2011 Book Reports and Update

 

Shock Wave by John Sandford

Another great Virgil Flowers story. Virgil is sent to defuse an exploding situation in southeastern Minnesota. Literally, bombs are going off daily as a bomber tries to stop a super store from coming to this small town.  Virgil is brought in to stop the bomber from lighting another fuse.

A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg

What started as a recipe and story blog, Orangette, turns into a book that is entertaining and fun to read. Molly takes us from her childhood memories to present day life through food. 

V is for Vengence by Sue Grafton

A slow spin for Ms. Grafton and at times a bit of a sluggish read.  But, if you're a Grafton fan and are following her ABS series you'll want to read the antics Kinsey gets herself into next.

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

A Christmas season does not go by without me reading Winter Solstice. I love this story of compassion, loss and friendship.  Five people unexpectedly coming together, supporting one another and creating a wonderful holiday in snowy northern Scotland. 

I Am Half-Sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley

It's Christmastime and a film crew has arrived at Flavia's home estate to film a movie. When the plot turns from fiction to fact, Flavia de Luce isn't far behind to root out the murderer. This eleven year old sleuth will have you laughing out loud, wishing to know her better and sad when the last page is read.

The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston

A novel in pictures. Ms. Preston uses vintage memorabilia cut outs to tell a story about a woman in the 1920's. This easy read book is fun, different and will have you turning the pages quickly to see what Frankie will get herself into next.

That's it for my 2011 Book Reports

I read 58 books this year

AND

now, that I was given a Kindle for my birthday, I'll have to see if I read more or fewer books for 2012. I've noticed since I started Attic Whispers and writing myself,  I've read fewer books.  I should (if I believed in the word should) be reading more to see how the craft is done by the experts.  

If you could.......

If you could live in a book, which book would you love to live within?

For me, it's hands down Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher written in 2000.  As one book reviewer wrote: A story of 5 very different people by happenstance ending up in northern Scotland during the Christmas season. I've read this book every year during Christmas and when I've finished I dream of being in northern Scotland during Christmas and these are my dearest and closest friends.

Elfrida Phipps, once of London's stage, moved to the English village of Dibton in hopes of making a new life for herself. Gradually she settled into the comfortable familiarity of village life — shopkeepers knowing her tastes, neighbors calling her by name — still she finds herself lonely. She's the auntie that gives you huge hugs, never judges and opens her heart fully to those she loves.

Oscar Blundell gave up his life as a musician in order to marry Gloria. They have a beautiful daughter, Francesca, and it is only because of their little girl that Oscar views his sacrificed career as worthwhile.

A quiet, kind and thoughtful man who leans on Elfrida to get through a tragic event.

Carrie returns from Australia at the end of an ill-fated affair with a married man to find her mother and sister sharing a home and squabbling endlessly. With Christmas approaching, Carrie agrees to look after her sister's awkward and quiet teenage daughter, Lucy, so that her mother might enjoy a romantic fling in America. Carrie is always there when Lucy needs her and she needs her now. Carrie is a beautiful woman, at loose ends herself and needs a huge hug from her great aunt, Elfrida.

Sam Howard is trying to pull his life back together after his wife has left him for another. He is without home and without roots, all he has is his job. Business takes him to northern Scotland, where he falls in love with the lush, craggy landscape and set his sights on a house.

A strange twist of faith lands Sam on Elfrida and Oscars door step on a cold and snowy night.

It is the strange rippling effects of a tragedy that will bring these five characters together in a large, neglected estate house near the Scottish fishing town of Creagan.  It is in this house, on the shortest day of the year, that the lives of five people will come together and be forever changed. Winter Solstice is a novel of love, loyalty and rebirth.

Recent Reads Book Reports

Betrayal of Trust by J.A Jance

J.P. Beaumont and his wife, Mel, are called in to investigate Washington's governor's family involving a murder, teens and mayhem. It's nice to see J.P. back in print.

Killing the Blues by Michael Brandman

A Robert B. Parker Jesse Stone story written by Mr. Brandman. Really? Really? The storyline was very good and had Parker's typical Stone situations and all of his usual verbal comebacks,  but not a Parker book. It was written and reads like a movie script. No descriptions, set-ups or background - just dialogue. And not very original dialogue at that. The book's cover is very misleading - it's not a Parker book, but a stand in author trying to continue the Jesse Stone stories. 

Misery Bay by Steve Hamilton

An Alex McKnight story set in Michigan's UP. Alex joins Maven, the chief of police, in searching for answers surrounding a suicide -- or was it? As a pattern starts to emerge and Alex won't stop until all the questions are answered. Another great Hamilton story.

The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley

A light weight read staged in Scotland - so what's not to like? 1708's invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeed in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim is crown. Carrie McCleeland hopes to turn this story into her next best seller novel. Settling into a cozy cottage in the shadow of Slains Castle ruins, she starts to write what seems more fact than fiction. This book alternates chapters of the now and then, weaving a shadowy remembrance to what was and now.  I'll read more Ms. Kearsly books - cause they're not heavy, fun and sometimes it's good to get out of mysteries.

The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

Not so much about a knitting club but more about how to cope with the death of a cheating husband and carrying for two small boys. Jo moves to the UK beach and takes over her grandmother's yarn shop. Great characters, funny, with a cute storyline. Not a run to the library to find book but very entertaining.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

If you haven't read this book -- Do It Now!

There's a reason this has become a best seller, made into a movie and a must read. It's just that good.

The Affair by Lee Child

 While recently stuck in an airport waiting for a flight, I realized I was about to finish my take along reading material and needed to find another book as my traveling companion. I was roaming the mystery aisle of the airport's bookstore (Portland's Powells) when the salesperson asked if she could help. We started discussing the various authors on the shelf and she said, I think you need to come with me.  She took me to her station and recently opened box. There on top was the just released Lee Child book -- and I love Jack Reacher stories (and so did the salesperson). 

This one is one of the best of Jack Reacher stories.  A flash back in time that tells the tale of how Jack became a traveling, wandering, out of the army, helping those in need guy. It all startred somewhere - elite military cop, Jack Reacher is sent to Carter Crossing, Mississippi in 1997. A lone railroad track - a crime scene - a set up with lots of twists and turns - Jack's undercover to help the local sheriff, Elizabeth Deveraux, to get to the truth. Town's people or military base?

Needles and Pins by Gil McNeil

The continuing story of Jo MacKenzie from The Beach Street book (read above). It's been a year since the move to the beach town, out of her comfort zone and settled into a quite way of life.  Or is it? This was just another chapter to the original story. Another fun read without a lot of hup-la, plot or drama.

Northwest Angle by William Kent Kruger

Cork takes the whole family on a little R-N-R houseboat vacation to Lake of the Woods. A freakish storm hits and hits hard - separating the group.  Cork and his daughter land on an island and find a tiny baby and his murdered mother. Is the killer still around? An adventure to stay ahead of the killer, get some answers and discover somethings about themselves. Not Kruger's best story - but a must read for his fans.

Heat Rises by Richard Castle

This is the third in the series ABC publishes to go along with the TV series, Castle. This book was pretty good, better written than the last two. A lot of the TV show's scenerios are used to develope this story line. If you're a Castle fan, like I am, you'll recognize season 3 in most of the book - a different plot with all the characters we've come to love. Good Book.

and books I just couldn't finish

Mariana by Susanna Kearsly

I got half way through and put it down -- slow, slow, slow read that wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't interested to see if it ever would.

The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel

Having read all of the previous Earth's Children books, I was looking forward to the latest edition. However, if you've read about one painted cave, you've read about them all. And this book was one description of numerous caves, without any plot and dragging storyline.  I was half way through the 756 pages when it was put on the shelf. Boring.

My Summer Reading List

I have to admit this summer I read fewer books than I usually do. It may have been all the house projects that took away from my "read" time or that I got hooked on watching TV series on the computer. Of course the many TV series I watched was like reading a story with an immediate next chapter with the click of the mouse. Or was it that I haven't found a great new mystery author or series to peak my interest in a long time? Bored with reading? Never! Bored with what was sitting on the night stand to read next? Right On! So, here's my summer reading book reports -- some of the boring stuff and some of my summer's favorite authors next book.

SixKill by Robert B. Parker

Spenser's last story. (so sad) He's hired and then quickly fired to investigate the involvement of a slug of a celebrity in the death of a groupie. Along the way he mentors a trouble young man into maturity or at least has the smarts to recognize the youths potential when he sees it.

Good bye Mr. Parker, you're missed.

Buried Prey by John Sandford

One of John's best stories yet. The truth comes to light when two bodies are found during a house demolition. Lucas worked the case as a young cop. Now it's come back around and he's determined to get to the truth, find the murderer and close the book on this one. Lots of flashback chapters about Lucas' early cop years.

Hard Evidence by John Lescroart

A billionaire's body is washed up on one of San Francisco's shores.  Hardy is sitting in the ADA chair when it becomes a case of murder. Long drawn out story -- way tooooooo long.

The Legacy by Stephen Frey

A second film of the Kennedy assassination shot from the opposite side of the street from the Zupruder film. Who has it and where has it been for the last 30 some odd years? Great story premise -- poorly written -- very poorly written. 

One Dog Night by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter doesn't really like lawyering, but when he's swept into a case, he's all over it.  Tara's (his dog) first owner is charged and confesses to an arson killing 26 people 6 years ago. But did he really do it? His life has changed over the last 6 years but that night still haunts him and Andy steps in to uncover the truth - the whole truth and nothing but the truth....

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin

Another "opps, the U.S. President was a bad boy" book. Good story, just not a great story. Yawn--boring.

Gone by Lisa Gardner

Oregon - FBI - missing agent- enough said

 I grabbed this book when I was hunting the aisle at the local book store. Wish I hadn't. But, to give it credit - it's part of a series (who knew?) so I didn't know all the background information, connections, etc. while reading it. I may go find the first of the series and start from the beginning. Or Not.....

May's Book Reports

 Cold Truth by Mariah Stewart

Ms.Stewart's series just keep getting better and better. This New Jersey shore hamlet hasn't seen the serial killers kills for 26 years. Is he back - you bet! Police detective, Cass and true crime writer, Regan, are on the hunt to stop the killings (along with a couple FBI agents when things get personal). And it gets personal when Cass is stalked by the killer.  Another series starting point.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

A 1920's series set in England with Maisie starting her private detective agency. This story is a mix of current conflict and flashbacks to give us Maisie's history. An award winning story, slow to progress in the mystery department, but gives us much of Maisie's back story to set the stage for future stories.

Heads You Lose by Lisa Lutz & David Hayward

Alternating chapters with author notes and comments at the end of each chapter, Lisa and David give us banter and humor. That's about all they give us with this book. The mystery (is there really a mystery here?) is all over the place and never settles down to tell a story until the last page. Although I'd read anything Lisa Lutz writes -- this is not one of them.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

with Annie Barrows (editing niece)

I loved this book! A series of letters to Juliet Ashton, London 1946. Letters she's written and written to her.  Juliet successfully wrote a series of articles about London life during WWII and then puts them into a book - that starts a chain of letters to her from a group of people living on the Channel Island of Guernsey. This is about their story during German occupation and Juliet seeing the seed of her next book. This is a wonderful read with humor and intrigue. 

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly

Another Lincoln Lawyer novel (timed to come out when the original LL story hits the big screen). Mickey has had to start supplementing his criminal practice to include forecloser clients.  Not really his cup of tea, but it's paying the bills.  Until he ends up defending one of his clients on a murder charge and Mickey goes after the banks - forecloser practices and the in between companies. Good story.

Spider Web by Earlene Fowler

Another Benni Harper mystery. With the Memory Festival coming up, Benni is busy. When a sniper enters the town all hell breaks loose.  An OKay read.

Hard Truth by Mariah Stewart

When Lorna Temple returns to rural PA to sell her family's property after the passing of her parents, the last thing she expected were bodies being discovered in the back 40.  Over 20 years ago, 2 children went missing and one was Lorna's best friend. Are the questions finally getting answers to the disappearances or are more questions about to be asked? Good book....

Dark Truth by Mariah Stewart

FBI agent, Nina Madden's life changed when her professor father was convicted of a series of killings on campus. He died in prison. That was 20 years ago. Nina left town and never looked back. When a series of killing's MO matches the earlier killings, Nina and the detective from her father's case start comparing notes. They come across some new evidence, missed truths and a killer ready to strike again.

Final Truth by Mariah Stewart

Regan Landry is following in her deceased true-crime writer father's footsteps and looking for the next "best seller" to write.  When fraud is discovered at a DNA testing lab and releases a few convicted felons, Regan looks into the story to be her next book. But, she and FBI boyfriend, Mitch are in the thick of things when a series of killings follow them -- all the way home.

April's Book Reports

 

A Morning For Flamingos by James Lee Burke

Southern Louisiana is the backdrop for Dave's next series installment. Dave goes undercover after a shooting incident leaves him wounded and with a dead partner. This story brings out the best and worse New Orleans has to offer - from voodoo, drug lords to a new love interest surfacing from Dave's past.

Last Look by Mariah Stewart

When a dead prostitute is found, her identity turns out to have been a woman murdered 24 years ago, the FBI get involved. FBI agent, Shannon, remembers the 24 old case, her father got a conviction and execution the first time around -- did he get it wrong? Shannon needs to know and digs up more than she can handle. The first of the Last Series my Ms. Stewart.

Last Words by Mariah Stewart

In the nine years with the FBI, special agent Mia Shields has seen it all -- but nothing prepares her for the serial killer in St. Dennis on Maryland's eastern shore. While living in her cousin Connor's Maryland home, she and chief of police, Beck, are determined to find and stop the gruesome killings. Another good book by Mariah Stewart

Last Breath by Mariah Stewart

Archaeologist Dr. Daria McGowan is offered the job to curate her great grandfather's artifacts at the university museum her family established. When she finds missing artifacts that have been stored for over a hundred years, she calls on FBI agent Connor Shields to help investigate the thievery. Thievery isn't all that comes their way.  One of the best in the "Last" series by Stewart.

Forgotten by Mariah Stewart

(this book is listed as a stand alone - but really is the last of the "Last" series)

FBI agent, Portia Cahill, has just returned to the states and is handed what looks like a simple assignment.  Portia would rather be on the other side of the world fighting undercover -- but this new case just keeps getting stranger and stranger and she's out to get the facts.  Portia must communicate with the incarcerated serial murderer to find one more body.  When a copycat murderer surfaces, Portia and the original murderer's lawyer find themselves in unexpected territory with twists and turns no one expected. Very Good Read!

March Book Reports

I didn't get much reading done in March -- me bad.  I got hooked catching on-line TV series. It started with Friday Night Lights (all 4 seasons and waiting for season 5 next week) and went on to Army Wives (another 4 season session with season 5 now playing on Sunday nights). Whew! I watched a lot of computer screen TV.  It was addicting...no commercials...hit the next episode instantly...find out what happens with the click of the mouse. *children, please do not try this at home* me bad (but it sure was fun)

Dead Even by Mariah Stewart

The third segment in Ms. Stewart's Dead Series. Three prisoner vow murderous revenge - the first two had the FBI stumped, but they got their man (men). Now, the third villain is free and has an FBI agent in his sights.

Dead End by Mariah Stewart

With the first three books in the four book series, we meet all the players that cross paths, date, marry and befriend one another. This last book ties up all the loose ends. I'd recommend reading all four books in sequence, one after another to keep all the characters and plots straight. Well written stories with a little romance mixed in to spice it up.

Heaven Is High by Kate Wilhelm

It's been a while since we've had a Barbara Holloway novel by Kate Wilhelm. It was worth the wait. Barbara, the Eugene Oregon lawyer, is at loose ends. She's turning down clients, hanging out in her office doing nothing and doesn't really care. Until a desperate family comes in with a request that puts Barbara back on the streets and looking for answers. The streets of Belize, that is. 

Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Hannah's in the thick of things once more in Lake Eden, MN.  Her cookie shop is thriving and she's got time on her hands instead of flour. It's time for some sleuthing. This light hearted cozy has many twists and turns, with sweetie, Norman, mixing things up (and not at the bakery). Another great read through Hannah's life in the little town on Lake Eden.

February's Book Reports

Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke

In the 3rd installment of the Dave Robicheaux series, he heads to Montana with his adopted daughter. Dave tries to clear his name for an arrest in New Orleans. In 1990, this book received two very distinguished awards -- I'm not sure why. The first 20 pages and the last 20 pages pertain to the story (first the history behind the problem - then the problem solved) everything in between was filler.  The narrative just sat there, never moving forward, not much of a mystery, and actually not much of a story.

Though Not Dead by Dana Stabenow

This is Kate Shugak's 18th Alaskan adventure.  Kate's great uncle, Old Sam, has died and left Kate everything he owned including a life long mystery to figure out. Another great Kate Shugak story although I found numerous typos throughout the book. Kate Shugak mysteries are good books about Alaska's native community, the history and it's people without the shadow of political overtones.

The Watchman by Robert Crais

With the 3rd Joe Pike book hitting the bookshelves soon, I decided to reread the first two books in this series again. Crais' Elvis Cole books brought Joe Pike into the limelight and now he has a storyline all his own, reversing the roles with his partner, Elvis Cole.  In the interesting, page-turner writing style of Crais, this series is very, very good.  The Watchamn has Joe paying back a big favor and becomes the body guard of a young women being hunted by the people trying to keep her from cooperating with the authorities. Of course, Joe doesn't stop there - but searches for the true story and all the people behind it. Good writing - Good story.

The First Rule by Robert Crais

Joe Pike's 2nd story is about friendships that never die and if Joe's your friend, he's got your back dead or alive. His close friend and family are murdered and Joe leaves no stone unturned to find out who, what, and why. He may be a quiet, soft spoken man but speaks volumes when his friends come in harm's way.  Great addition to the Joe Pike stories.

The Sentry by Robert Crais

These stories only get better and better -- and this 3rd Joe Pike story is great.  Joe can't leave well enough alone when someone is in trouble - he steps in to lend a hand and this time really steps in it. Joe and Elvis try to protect a Los Angles transplant from New Orleans and all the troubles she brought with her that won't go away.  There are twists and turns in the story that are a fun ride leading to a thrilling  book.

Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva

A first novel by a career journalist now teaching.  If you want to read how difficult it is to be a reporter than this book is for you.  Reviewed to be a good mystery that is witty.  It was witty - on the very first and last sentence of each chapter. The story was over before it had a chance to get off the ground. It lacked story facts, character building and towards the end there is a large segment that seemed out in left field without any way to bring it home. This author should not quit his day job. 

A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley

"Only those who dislike precocious young heroines with extra ordinary vocabulary and audacious courage can fail to like this amazingly entertaining book." -- Booklist (starred review)

Flavia de Luce is in the thick of things once more in her 3rd outing. Gypsies and thieves - Oh My! Besides living in Flavia's world again (what fun!) we join her in sleuthing out the current evil villains plus mysteries of long ago. Another sensational book by Canadian author, Alan Bradley.

January's Book Reports

 

The Confession by John Grisham

Action packed panic leading up to the predictable climax. One of the later Grisham style of writing without the cutting edge story telling of his earlier work. Grisham brings up the controversial discussion on the death penalty. Keith, a Kansas minister, hears the confession of a murder that a college football star was convicted of and on death row.  Keith tries to beat the clock in the Texas execution happening this week.

Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt

Another romp through the judicial system with the witty, social conscience Andy Carpenter. This time he represents a retired police dog and sets off to find the culprit(s) to clear the name of the police dogs owner. It's funny and a good story.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Have you ever read a book so well written, the story doesn't matter? This is one of those books. You'll fall in love with Major Pettigrew on the first page, but the prose is so well done the story takes second place.  The witty Major is a traditional British stiff upper lip, trying to preserve the English standards that seem to be slipping in the 21st century.

The Prostitutes' Ball by Stephen Cannell

If you've ever watched The Rockford Files or The A-Team, you'll recognize Stephen Cannell's writing. This is the 10th Shane Scully story and unfortunaltely may be the last - and the best one yet. Stephen Cannell passed away last year and it's unknown if there was another Scully book in the vault. Scully is teamed with a new partner and this one drives him crazy, until something clicks and they get the job done - big time.   This fast paced, 3 act story is played out to it's fullest and not one to be missed.

The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer

We're in the Natuional Archives and things are happening that archivist, Beecher White, notices are not the norm. It's a race arond D.C. finding answers that (of course) only create more questions and dectecting.  The premise would have been good in the hands of Dan Brown, but Meltzer's story is slow, anit climatic, and feels like a first book when the author is just gaining lets. Not a good Meltzer book -- it's a pass.

Savage Season by Joe Lansdale

This book reviews as A Novel of Suspense -- I'm still waiting..... Hap & Leonard are a couple of Texas yahoo boys, looking to make an easy buck, but find out that it's never just that easy.  No mystery here - just a lot of hit-it-out, shoot-it-up, boring character study and story line.

The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke

The first of the Dave Robicheaux series by this age old mystery writer.  Interesting enough to read more of Burke's series. He describes the New Orleans area in detail, but if you're not familiar (and I'm not) with this area, it really means nothing but descriptive writing.  Robicheaux is a lieutenant dectective in the Big Easy, who comes with a whole bag of problems. After discovering an out-of-area drowned prostitues' body, he can't let it go until he finds out what happened and bring justice (one way or another) to the preps. 

Heaven's Prisioners by James Lee Burke

Robicheaux has quit the New Orleans police force and returned home to his Cajun roots. He's opened a bait and boat shop and married Annie (whom we met in Neon Rain). They witness the crash of a small plane in the bayou and the adventure begins.  You can take the man out of dectecting, but you can't take the dectective out of the man. Dave has been on the wagon for a year, but the action that suddenly surrounds him will not only make him fall off the wagon but crash.

The best read this month was hands down: The Prostitutes' Ball by Stephen Cannell

The 2010 Book Report's Synopsis

The Stats:

I read 37 authors

I read 89 books 

Counting August when I read only 1 book (fun stuff got in the way of reading)

- my average is 1 book every 4 days

The author most read this year: Harlan Coben with 17 books

The Top 4 New To Me Authors:

Alan Bradley

Thomas Perry

Linda Castillo

Harlan Coben

My Five Fav 2010 Top of the List Books

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

The Weed That Stings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher (this book will always be on the list)

The Reversal by Michael Connelly

December's Book Reports

Worth Dying For by Lee Child

Another Jack Reacher story.  He's a drifter - no car - no suitcase - no i-Phone - just an ATM card with a big bank account. Jack is heading to Virginia and gets way laid in Nebraska. And if you know Jack you know he just can't walk away when people need him to make the wrong(s) right. I love these fast paced stories about Jack and his adventures.

Bad Blood by John Sandford

Virgil Flowers is the hero here.  Completely readable prose with a great plot/mystery and never is what it seems.  Virgil teams up with the Chief of Police, Lee Coakly investigating a double murder in SW Minnesota.  Or does it stop at two? Great story development and characters you love to hate.

The Taking of Libbie, S.D. by David Housewright

Rushmore McKenzie is kidnapped and transported to Libbie, S.D. - the town's angry for being duped and robbed of it's coffers.  Only they got the wrong Rushmore McKenzie. The impostor stole Rushmore's identity and will have to pay for taking our boy's name.  The Rushmore McKenzie series is always a good St. Paul, Mn read.

Saving CeCe Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

A southern charmer that recounts 12 year old CeCe's recovery from a childhood with her crazy mother and absent father.  She's rescued by her great aunt Tootie when her mother dies and moves from Ohio to the deep south.  A moving story that will make you smile reading this bittersweet story.

Christmas Mourning by Margaret Maron

Another District Judge Deborah Knott book happening during the holidays. A story filled with her large bag of relatives filling out the mystery with mysteries of their own. The holiday spirit is mixed with mystery and mayhem as only Ms. Maron can do.

Coming Back by Marcia Muller

Sharon's still trying to get back to the life she had before her injury (last book: Locked In). She jumps in when a fellow physical therapy patient goes missing and pulls Sharon's P.I. team into the mix of murder, missing people and mystery.

Vermilion Drift by William Kent Krueger

Cork O'Connor is all alone in the empty house - the kids are gone for the summer and he's still getting over his wife's death. A mystery is just what he needs and lands in an old and new mystery that only he can solve. Another great Cork O'Connor story.

Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher

The only book I read every holiday and love every time I snuggle up with this great story.  A Scotland setting, family and new friends create a bond during the winter Christmas season.  A wonderful, full feeling, reminiscent, heart-felt story.  My very favorite story of all time.  If you've never read this book --- please do, you won't be disappointed.

November's Book Reports

 

Painted Ladies by Robert B. Parker

Spenser is hired as a body guard for a ransom exchange - cash for a stolen painting. Only the historian is killed during the exchange when a bomb was hidden in the package. He was under Spenser's watch and sets Spenser in motion to find the perps.  One of the best Spenser stories and sadly the last. (Mr. Parker died in January.) With 37 previous Spenser books, it's time to reread this greatly missed author again.

The Weed That Stings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradly

Flavia's 2nd outing into mystery, mayhem and murder. A traveling puppet show's van brakes down in Bishop's Lacy and the stage is set. An utterly beguiling mystery starring one of the most remarkable sleuths, a genius in solving not only one but two mysteries. This beloved 11 year old tugs at your heartstrings, keeps you laughing and waiting for book 3, A Red Herring Without Mustard coming the summer of 2011.  I can't wait!

The Reversal by Michael Connelly

LAPD detective Harry Bosch teams up with Mickey Haller in Connelly's latest. The murder is 24 years old and with new technology, the perp gets a new trial.  Mickey steps across the aisle and works for the prosecution on a one time deal.  He calls on Harry to investigate and asks his ex-wife to be his 2nd chair.  The book explodes from the first page to the very end.  Connolly's two best characters are great together. An up all night, can't put it down book.

Vanishing Point by Marcia Muller

Sharon McCones Detective Service is hired to find a missing person who disappeared 20 years ago.  The daughters want closure after their father passed away and hire Sharon to find out what happened to their mother. Another good McCone story.

The Every-Running Man by Marcia Muller

Sharon's husband, Hy's security company offices are being bombed all over the United States. Hy hires Sharon to find and stop the killings. McCone is alone in the field and sky while her detective company runs along without her. Or does it?

Burn Out by Marcia Muller

Sharon's taking a little R-N-R at her husband's ranch from the excitement of the agency and rethinking if she really wants to continue detecting, being shot at and sees fewer and fewer days with new hubby.  A local murder and disappearance has her back in the thick of things once more.

Locked In by Marcia Muller

The team pulls together to find the shooter who put a bullet in Sharon's head leaving her "locked in", paralyzed with only eye blinks to communicate.  All's well that ends well.  Another good McCone mystery.

Rolling Thunder by Chris Grabenstein

The 6th book in the John Cupak/Danny Boyle series. The New Jersey seaside town, Sea Haven, has it's best detectives on the case when murder happens during the opening of the huge pier roller coaster.  Nothing is what it seems and John and Danny are on the case. A great banter-funny dialogue series that's a light read and fun to read.

Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

In the sleepy rural town, Painters Mill, Ohio the Amish and English residents have lived side by side for two centuries. But, 16 years ago a series of brutal murders shatter the peaceful farming community. Kate Burkholder was there (being Amish) and currently the chief of police (not Amish anymore).  It looks like the Slaughterhouse killer is back to work. This 1st in a new series is very, very good. Great cast of characters, good writing and moves swiftly throughout. **Warning: the description of the crime scene and murdered victims is very gruesome (way more than I wanted to read). However, this book is very good -- very good.

Pray for Silence by Linda Castillo

Kate relives some of her own childhood nightmares when she and her team need to stop another killer in Painters Mill, Ohio.  An Amish family is totally wiped out in one evening and the killer needs to be stopped. Now.  Ms. Castillo paints a great story - wonderful developments - writing characters you want to get to know better and believable story lines.  This 2nd in the series is as good if not better than the 1st.  A fantastic writer.