Title: The Narrows
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: 12/17/12
When was the book published: 2004
Main Characters: Harry Bosch. The Poet, David Backus. Rachel Walling, FBI agent. Graciela McCaleb, widow of Terry, former friend of Harry and FBI agent
What happens? The Poet is still alive and killing men in LA, and leading Rachel back to him so he can finish her off. Harry investigates Terry's death, purportedly due to heart failure after a transplant, but it appears that the Poet is targeting him as well.
How long was this? 404 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Harry Bosch. Connelly never disappoints. Great characters, great story.
Overall grade: A
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Whiplash by Catherine Coulter
Title: Whiplash
Author: Catherine Coulter
Did I listen or read?: won the book at the CEdMA conference
When did I finish?: 12/5/2012
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Lacey Sherlock, Dillon Savich, Senator David Hoffman, ballet instructor and private detective Erin Pulaski, Shiffer Hartman CEO Caskie Royal, Bowie Richards
What happens? Umm, Shiffer Hartman kills production of Culvovort so that a rival company can make more money, and Sen. David Hoffman's life is in danger. Bowie is an FBI agent who gets a few clues (but nothing really useful) from the ghost of Hoffman's wife. Royal's wife is having an affair with the tennis pro. Umm, the ballet instructor/PI drives a hummer.
How long was this? 402 pages
Did I like this? Jaw droppingly bad. HO-rendous dialogue. Bizarre and odd behavior by the characters. Erin is a thief and (spoiler alert) Bowie finds out and they still wind up together, brought together by his daughter who is (of course) a student in her ballet classes.
Overall grade: C- lowest grade ever
Author: Catherine Coulter
Did I listen or read?: won the book at the CEdMA conference
When did I finish?: 12/5/2012
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Lacey Sherlock, Dillon Savich, Senator David Hoffman, ballet instructor and private detective Erin Pulaski, Shiffer Hartman CEO Caskie Royal, Bowie Richards
What happens? Umm, Shiffer Hartman kills production of Culvovort so that a rival company can make more money, and Sen. David Hoffman's life is in danger. Bowie is an FBI agent who gets a few clues (but nothing really useful) from the ghost of Hoffman's wife. Royal's wife is having an affair with the tennis pro. Umm, the ballet instructor/PI drives a hummer.
How long was this? 402 pages
Did I like this? Jaw droppingly bad. HO-rendous dialogue. Bizarre and odd behavior by the characters. Erin is a thief and (spoiler alert) Bowie finds out and they still wind up together, brought together by his daughter who is (of course) a student in her ballet classes.
Overall grade: C- lowest grade ever
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Chance by Robert B. Parker
Title: Chance
Author: Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Nov 22, 2012
When was the book published: 1996
Main Characters: Spenser, Hawk, Susan, a bunch of gangsters - Julius Ventura, daughter Shirley, missing husband Anthony Meeker, Fast Eddie Lee, GIno FIsh, Mary Anaheim, wife Bibi
What happens? Spenser gets hired by Ventura to find Meeker when he goes missing. Hawk refuses the case unless Spenser takes it on. He knows that he is not being told the truth about what happened, and by the time he finishes, it is hard to tell who he is working for, or who is trying to save.
Author: Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Nov 22, 2012
When was the book published: 1996
Main Characters: Spenser, Hawk, Susan, a bunch of gangsters - Julius Ventura, daughter Shirley, missing husband Anthony Meeker, Fast Eddie Lee, GIno FIsh, Mary Anaheim, wife Bibi
What happens? Spenser gets hired by Ventura to find Meeker when he goes missing. Hawk refuses the case unless Spenser takes it on. He knows that he is not being told the truth about what happened, and by the time he finishes, it is hard to tell who he is working for, or who is trying to save.
How long was this? 307 pages
Did I like this? Anytime Hawk, Spenser and Susan are conversing, that makes a good book. The plot was confusing, but more important, it was really hard to care about anyone that Spenser is trying to save. As always, read it in about 3 days, couldn't put it down.
Overall grade: B
Did I like this? Anytime Hawk, Spenser and Susan are conversing, that makes a good book. The plot was confusing, but more important, it was really hard to care about anyone that Spenser is trying to save. As always, read it in about 3 days, couldn't put it down.
Overall grade: B
Mistaken Identity by Lisa Scottoline
Title: MIstaken Identity
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: bay books
When did I finish?: November 17, 2012
When was the book published: 1999
Main Characters: Bennie Rosato, head of an all female law firm, and her twin Alice Connolly, accused of murder. a bunch of crooked cops. Her boyfriend, Grady. A guy named Winslow who claims to be her father. Star Harald the boxer who was coached by Alice's now dead boyfriend cop. Partners Mary DiNunzio and Judy Carrier
What happens? Connolly reaches out to her with the story of being her twin. Rosato agrees to defend her, and takes on the cops who appear to have a drug selling conspiracy going.
How long was this? 564 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good story, stretched out a bit, but no way to guess the ending.
Overall grade: B
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: bay books
When did I finish?: November 17, 2012
When was the book published: 1999
Main Characters: Bennie Rosato, head of an all female law firm, and her twin Alice Connolly, accused of murder. a bunch of crooked cops. Her boyfriend, Grady. A guy named Winslow who claims to be her father. Star Harald the boxer who was coached by Alice's now dead boyfriend cop. Partners Mary DiNunzio and Judy Carrier
What happens? Connolly reaches out to her with the story of being her twin. Rosato agrees to defend her, and takes on the cops who appear to have a drug selling conspiracy going.
How long was this? 564 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good story, stretched out a bit, but no way to guess the ending.
Overall grade: B
Broken Harbor by Tana French
Title: Broken Harbor
Author: Tana French
Did I listen or read?: read - baybooks
When did I finish?: 11/5/2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Mick Scorcher Kennedy, detective, partner Richie, boss O'Kelly, bad cop Quiqley, the Spain family, and Kennedy's crazy sister Dina, wife's sister Fiona
What happens? The Spains are all murdered (father, two kids) and the mother (Jenny) barely survives in their house, a new home in a new suburb that has failed. Spain had lost his job, and the walls of the house are full of holes from a real/imaginary wild animal.
How long was this? 450 pages
Did I like this? Good story, lots of foreign language to decipher, very different story
Overall grade: B+
Author: Tana French
Did I listen or read?: read - baybooks
When did I finish?: 11/5/2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Mick Scorcher Kennedy, detective, partner Richie, boss O'Kelly, bad cop Quiqley, the Spain family, and Kennedy's crazy sister Dina, wife's sister Fiona
What happens? The Spains are all murdered (father, two kids) and the mother (Jenny) barely survives in their house, a new home in a new suburb that has failed. Spain had lost his job, and the walls of the house are full of holes from a real/imaginary wild animal.
How long was this? 450 pages
Did I like this? Good story, lots of foreign language to decipher, very different story
Overall grade: B+
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Robert B. Parker's Fool Me Twice by Michael Brandman
Title: Fool Me Twice
Author: Michael Brandman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Oct 31, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Jesse Stone, Molly, Suit, teenage girl Courtney. actress Marisol and Stone girlfriend Frankie Greenberg
What happens? 3 things. Courtney runs a red light while texting. Marisol needs protection from her husband who wants her dead for money. The local water company is stealing from its customers. That's right - the water company. Jesse is in a better state - not pining for his wife anymore.
How long was this? 274 pages
Did I like this? Enjoyable, he gets the Parker style. Good fast read.
Overall grade: B
Author: Michael Brandman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Oct 31, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Jesse Stone, Molly, Suit, teenage girl Courtney. actress Marisol and Stone girlfriend Frankie Greenberg
What happens? 3 things. Courtney runs a red light while texting. Marisol needs protection from her husband who wants her dead for money. The local water company is stealing from its customers. That's right - the water company. Jesse is in a better state - not pining for his wife anymore.
How long was this? 274 pages
Did I like this? Enjoyable, he gets the Parker style. Good fast read.
Overall grade: B
Dick Francis's Bloodline by Felix Francis
Title: Bloodline
Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: November 3, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters:race caller Mark Shillingford, his sister Clare, his father and family (Nicholas, Angela), Mitchell Stacey, horse owner, wife Sarah who is sleeping with Mark, tabloid journalist Toby Woodley
What happens? Clare and Mark fight about her throwing races, and she falls to her death from a hotel room hours later.
How long was this? 352 pages
Did I like this? Felix is close to as good as Dick. The main thing is the main character, who you always get to know and usually like and root for. He got this right.
Overall grade: A- (only because of that one plot turn that i didn't like!)
Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: November 3, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters:race caller Mark Shillingford, his sister Clare, his father and family (Nicholas, Angela), Mitchell Stacey, horse owner, wife Sarah who is sleeping with Mark, tabloid journalist Toby Woodley
What happens? Clare and Mark fight about her throwing races, and she falls to her death from a hotel room hours later.
How long was this? 352 pages
Did I like this? Felix is close to as good as Dick. The main thing is the main character, who you always get to know and usually like and root for. He got this right.
Overall grade: A- (only because of that one plot turn that i didn't like!)
Saturday, October 27, 2012
When the Women Come Out to Dance by Elmore Leonard
Title: When the Women Come Out to Dance
Author: Elmore Leonard
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: October 25, 2012
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: lots of short stories, but Ben Tenkiller the former rodeo cowboy and now hollywoood stuntman was the best. Starts with Canavan the insurance investigator and Robin Harris who burnt her house down in an LA firestorm. Raylan and Ava, Raylan shoots Boyd.
What happens? short stories
How long was this? 228 pages
Did I like this? Elmore's the man, even with short stories
Overall grade: B
Author: Elmore Leonard
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: October 25, 2012
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: lots of short stories, but Ben Tenkiller the former rodeo cowboy and now hollywoood stuntman was the best. Starts with Canavan the insurance investigator and Robin Harris who burnt her house down in an LA firestorm. Raylan and Ava, Raylan shoots Boyd.
What happens? short stories
How long was this? 228 pages
Did I like this? Elmore's the man, even with short stories
Overall grade: B
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Raylan by Elmore Leonard
Title: Raylan
Author: Elmore Leonard
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: Oct 17, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Raylan, boss Art, Boyd Crowder, Ava - everyone from the tv show, Dickie Crowe
What happens? kidney theft, shoots the lady in the bathtub, young lady poker player who is not a bank robber
How long was this? 270 pages
Did I like this? gotta love elmore, even though I know the stories, gets the language right
Overall grade: B+
Author: Elmore Leonard
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: Oct 17, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Raylan, boss Art, Boyd Crowder, Ava - everyone from the tv show, Dickie Crowe
What happens? kidney theft, shoots the lady in the bathtub, young lady poker player who is not a bank robber
How long was this? 270 pages
Did I like this? gotta love elmore, even though I know the stories, gets the language right
Overall grade: B+
Sunday, October 7, 2012
A Simple Act of Violence by R.J. Ellory
Title: A Simple Act of Violence
Author: R.J. Ellory
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Sept, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Detective Robert Miller, murder victim Catherine Sheehan, John Robey - college professor. Miller's partner Al Roth
What happens? Miller investigates Sheehan's murder, gets assigned responsibility for 3 other serial killings, and gets entwined in a plot with CIA overtones.
How long was this? 448 pages
Did I like this? Not as great as "A Quiet Verdict." Good story, great character development. The political story being told is interesting, plausible, but perhaps not as compelling as I would like.
Overall grade: B+
Author: R.J. Ellory
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Sept, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Detective Robert Miller, murder victim Catherine Sheehan, John Robey - college professor. Miller's partner Al Roth
What happens? Miller investigates Sheehan's murder, gets assigned responsibility for 3 other serial killings, and gets entwined in a plot with CIA overtones.
How long was this? 448 pages
Did I like this? Not as great as "A Quiet Verdict." Good story, great character development. The political story being told is interesting, plausible, but perhaps not as compelling as I would like.
Overall grade: B+
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
Title: The Sense of an Ending
Author: Julian Barnes
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: Sept 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Tony Webster, Colin and Alex as schoolboys, new kid Adrian Finn, schoolboy sweetheart Veronica, brother Jack, parents Mr. and Mrs. Ford
What happens? Tony in middle age recalls his days in school, and focuses on his girlfriend Veronica, and the sad death of Adrian. Builds slowly but surely to an interesting ending.
How long was this? Very short, 151 pages, small size book. Like a short story.
Did I like this? Pretty good, good writer, different approach.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Julian Barnes
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: Sept 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Tony Webster, Colin and Alex as schoolboys, new kid Adrian Finn, schoolboy sweetheart Veronica, brother Jack, parents Mr. and Mrs. Ford
What happens? Tony in middle age recalls his days in school, and focuses on his girlfriend Veronica, and the sad death of Adrian. Builds slowly but surely to an interesting ending.
How long was this? Very short, 151 pages, small size book. Like a short story.
Did I like this? Pretty good, good writer, different approach.
Overall grade: B+
Sunday, September 16, 2012
The Professionals by Owen Laukkanen
Title: The Professionals
Author: Owen Laukkanen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Sept 15, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Arthur Pender, Sawyer, Mouse, Marie McAllister, cop Stevens and FBI agent Windermere
What happens? Kids graduate from school and can't find work, decide to become kidnappers, keeping their jobs to 60k so that they stay under the radar - SPOILER they accidentally kidnap a mob guy and things go bad
How long was this? 370 pages
Did I like this? pretty good, not great, nothing special, good job with the characters, the plot included some parts that didn't really hold
Overall grade: B+
Author: Owen Laukkanen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Sept 15, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Arthur Pender, Sawyer, Mouse, Marie McAllister, cop Stevens and FBI agent Windermere
What happens? Kids graduate from school and can't find work, decide to become kidnappers, keeping their jobs to 60k so that they stay under the radar - SPOILER they accidentally kidnap a mob guy and things go bad
How long was this? 370 pages
Did I like this? pretty good, not great, nothing special, good job with the characters, the plot included some parts that didn't really hold
Overall grade: B+
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
A Quiet Vendetta by R.J. Ellory
Title: A Quiet Vendetta
Author: R.J. Ellory
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Sep 8, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Catherin Ducane, Big Daddy Feraud, Ernesto Perez, Ray Hartmann
What happens? Perez kidnaps Ducane, turns himself in, and requests Hartmann come to New Orleans from New York to hear his story
How long was this? 454 pages single spaced
Did I like this? Amazing story, incredible writer, very long winded but what a story, what history, what a plot. Great characters too.
Overall grade: A- only because it was sooooo long
Taking the Fifth by J.A. Jance
Title: Taking the Fifth
Author: J.A. Jance
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 28, 2012, took a month
When was the book published:1987
Main Characters: J.P. Beaumont, Seattle cop, Jasmine Day (singer)
What happens? Guy dies of AIDS, cocaine is found in his pillow, his partner is murdered in downtown Seattle with a high heeled shoe, theatre folks get involved including reformed addict singer
How long was this? 294 pages
Did I like this? not too much, maybe it is just the 1987 factor
Overall grade: B-
The Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker
Title: The Renegads
Author: T. Jefferson Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 28, 2012
When was the book published: Feb 2009
Main Characters: Charlie Hood, Terry Laws, Coleman Draper
What happens? Hood is riding with volunteer Laws who is assassinated, implicating a black gangster. Laws and Draper were long time money runners for the Mexican drug cartel, Hood exposes them.
How long was this? 340 pages
Did I like this? great stuff from T. Parker, great characters including his (step son???) Bradley
Overall grade: A-
Exit Music by Ian Rankin
Title: Exit Music
Author: Ian Rankin
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 24, 2012
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: John Rebus, retiring detective, his partner Siobhan Clarke, Russian mobsters and Scottish government officials, young cop Todd Goodyear, Big Gerry Cafferty
What happens? A Russian dissident poet is murdered, then a sound recording guy who recorded his last performance. Rebus is retiring, in his last few days, and obsessively pursues his enemy/alter ego Cafferty
How long was this? paperback, 530 pages
Did I like this? ok, some good parts, some slow parts. would have been better if written in english.
Overall grade: B
The Reversal by Michael Connelly
Title: The Reversal
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 21, 2012
When was the book published: October 2010
Main Characters: Mickey Haller, Harry Bosch, Maggie McPherson, Jason Jessup - bad guy in jail
What happens? Jessup gets a new trial because of DNA evidence, and Haller gets recruited to be the DA, changes sides of the fence, brings in Harry and Maggie to be part of his team.
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 21, 2012
When was the book published: October 2010
Main Characters: Mickey Haller, Harry Bosch, Maggie McPherson, Jason Jessup - bad guy in jail
What happens? Jessup gets a new trial because of DNA evidence, and Haller gets recruited to be the DA, changes sides of the fence, brings in Harry and Maggie to be part of his team.
How long was this? 389 pages
Did I like this? Top notch, connelly is the best, great story
Overall grade: A
Did I like this? Top notch, connelly is the best, great story
Overall grade: A
Friday, August 24, 2012
High Profile by Robert Parker
Title: High Profile
Author: Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 15, 2012
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Jesse Stone, Sonny Randall, Walton Weeks - talk show celebrity (dead), Jesse's ex wife, cop Molly Crane,
What happens? Walton Weeks is found hanging from a tree, and his girlfriend, pregnant with his baby is found in a dumpster. Jesse's ex-wife claims she was raped, and Sonny (who is dating Jesse) protects her. I can't remember who did the deed with Weeks.
How long was this? 290 pages
Did I like this? okay, not great
Overall grade: B-
Author: Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 15, 2012
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Jesse Stone, Sonny Randall, Walton Weeks - talk show celebrity (dead), Jesse's ex wife, cop Molly Crane,
What happens? Walton Weeks is found hanging from a tree, and his girlfriend, pregnant with his baby is found in a dumpster. Jesse's ex-wife claims she was raped, and Sonny (who is dating Jesse) protects her. I can't remember who did the deed with Weeks.
How long was this? 290 pages
Did I like this? okay, not great
Overall grade: B-
The Litigator by John Grisham
Title: The Litigator
Author: John Grisham
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 1, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: David Zinc is a lawyer in a machine, has a breakdown, and walks away. He stumbles into the inept 2 man firm of Finley and Figg, where Oscar Finley is desperate to leave his wife and retire, and Wally Figg is desperate to find the big payday and strike it rich. They stumble on a drug case for a heart drug that is supposedly killing people, and take on Varrick Labs. Zinc and wife Helen gradually stabilize their lives and develop their own identity-they stumble on a immigrant boy with severe lead poisoning, and act honorably to help him and his family.
What happens? see above
How long was this? 350 pages ?
Did I like this? Grisham's recent work hasn't been great, but this one is fun, quirky, enjoyable. It doesn't have the page turning passion of The Firm, but it is a great story with twists and turns.
Overall grade:A-
Author: John Grisham
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 1, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: David Zinc is a lawyer in a machine, has a breakdown, and walks away. He stumbles into the inept 2 man firm of Finley and Figg, where Oscar Finley is desperate to leave his wife and retire, and Wally Figg is desperate to find the big payday and strike it rich. They stumble on a drug case for a heart drug that is supposedly killing people, and take on Varrick Labs. Zinc and wife Helen gradually stabilize their lives and develop their own identity-they stumble on a immigrant boy with severe lead poisoning, and act honorably to help him and his family.
What happens? see above
How long was this? 350 pages ?
Did I like this? Grisham's recent work hasn't been great, but this one is fun, quirky, enjoyable. It doesn't have the page turning passion of The Firm, but it is a great story with twists and turns.
Overall grade:A-
Saturday, August 11, 2012
What Dies In Summer by Tom Wright
Title: What Dies in Summer
Author: Tom Wright
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 11, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: James "Biscuit", cousin L.A. (Lee Ann), gay friend Dee Campion, Diana Chamfort and father Don, the cop, Gram of course, mom and boyfriend Jack, Aunt Rachel and Uncle Cam
What happens? Biscuit tells the story of his summer, starting with L.A. moving in with him and Gram, and their adventures, and finding a dead body, and fishing in Minnesota, and the visions and dreams and wandering thoughts.
Author: Tom Wright
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 11, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: James "Biscuit", cousin L.A. (Lee Ann), gay friend Dee Campion, Diana Chamfort and father Don, the cop, Gram of course, mom and boyfriend Jack, Aunt Rachel and Uncle Cam
What happens? Biscuit tells the story of his summer, starting with L.A. moving in with him and Gram, and their adventures, and finding a dead body, and fishing in Minnesota, and the visions and dreams and wandering thoughts.
Quote: page 199: "What I believe, dear, is that perhaps God is beside the point. We are not given reliable instructions, we are not rescued from our troubles, and our obligations in the world remain the same whether a supernatural being is watching us and keeping score or not. Do you understand?" Dr. Kepler, family friend on her death bed to Biscuit.
How long was this? 284 pages
Did I like this? a coming of age story that switches to a murder mystery that switches to america's most dysfunctional family, brilliant at times, slow at times
Overall grade: B+
Did I like this? a coming of age story that switches to a murder mystery that switches to america's most dysfunctional family, brilliant at times, slow at times
Overall grade: B+
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
The Drop by Michael Connelly
Title: The Drop
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 7, 2012
When was the book published: November 2011
Main Characters: Harry Bosch, partner David Chu, reclusive boss Gail Duvall, love interest Hannah Stone, Clayton Pell, politician Irvin Irving, daughter Maddie, Kiz Rider
What happens? Harry is working in Open Unsolved and past enemy Irvin Irving insists that Harry investigate the apparent suicide of his son, George, a political fixer. At the same time, he is working a cold case where there is a DNA hit from the evidence that matches to a sexual offender who was 8 at the time of the murder.
How long was this? 533 pages, large type
Did I like this? High jingo. Top notch. Great characters, great plot
Overall grade: A+
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 7, 2012
When was the book published: November 2011
Main Characters: Harry Bosch, partner David Chu, reclusive boss Gail Duvall, love interest Hannah Stone, Clayton Pell, politician Irvin Irving, daughter Maddie, Kiz Rider
What happens? Harry is working in Open Unsolved and past enemy Irvin Irving insists that Harry investigate the apparent suicide of his son, George, a political fixer. At the same time, he is working a cold case where there is a DNA hit from the evidence that matches to a sexual offender who was 8 at the time of the murder.
How long was this? 533 pages, large type
Did I like this? High jingo. Top notch. Great characters, great plot
Overall grade: A+
Saturday, August 4, 2012
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Title: The Power of Habit
Author: Charles Duhigg
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 4, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: non-fiction
What happens? I learned from this book the basic habit cycle. Cue, followed by Routine, followed by Reward. The author maintains that successful change involves changing the routine. Identify the cue and the reward, and change the routine - substitute something that produces the reward. If people overeat while being social, find a substitute social activity that doesn't have too many calories. The author tells some great stories, especially about the guy who took over Alcoa when it was totally dysfunctional, and focused them on safety. This singular focus got the company to pull together, allowed them to set up a first intranet and email system. The guy was a brilliant leader who always questioned and drove everyone to a better result. In remembering this, it is very difficult to tie this to habits. Same for Rhode Island Hospital - they learned how to improve quality of care by taking advantage of a crisis. A fascinating story, but again, 2 days after I read it, it is hard for me to describe how it ties to habits. Even his story in the appendix about his cookie eating habit disappoints, because he provides a method to identify the cue, and then says it is "time" - but I was not able to spot this from the evidence.
How long was this? 280 pages (not including notes)
Did I like this? It was interesting and a fast read, but I was disappointed to have few tools and specifics about the role of habits and how to change. He lacks Malcolm Gladwell's magic touch to tie it all together.
Overall grade: C+
Author: Charles Duhigg
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Aug 4, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: non-fiction
What happens? I learned from this book the basic habit cycle. Cue, followed by Routine, followed by Reward. The author maintains that successful change involves changing the routine. Identify the cue and the reward, and change the routine - substitute something that produces the reward. If people overeat while being social, find a substitute social activity that doesn't have too many calories. The author tells some great stories, especially about the guy who took over Alcoa when it was totally dysfunctional, and focused them on safety. This singular focus got the company to pull together, allowed them to set up a first intranet and email system. The guy was a brilliant leader who always questioned and drove everyone to a better result. In remembering this, it is very difficult to tie this to habits. Same for Rhode Island Hospital - they learned how to improve quality of care by taking advantage of a crisis. A fascinating story, but again, 2 days after I read it, it is hard for me to describe how it ties to habits. Even his story in the appendix about his cookie eating habit disappoints, because he provides a method to identify the cue, and then says it is "time" - but I was not able to spot this from the evidence.
How long was this? 280 pages (not including notes)
Did I like this? It was interesting and a fast read, but I was disappointed to have few tools and specifics about the role of habits and how to change. He lacks Malcolm Gladwell's magic touch to tie it all together.
Overall grade: C+
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Maximum Bob by Elmore Leonard
Title: Maximum Bob
Author: Elmore Leonard
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 22, 2012
When was the book published: 1991
Main Characters: judge Bob Gibbs, wife Leanne, Kathy Baker, probation officer, Dale Crowe, Elvin Crowe, Dr. Tommy Vasco and Hector, Dicky Campau, cop Gary Hammond
What happens? Gibbs is sick of his wife and hires Dicky to bring an alligator to their house to scare her off. It's close to a Carl Hiassen novel - a bunch of nut cases in Florida. The alligator goes bananas, and joins the list of potential murderers of the judge.
How long was this? 406 pages
Did I like this? darn tootin. I love the rambling Leonard style, a little bit hard to latch on to the characters except Kathy and Gary. Fast paced story, zipped right through it.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Elmore Leonard
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 22, 2012
When was the book published: 1991
Main Characters: judge Bob Gibbs, wife Leanne, Kathy Baker, probation officer, Dale Crowe, Elvin Crowe, Dr. Tommy Vasco and Hector, Dicky Campau, cop Gary Hammond
What happens? Gibbs is sick of his wife and hires Dicky to bring an alligator to their house to scare her off. It's close to a Carl Hiassen novel - a bunch of nut cases in Florida. The alligator goes bananas, and joins the list of potential murderers of the judge.
How long was this? 406 pages
Did I like this? darn tootin. I love the rambling Leonard style, a little bit hard to latch on to the characters except Kathy and Gary. Fast paced story, zipped right through it.
Overall grade: B+
Nowhere to Run by C.J. Box
Title: Nowhere to Run
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 17, 2012
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Marybeth, friend Nate Romanowski, 2 daughters and adopted daughter April, governor Rulon, the Grimm Brothers, Terri Wade
What happens? Joe is on the last days of his assignment in isolation in Baggs, Wyoming and stumbles on evil in the form of two brothers living in the wild, and willing to kill to protect their secrecy.
How long was this? 356 pages
Did I like this? He is an excellent writer - the first third of the book was painful. It is unusual to have a leading character who gets his ass kicked as strongly as Joe does here, but it is certainly true who the guy really is.
Overall grade: B+
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 17, 2012
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Marybeth, friend Nate Romanowski, 2 daughters and adopted daughter April, governor Rulon, the Grimm Brothers, Terri Wade
What happens? Joe is on the last days of his assignment in isolation in Baggs, Wyoming and stumbles on evil in the form of two brothers living in the wild, and willing to kill to protect their secrecy.
How long was this? 356 pages
Did I like this? He is an excellent writer - the first third of the book was painful. It is unusual to have a leading character who gets his ass kicked as strongly as Joe does here, but it is certainly true who the guy really is.
Overall grade: B+
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Holiday in Death by Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb
Title: Holiday in Death
Author: Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Jul 5, 2012
When was the book published: 1998
Main Characters: Detective Eve Dallas, husband Roarke
What happens? Set in 2054, a guy dresses as Santa Claus is sweet talking his way in, and then drugging, raping and murdering people.
How long was this? 326 pages
Did I like this? This is abominable. There is the incredibly perfect husband who is completely sympathetic and understanding at all times, in addition to being rich and owning everything in New York, in addition to being an expert computer hacker. The future speak is ridiculous - they call it being "on screen" - isn't that clever? And it's like France, there are a lot of the same things, but with different names. Cars can fly.
Overall grade: C-, only because I sat and read the whole damn thing, really is a D-.
Author: Nora Roberts as J.D. Robb
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Jul 5, 2012
When was the book published: 1998
Main Characters: Detective Eve Dallas, husband Roarke
What happens? Set in 2054, a guy dresses as Santa Claus is sweet talking his way in, and then drugging, raping and murdering people.
How long was this? 326 pages
Did I like this? This is abominable. There is the incredibly perfect husband who is completely sympathetic and understanding at all times, in addition to being rich and owning everything in New York, in addition to being an expert computer hacker. The future speak is ridiculous - they call it being "on screen" - isn't that clever? And it's like France, there are a lot of the same things, but with different names. Cars can fly.
Overall grade: C-, only because I sat and read the whole damn thing, really is a D-.
The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza by Lawrence Block
Title: The Burglar Who Studied Spinoza
Author: Lawrence Block
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 11, 2012
When was the book published: 1980
Main Characters: Bernie Rhodenbarr, friend Carolyn, victim Wanda Colcannon and husband Herbert, fence Abel Crowe, Ray Kirschmann - crooked cop, girlfriend Denise
What happens? Carolyn's customer (Wanda) mentions being out of town, and Bernie and Carolyn go and rob him. He has a 1913 v-nickel in his safe, and Bernie takes it to Abel. Abel gets murdered. Wanda gets murdered during mess.
How long was this? 255 pages
Did I like this? Lawrence Block is the best. Wish he had written more. Have to go back and re-read the rest of his collection, although his series with the recovering alcoholic isn't as good.
Overall grade: A
Author: Lawrence Block
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 11, 2012
When was the book published: 1980
Main Characters: Bernie Rhodenbarr, friend Carolyn, victim Wanda Colcannon and husband Herbert, fence Abel Crowe, Ray Kirschmann - crooked cop, girlfriend Denise
What happens? Carolyn's customer (Wanda) mentions being out of town, and Bernie and Carolyn go and rob him. He has a 1913 v-nickel in his safe, and Bernie takes it to Abel. Abel gets murdered. Wanda gets murdered during mess.
How long was this? 255 pages
Did I like this? Lawrence Block is the best. Wish he had written more. Have to go back and re-read the rest of his collection, although his series with the recovering alcoholic isn't as good.
Overall grade: A
Saturday, July 7, 2012
CIty of Bones by Michael Connelly
Title: City of Bones
Author: MIchael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 30, 2012
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: Harry Bosch, older rookie Julia Brasher, neighbor Dr. Guyot, Harry's partner - Jerry Edgar, his boss - Billets (Bullets), medical examiner Teresa Corazon, VIctim Arthur Delacroix, plus his father and sister. Deputy Chief Irving
What happens? Harry gets a case where Dr. Guyot's dog finds a human bone buried in the woods near his house. The boy's skeleton shows lifelong abuse. He gets romantically involved with Brasher. A registered sex offender lives next door to the crime scene; the media descends.
How long was this? 389 pages
Did I like this? Love Connelly, love Harry.
Overall grade: A-
Author: MIchael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 30, 2012
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: Harry Bosch, older rookie Julia Brasher, neighbor Dr. Guyot, Harry's partner - Jerry Edgar, his boss - Billets (Bullets), medical examiner Teresa Corazon, VIctim Arthur Delacroix, plus his father and sister. Deputy Chief Irving
What happens? Harry gets a case where Dr. Guyot's dog finds a human bone buried in the woods near his house. The boy's skeleton shows lifelong abuse. He gets romantically involved with Brasher. A registered sex offender lives next door to the crime scene; the media descends.
How long was this? 389 pages
Did I like this? Love Connelly, love Harry.
Overall grade: A-
Taken by Robert Crais
Title: Taken
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: three days after I took it out, July 3, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Nita Morales, Jack Berman, Krista Morales, a bunch of really bad Mexican dudes, Jon Stone, the Syrian, Nancie Stendahl - aunt of Jack Berman and federal agent
What happens? Jack and Krista are hanging out in the desert, when a delivery of pollos (Mexicans to be sold) are hijacked by the Syrian, to be held for ransom. Nita Morales hires Elvis, and Nancie Stendahl gets the feds to help out. Elvis is eventually taken hostage also, and Jack and Krista have to survive in a hell hole with 40 other hostages.
How long was this? 340 pages
Did I like this? Holy Cow, this was good. Crais at his best, fast moving and emotional.
Overall grade: A
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: three days after I took it out, July 3, 2012
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Nita Morales, Jack Berman, Krista Morales, a bunch of really bad Mexican dudes, Jon Stone, the Syrian, Nancie Stendahl - aunt of Jack Berman and federal agent
What happens? Jack and Krista are hanging out in the desert, when a delivery of pollos (Mexicans to be sold) are hijacked by the Syrian, to be held for ransom. Nita Morales hires Elvis, and Nancie Stendahl gets the feds to help out. Elvis is eventually taken hostage also, and Jack and Krista have to survive in a hell hole with 40 other hostages.
How long was this? 340 pages
Did I like this? Holy Cow, this was good. Crais at his best, fast moving and emotional.
Overall grade: A
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Hollywood Tough by Stephen J. Cannell
Title: Hollywood Tough
Author: Stephen J. Cannell
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/16/2012
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Shane Scully, wife Alexa, friend Nora, adopted son Chooch, her fiance Farrell Champion, hustler Nicky Marcella, hopeful Carol White, actor Michael Fallon, producer
What happens? Two plots - A drug war is taking place and Chooch's mentor, American, is caught in the middle. Scully works with Nicky to set up a sting for east coast mobster Dennis Valentine, who is looking to take over the unions in the movie biz.
How long was this? 330 pages
Did I like this? Not bad. Cannell's writing kind of gets in the way (how many different cool hollywood buzz words can we drop in?) but it's a good story and you get to know the characters and root for them
Overall grade: B or B+
Author: Stephen J. Cannell
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/16/2012
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Shane Scully, wife Alexa, friend Nora, adopted son Chooch, her fiance Farrell Champion, hustler Nicky Marcella, hopeful Carol White, actor Michael Fallon, producer
What happens? Two plots - A drug war is taking place and Chooch's mentor, American, is caught in the middle. Scully works with Nicky to set up a sting for east coast mobster Dennis Valentine, who is looking to take over the unions in the movie biz.
How long was this? 330 pages
Did I like this? Not bad. Cannell's writing kind of gets in the way (how many different cool hollywood buzz words can we drop in?) but it's a good story and you get to know the characters and root for them
Overall grade: B or B+
Chasing Darkness by Robert Crais
Title: Chasing Darkness
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 8:51 a.m. June 23, 2012
When was the book published: July 2008
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Lionel Byrd, Alan Levy, Yvonne Bennett, Angel Tomaso, cops Marx, Bastilla, Carol Starkey (ex-bomb squad), John Chen, family of Debra Repko, City Councilman WIlts, a cameo phone call from the ex in New Orleans.
What happens? Lionel Byrd is found dead with photos of seven murder victims. One of the victims was Yvonne, and Cole helped clear Byrd of murdering her 3 years ago. It looks like he was wrong, as the photo book points 100% to Byrd. Cole works to clear Byrd, while strange things happen with the police investigation when Byrd is supposedly the bad guy.
How long was this? 270 pages
Did I like this? Darn tootin. Great story, twists that one could never see coming. Elvis and Joe together.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 8:51 a.m. June 23, 2012
When was the book published: July 2008
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Lionel Byrd, Alan Levy, Yvonne Bennett, Angel Tomaso, cops Marx, Bastilla, Carol Starkey (ex-bomb squad), John Chen, family of Debra Repko, City Councilman WIlts, a cameo phone call from the ex in New Orleans.
What happens? Lionel Byrd is found dead with photos of seven murder victims. One of the victims was Yvonne, and Cole helped clear Byrd of murdering her 3 years ago. It looks like he was wrong, as the photo book points 100% to Byrd. Cole works to clear Byrd, while strange things happen with the police investigation when Byrd is supposedly the bad guy.
How long was this? 270 pages
Did I like this? Darn tootin. Great story, twists that one could never see coming. Elvis and Joe together.
Overall grade: A-
Saturday, June 16, 2012
The Professional by Robert Parker
Title: The Professional
Author: Robert Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 14, 2012
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Spenser, Susan, Hawk, a little VInnie. Gary Eisenhower, Abigail Larson, Beth Jackson, Regina Hartley, Nancy Sinclair. Gary's girl at the health club - Estelle. Chet Jackson and his muscle, Zel and Boo.
What happens? 4 woman want to hire Spenser to stop Eisenhower from blackmailing them. He has affairs with young women married to older rich men, then blackmails them.
How long was this? 289 pages
Did I like this? One of Parker's good ones, good story, fast moving. Not as tense as when Spenser or team are under attack, but a real good one.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Robert Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 14, 2012
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Spenser, Susan, Hawk, a little VInnie. Gary Eisenhower, Abigail Larson, Beth Jackson, Regina Hartley, Nancy Sinclair. Gary's girl at the health club - Estelle. Chet Jackson and his muscle, Zel and Boo.
What happens? 4 woman want to hire Spenser to stop Eisenhower from blackmailing them. He has affairs with young women married to older rich men, then blackmails them.
How long was this? 289 pages
Did I like this? One of Parker's good ones, good story, fast moving. Not as tense as when Spenser or team are under attack, but a real good one.
Overall grade: B+
In Plain Sight by C.J. Box
Title: In Plain Sight
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 10, 2012
When was the book published: 2006
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Marybeth, daughters Sheridan and Lucy, brief appearance by Nate Romanowski, the Scarlett family, Opal, sons Hank, Arlen and Wyatt. J.W. Keeley from Joe's past
What happens? Opal disappears and the book starts with Hank and Arlen taking shovels to each other's heads. Keeley becomes part of the ranch mob at Hank's ranch, while terrorizing Joe and family with a dead ferret and beheaded moose.
How long was this? 303 pages
Did I like this? yes, real good story, good characters, Joe is a good hero. He actually gets beat up in the middle...very different.
Overall grade: B+
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 10, 2012
When was the book published: 2006
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Marybeth, daughters Sheridan and Lucy, brief appearance by Nate Romanowski, the Scarlett family, Opal, sons Hank, Arlen and Wyatt. J.W. Keeley from Joe's past
What happens? Opal disappears and the book starts with Hank and Arlen taking shovels to each other's heads. Keeley becomes part of the ranch mob at Hank's ranch, while terrorizing Joe and family with a dead ferret and beheaded moose.
How long was this? 303 pages
Did I like this? yes, real good story, good characters, Joe is a good hero. He actually gets beat up in the middle...very different.
Overall grade: B+
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Shut Your Eyes Tight by John Verdon
Title: Shut Your Eyes Tight
Author: John Verdon
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 30, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Dave Gurney, wife Madeline, cop Jack Hardwick, Jillian Perry, Dr. Ashton. the Mexican Gardner Hector Flores
What happens? Gurney is retired in upstate New York. Hardwick wants him to help with the murder of Jillian Perry, beheaded on his wedding day. Gurney gets into the middle of a bizarre and brutal story around the sexual deviants who go to Dr. Ashton's school.
How long was this? 509 pages
Did I like this? A really good story, great characters. I had a sense of what was going on before it was revealed, but even so, pretty brilliant stuff. My first from Verdon, would definitely read more.
The brutality and depravity was a bit over the top.
Overall grade: A-
Author: John Verdon
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 30, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Dave Gurney, wife Madeline, cop Jack Hardwick, Jillian Perry, Dr. Ashton. the Mexican Gardner Hector Flores
What happens? Gurney is retired in upstate New York. Hardwick wants him to help with the murder of Jillian Perry, beheaded on his wedding day. Gurney gets into the middle of a bizarre and brutal story around the sexual deviants who go to Dr. Ashton's school.
How long was this? 509 pages
Did I like this? A really good story, great characters. I had a sense of what was going on before it was revealed, but even so, pretty brilliant stuff. My first from Verdon, would definitely read more.
The brutality and depravity was a bit over the top.
Overall grade: A-
Iron River by T. Jefferson Parker
Title: Iron River
Author: T. Jefferson Parker
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: June 8, 2012
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Charlie Hood, Brandon Jones/Smith, Ron Pace (in the first person), Uncle Chester, strange Mike Finnegan, daughter Owens, kidnapped Jimmy Holdstock
What happens? Trying to catch gun smugglers running away from ATFE officers, an innocent kid is shot and killed accidentally. He turns out to be the son of a Mexican gangster, and they kidnap and torture Holdstock. Twice. Meanwhile, Ron Pace restarts his gun business building 1000 weapons for a Mexican gangster.
How long was this? 368 pages
Did I like this? Parts I loved, and parts I hated. The brutality and violence and the whole mexican situation is depressing. Hood is brilliant; you have to root for Ron Pace to get the girl, and Mike Finnegan (the devil??) is a really interesting twist.
Overall grade: Some places an A+ and some a B-.
Author: T. Jefferson Parker
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: June 8, 2012
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Charlie Hood, Brandon Jones/Smith, Ron Pace (in the first person), Uncle Chester, strange Mike Finnegan, daughter Owens, kidnapped Jimmy Holdstock
What happens? Trying to catch gun smugglers running away from ATFE officers, an innocent kid is shot and killed accidentally. He turns out to be the son of a Mexican gangster, and they kidnap and torture Holdstock. Twice. Meanwhile, Ron Pace restarts his gun business building 1000 weapons for a Mexican gangster.
How long was this? 368 pages
Did I like this? Parts I loved, and parts I hated. The brutality and violence and the whole mexican situation is depressing. Hood is brilliant; you have to root for Ron Pace to get the girl, and Mike Finnegan (the devil??) is a really interesting twist.
Overall grade: Some places an A+ and some a B-.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George
Title: Believing the Lie
Author: Elizabeth George
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: May 25, 2012
When was the book published: Jan 2012
Main Characters: Bernard and Valerie Fairclough, their childred Manette, divorced from Fred, disabled daughter Mignon, ex-drug addict son Nicholas married to Brazilian beauty Alatea, trash journalist Zed Benjamin, Thomas Lynley, Barbara Havers, Simon St. James and Deborah, Ian Cresswell who left his wife Niamh to be with gay lover Kaveh, and their kids Tim and Gracie, Haver's neighbors Hadiyah Azhar and father, living with her mother Angelina
What happens? Ian Cresswell dies getting out of his kayak in the beachhouse, and Bernard gets Hillier (Scotland Yard) to bring Lynley in on the case to find out if son Nicholas was responsible. A whole series of family secrets are revealed about the Faircloughs. Lynley goes to the Lake District (Cumbria) with St. James and Deborah going undercover to get to the truth.
How long was this? 530 pages
Did I like this? One of the best George's, fast moving with multiple interesting plots.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Elizabeth George
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: May 25, 2012
When was the book published: Jan 2012
Main Characters: Bernard and Valerie Fairclough, their childred Manette, divorced from Fred, disabled daughter Mignon, ex-drug addict son Nicholas married to Brazilian beauty Alatea, trash journalist Zed Benjamin, Thomas Lynley, Barbara Havers, Simon St. James and Deborah, Ian Cresswell who left his wife Niamh to be with gay lover Kaveh, and their kids Tim and Gracie, Haver's neighbors Hadiyah Azhar and father, living with her mother Angelina
What happens? Ian Cresswell dies getting out of his kayak in the beachhouse, and Bernard gets Hillier (Scotland Yard) to bring Lynley in on the case to find out if son Nicholas was responsible. A whole series of family secrets are revealed about the Faircloughs. Lynley goes to the Lake District (Cumbria) with St. James and Deborah going undercover to get to the truth.
How long was this? 530 pages
Did I like this? One of the best George's, fast moving with multiple interesting plots.
Overall grade: A-
Monday, May 14, 2012
Cold Wind by C.J. Box
Title:Cold Wind
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read? Library book:
When did I finish? May 13, 2012:
When was the book published: 2011:
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Marybeth, Nate Romanowski
What happens? Joe finds his father in law dead on a windmill. His mother in law is accused of murder, with the testimony of her third husband, Nate Longacre.
How long was this? 388 pages
Did I like this?damn good, well written, good plot, good characters. Real feel for the west.
Overall grade: A-
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read? Library book:
When did I finish? May 13, 2012:
When was the book published: 2011:
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Marybeth, Nate Romanowski
What happens? Joe finds his father in law dead on a windmill. His mother in law is accused of murder, with the testimony of her third husband, Nate Longacre.
How long was this? 388 pages
Did I like this?damn good, well written, good plot, good characters. Real feel for the west.
Overall grade: A-
Friday, May 11, 2012
The Informant by Thomas Perry
Title:
The Informant
Author: Thomas Perry
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 7, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: The widowed cop with the kids, Elizabeth Waring, and the Butcher's Boy, Michael Schaeffer
What happens? The Butcher's Boy runs around killing mafiaso because they put a hit on him. The Mafia call a convention and decide to kill him.
How long was this? 325 pages
Did I like this? breezy reading, unique story, LOTS of killing, nothing riveting
Overall grade: B
Author: Thomas Perry
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 7, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: The widowed cop with the kids, Elizabeth Waring, and the Butcher's Boy, Michael Schaeffer
What happens? The Butcher's Boy runs around killing mafiaso because they put a hit on him. The Mafia call a convention and decide to kill him.
How long was this? 325 pages
Did I like this? breezy reading, unique story, LOTS of killing, nothing riveting
Overall grade: B
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Hush Money by Robert B. Parker
Title: Hush Money
Author: Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: April 26, 2012
When was the book published: 1999
Main Characters: Spenser, Hawk, Susan and two cases, a crazy woman named KC Roth who is being stalked, and a professor (son of Hawk's childhood boxing coach and mentor) named Robinson Nevins
What happens? Susan asks Spenser to help KC Roth with a stalker. She has just broken it off with the married man she left her husband for. Hawk asks Spenser to help a college professor get tenure after he is denied because of rumors that he had an affair with a student, Prentice Lamont
How long was this? 310 pages
Did I like this? a very good Spenser, top notch
Overall grade: A
Author: Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: April 26, 2012
When was the book published: 1999
Main Characters: Spenser, Hawk, Susan and two cases, a crazy woman named KC Roth who is being stalked, and a professor (son of Hawk's childhood boxing coach and mentor) named Robinson Nevins
What happens? Susan asks Spenser to help KC Roth with a stalker. She has just broken it off with the married man she left her husband for. Hawk asks Spenser to help a college professor get tenure after he is denied because of rumors that he had an affair with a student, Prentice Lamont
How long was this? 310 pages
Did I like this? a very good Spenser, top notch
Overall grade: A
Stay Close by Harlan Coben
Title: Stay Close
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 15, 2012
When was the book published: March, 2012
Main Characters: Ray Levine, photographer, Megan Pierce/Cassie, mom/former stripper, Detective Broome, kindly bartender Lorraine
What happens? All centered around Atlantic City - Megan is forced to go back to her stripper roots by nagging memories, and Detective Broome won't give up on finding a disappeared man, all tied around what they discover to be a serial killer. The father of a recent victim hires a lunatic couple to get answers.
How long was this? 385 pages
Did I like this? A very good Harlan Coben
Overall grade: B+
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 15, 2012
When was the book published: March, 2012
Main Characters: Ray Levine, photographer, Megan Pierce/Cassie, mom/former stripper, Detective Broome, kindly bartender Lorraine
What happens? All centered around Atlantic City - Megan is forced to go back to her stripper roots by nagging memories, and Detective Broome won't give up on finding a disappeared man, all tied around what they discover to be a serial killer. The father of a recent victim hires a lunatic couple to get answers.
How long was this? 385 pages
Did I like this? A very good Harlan Coben
Overall grade: B+
Sunday, April 22, 2012
The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
Title: The Art of Fielding
Author: Chad Harbach
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 22, 2012
When was the book published: Sept 2011
Main Characters: Henry Skrimshander, Mike Schwartz, Westish college pres Guert Affenlight, daughter Pella, coach Cox, Henry's gay, baseball playing roommate Owen Dunne
What happens? Lots. Schwartz discovers Henry, recruits him and turns him into a great shortstop. Pella leaves her husband and returns to Westish. Guert is straight, but falls for Owen. Henry is perfect, but his wild throw hits Owen in the head and he loses his confidence. Things unravel.
How long was this? 510 pages
Did I like this? An excellent novel, with baseball and Moby Dick intertwined at a mediocre college campus in Wisconsin. Throw in some gay sex and a gut wrenching loss of confidence and get a riveting page turner
Overall grade: A
Author: Chad Harbach
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 22, 2012
When was the book published: Sept 2011
Main Characters: Henry Skrimshander, Mike Schwartz, Westish college pres Guert Affenlight, daughter Pella, coach Cox, Henry's gay, baseball playing roommate Owen Dunne
What happens? Lots. Schwartz discovers Henry, recruits him and turns him into a great shortstop. Pella leaves her husband and returns to Westish. Guert is straight, but falls for Owen. Henry is perfect, but his wild throw hits Owen in the head and he loses his confidence. Things unravel.
How long was this? 510 pages
Did I like this? An excellent novel, with baseball and Moby Dick intertwined at a mediocre college campus in Wisconsin. Throw in some gay sex and a gut wrenching loss of confidence and get a riveting page turner
Overall grade: A
Users Not Customers by Aaron Shapiro
Title: Users Not Customers
Author: Aaron Shapiro
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 80% read April 22, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: business book
What happens?
User Centric Management
Concentric Organization - centralize all digital activity
Disposable Technology - constantly changing software layer
Higher Calling Products
Utility Marketing - engage by giving, not taking
TCPF - sales - Trust Convenience Price Fun
Bilateral Customer Service - combine self and full service
How long was this? 220 pages
Did I like this? Some good points - people brows for 2 reasons, 1 - find or buy or find out about - or - 2 what's going on, what's new
Overall grade: B
Author: Aaron Shapiro
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 80% read April 22, 2012
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: business book
What happens?
User Centric Management
Concentric Organization - centralize all digital activity
Disposable Technology - constantly changing software layer
Higher Calling Products
Utility Marketing - engage by giving, not taking
TCPF - sales - Trust Convenience Price Fun
Bilateral Customer Service - combine self and full service
How long was this? 220 pages
Did I like this? Some good points - people brows for 2 reasons, 1 - find or buy or find out about - or - 2 what's going on, what's new
Overall grade: B
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva
Title: Moscow Rules
Author: Daniel Silva
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 7, 2012
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, Israeli Spy and painter/forgerer/refinisher, his wife Chiara, bad guy Ivan Kharkov, Russian arms dealer, his wife Elena, journalist Elena Sukhova
What happens? A journalist wants to reveal a secret, but will only talk to Allon. He is murdered in Rome in a church before he can speak, and Allon has to go find the truth in Moscow. He is captured and tossed in jail, and released, but pursues the truth by getting Kharkov's wife to help out.
How long was this? 420 pages
Did I like this? very good spy story, lots of action, fast moving
Overall grade: B+
Author: Daniel Silva
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 7, 2012
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Gabriel Allon, Israeli Spy and painter/forgerer/refinisher, his wife Chiara, bad guy Ivan Kharkov, Russian arms dealer, his wife Elena, journalist Elena Sukhova
What happens? A journalist wants to reveal a secret, but will only talk to Allon. He is murdered in Rome in a church before he can speak, and Allon has to go find the truth in Moscow. He is captured and tossed in jail, and released, but pursues the truth by getting Kharkov's wife to help out.
How long was this? 420 pages
Did I like this? very good spy story, lots of action, fast moving
Overall grade: B+
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