True Fiction by Lee Goldberg

 Title: True Fiction

Author: Lee Goldberg
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/27/24
When was the book published: 2018
Main Characters: Ian Ludlow, author of the Clint Straker novels.  Margo French, dog walker and author book tour escort.  Ronnie Mancuso, star of the Hollywood & The VIne.  Blackthorn, Wilton Cross, the CIA.
What happens? Blackthorn's asset crashes a plane into the Waikiki Hilton. Ian came up with the idea in an author brainstorming years ago.  All the authors who were in that session have recently died.  Ian gets Margo and goes on the run.
How long was this? 237 pages
Did I like this? Very entertaining, light, barely credible but fun.  Some elements of Karl Hiaassen
Overall grade: B+

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

 Title: Pretty Girls

Author: Karin Slaughter
Did I listen or read?: libby audi0
When did I finish?: 10/26/2024
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Livia and Claire, estranged daughters since Claire married Paul, whose sister Julia disappeared 20 years ago
What happens? Paul gets romantic with Claire in an alley, gets killed.  Claire starts investigating and finds out really, really, really bad stuff about him.
How long was this? 432 pages, 20 hours
Did I like this? The evil is so evil - ignoring that, it was a good plot and kept me riveted.
Overall grade: B

Hot Money by Dick Francis

 Title: Hot Money

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Oct 22, 2024
When was the book published: 1987
Main Characters: Ian Pembroke, father Malcolm, and many family members, ex-wives Vivien, Joyce (Ian's mother), Alicia, and Coochie and Moira
What happens? Malcolm has been estranged from Ian for 3 years due to criticism of latest wife Moira.  Moira has been murdered in the greenhouse.  Malcolm thinks someone is trying to kill him also.  He enlists Ian to help protect him and figure out what is up.
How long was this? 324 pages
Did I like this? This was the best of Dick Francis.  Great plot, tons of well rounded characters. Danger.  Horses jumping.
Overall grade: A

A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen

 Title: A Quantum Love Story

Author: Mike Chen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/19/24
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Mariana Pineda, Carter Cho
What happens? Carter works at an accelerator, Mariana works for a memory enhancement company, and is visiting the accelerator.  They get stuck in a time loop together
How long was this? 346 pages
Did I like this? pretty good, not a great romance, but an interesting twist on "real" time travel
Overall grade: B

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

 Title: Regretting You

Author: Colleen Hoover
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/12/2024
When was the book published: 2019
Main Characters: Morgan, Clara, Miller, Jonah, Elijah, Jenny, Chris
What happens? A story of two sisters and their men and their babies.  Something happens that dramatically changes their lives
How long was this? 354 pages
Did I like this? Excellent story, moving, page-turner.  Not sure why I don't give it an A.
Overall grade: A-

The Dry by Jane Harper

 Title: The Dry

Author:  Jane Harper
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 10/7/2024
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Aaron Falk (#1), Luke Harper, Gretchen, Elly
What happens? Aaron goes back to his hometown as Luke and his son and wife are dead in an apparent murder-suicide, hasn't been home since Elly's death 20 years ago. 
How long was this? 336 pages
Did I like this? real good story, australian accents
Overall grade: B+

Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg

 Title: Gated Prey

Author: Lee Goldberg
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/7/2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Erin Ronan, Duncan Pavone, Grayson Mumford, Capt. Shaw
What happens? Erin and Duncan set up a house to fool a gang robbing rich people's homes in gated communities.  Erin is called to help a woman who miscarries in the same community.
How long was this? 247 pages
Did I like this? good LA cop story, good writer.  Grotesque murder makes it a hard read
Overall grade: B