme Justice
by Phillip Margolin
Supreme
Justice by Phillip Margolin is a convoluted yet
fascinating tale of murder and mayhem involving
not only the Supreme Court of the United States
but also nefarious elements of the CIA, as well as
powerful, behind-the-scene influences. And, Margolin does his usual impressive job of brining
together all these disparate influences into a
very satisfying, fast-paced novel. This book is a
follow up to his best selling novel “Executive
Privilege”.
Investigator Dana
Cutler, who was prominent in “Executive
Privilege”, has been brought in to quietly
investigate an attack on one of the Supreme Court
Justices. Apparently the attack has something to
do with an appeal before the court, submitted on
behalf of death row prisoner, Sarah Woodruff,
convicted of killing her lover John Finley.
Finley was earlier the only survivor of a massacre
aboard a ship which was loaded with illicit
drugs. After men identifying themselves to CIA
agents took over from the local police, the ship
disappeared. Things get very dangerous for Dana
as she is bringing the past to the present and tries to
determine what Finley’s death has to do with the
attack on the Justice.
Good story, but
stay alert, cause as I said it is rather
convoluted. Also watch for a surprise ending.
Love them, don’t you? (Or have I mentioned that
before?) Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Northwest Angle
by William Kent Krueger
"Northwest
Angle" by William Kent Krueger is a great example
of the kind of exciting work done by this St. Paul
author. An extension of his NY Times
best-selling series of Cork O'Connor tales, this
one brings Cork and his family into harms way
following one of the worst storms ever to strike
Minnesota. As usual, this story starts with
an exciting premise and builds with carefully
plotted action to a very exciting conclusion.
As usual, surprise is a big part of that
conclusion.
A houseboat vacation with his family goes awry
when Cork and his daughter Jenny are marooned on a
small island in Lake of the Woods. Jenny
discovers a young woman who has been tortured to
death, and exposed by the storm, a weeks-old baby
who had obviously been hidden. Keeping the
baby safe is more than just a matter of warmth and
substance though, since others are intent on
taking him from Jenny, who has pledged her life to
protect the child.
An unstable brother of the murdered woman is the
first suspect in the case, but then we find a
group of "End of the World" zealots living on the
very edge of this water world who cannot be
dismissed from the suspect pool. Oh, it does
get confusing, but that's the fun of this story.
Fun, fun, fun! Read and enjoy
|
Dick's Featured Review:
Wild Justice by Phillip Morgolin
“Wild
Justice”, by Phillip Margolin is one of those
books that gives the reader everything that he or
she could ask for. Mystery, mayhem and madness?
Absolutely, and a story full of terror, trials and
terrific suspense. Oh heck, let’s throw in
revenge and retribution as well. Interested?
Okay, let’s start by telling you about Amanda
Jaffe, a newbie attorney working for her famous
attorney father, Frank Jaffe. And she is involved
in a headline case that can test not only her
mettle as a lawyer, but also her ethics and moral
judgment as a human being.
Vincent Cardoni, a
surgeon with both professional and personal
problems, has been arrested on suspicion of being
a serial killer. Several mutilated bodies have
been found on a property owned by Cardoni. He, of
course, claims innocence and conspiracy on the
part of his wife, or a known gangster who claims
he’s owed money by Cardoni. A trial begins, but
due to the illegal action of the investigating
police, all pertinent evidence is disqualified.
This sets Cardoni free but he is still faced with
possible future prosecution, or ever worse,
retribution by the gangster. Well, things change
for Cardoni when a scene of apparent murder turns
up one of Cardoni’s hands, but no body.
Four years pass,
and new bodies are found, and the m.o. is
similar to the original murder. Copycat? Or
has Cardoni returned? Perhaps the killer was
someone else to begin with. It is really a
twisting tale that leads Amanda into personal
danger.
A surprising, but
perhaps foreseen ending, rounds out a very good
read. Enjoy!
|
Dick's
Featured Review:
Robert B. Parker's "Killing the Blues"
by Michael Brandman
Robert
B. Parker’s “Killing the Blues”, a Jesse Stone
novel, was written by Michael Brandman. Parker
died in January 2012. But, this situation is not
too unusual, as evidenced by some of the novels
with James Patterson’s name on them. I believe a
good job was done here. I can accept this Jesse
Stone as the man I’ve enjoyed in previous Stone
novels. He’s still a stoic, tough, yet caring
police chief. He is still a recovering alcoholic,
but he’s gotten over his ex-wife Jenn(?), so maybe
there is hope for him. He no longer has his Irish
setter dog, but has replaced it with a cat named
Mildred Memory. Yes, you read right. But,
anyway, what’s the story line?
Its tourist season
in Paradise and of course the town counsel is
after Jesse to make sure everything goes
smoothly. And, of course, everything goes in the
other direction. Violence follows a series of car
thefts and the violence ends in murder. Jesse
finds that the mob has moved in – and despite his
belief in the law – well sometimes, Jesse goes a
bit beyond the law. Enough said! While this is
going on, violence comes from another direction.
At first it’s dog killings, then it hits Jesse
close to home when one of his people is killed.
At this point it starts to look like Jesse is the
target. Is that enough? Well let’s add a 14 year
old girl who holds her school principal as hostage
threatening to kill her.
I enjoyed the
story, and I hope we will see more Jesse Stone
novels. Michael Brandman collaborated with Robert
B. Parker for years on movie projects, the Spencer
TV movies and the Jesse Stone series of TV
movies. I believe this background gave Brandman
what it took to produce a super story. Enjoy!! |
Dick's
Featured Review: The Brothers by Allen D.
Anderson
“The
Brothers” by Allen D. Anderson is a fascinating,
yet disturbing story of brotherly love and family
failure. Theodore Amonovich returns from World
War II a broken man, unable to forget what he saw,
and what he did. His is now a life of terrible
anger and violence; anger at himself, and violence
towards his wife and son Peter. Twin son Andrew
is not a victim of the physical violence but a
victim never the less, of the ever present alcoholic
tirades. This is not a feel-good story but rather
a ready subject for the nature or nurture crowd.
Tragic
circumstances have left Peter and Andrew, in the
fall of 1948, basically on their own, starting
their high school sophomore year at Edison High in
Minneapolis. Peter quickly becomes a football
star and Andrew his blocking back. This is
certainly a metaphor for their everyday
relationship; Peter doing what he wants, and
Andrew running interference. Peter has no respect
for authority and refuses to follow rules.
Finally their high school days end with a choice
for Peter of Juvenile Detention or the Army.
Peter joins and of course so does Andrew. Bad
timing, as the “Police Action” in Korea is
becoming all-out war. Nothing really changes for
Peter other than the venue. He goes his way and
the rest of the Army goes its way. Ah, but a
comeuppance must be coming… right? Call out that
nature/nurture crowd again for the ending of this
rather depressing tale. With just 2 pages left at
the tale-end however, we get a reprieve that is
also a relief.
I personally have
a surprising interest in this story because in the
fall of 1948 I was also a sophomore at Edison High
School in Minneapolis. I don’t remember Peter and
Andrew however. Enjoy!
|
Dick's
Featured Review: Stolen Prey by John Sandford
Good,
good, good; Good story line, good characters, good
suspense! What more can we look for?
But, of course, with an author like John Sandford,
all this is to be expected. In his book
"Stolen Prey" we get it all and a lot more.
As with his other "Prey" books, the main
character, Lucas Davenport is faced with "murder
most foul". But his is no Agatha Christie
murder scenario, this is a story of horrific
butchery and terrible torture. Not for the
weak of heart.
We start out
on a milder note when Lucas is assaulted at an ATM
machine and ends up with a broken wrist.
This becomes a running side-story throughout the
book. But the real story starts with the
discovery of an entire family, including the
family dogs, who have all been tortured and
savagely murdered. The appearance of the
scene brings to mind the work of the drug cartels
in Mexico and South America. And, indeed, we
soon find a representative Federale and his
assistant from Mexico, together with DEA agents
competing for a piece of the action.
We find that
a small group of bank programmers have
inadvertently been stealing from an account used
to launder drug money. The cartel wants
their money back. More murder and torture
ensues when the small group of killers seeks out
the thieves. I've said before that I love
surprises and the story has a beaut. And,
it's not at the end of the story, but right in the
middle. Oh Joy!!
The book is a
great read, with a lot of action. And,
depending on your definition of justice, we can
consider the ending to be pretty satisfying.
Enjoy!!
|
Dick's
Featured Review: The Drop by Michael
Connelly
Michael
Connelly's book "The Drop" is yet another
opportunity for showing off the investigative
talents of a favorite of mine, "Dirty Harry"
Bosch. We've met him in previous stories,
and he is still the same strong-willed,
intelligent law man he's always been. Now,
however, he's hoping to just hang in there and
avoid an early "Drop" - the Deferred Retirement
Option Plan. With "Drop" just 3 years away,
Harry wants to get as many cases resolved in that
time as possible. And in one day he gets two
tough ones.
The first
case involves a 20 year old rape case that has DNA
evidence that matches a twenty-nine year old
convicted rapist. Harry needs to determine
whether the crime lab has erred, or how an eight
year old boy was involved in the 1989 rape.
As this case unfolds it becomes apparent that the
city has had a serial killer in its midst for over
20 years.
Add to that
puzzling case, a possible career-ending case with
major political consequences, and maybe Harry will
be out of a job well before the 3 year "Drop"
period. This second case involves a
councilman's son who is found dead in
circumstances that could mean suicide, accident,
or even murder. Harry and the councilman
have a long and acrimonious history, yet the
councilman demands that Harry alone should
investigate his son's death.
Despite
political interference and betrayal by "friends",
Harry investigates his way; full-speed ahead and
damn the torpedoes. I really enjoy the way
Connelly lays out the plot and takes us step by
step to the conclusion. It is like a
blueprint for crime solving. This is another
page-turner by a truly talented author.
Enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
The Fifth Witness
by Michael Connelly
The
Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly finds criminal
defense attorney extraordinaire, Mickey Haller,
doing foreclosure defense in a shrinking criminal
defense market. It maybe a come-down for
him, but with little hope for doing what he does
best, the work pays the bills. But then one
of his clients is accused of killing a banker she
blames for foreclosing on her home. Mickey
is back in the criminal defense business!
This story could be taken right from current
headlines. Foreclosure of millions of homes
has been in the media for a long time now.
Peoples' reaction to having their home taken from
them has caused protests around the world.
Lisa Trammel is accused of going too far with her
protest. And there seems to be plenty of
evidence against her. Despite this, and
Mickey's own suspicion of her guilt, the defense
team digs in.
Basing their defense on the idea of "SEDI"
(someone else did it), Haller's people find the
deceased had been involved in unlawful financial
dealings involving millions of dollars.
Interference from outside sources, and a savage
beating fail to deter Mickey & his team. The
courtroom battle that ensues is one filled with
tit for tat. Surprise turns and revelations
during the trial are just a build-up for the
surprise filled ending of this story.
Fascinating story and a good read! Enjoy!
|
Dick's
Featured Review: Prime Witness by Steve
Martini
In
this novel "Prime Witness", Steve Martini takes us
on a suspenseful trip in search of truth.
And, indeed, truth can be elusive. With
curves, lies and miscues, the story brings
together a top notch detective story and whip-saw
courtroom dramas. The characters are
well-defined and the protagonist lawyer, Paul
Madriani, is shown in all of his own humanity;
brilliant, but flawed, with all the problems and
missteps that we all face in everyday life.
Defense attorney Madriani has taken on the job of
special prosecutor to find the so-called "Putah
Creek Killer". The killer has murdered two
couples within a few days. Shortly after
Madriani starts investigating, another couple is
found murdered with somewhat the same M.O.
To add to his troubles, he has 2 unhappy,
unhelpful, judges giving him a tough time, as well
as a deputy DA who resents Madriani's authority.
Enough?? Not quite, as he finds that the
suspects defense attorney is a once-disbarred
lawyer who is an avowed enemy. And that
suspect, a campus security guard, is brought to
trial, for murdering the first 2 couples.
Madriani's strategy is to keep the later couple
separate as he is convinced that there is a
second killer. And so the struggle begins.
Surprises, miscues and downright carelessness
plague the prosecution as Madriani attempts to
convict the murderer he has, while trying to
identify yet another killer. You know I love
a surprise ending, and this one has a lulu.
Enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Review:
The Litigators by John Grisham
"The
Litigators" by John Grisham is definitely up to
par with all of his other wonderful law novels.
Great characters, a super plot, and as always, a
critical look at the legal system, make for a very
interesting read. Add to that, a very
humorous look at the "human condition", and we
have an even more enjoyable read.
Dave Zinc has had it with same old, same old at
his prestigious law firm. Five years of
drudgery & boredom cannot be compensated with
money. The last straw has been placed and he
cracks. After a long, alcohol filled night,
Dave finds himself at the door of a small
"boutique" law firm (the word actually meaning a
two-bit, ambulance chasing outfit). Oscar
Finley and Wally Figg have scraped along on
quickie divorces and DUI cases for over 20 years,
with never enough coming their way to ever be able
to say they were successful. Even so, burned
out Dave finds that a job with the pair is just
what he wants, and so begins a very spirited and
humorous association.
The "Big One" is what Wally has always been on the
look-out for and he feels that Mass Tort
Litigation
is the way to go. And, such an opportunity
comes their way when a large drug firm is being
sued for causing deaths with one of their drugs.
They join the suit, and thus we have the start of
the beginning, and the end. Am I being a bit
vague? Well, what the heck, read it, you
will enjoy!!
|
Dick's Featured Book Review:
Treasure Hunt by John
Lescroart
"Treasure
Hunt" by John Lescroart reintroduces us to
characters we met in his book "The Hunt Club".
Mickey Dade and Wyatt Hunt are attempting to get
their private investigation business back on the
road after unfortunate circumstances brought the
business to a halt. Mickey gets things back
on track by finding the body of charity big shot,
Dominic Como. With this, we are introduced
to San Francisco society and the big money
business of charity giving...and receiving!!
"The Hunt Club" is hired by
Como's wife and business associates to find by
whom & why the murder was committed. Power
and big money are the major parts of the charity
business and protecting both is definitely part of
the problem faced by the club in solving this
case. The suspects, all of whom have a
vested interest in keeping the charities they
represent from receiving bad publicity, had reason
and opportunity to kill Como. Then there is
another murder, and someone close to the team goes
missing. Add to this mix, a beautiful
suspect who has apparently stolen MIckey's heart,
and we have the makings for a very interesting and
convoluted story.
John Lescroat is a New York
Times best selling author, having written 20
previous novels. He is indeed a gifted
author, well worth reading. Enjoy!! |
"GUEST
STUDENT" BOOK REVIEW
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by Jack Horita
"The
Hunger Games" is about a society in
the future gone wrong. The United States of
America is now divided into twelve districts with
one shining Capitol. The devilish President Snow,
with his freakish citizens in the Capitol, run the
Hunger Games. Long ago, the districts rebelled
against the Capitol and lost. Each of the 12
districts were forced to send two Tributes to
fight in the Hunger Games. A lottery is held, and
a boy and a girl (Tributes) are chosen to fight to
the death in the Hunger Games, a televised event.
Only one Tribute can win. The Hunger Games is a
competition that serves as a punishment to the
people for rebelling against the Capitol. The
winning Tribute wins fame and fortune for their
District.
The
main character of this story, 16 year old Katniss
Everdeen of District 12, faces the biggest
challenge of her life. Katniss’s sister, Prim, gets
called as a Tribute, but Katniss takes her place.
She meets Peeta, the boy Tribute called to
participate from her district. Together they try
to fend of the other districts and win the Hunger
Games for them and their district.
Katniss Everdeen is a gentle,
adventurous, and emotional girl who is bent on
winning the Hunger Games so she can go back home
to district 12 to see her mom and little sister
Prim. During the Hunger Games something very
unexpected happens that will change her life
forever. At the end, when Katniss and Peeta are
the last Tributes remaining in the game, they are
left with the terrible decision of who will live,
and who will die. Katniss and Peeta make a pact
that they will both eat poisonous berries so that
no one will win the Hunger Games. The Game makers
then make a surprising announcement, they both
can live. With the Capitol showing a weakness in
their system, a rebellious spark appears that may
start a fire.
I would honestly rate this book a
10 for the awesome detail, suspense, and the
emotional factor. Once I started reading it I
couldn’t put it down for a second! I hope Suzanne
Collins crafts another series of awesome books! |
Dick's Featured Review:
Louis L'Amour the author
For
a change of pace I am not going to review a
particular book this time, but rather, will
discuss the author Louis L’Amour and his prolific
literary endeavors. More than 100 books in print
and over 270 million copies of his books in
circulation world wide is indeed prolific. And, I
should add that more than 45 of his novels and
stories have been made into feature films and TV
movies. From the solo performance of John Wayne
in “Hondo”, (L’Amour’s first novel) to the
all-star cast that populated the epic tale of “How
The West Was Won”, Hollywood recognized the
popular appeal of L’Amour’s classic tales.
Leaving his home in Jamestown, North Dakota when
he was just 15, Louis began an odyssey of
discovery that helped to prepare him for his
writing career. He worked as a seaman,
lumberjack, cattle skinner and miner, as well as a
boxer, a journalist and lecturer. As a
professional boxer he won fifty-one out of
fifty-nine fights. Over the years, he developed a
large following for his stories written for
popular magazines. His first full-length novel,
“Hondo”, was written in 1953. And so it began.
His books and stories have been translated into
twenty languages.
I
have read all of his novels at least once, so I
consider myself a die-hard fan of L’Amour’s work.
As such I would urge anyone with the slightest bit
of interest in the western genre to give him a
try. My favorites among all his books are the 17
novels written about the fictional Sackett clan.
Starting with the clan founder in 17th
Century England (“Sackett's Land”) the saga follows
the Sacketts into the late 1800’s. A couple of
these novels have been made into movies.
In
1983 Louis L’Amour became the first novelist to
be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the
United States Congress in honor of his life’s
work. His memoir, “Education of a Wandering Man”
was a best seller. He died on June 10, 1988,
having left behind several unpublished works that
have since graced bookshelves around the world.
Try him & ENJOY! |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Step On A
Crack - James Patterson
His wife has terminal cancer, and he has TEN adopted kids who need his
attention. Does Detective Michael Bennett of the NYPD really need more on
his plate at this time? Well, he's got it, in the form of the biggest case he's
ever been involved in!
Dozens of America's wealthiest and most influential people have been taken
hostage in St. Patrick's Cathedral...and we find out quickly that the hostage- takers don't hesitate at murder to get what they want.
After days of negotiation without results, an agreement is finally reached and ransoms are paid. Despite armies of police and FBI, and with helicopters flying around overhead, the hostage-takers get away!
But this ending is just another beginning...
A sudden, rather unsatisfying wrap-up of the whole story does detract somewhat from the appreciation of this novel, but overall I recommend it as an exciting read.
James Patterson, in collaboration with Michael Ledwidge, author of "Before The Devil Knows You're Dead," has created a detective in the person of Michael Bennett that I will be happy to see again!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Capitol
Threat - William Bernhardt
Even after more than a dozen novels, featuring
Attorney Ben Kincaid, William Bernhardt has still
presented us with a fresh new look at this Oklahoma
attorney turned U.S. Senator.
Ben has been made interim U.S. Senator when the elected
senator from Oklahoma went home in disgrace. Now,
despite being the newest "boy on
the block," Ben has
been asked to advise the next Supreme Court nominee
during his confirmation hearings. Only one
problem; at the announcement of nomination, the judge "outed"
himself on national TV...and if that's not enough, at
the nominee's first photo op, a murdered woman is found
in the judge's back yard. Ben has his work cut out
for him!
Ben's investigator, Loving, has his own problems
investigating the woman's death.
Beaten from
pillar to post, stabbed & choked into unconsciousness,
he nevertheless does his usual sterling job.
Murder, prejudice, and dirty politics keep this novel
moving at a fast pace. As usual, plot twists are a
big part of a "whiz-bang" wrap-up
of this political
thriller.
William Bernhardt was himself a trial attorney. He
is the author of many novels including "Blind Justice,"
"Cruel Justice," and "Capitol Murder." He has
twice won the Oklahoma Book Award for Best Fiction. |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Cross - James
Patterson
Alex Cross is back in James Patterson's novel "Cross." At the urging of his family, psychologist Alex has left the FBI and started a private practice.
He does have the best of intentions, but for the activities of a paid assassin
who spends his free time as a vicious serial rapist. Alex's friend and former
police partner asks for his help to use his psychology/profiling expertise
to
get victims to reveal what they have been threatened
to keep secret. He agrees to assist and that
brings Alex face-to-face with a connection to the
unsolved murder of his wife years earlier.
This novel is not for the faint of heart because the
rapist/murderer, known as "The Butcher"
is not a nice
guy. Vicious, heartless, and completely without
pity, this killer uses a meat
saw and scalpel to satisfy
his bloodlust. So be warned!
Once again, Patterson proves he's one of the best at the
detective genre. A great plot and "can't lay it
down" progression make this a killer of a book.
It's a quick read with
Patterson's usual 3 page chapters
and compact writing style. In my opinion, it's a
MUST READ!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Thunder Bay
- William Kent Krueger
A St. Paul resident for the past 20 years, William Kent Krueger has written yet another stunning story featuring
one of my favorite characters, Cork O'Connor. This
is
number 7 in this fascinating series of action packed mysteries.
In this one, Cork has left his job as Sheriff in his
hometown in Northern
Minnesota and has set up business as a
private investigator. His first job
involves his
old friend and mentor, Henry Meloux, the Ojibwe Medicine
Man. In
his 90s now, a vision has brought Henry to
the belief that he has
a son, fathered
decades ago who
needs his help. Cork pledges himself to finding
the son and thus
begins this tale of lost love,
resentment, revenge, and murder.
Cork's investigation points to a wealthy
industrialist living in Thunder Bay, Ontario. But
getting to see the great man leads to
a murder attempt
on Henry. The story behind
Henry's long-ago
lost
love is one of greed and gold. Cork must hurry to
find who
and
what are behind the efforts to stop further
investigation, because not only is Henry in danger, but
his own life is also on
the line.
Side stories of friends and family round out a
really good story! Krueger has a real talent for
weaving family and friends into an otherwise
straightforward mystery. His first book, "Iron
Lake"
won the 1998 Anthony Award for Best First Novel.
He was also the winner of the 2004 Anthony Award for
Best Novel for "Blood Hollow" and also the same award
for
his 2005 book, "Mercy Falls."
|
Dick's Featured Book
Review --
Dakota Born -
Debbie Macomber
Looking
for an escape from a dying romance, Lindsay Snyder
travels to North Dakota for a visit to a dying town.
Buffalo Valley, North Dakota is indeed on
the verge of
extinction. Boarded-up stores and run-down houses
are evidence of the degree of dissolution that has taken
place in this farming community.
Long-ago memories of childhood visits to her
grandparents home in this small town convince Lindsay to
accept the vacant position of high school teacher
(graduating class of 4.) New to the town, and new
to teaching, she is nevertheless the cohesive force this
small town needs to live again. Pulling her life
together goes hand in hand with pulling the people of
this small
town together in a defiant effort to bring this town
back from the verge.
New love enters Lindsay's life in the person of Gage
Sinclair, a strong-willed, hard working farmer.
From their very first meeting, both feel the strong,
passionate connection that leads to wonderment and
confusion. Gage's passionate feeling for Lindsay
are at odds with his feeling that she, as a "big city
girl," is an outsider who could never accept his way of
life.
His reaction to every meeting with her is a
hilarious combination of deep need and love,
and fear
and indecision.
This is a wonderful story of relationships and
discovery, and the day-to-day struggles of a small town
to survive. Fortunately this is only the first of
three books given over to the tale
of this small town,
and the human spirit that keeps it alive.
Debbie Macomber is a multiple award winner, one of which
was the 2005 Quill Award for
the Best Romance.
There are over 60 million copies of her books in print.
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Duma Key - Stephen
King
Powerful, terrifying stories are Stephen King's
business, and "Duma Key" is no exception. This
tale of one man's struggle is King at his best. A
story that begins with loss, then discovery and
hope
eventually turns into something more. Something
more mysterious. Something more bizarre. Something more terrifying.
Edgar Fremantle loses his right arm in a terrible
construction accident. Then he loses his wife, and
almost his sanity. At his doctor's suggestion he
moves to a beautiful key off the coast of Florida, and
discovers his "gift." He can paint!
And what
paintings he creates!
Guided by his phantom right arm, his paintings have an
uncontrolled power of their own, and that
power affects
everything and everyone around Edgar. His
struggle
to control this power and discover its source leads us
from a sick old woman with a tragic past of her own, to
the
ghosts and goblins that haunt that past...and
that
now haunt the present.
Stephen King has written 40 novels and 200 short
stories, many
of which have been made into movies.
He lives in Bangor,
Maine with his wife, novelist Tabitha King. |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
7th Heaven -
James Patterson
The
Women's Murder Club is back on the case, rather two
cases, in James Patterson's 7th Heaven, written in
collaboration with Maxine Paetro.
The case of California's very own "Bubble Boy" is
reopened when an anonymous "witness" gives the police
additional information. Michael Campion, born with
an incurable heart condition had grown up in the public
eye, as son of a former California governor, and had
suddenly disappeared without a trace some months
previously. Detective Lindsey Boxer must now pick
up the threads of the case and hopefully discover what
happened to Michael.
As usual, the Women's Murder Club works in sync to bring
their varied expertise to bear on the case. And, a
rash of murderous home fires adds additional pressure on
Lindsey and
the Club. While resolution of both
cases calls for a good deal of insight and luck, one of
the major questions about the Campion case is wrapped up
in a sudden, rather absurd twist at the end.
James Patterson has been writing for over 30 years and
has more than 140 million copies
of his books in print.
This is the fifth Women's Murder Club book co-authored
by Maxine Paetro, a novelist and journalist.
I have no strong negative feelings about this novel, and I
am sure it will be a commercial success. However,
putting out a new novel every other month has got to
affect quality, and
I believe Patterson's first books
are much better than recent efforts.
Dick's Featured Book Review
--
The Mulligan -
Nathan Jorgenson
In
the game of golf, a Mulligan is a "do-over" for a poor
first shot. In the game of life, a Mulligan can be
a second chance to find the happiness and fulfillment
that was missed the first time around.
In Nathan Jorgenson's "The Mulligan," Joe Mix has lost
all hope of finding happiness in his marriage or
in his
successful business. Loading up his old pickup
truck with very little of his old life, Joe starts his
journey of discovery
and hope. And a wonderful
journey it is! It's full of great characters
and
wonderful, imaginative personalities.
After finding his traveling companion, Jake, a Labrador
pup, he joins a group of Montana cowboys to spend a
rejuvenating period of hard work and camaraderie that
begins to help him find that which had eluded him in his
"first shot."
Leaving his new found friends to continue his journey,
Joe meets Molly, a lovely young woman who works for
Marsh, an eccentric
old fellow who becomes a friend and
confidante. Slowly the self-doubts disappear and
something resembling happiness takes their place, and a
great story continues.
This is the second book by Jorgenson, who graduated from
Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. He also
wrote the highly acclaimed novel, "Waiting For The White
Horses." |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
L.A.
Outlaws - T. Jefferson Parker
"L.A.
Outlaws" by T. Jefferson Parker is a fast-paced, violent
story of a young woman's compulsive desire to steal the
best and let the world know about it. She means to
hurt no one, but often, the best intentions....
Suzanne Jones is an award-winning history teacher.
Allison Maurietta is a publicity-seeking, car-loving,
would-be "Robin Hood." They are one and the same.
Everything goes her way until she goes after a
half-million dollars in diamonds. Ten men are
murdered, and a killer is sent to get her and the
diamonds. Enter Deputy Charlie Hood (no relation
to Robin) who has painful secrets of his own to deal
with. A strong, passionate relationship develops
between Charlie and Suzanne. This relationship
puts a tremendous strain on Charlie's sense of
responsibility and honor. But despite this, and
the fact that she is being hunted by a vicious killer,
Suzanne/Allison stubbornly pursues her perceived fate.
Well-drawn characters and fast action make this a highly
entertaining novel. This is Parker's 15th novel.
He has received the Edgar Award for Best Novel for two
of his previous books. He lives with his family in
Southern California.
Dick's Featured Book Review --
From Hell To Midnight - Richard S. Wheeler
"From Hell To Midnight" by Richard S. Wheeler is the humorous tale of
gold, greed and the search for the true owner of the Alice Mine, once one of
the most profitable gold mines in Nevada. "Lucky" Haggerty left the mine to someone, but who? His three (or more) widows and one (or more)
mistress have spent seventeen years protecting their rights, but all have
failed to benefit from the fortune believed to lie within the mine.
Enter Hannibal Jones, the eccentric and famous
mining geologist who wishes only to find out just what
the Alice Mine holds. One of the people Hannibal
interviews is the beautiful Belle, Lucky's mistress of
many years. With this meeting, lust becomes a new
and important part of Hannibal's life. The three
widows and their children cause Hannibal no end of
trouble, but it's the ghost that haunts the mine that
poses the real danger. Despite several landslides
and other mysterious occurrences, Hannibal perseveres.
This is a fun tale, loaded with twists, turns, and
lusty humor. You have to read this novel to
understand and appreciate my final
word about it -- Woowoo!!
Richard S. Wheeler has authored more than 50
westerns and is Five-Time Winner of the "Golden Spur
Award" from the Western Writers of America. |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Simple
Genius - David Baldacci
"Simple
Genius" by David Baldacci brings back two exciting
characters we previously met in "Split Seconds" and
"Hour Games." Former Secret Service agents
Michelle Maxwell and Sean King are now private
investigators who find themselves with a murderous case
involving the CIA, FBI, and assorted mathematicians,
code breakers, and physicists. Add one small girl,
who is an extraordinary genius, and you have one thought
provoking, action-packed thriller!
Michelle has been hospitalized for an apparent suicide
attempt and Sean has accepted a job investigating the
murder of a scientist inside a top secret CIA compound.
Things go slowly until Michelle, still fighting her own
demons, finally joins Sean in his quest for
answers --
answers that may well spell their own demise.
Then, like a jigsaw puzzle
coming together, the picture
becomes clearer and clearer. Secret codes and a
small girl's extraordinary gifts are the keys to
this investigation, and it soon becomes apparent that
the little girl's survival is also at risk.
Murder, conspiracy, secrecy, and betrayal fuel this
thriller and make for a truly rewarding read.
David Baldacci has authored 12 previous New York Times
Best Sellers. His books have been published in
more than 40 languages, in more than 80 countries.
He has nearly 55 million copies of his books in print
globally.
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Sail - James Patterson & Howard Roughan
I
have previously expressed my opinion that James
Patterson's collaborative novels with various other
authors have been below par when compared with his solo
efforts. "Sail" by James Patterson and Howard
Roughan is an exception. Interesting characters,
interesting plot twists make this a really good read.
Katherine Dunne's husband died four years ago, and her
family has drifted apart since then. Hoping to
bring them together once again, a sailing vacation is
arranged. Katherine's new husband, Attorney Peter
Carlyle has trial obligations and is unable to join
them. Daughter Carrie, sons Mark and Ernie, and
Katherine together with Jake Dunne, her former
brother-in-law, acting as captain, set off on the family
yacht. Almost immediately, near disaster hits the
family, and with more catastrophe following, it becomes
clear that someone doesn't want the family to make it
back home.
A mysterious stranger, a dedicated DEA agent, and a
philandering husband and his girlfriend make a cast of
characters that keeps the story moving at a fast
pace...and the sudden plot twists add a good deal of
surprise. This is a novel well worth a night or
two of reading. |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Phantom Prey
- John Sandford
John
Sandford has written a very special tale of malice,
mystery, and murder. "Phantom Prey" is a
fascinating story that will hold your interest to the
very last sentence. It's a tale that is heavy with
deceit, deception, and delusion. This is the
eighteenth novel in the "Prey" series, and once again we
are treated to the talents of detective Lucas Davenport.
Lucas has been convinced by his wife, Weather, to
investigate the disappearance of a widowed friend's
daughter. The girl has been running with a
questionable group who have an unhealthy attraction to
death. One after another, several members of this
group are murdered in a horrible manner. After the
second murder, Lucas sets aside his early reluctance and
gets the investigation going in earnest.
Apparently this active interest frightens someone, for
Lucas is shot in an alley and is seriously wounded.
The usual suspects in this tale are a large step above
the usual "usual suspects." This is
the aspect of
this story that puts it in a category by itself.
You will have to read the book to know what I mean!
But, I will guarantee that the time will be well spent.
John Sandford is a very talented, prolific author from
Minnesota.
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Resolution -
Robert B. Parker
"Resolution"
by Robert B. Parker is another exciting Western by an
author
who is usually recognized for
his detective
stories; specifically his great novels about private eye
Spenser. He does do a sterling
job with the
Western genre, and "Resolution" is no
exception.
Here's a fascinating
follow-up story to
the blood and
gore confrontation in "Appaloosa."
Our heroes?
Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole once again find themselves
drawing their guns with intent to kill.
"I cocked both barrels, the sound of them cocking was
very loud
in the room. Virgil Cole always used to
say, 'You gotta kill someone, do it quick. Don't
look like you got pushed
into it.
Look like you
couldn't wait to do it. Sometimes you got to kill
one person early to save killing four or five later.'"
With this philosophy we know what to expect from this
story. And we get
it!!
The theme of cleaning up a rotten town is as old as the
Western genre itself. Here we
have the mining king
opposing a
murderous saloon owner, both fighting to
control the
town and
the surrounding ranches. It's
how Parker tells this story that
makes it stand out.
His characterizations are fascinating, and
the two
protagonists make one wonder where
the line is between
the law-keeper and law-breaker.
Bostonian Parker has written over 50 well-received
novels. |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Red Knife
- William Kent Krueger
William
Kent Krueger's latest novel, "Red Knife" is another Cork
O'Conner tale giving as yet another exciting case, this
time involving a racial gang war on the Ojibwe
Reservation in Northern Minnesota. Half Ojibwe and
half white, Private Eye O'Conner is caught in the middle
of this bloody confrontation. A confrontation that
threatens to destroy lives as well as relationships.
A powerful, vindictive businessman vows revenge for the
drug death of his daughter. He blames the Red Boyz,
a gang of Ojibwe youths accused of supplying the deadly
drugs. The head of their gang and his wife are
murdered. This sets the stage for the terrible
violence that follows. It's war, white against
red.
Cork is hired to get at the truth behind the murders.
As a former sheriff in the county, both sides approve of
Cork's mission. Violence is soon met with more
violence, and a pattern is set that leads Cork to
believe that sometimes violence is the only
response to evil. Believe me, this tale is bloody
and violent, with an ending that is right out of the
recent newspaper headlines.
William Kent Krueger is a St. Paul, Minnesota resident
and has written seven other Cork O'Conner novels and all
have been well received. This one too, is a
winner!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
The Shop On Blossom Street - Debbie Macomber
"The
Shop On Blossom Street" by Debbie Macomber is another
great read by an author who specializes in feel-good
stories. This one brings us four disparate
individuals who are brought together by a growing
interest in the old craft of knitting. Each of the
four has her own unique story and her own set of
interests, desires, and problems. But in the end
they find their commonality of interest in knitting
bringing them closer to happiness in their private
lives.
Lydia Hoffman, living with the constant fear of yet
another recurrence of cancer, has opened a yarn shop on
Blossom Street. A beginner's knitting class brings her
three women who have only their interest in this class
in common. Jacqueline Donovan is a bitter,
snobbish, society matron who has joined the "How To Make
A Baby Blanket" class to make something for her expected
grandchild, despite her excessive aversion to her
daughter-in-law. Carol Girard, whose life has been
driven by a terrible obsession with giving birth, feels
this class is a sign that her last attempt at conception
will be successful. And finally, Alex Townsend, a
young woman with a rather checkered past, who has joined
the group to pay a court-ordered debt to society.
Each of these women find their daily lives becoming more
and more entwined with each other. Friendship
begets friendship. This story is one of hope and
discovery. And, as with Macomber's "Dakota"
series, this book is followed by two more books that
carry on the story: "A Good Yarn" and "Back
On Blossom
Street." Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Famous Crimes - Stories of Law & Order in
Minnesota - Sheri O'Meara and Merle Minda
"Famous Crimes -- Stories of
Law & Order in Minnesota" by Sheri O'Meara and
Merle Minda is an interesting compilation of
criminal events that were front page news in
Minnesota over the past many decades. Rare
photos and interviews with victims and
eyewitnesses add substance to the newspaper
accounts that brought public awareness of the
events.
"Of all the Midwest Cities, the one I knew best
was St. Paul, and it was a crook's haven.
Every criminal of any importance in the 1930s made
his home at one time or another in St. Paul." So
said Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, a public enemy #1 in
that time period. St. Paul played host to
them all -- John Dillinger, Alvin Karpis, Ma
Barker, Baby Face Nelson, and others who made the
headlines across the country. Chapter 1 of
this book is a synopsis of the history of crime
and criminals in Minnesota from the early 1900s to
the present day with a fascinating account of a
long-time police chief who welcomed criminals to
St. Paul, as long as they committed no crimes
within the city limits. His wife ran a local
bordello.
The bulk of this book is dedicated to famous
headline cases such as the murder of Carol
Thompson, and subsequent conviction of her
husband, T. Eugene Thompson, and the kidnapping of
Virginia Piper.
The book is just one of the "Minnesota Series"
which includes "Storms," "Music Legends," "Media
Tales," and "Storms 2." New titles will be
published about every 4 months.
Dick's Featured Book Review -- Heat Lightning - John
Sandford
In "Heat Lightning" by John
Sandford, we meet up once again with Virgil
Flowers of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension, who was introduced in "Dark Of The
Moon." He is still an interesting character
with
his very own idiosyncrasies. As Lucas
Davenport's protege, he also has plenty of
potential power to back him up. In this
case, Flowers needs all the power he can muster to
find the killers of several men whose history
together goes back to the Vietnam War period.
It all begins with the discovery of a body at a
Vietnam Memorial in Stillwater. A week
before a body was found in New Ulm, also at a
Vietnam Memorial. Both men had been shot
twice in the head and each had a lemon in his
mouth. It is a convoluted story
involving
Indians, Vietnamese, Chinese, the CIA, FBI, and
all the other alphabet
agencies. But Virgil
persists because as he states, "These things have
a rhythm, you
get something going -- it's like a
plot in a novel. You start out with an
incident, a killing,
and then there are millions
of possibilities, and you start eliminating the
possibilities.
Pretty soon, you can see the
line of the story and you can feel the climax
coming." And believe me, the climax to this
story is a pip!
Another good read by a really talented writer.
And, of course, he lives in Minnesota.
Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Book Review -
Cross
Country - James Patterson
"Cross Country" is one of the
most horrific tales James Patterson has written to
date. From cover to cover it is a story of
brutality and butchery. Detective Alex Cross
has a very personal connection to the story where
he finds a friend and her family slaughtered in
their D.C. home. This killing is so barbaric
that Alex vows to bring this killer to justice no
matter where the trail takes him.
And the trail takes Alex to Africa when he
discovers that the killer, known as The Tiger, has
taken a gang of teenage killers to Nigeria.
Alex soon discovers a world far more horrible than
he had ever experienced before. This is a
world where injustice and death are not unusual,
but expected. Threats to his life and
physical violence become daily occurrences as he
seeks out The Tiger. Aided by an old man and
a beautiful journalist, Alex tenaciously sticks to
the trail. But uncooperative officials and a
threatened civil war force Alex back home, only to
find that The Tiger is hunting him and his
family!
A good story, but one of excessive violence and
barbarity in my opinion. And, of course, I
must comment once again on Patterson's unusual
style of putting 158 chapters in 406 pages.
But, enjoy!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
The Escape -
Robert Tanenbaum
"The Escape"
by Robert Tanenbaum is another well written,
suspenseful novel starring Butch Karp and his
wife, Marlene Ciampi. This is a fast-moving tale
of taking us from courtrooms to back alleys and
from a cool, collected legal process to fierce,
bloodletting terror, while seemingly worlds apart,
both situations have much in common.
Karp, a District Attorney for New York, is
prosecuting Jessica Campbell, a college professor
who killed her three children - claiming that "God
told her to send them to Him to save them from
Satan." While Jessica's lawyer wants the jury to
believe she was unaware of what she was doing and
was influenced by hallucinations, Karp must prove
that legally she was aware of the nature
and consequences of her actions.
While Karp is fighting his battle in the
courtroom, a terrorist called "The Sheik" is
planning a massive attack on Wall Street, hoping
to destroy the economy of the United States and
the world. With the help of a disparate group of
"irregulars," Marlene Ciampi and her daughter
Lucy, fight against time and an organized group of
terrorists in an effort to stop The Sheik's plan.
Tanenbaum writes fast-paced, action-packed novels
that are thought provoking and "present day." He
is a respected and successful trial lawyer and has
also been Homicide Bureau Chief for the New York
District Attorney's Office. He has written
eighteen best-selling novels. Well worth
reading! Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Stranger In Paradise - Robert B. Parker
Jesse Stone,
police chief in Paradise, Massachusetts, is back
again in Robert B. Parker's fast action novel
"Stranger In Paradise." He still has his problems
with alcohol and women, particularly his ex-wife,
Jenn. Now his problems are multiplied by once
again facing off with Wilson "Crow" Cromartie, the
Apache killer who escaped ten years before, after
pulling off the biggest robbery in Paradise
history.
Crow approaches Jesse to ask that he stay out of
Crow's way until he completes another job. This
time it involves finding a young girl, Amber
Francisco, and returning her to her father,
Louis. Why would Jesse do this? He finds that
lack of evidence of murder in their first meeting,
and the statutes of limitation on lesser charges
make prosecution questionable. He agrees to stay
out of the way, but he vows to watch and wait in
hopes of putting together a case against Crow.
The apparently simple job turns sour when Amber's
father orders Crow to kill Amber's mother after
both are found. Crow does not kill
women!! As a result, Jesse is called upon to
provide for Amber's safety while Crow attempts to
resolve a dilemma that soon involves a murderous
Latino gang, who are willing to kill women, and
mobster Louis' people who are willing to kill
Crow.
A good story that is enhanced by the fascinating
relationship between Jesse and his ex-wife. A
quick read, well worth a few hours of your time.
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Wicked Prey -
John Sandford
"Wicked
Prey" by John Sandford is yet another fascinating
story by one of my favorite authors. His
characters are real, with all the faults and
failings that that entails. The story is
up-to-date, and what I particularly enjoy, is that
the locale is familiar - the Twin Cities of
Minneapolis & St. Paul. The Republican National
Convention is the draw for all the action in this
tale. Money is the catalyst that binds the
characters together. LOTS of money!
A crew of
professional stick-up artists, with a penchant for
violence, has been drawn to the Twin Cities by all
that money. Political money men with large
amounts of cash, and hotels with vaults stuffed
with Conventioners' valuables are the targets. As
if this is not enough, Lucas Davenport finds that
something much more personal will demand his
attention.
A psychotic pimp in a wheelchair, who feels Lucas
is the source of all his misery, wants revenge.
But, just killing Lucas is not enough, he wants
him to suffer first. So he has targeted Lucas'
fourteen year old adopted daughter, Letty. Little
does the pimp know how much trouble that decision
will cost him.
Full of down to earth dialogue, great characters,
plenty of suspense and plot twists, "Wicked Prey"
is Sandford at his best.
John Sandford has written nineteen "Prey" novels,
as well as eight other books. |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Monkeewrench -
P.J. Tracy
A
fascinating tale with a very unique premise, makes
"Monkeewrench" a highly readable first novel by
P.J. Tracy. A well thought out plot with
unexpected twists kept this reader on edge. Some
great characters with entertaining personalities
add a surprising level of humor to the story. As
with tales by John Sandford, this story is set in
Minneapolis.
Grace McBride and her four gamer partners have
come up with a real computer game winner.
Unfortunately, 2 murders have occurred that
exactly mimic the scenarios in their new game.
With 18 more possible murders outlined in their
game, it soon becomes imperative that they notify
the police, even though they fear that such action
will bring to light a past that they had hoped
would never be revealed.
There are several back stories and sub-plots to
this tale that keep the readers on their toes.
Nothing is certain, as the story twists and turns
to a very surprising ending. I found this to be a
very fun, surprising, and suspenseful novel. Well
worth a couple of evenings of enjoyable reading!
This is the first novel by the mother and daughter
writing team of P.J. and Traci Lambrecht, using
the pseudonym, P.J. Tracy. Enjoy!!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Rough
Country - John Sandford
In
"Rough Country" by John Sandford, we are
once again given a super tale of murder, mystery,
and Virgil Flowers. Virgil is his usual
brilliant self, with great instincts and the
ability to draw people out. And, with 3 (or
more?) ex wives, Virgil still has a way with the
ladies, even those with "alternate" sexual
inclinations. Sandford brings all of his
talents to bear and gives us another suspenseful,
well-plotted, action-packed tale that makes for a
wonderful read.
Lucas Davenport, head of the Minnesota Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension has pulled Virgil away
from a long-awaited fishing tournament in Northern
Minnesota to investigate the murder of a woman at
a nearby resort. The resort has, over time,
become known as a place for women with "alternate"
lifestyles. This may complicate things fro
Virgil, but it certainly doesn't stop him from
discovering the connections between the resort,
its clients, and the victim. Soon he
discovers that a murder in Iowa two years earlier
may actually be tied to the current one...and
other murders may well soon follow.
A talented country singer and an obsessed father
with a mysterious son are just a couple of the
characters that people this story of lust,
jealousy, and greed. It is the brilliant way
Sandford brings all these characters and
attributed together in a flowing stream of
wonderful prose that makes Sandford the number one
author that he is. Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Heaven's Keep - William Kent Krueger
"Heaven's
Keep" by William Kent Krueger is a winner! A fast
paced story with everything one could ask for in a
mystery story. It is another Cork O'Connor tale
that will keep you fascinated to the very last
page. This time, the story is a very personal one
that involves the disappearance of Cork's wife,
Jo. All signs are that Jo is dead, lost when a
chartered plane she was on came up missing during
a flight to Wyoming. But, is she dead?
Six months after the disappearance, and the
resulting futile massive search, Cork received
information that indicates things were not as they
appeared at the time. The pilot may not have been
who he claimed to be. Though not much to go on,
as they say, "hope springs eternal," and hope is
what Cork needed to find. With the new
information, Corks starts an investigation that
begins in Wyoming on the northern Arapaho Indian
Reservation.
With the help of friends, but with the
interference of local authorities, Cork faces not
only the hostility of the Indian community, which
has its personal concerns, but also several
assassination attempts. Of course, big money
plays a significant part in this mystery. Greed
runs deep in the core of all that happens. But
Cork's motivation never waivers; the slim, but
real hope that despite all odds, the end of the
trail will find his Jo alive.
With eight previous Cork O'Connor books, William
Kent Krueger has given us yet another winner! He
is another award winning author from Minnesota,
who lives in St. Paul. Enjoy!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Scarpetta -
Patricia Cornwell
"Scarpetta"
by Patricia Cornwell is another well-written,
well-charactered novel by an author I had not read
in a long time. Why is that?? The books I read
years ago were very good, interesting books that
left me with good feelings about the author and
the novel. I just went in other directions with
my reading? I don't know, but I realize now that
I have missed a lot of good reading. I bring this
up because while reading this novel, I recognized
that I have missed of lot of character history.
It took me well into the book before I could
really get a handle on much of the relationships
and motivations of the family of characters. To
me these things are very important to the
appreciation of the story. Well, enough of my
wanderings, just let it be said that I shall keep
better track of Scarpetta and her family of
characters in the future.
In this book, Kay Scarpetta has left her private
forensic pathology practice in South Carolina to
answer a request to use her skills in New York
City. A woman has been savagely slain and an
injured man is being held in a psychiatric ward at
Bellevue Hospital. He tells Kay a fantastic story
of being followed and spied upon by some unknown
person, or persons. His injuries, he claims, were
made again, by an unknown assailant or assailants
at the murder site. His paranoid tale gets more
and more fantastic. Is there any truth in what he
says, or is it just an inept cover-up for murder?
Scarpetta becomes more closely tied to this case
when it is revealed that the murdered woman has
been involved with an underground internet gossip
column that has been used to assassinate
Scarpetta's character and reputation...and more
murders follow.
This tale of murder, paranoia, and deception
follows a twisted trail that ends with enough
twists to satisfy even the most jaded mystery
fan. I did feel a bit overwhelmed by the vast
amount of technical information that's thrown at
us throughout the story, but what the heck, it's
still a stellar Scarpetta story! Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
A Thousand
Bones - P.J. Parrish
"A
Thousand Bones" by P.J. Parrish is a stunning,
suspenseful thriller that leaves one exhausted,
yet ready for more. This is my first read of
P.J. Parrish and I shall definitely read others!
This one starts slowly and builds nicely with
plenty of suspense and shock. It leaves you
with the ethical question, how far can one go in
making sure that a rabid killer will kill no more?
Joe Frye, Miami P.D.'s only female detective is
haunted by this question as she looks back to when
she was a rookie cop in a small town in Michigan
called Echo Bay. It all started with a
couple of boys finding a human bone while tramping
through the woods. Soon more bones are
found, along with small carvings, identified as
Ojibwa moon signs. Ancient Ojibwa legends of
forest dwelling beasts who eat their victims are
brought forward, but it's soon realized the person
doing the killing is a human beast...more fearsome
than anything else. As more and more
bones are discovered, more and more pieces of
evidence are found that finally lead to a suspect.
A tragic encounter in the woods leaves the small,
local law enforcement agency decimated, and leaves
Joe Frye badly injured -- and so goes the story.
This is well written and well worth a couple of
evenings of good reading. The story lets the
reader decide the ethics of the ending.
P.J. Parrish is another collaborative pseudonym
for two sisters, Kristy Moutec and Kelly Nichols.
Enjoy!
Dick's Featured Book Review --
The
Scarecrow - Michael Connelly
In
"The Scarecrow" by Michael Connelly, we once again
meet journalist and crime writer, Jack McEvoy.
Jack was the protagonist in Connelly's earlier
novel, "The Poet." Despite being the golden boy
for several years because of his actions in
bringing The Poet to justice and his award winning
book which chronicled the story, Jack is now
learning that fame can be fleeting. He is about
to join the ranks of the unemployed, as his paper,
The Los Angeles Times, is downsizing and he is one
of the targets. Despite the usual practice of
immediately removing the chosen subject of
removing the chosen subject from the premises,
Jack has been given 2 weeks notice and he has
decided to make full use of that time to come up
with the quintessential murder story.
Jack decides to center his investigation of a
young, confessed killer on the societal influences
and indifference that were the basis for his
action. But Jack soon discovers that the
confession was no confession at all, and he finds
evidence that an earlier killing in Las Vegas has
all the trademarks of the recent murder. It's
almost as if someone had very explicit
requirements for the victims.
Slowly Jack becomes aware that someone knows his
every move. And, indeed, this "someone" is well
aware of any move against him. This is The
Scarecrow, who is in a position to monitor
movements and activities of almost anyone he
wishes, and God help anyone who crosses him! And
now that he's on to Jack's investigation, bad
things begin to happen to Jack.
With the help of FBI agent, and former lover,
Rachel Walling, Jack seeks out the mysterious
Scarecrow. Murder follows murder, and the ending,
though horrific, is certainly appropriate.
Michael Connelly has written a number of #1 best
sellers, including "The Brass Verdict" and "The
Lincoln Lawyer." I particularly like his series
of Harry Bosch novels. Connelly is a former
journalist himself. As an aside, his Harry Bosch
character is the inspiration for "Dirty Harry" of
movie fame. Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Book Review --
Deadly Night
- Heather Graham
Heather
Graham's novel "Deadly Night" is the first of a
trilogy of stories featuring the Flynn brothers;
three brothers, each with law enforcement
backgrounds, who now run a private detective
agency. Now, throw in a young woman who has
visions and sees the dead, and we have a chilling
tale that includes not only ghosts, but a serial
killer who preys on young women.
The Flynn brothers have inherited a southern
plantation complete with Manor House, slave
quarters, and ghosts. Yes, this place is haunted
by a "Woman in White" who is thought to be part of
the plantation's dark history. Eldest brother,
Aidan, finds human bones on the property and
begins an investigation that soon leads to the
startling conclusion that a serial killer may have
been doing his heinous work in the area for a long
time. Kendall Montgomery, who had been caring for
the previous owner, joins Aidan in his search and
both find themselves in danger.
Aidan may not, at first, believe in ghosts, but
Kendall has long had experiences that make her a
firm believer in the supernatural. She is
convinced that the plantation's dark past is
pushing them toward a solution to the horrific
doings in the present. All comes together in a
chilling conclusion in a dark, dank mausoleum in
the Flynn family cemetery.
Heather Graham has written more than one hundred
novels, and this one is a winner! Enjoy!
Dick's Featured Book Review -
Alex
Cross's Trial - James Patterson
|
"Alex
Cross's Trial" is yet another novel by James
Patterson, this one in collaboration with Richard
Dilallo (his first.) I find myself unable not to
comment on the number and frequency of novels
written by James Patterson in collaboration with
many other writers. Certainly makes it appear to
be a very prolific situation. Oh well, perhaps,
this is really just a very novel situation (pun
intended!) In this story, Alex Cross's ancestors
play major roles. We are taken back to the early
20th century and brought face to face with the
horrific acts brought about by rampant racial
prejudice.
President Theodore Roosevelt has chosen
tough-minded Washington lawyer, Ben Corbett, to
take on a dangerous task back in his own hometown
of Eudora, Mississippi, which is also home to a
terrifying, hate-filled Ku Klux Klan. Ben is sent
to investigate rumors of lynchings in the black
quarter of Eudora. His contacts in the area are
Alex Cross's great uncle, Abraham Cross, and his
daughter, Moody. Survival has become a challenge
for both of them and their assistance becomes
invaluable to Ben, who soon finds himself in a
personal battle for survival. After terrible
losses to both sides in this reign of terror,
three of the Klansmen are brought to trial and we
find that the battle against terrorism has just
begun.
Interesting story, with interesting characters
makes for a good evening of reading. Enjoy!
|
Dick's Featured Book Review:
9 Dragons - Michael
Connelly
If you have read Michael
Connelly before, you have probably enjoyed Harry
Bosch, his main man, in numerous earlier books.
Harry is back again in "9 Dragons", and he is
still the hard-driving, violent, sometimes
vicious, upholder of the law that he has shown
himself to be in the past. But, hang on to your
hats, because Harry's daughter has been kidnapped,
and not even the law can get in the way of Harry's
efforts to get her back. Violence becomes rampant
as Harry follows tenaciously a trail of blood
leading to his daughter's kidnappers.
It all
starts when John Li, a small liquor store owner,
know to Harry for years, is murdered. Harry
brings in the Asian gang unit to assist in
understanding not only the language of the area,
but the influences facing the small business
owners by the Hong Kong Triad, a murderous crime
ring that holds lethal sway over local
immigrants. But their threat is not just local,
as Harry is contacted and informed that his
daughter is in their hands, in Hong Kong, and he
must stop his investigation or she will be
killed. With time running out Harry travels to a
place in Hong Kong known as 9 Dragons, and in a
desperate, kill or be killed effort, Harry drives
the search into the Triad's territory.
This is a
super tale with plenty of twists, plenty of
excitement, a bit too much violence, but a real
surprise ending worthy of a great story. I think
you will enjoy! |
Dick's
Featured Book Review:
A
Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart
Yet
another brilliant courtroom thriller by one of the
very best at the genre. Precise and compelling
prose that offers us the dark side of law and
order. A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart
exposes us to the reality of political influence
and unethical behavior. It is a fascinating tale
of multiple murder which is resolved only after
laying open the many lies and secrets that hide
the truth.
Dylan Vogler,
manager of a popular coffee house in San Francisco
is killed behind his shop. The knapsack he is
carrying contains a large amount of quality
marijuana. It appears that coffee may not have
been the only thing that brought San Francisco's
elite to the coffee shop.
Maya
Townshend, the actual owner of the coffee shop
comes under suspicion in this murder when yet
another past acquaintance of hers is also found
murdered soon after. None but the very best will
do to defend the niece of the mayor, so Dismas
Hardy is called in for the job. It soon becomes
clear to Dismas that Maya is hiding information
critical to her defense. It's obvious she was
fully aware of Vogler's side job as a drug dealer,
but did nothing & paid Vogler more than the going
rate for a coffee house manager. Why?? The answer
to this question may be the answer to her defense.
Fast moving
outside the courtroom, and just as fast and
interesting as in the courtroom, this tale keeps
up the pace from beginning to end. Well
worth the read, enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Book Review:
The Reversal - Michael
Connelly
Michael
Connelly has written another page turner with "The
Reversal". He brings together again attorney
Mickey Haller and LAPD detective Harry Bosch (of
Dirty Harry Fame). They are joining forces
against a sadistic killer. We last saw them
in Connelly's best seller "The Brass Verdict".
Mickey was a defense attorney in that novel and
actually he has always been for the defense.
But NOT in this one!
Twenty four years ago, Jason
Jessup was tried and convicted of killing a young
girl. Because of some new DNA information,
Jessup has been released pending a decision to
dismiss all charges, or retry the case. The
DA's office has no intention to dismiss, despite
the daunting DNA evidence, for political reasons,
as well as strategic purposes. The DA's
office feels it is imperative that this case be
seen as being completely fair and untainted.
Therefore they have decided to get an outsider, an
independent, to run the people's case.
Despite, or rather because of his well known, and
staunch advocacy for the defense, Mickey Haller
has been asked to try the case. For personal
reasons, and because of his firm belief in
Jessup's guilt, he accepts.
Haller and his investigator
Bosch are faced with a headline seeking defense
attorney who pulls out all the stops to make a
sow's ear look like a silk purse. But the
public views of Jessup and his case as presented
by his lawyer have little to do with what's going
on behind the scenes. Night time visits to
suspect locations by a killer like Jessup may mean
that he has a deadly agenda in mind for the near
future.
This is a good story with
twists and turns that make what could have been a
pretty boring courtroom case into a all out poser,
with enough action to hold your attention to the
very end, and it has a real bonus ending to the
story. Enjoy!
Dick's Featured Book Review:
Private
by James Patterson
This
is a powerful story of a powerful, global private
investigation firm. "Private" by James Patterson
is a fast moving, multi-layered tale of secrecy,
deceit, loyalty...and murder! Relying heavily on
his crack crew of investigators, Jack Morgan,
deals daily with some of the most important and
influential men and women in the world. He also
deals with personal problems including wartime
flashbacks, a despondent lover, and a brother who
hates him.
Jack has a lot on his plate in this story,
including the investigation into a multi-million
dollar National Football League gambling scandal.
At the same time, Jack and his crew are working
closely with the police to solve the murders of
thirteen teenaged girls. Then comes a crushing
personal blow...when he learns a former lover and
wife of his best friend have been killed.
Together these cases put the test to this most powerful
investigation firm and the most advanced forensic
tools available.
One by one these cases are investigated with
vigor, but not necessarily by the rules. One
surprise follows another as each case brings its
own problems to the fore. And, of course, Jack's
own personal problems overshadow much of the
action -- from early morning phone calls stating
"You're Dead!" -- to violent dreams that may have
a secret message for Jack.
A good story with a satisfying wrap-up. Enjoy! |
Dick's Featured Book Review:
Minding Frankie by
Maeve Binchy
Another
feel good story by one of my favorite feel good
authors, “Minding Frankie” by Maeve Binchy is a
wonderful take on a young mans challenge to raise
an infant who may not be his. A loner, alcoholic
without much future, it is evident that Noel
Lynch will not succeed without plenty of help.
Like the Phoenix, rising from the ashes of his
former dissolute life, Noel strives to reform
himself into a caring, loving father.
The help he needs
comes from a neighborhood of friends and family
who become a “baby patrol” to care for Frankie
while Noel works and studies for a degree that
will hopefully help him to become the man he feels
he needs to be. Lisa, who loves Anton, moves in
with Noel to care for Frankie, and study for her
own degree. His cousin Emily, who recently
arrived from the U.S. soon becomes an advisor &
confidante to half the people in the neighborhood
and guides Noel through his trying times. These
and others in the “baby patrol” all develop a love
for Frankie and a growing trust in Noel.
But all good
stories like this one have to provide a counterpoint to all the feel good goings on. This is
provided by go-by-the-book social worker Moira.
The unconventional baby patrol doesn’t please
Moira, nor does she believe a confirmed alcoholic
can stand up to the obvious pressures on him.
To her the
child would be better off in a foster home. It’s
up to Noel to prove she’s wrong. Good story, good
read. Enjoy!
Dick's Featured Book Review:
Buried Prey
by John Sandford
"Buried
Prey" by John Sandford is a showcase for the
author's fantastic story telling abilities.
Sandford has a unique ability to build a solid
story plot step by step and to flesh out
characters in such a way that we can believe we
know them for what they are. But this story
gives us further insight into the main character,
Lucas Davenport. We've known Davenport quite
well from numerous other "Prey" books, but his
inner struggles in this tale further define the
Davenport we thought we knew.
The story opens
with a horrible discovery in a construction site
in downtown Minneapolis. The bodies of two
small girls are unearthed and Davenport, head
investigator for the Bureau of Criminal
Apprehension, knows with certainty, upon seeing
the bodies, who they are. With this
introduction we move to the back-story.
Twenty five years
earlier, Davenport was a young, ambitious cop
hoping to move out of patrol and work into the
more challenging and glamorous duties of a
detective. Two young girls were kidnapped
and never found, despite massive efforts to find
them. Davenport was immersed in the search
and was not convinced that the schizophrenic
vagrant who was accused of the crime was actually
guilty. He was following other leads, with
another suspect, when the vagrant was killed.
His guilt was officially accepted and the case was
closed.
Now with the
discovery of the girl's bodies, Davenport breathes
new life into a case that he felt he should have
followed further twenty five years before. A
fascinating combination of careful planning,
inspiration and perspiration, as well as just
plain luck, leads Lucas closer to the killer.
But, the murder of a close friend of Lucas' turns
the investigation into what his family and friends
fear could be a career ending vendetta.
No surprise
ending here, just a satisfying finish to a super
story. Enjoy!
|
|
Home | Contact Us
| Sponsors | Terms of
Service |
Site Map • |