Title: Razor Girl
Author: Carl Hiaasen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Yancy, Merry Mansfield, Brock Richardson and Deb, Buck Nance and family, Big Noogie, agent Lane Coolman and his boss Amp, sand guy Martin Trebeaux, Blister Krill
What happens? Merry has a racket where she crashes into cars and then pretends to have been shaving "down there." It distracts the victim until a dude comes to kidnap, collect money, etc. She accidentally takes out Lane Coolman when she is supposed to get some one else. Lane is not able to baby sit Buck, who launches into a homophobic racist rant at a Key West night club, which is a bad idea. On it goes...
How long was this? 333 pages
Did I like this? Entertaining, not compelling, usual Carl H.
Overall grade: B+
Monday, December 26, 2016
Friday, December 23, 2016
The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon
Title: The Fiery Cross
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Did I listen or read?: audible book
When did I finish?: December 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2005
Main Characters: Jamie and Claire are settled in Fraser's Ridge in North Carolina in the early 1770s with the "war against the regulators" going on, as they search for and try to kill Stephen Bonnet.
What happens?
How long was this? 1400 pages in paperback!
Did I like this? Took me 7 months to finish. Great audio listening if you have a really bad commute.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Did I listen or read?: audible book
When did I finish?: December 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2005
Main Characters: Jamie and Claire are settled in Fraser's Ridge in North Carolina in the early 1770s with the "war against the regulators" going on, as they search for and try to kill Stephen Bonnet.
What happens?
How long was this? 1400 pages in paperback!
Did I like this? Took me 7 months to finish. Great audio listening if you have a really bad commute.
Overall grade: B+
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Commonwealth by Ann Patchett
Title: Commonwealth
Author: Ann Patchett
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Fix and Beverly Keating, their kids, Carolyn and Franny, Bert and Teresa Cousins, their kids, Cal, Holly, Jeannette and Albie. Leon Posen. Kumar.
What happens? Everyone lives their lives, Beverly runs off with Bert. Franny marries Leo. Leo writes a book called Commonwealth about the Keating and Cousins families.
How long was this? 448 pages
Did I like this? Pretty OK. Very good writing, plot just rolls along.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Ann Patchett
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Fix and Beverly Keating, their kids, Carolyn and Franny, Bert and Teresa Cousins, their kids, Cal, Holly, Jeannette and Albie. Leon Posen. Kumar.
What happens? Everyone lives their lives, Beverly runs off with Bert. Franny marries Leo. Leo writes a book called Commonwealth about the Keating and Cousins families.
How long was this? 448 pages
Did I like this? Pretty OK. Very good writing, plot just rolls along.
Overall grade: B+
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Long Shot by Jack Coughlin
Title: Long Shot
Author: Jack Coughlin
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 9 2017
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Kyle Swanson, spy for hire and VP of sales for Excalibur, weapons mfg. General Levchenko, Russian traitor Ivan Strakov. Anneli Kallasti,young revolutionary in Estonia.
What happens? Strakov demands that Swanson is the only one he will talk to when he decides to defect. He sends him to Estonia to figure out what the Russian are up to. Is he really helping them, or is he part of a secret plot?
How long was this? 294 pages
Did I like this? Not much. Lots of military action and weapons described accurately. A plot that continually raises questions. Why does Strakov insist on Swanson? Never explained. More important, it is 100% unbelievable that three expert agents took a 20 year old novice (Anneli) into an extremely dangerous mission. I can't believe that they would have done this, and the characters question it but they never provide a reason. Unbelievable.
Overall grade: C
Author: Jack Coughlin
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 9 2017
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Kyle Swanson, spy for hire and VP of sales for Excalibur, weapons mfg. General Levchenko, Russian traitor Ivan Strakov. Anneli Kallasti,young revolutionary in Estonia.
What happens? Strakov demands that Swanson is the only one he will talk to when he decides to defect. He sends him to Estonia to figure out what the Russian are up to. Is he really helping them, or is he part of a secret plot?
How long was this? 294 pages
Did I like this? Not much. Lots of military action and weapons described accurately. A plot that continually raises questions. Why does Strakov insist on Swanson? Never explained. More important, it is 100% unbelievable that three expert agents took a 20 year old novice (Anneli) into an extremely dangerous mission. I can't believe that they would have done this, and the characters question it but they never provide a reason. Unbelievable.
Overall grade: C
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
Title: Truly Madly Guilty
Author: Liane Moriarty
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 3, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Erica and Oliver (childless and boring,) Clementine (cello player) and Sam and their kids Holly and Ruby, Vid and Tiffany (former pole dancer) and Dakota (10 year old daughter,) Pam and Martin (Clementine's parents,) Erika's mom, the hoarder, Sylvia
What happens? In the Sydney suburbs, a terrible thing happens during a barbeque at Vid and Tiffany's house, and we alternate between the days leading up to it, and the aftermath. Erika and Clementine have a strange friendship stemming from their youth when Clementine took in Erika because her mother was (is) an out of control hoarder. Clementine is working on an audition for the Sydney symphony. You get to see everyone's viewpoint chapter by chapter as the event stresses all of the marriages and families.
How long was this? 416 pages
Did I like this? Not the usual thing I read, frustrating to be wondering for hundreds of pages "what could have happened that was so awful?" - but ultimately it is rewarding when the truth is revealed.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Liane Moriarty
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: December 3, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Erica and Oliver (childless and boring,) Clementine (cello player) and Sam and their kids Holly and Ruby, Vid and Tiffany (former pole dancer) and Dakota (10 year old daughter,) Pam and Martin (Clementine's parents,) Erika's mom, the hoarder, Sylvia
What happens? In the Sydney suburbs, a terrible thing happens during a barbeque at Vid and Tiffany's house, and we alternate between the days leading up to it, and the aftermath. Erika and Clementine have a strange friendship stemming from their youth when Clementine took in Erika because her mother was (is) an out of control hoarder. Clementine is working on an audition for the Sydney symphony. You get to see everyone's viewpoint chapter by chapter as the event stresses all of the marriages and families.
How long was this? 416 pages
Did I like this? Not the usual thing I read, frustrating to be wondering for hundreds of pages "what could have happened that was so awful?" - but ultimately it is rewarding when the truth is revealed.
Overall grade: B+
The Crescent Spy by Michael Wallace
Title: The Crescent Spy
Author: Michael Wallace
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: November 26, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Josephine Breaux, the Captain, her mother the dancer on paddlewheel riverboats, pinkerton agent Allen Gray
What happens? During the Civil War, Josephine is working for a Washington DC newspaper filing stories with the name Joseph until she is exposed and fired. The Pinkertons get to her to hire her to go to New Orleans to spy for the North. She gets a job with a newspaper and helps the North plan an attack on New Orleans.
How long was this? 325 pages
Did I like this? really good historical fiction, a good engaging spy story. Suprising!
Overall grade: A-
Author: Michael Wallace
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: November 26, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Josephine Breaux, the Captain, her mother the dancer on paddlewheel riverboats, pinkerton agent Allen Gray
What happens? During the Civil War, Josephine is working for a Washington DC newspaper filing stories with the name Joseph until she is exposed and fired. The Pinkertons get to her to hire her to go to New Orleans to spy for the North. She gets a job with a newspaper and helps the North plan an attack on New Orleans.
How long was this? 325 pages
Did I like this? really good historical fiction, a good engaging spy story. Suprising!
Overall grade: A-
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
The Last Refuge by Ben Coes
Title: The Last Refuge
Author: Ben Coes
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: November 15, 2016
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Dewey Andreas, Kohl Meir, Abu Paria
What happens? Iranian evil forces kidnap Kohl Meir in order to try and execute him for killing during an operation where he saved Dewey's life. At the same time, the pesky Iranians are about to float a nuclear bomb into Tel Aviv and blow it up.
How long was this? 402 pages
Did I like this? barely readable. one dimensional characters. bad guys who are evil to the core. good guys who are good, believe in good, and act good.
Overall grade: C-
Author: Ben Coes
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: November 15, 2016
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Dewey Andreas, Kohl Meir, Abu Paria
What happens? Iranian evil forces kidnap Kohl Meir in order to try and execute him for killing during an operation where he saved Dewey's life. At the same time, the pesky Iranians are about to float a nuclear bomb into Tel Aviv and blow it up.
How long was this? 402 pages
Did I like this? barely readable. one dimensional characters. bad guys who are evil to the core. good guys who are good, believe in good, and act good.
Overall grade: C-
Friday, November 11, 2016
Sweet Lamb of Heaven by Lydia Millet
Title: Sweet Lamb of Heaven
Author: Lydia Millet
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/11/2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Anna, daughter Lena, husband Ned, Don who runs the motel, boyfriend Will, Kaye, Burke and Gabe, the two Lindas, brother Solly
What happens? Anna gets pregnant with Lena, Ned wants nothing to do with her, Anna runs away from Anchorage to a motel in Maine and hides, Ned becomes a politician and wants her back.
How long was this? 250 pages
Did I like this? At times yes, at times the stuff about language and God just lost me
Overall grade: B+
Author: Lydia Millet
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/11/2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Anna, daughter Lena, husband Ned, Don who runs the motel, boyfriend Will, Kaye, Burke and Gabe, the two Lindas, brother Solly
What happens? Anna gets pregnant with Lena, Ned wants nothing to do with her, Anna runs away from Anchorage to a motel in Maine and hides, Ned becomes a politician and wants her back.
How long was this? 250 pages
Did I like this? At times yes, at times the stuff about language and God just lost me
Overall grade: B+
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Home by Harlan Coben
Title: Home
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: November 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Myron Bolitar, Win, Mickey Bolitar, Patrick and Rhys, fat buddha, Nancy and Chick and Brooke (Win's cousin), Myron's fiance Terese
What happens? Two boys are abducted from Nancy's house, and Win finds one of them 10 years later after getting an anonymous email leading him to London. He hasn't seen Myron for a year, but he calls him ("articulate") and asks for his help. They start in London and eventually come back to the original crime to find the brutal truth.
How long was this? 385 pages
Did I like this? Sensational story, usual Coben plot twists all the way to the last page
Overall grade: A
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: November 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Myron Bolitar, Win, Mickey Bolitar, Patrick and Rhys, fat buddha, Nancy and Chick and Brooke (Win's cousin), Myron's fiance Terese
What happens? Two boys are abducted from Nancy's house, and Win finds one of them 10 years later after getting an anonymous email leading him to London. He hasn't seen Myron for a year, but he calls him ("articulate") and asks for his help. They start in London and eventually come back to the original crime to find the brutal truth.
How long was this? 385 pages
Did I like this? Sensational story, usual Coben plot twists all the way to the last page
Overall grade: A
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Missing You by Harlan Coben
Title: Missing You
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: October 28, 2016
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Kat Donovan, ex-boyfriend Jeff, yoga transvestite Aqua, bad guys Titus, Reynaldo, dog Bo, Katt's boss Stagger, partner Chaz Faircloth, teenager Brandon Phelps, mother Dana
What happens? Kat works simultaneously to figure out what really happened when her father died, and to figure out whether Dana met a man and went away, or has been kidnapped
How long was this? 399 pages
Did I like this? top notch, great Coben story with twists and turns
Overall grade: A-
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: October 28, 2016
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Kat Donovan, ex-boyfriend Jeff, yoga transvestite Aqua, bad guys Titus, Reynaldo, dog Bo, Katt's boss Stagger, partner Chaz Faircloth, teenager Brandon Phelps, mother Dana
What happens? Kat works simultaneously to figure out what really happened when her father died, and to figure out whether Dana met a man and went away, or has been kidnapped
How long was this? 399 pages
Did I like this? top notch, great Coben story with twists and turns
Overall grade: A-
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
Title: Fool Me Once
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/15/16
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Maya Burkett, late husband Joe, late sister Claire, Isabella the nanny, Burkett matriarch Judith, Maya's best friend Shane
What happens? Maya buries Joe, who was shot dead in Central Park in her presence (she ran away,) and Joe shows up on a nanny cam. Isabella pepper sprays her and takes the footage on the SD card. Maya decides to find out what happened to Joe, and maybe also to Claire, that ties back to tragedies in his school days long ago.
How long was this? 390 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Coben, never guess what the plot twists will be at the end. great stuff.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Harlan Coben
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/15/16
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Maya Burkett, late husband Joe, late sister Claire, Isabella the nanny, Burkett matriarch Judith, Maya's best friend Shane
What happens? Maya buries Joe, who was shot dead in Central Park in her presence (she ran away,) and Joe shows up on a nanny cam. Isabella pepper sprays her and takes the footage on the SD card. Maya decides to find out what happened to Joe, and maybe also to Claire, that ties back to tragedies in his school days long ago.
How long was this? 390 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Coben, never guess what the plot twists will be at the end. great stuff.
Overall grade: A-
Saturday, October 15, 2016
End of Watch by Stephen King
Title: End of Watch
Author: Stephen King
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: October 10, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Bill Hodges, Jerome Robinson and Holly, the retired copy - college kid - neurotic woman detective agency, Bill's former partner Pete and his new partnery (Izzy?), Mr. Mercedes - Brady Hartsfield and his alter egos Dr. Babineau and the old guy who pushes the hospital reading cart
What happens? Brady's brain starts working in sinister and supernatural ways and Hodges has to figure it out (with Holly's help) and finish him.
How long was this? 432 pages
Did I like this? Very good, I can live with it the bad guy having mental powers, but it was exciting, compelling, page-turning fun.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Stephen King
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: October 10, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Bill Hodges, Jerome Robinson and Holly, the retired copy - college kid - neurotic woman detective agency, Bill's former partner Pete and his new partnery (Izzy?), Mr. Mercedes - Brady Hartsfield and his alter egos Dr. Babineau and the old guy who pushes the hospital reading cart
What happens? Brady's brain starts working in sinister and supernatural ways and Hodges has to figure it out (with Holly's help) and finish him.
How long was this? 432 pages
Did I like this? Very good, I can live with it the bad guy having mental powers, but it was exciting, compelling, page-turning fun.
Overall grade: A-
Finders Keepers by Stephen King - 2nd time
Title: Finders Keepers - 2nd time
Author: Stephen King
Did I listen or read?: Nook book
When did I finish?: July 10, 2015
When was the book published: no idea
Main Characters: Pete Stoubers, sister Tina, parents, Morris the criminal lunatic, author John Rothstein, the "detectives" Jerome, Holly and the ex-cop Bill Hodges
What happens? Morris kills Rothstein in 1978 because he doesn't like what he did with his character, and then geta arrested for an unrelated rape. Pete's family moves into Morris's old house and he discovers the money and books that were stolen. Morris gets parole, and it all comes together at the Rec Center
How long was this? 338 pages
Did I like this? superb story, finished it in 4 days.
I read the whole book over cover to cover after reading Mr. Mercedes to meet Bill Hodges, Jerome Robinson and Holly. This is the second (and best) book in the trilogy. The third is End of Watch.
Overall grade A
Author: Stephen King
Did I listen or read?: Nook book
When did I finish?: July 10, 2015
When was the book published: no idea
Main Characters: Pete Stoubers, sister Tina, parents, Morris the criminal lunatic, author John Rothstein, the "detectives" Jerome, Holly and the ex-cop Bill Hodges
What happens? Morris kills Rothstein in 1978 because he doesn't like what he did with his character, and then geta arrested for an unrelated rape. Pete's family moves into Morris's old house and he discovers the money and books that were stolen. Morris gets parole, and it all comes together at the Rec Center
How long was this? 338 pages
Did I like this? superb story, finished it in 4 days.
I read the whole book over cover to cover after reading Mr. Mercedes to meet Bill Hodges, Jerome Robinson and Holly. This is the second (and best) book in the trilogy. The third is End of Watch.
Overall grade A
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
Title: Mr. Mercedes
Author: Stephen King
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Bill Hodges, Janey, Holly, Jerome Robinson, ex-partner Pete, Brady Hartfield
What happens? Hodges is retired, and Hartfield is the pyscho Mercedes driving mass murderer who wants to torture Hodges until he kills himself, and then wants to blow up a lot of people. The first of a trilogy - Finder's Keepers is next.
How long was this? 437 pages
Did I like this? Very good story, great characters, very exciting ending.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Stephen King
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Bill Hodges, Janey, Holly, Jerome Robinson, ex-partner Pete, Brady Hartfield
What happens? Hodges is retired, and Hartfield is the pyscho Mercedes driving mass murderer who wants to torture Hodges until he kills himself, and then wants to blow up a lot of people. The first of a trilogy - Finder's Keepers is next.
How long was this? 437 pages
Did I like this? Very good story, great characters, very exciting ending.
Overall grade: A-
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Girl in the Dark by Marion Pauw
Title: Girl in the Dark
Author: Marion Pauw
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Iris Kaseltein, Ray, Mo the social worker, son Aaron, Rosita and Anna, mother Agatha Antonia Boelens, the van Benschop family
What happens? Alternating chapters between Ray, severely autustic and in an institution after being convicted for the brutal murder of Rosita and Anna, and Iris, lawyer who figures out the Ray is her brother, and that he is innocent.
How long was this? 317 pages
Did I like this? Yes, a surprisingly good story. Didn't see where the ending was going to go - well done!
Overall grade: A-
Author: Marion Pauw
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Iris Kaseltein, Ray, Mo the social worker, son Aaron, Rosita and Anna, mother Agatha Antonia Boelens, the van Benschop family
What happens? Alternating chapters between Ray, severely autustic and in an institution after being convicted for the brutal murder of Rosita and Anna, and Iris, lawyer who figures out the Ray is her brother, and that he is innocent.
How long was this? 317 pages
Did I like this? Yes, a surprisingly good story. Didn't see where the ending was going to go - well done!
Overall grade: A-
Sunday, September 11, 2016
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Title: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, a Leadership Fable
Author: Patrick Lencioni
Did I listen or read?: personal hard cover
When did I finish?: September 11, 2017
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: Kathryn and the leadership team of Decisiontech
What happens? Kathryn is hired to fix Decisiontech, a software company with strong leaders, investors, and board members, but which is falling behind the competitors. She doesn't have the expected background, but brings in the attributes of teamwork to get the company focused in the right direction, working on
Focus On Results
Accountability
Commitment
Conflict
Trust
How long was this? 225 pages
Did I like this? Excellent work, entertaining, not a boring "this is how you do it." Very applicable to high tech start up mode. Need to use the questionaire and score card on pages 192-194
Overall grade: A
Author: Patrick Lencioni
Did I listen or read?: personal hard cover
When did I finish?: September 11, 2017
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: Kathryn and the leadership team of Decisiontech
What happens? Kathryn is hired to fix Decisiontech, a software company with strong leaders, investors, and board members, but which is falling behind the competitors. She doesn't have the expected background, but brings in the attributes of teamwork to get the company focused in the right direction, working on
Focus On Results
Accountability
Commitment
Conflict
Trust
How long was this? 225 pages
Did I like this? Excellent work, entertaining, not a boring "this is how you do it." Very applicable to high tech start up mode. Need to use the questionaire and score card on pages 192-194
Overall grade: A
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Moving Target by J.A. Jance
Title: Moving Target
Author: J.A. Jance
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 10, 2016
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Ali Reynolds, B. Simpson, Leland Roberts, Lance Tucker, Leanne, Thad and Connor Tucker. Leland's aunts Masie and Daisy, old friend Thomas, Sister Anselm
What happens? Two plots. B. works to help Lance out after he is set on fire in the youth correctional home, and Ali takes Leland back to England to get some closure after moving away. They wind up investigating his father's death. B's case involves warring Mexican cartels.
How long was this? 340 pages
Did I like this? OK, easy to read, the characters are reasonable and well drawn, but the plot and the cartels and the bad guys are all over the place. I think I will try this author again with her JP Beaumont or Joanne Brady characters.
Overall grade: B
Author: J.A. Jance
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 10, 2016
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Ali Reynolds, B. Simpson, Leland Roberts, Lance Tucker, Leanne, Thad and Connor Tucker. Leland's aunts Masie and Daisy, old friend Thomas, Sister Anselm
What happens? Two plots. B. works to help Lance out after he is set on fire in the youth correctional home, and Ali takes Leland back to England to get some closure after moving away. They wind up investigating his father's death. B's case involves warring Mexican cartels.
How long was this? 340 pages
Did I like this? OK, easy to read, the characters are reasonable and well drawn, but the plot and the cartels and the bad guys are all over the place. I think I will try this author again with her JP Beaumont or Joanne Brady characters.
Overall grade: B
Sunday, September 4, 2016
The Kill Room by Jeffrey Deaver
Title: The Kill Room
Author: Jeffrey Deaver
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 4, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Lincoln Rhyme, Amelia Sachs, Thom, Nance Laurel,Jacob Swann, Robert Moreno, Mychal Poitier, Metzger
What happens? Moreno is executed as a threat to the US by Metzger's NIOS operation by a skilled assassin, but there's layers of things wrong. Two people die from broken glass from the kill shot, and Swann sets out to eradicate everyone involved with Moreno or the operation.
How long was this? 486 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good, definitely would like to read more Rhyme stories. A bit convoluted and long - you think you know what happened, so it's not a mystery, but he throws in a lot of plot twists and turns. The technique of the surprise reveal gets a little bit old.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Jeffrey Deaver
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: September 4, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Lincoln Rhyme, Amelia Sachs, Thom, Nance Laurel,Jacob Swann, Robert Moreno, Mychal Poitier, Metzger
What happens? Moreno is executed as a threat to the US by Metzger's NIOS operation by a skilled assassin, but there's layers of things wrong. Two people die from broken glass from the kill shot, and Swann sets out to eradicate everyone involved with Moreno or the operation.
How long was this? 486 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good, definitely would like to read more Rhyme stories. A bit convoluted and long - you think you know what happened, so it's not a mystery, but he throws in a lot of plot twists and turns. The technique of the surprise reveal gets a little bit old.
Overall grade: B+
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Slow Burn by Ace Atkins
Title: Slow Burn a Spenser Novel
Author: Ace Atkins ala Robert B Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 23, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Spenser, Susan, Hawk, Z, Vinnie - three idiot arsonists, captain Jack Welch
What happens? The idiot arsonists are Sparks and decide that the best thing for the fire department is to set a lot of fires so they will get more equipment. Captain Welch has Spenser look in to it.
How long was this? 304 pages
Did I like this? he does capture the Spenser thing very well, may be getting a little old, but I still want to look for Spenser re-runs on netflix.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Ace Atkins ala Robert B Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 23, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Spenser, Susan, Hawk, Z, Vinnie - three idiot arsonists, captain Jack Welch
What happens? The idiot arsonists are Sparks and decide that the best thing for the fire department is to set a lot of fires so they will get more equipment. Captain Welch has Spenser look in to it.
How long was this? 304 pages
Did I like this? he does capture the Spenser thing very well, may be getting a little old, but I still want to look for Spenser re-runs on netflix.
Overall grade: B+
A Banquet of Consequences by Elizabeth George
Title: A Banquet of Consequences
Author: Elizabeth George
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 21, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Inspector Lynley, Barbara Havers, Caroline world's worst mother, Alistair, 2nd husband, Will and Charles - two sons, India - soon to be ex wife of Charles
What happens? Will kills himself when his girlfriend reads his diary. Caroline becomes the girl Friday for a famous feminist writer, who turns up dead due to some sodium azide in her toothpaste.
How long was this? 574 pages
Did I like this? Really liked this one, entertaining plot, mostly great characters including the insane Caroline
Overall grade: A-
Author: Elizabeth George
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 21, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Inspector Lynley, Barbara Havers, Caroline world's worst mother, Alistair, 2nd husband, Will and Charles - two sons, India - soon to be ex wife of Charles
What happens? Will kills himself when his girlfriend reads his diary. Caroline becomes the girl Friday for a famous feminist writer, who turns up dead due to some sodium azide in her toothpaste.
How long was this? 574 pages
Did I like this? Really liked this one, entertaining plot, mostly great characters including the insane Caroline
Overall grade: A-
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Everywhere that Mary Went by Lisa Scottoline
Title: Everywhere that Mary Went
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: nook
When did I finish?: Aug 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Mary DiNunzio
What happens? Mary's husband is dead a year, and she continues working as a lawyer and questioning what she is doing. She is being followed, harassed, and is trying to focus on becoming a partner. When her assistant is assaulted, she suspects a link.
How long was this? 352 pages
Did I like this? Good story, great characters.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: nook
When did I finish?: Aug 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Mary DiNunzio
What happens? Mary's husband is dead a year, and she continues working as a lawyer and questioning what she is doing. She is being followed, harassed, and is trying to focus on becoming a partner. When her assistant is assaulted, she suspects a link.
How long was this? 352 pages
Did I like this? Good story, great characters.
Overall grade: A-
Roadside Crosses by Jeffrey Deaver
Title: Roadside Crosses
Author: Jeffrey Deaver
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: July 23, 2016 ~
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Kathryn Dance, Travis Bingham, James Chilton
What happens? Travis is a teenage loner/loser, and Chilton's blog appears to point at him as the driver in an accident that killed two girls after a party. Crosses start appearing at roadside locations, and then people associated with Chilton's blog who spoke up against Travis start getting killed, or assaulted. Travis disappears. Dance's friend Michael O'Neil helps out, as does a college professor.
How long was this? 397 pages
Did I like this? Good enough.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Jeffrey Deaver
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: July 23, 2016 ~
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Kathryn Dance, Travis Bingham, James Chilton
What happens? Travis is a teenage loner/loser, and Chilton's blog appears to point at him as the driver in an accident that killed two girls after a party. Crosses start appearing at roadside locations, and then people associated with Chilton's blog who spoke up against Travis start getting killed, or assaulted. Travis disappears. Dance's friend Michael O'Neil helps out, as does a college professor.
How long was this? 397 pages
Did I like this? Good enough.
Overall grade: B+
Sleeping Doll by Jeffrey Deaver
Title: Sleeping Doll
Author: Jeffrey Deaver
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: July 19, 2016 ~
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Kathryn Dance, Daniel Pell
What happens? Pell is a Manson admirer who kills an entire family leaves a girl behind (Sleeping Doll.) He breaks out of prison with the help of his former and current acolytes.
How long was this? 448 pages
Did I like this? Not great, but good writing, good story. Pell is a creepy adversary.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Jeffrey Deaver
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: July 19, 2016 ~
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Kathryn Dance, Daniel Pell
What happens? Pell is a Manson admirer who kills an entire family leaves a girl behind (Sleeping Doll.) He breaks out of prison with the help of his former and current acolytes.
How long was this? 448 pages
Did I like this? Not great, but good writing, good story. Pell is a creepy adversary.
Overall grade: B+
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Cheap Shot by Ace Atkins
Title: Cheap Shot
Author: Ace Atkins
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 18, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Spencer, Hawk, Z, Kinjo Heywood - Patriots star who is getting hassled and his son gets kidnapped
What happens?
How long was this? 308 pages
Did I like this? yes, well done, good Robert Parker taker-over
Overall grade: B+
Author: Ace Atkins
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 18, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Spencer, Hawk, Z, Kinjo Heywood - Patriots star who is getting hassled and his son gets kidnapped
What happens?
How long was this? 308 pages
Did I like this? yes, well done, good Robert Parker taker-over
Overall grade: B+
Monday, July 4, 2016
Devil Went Down To Austin by Rick Riordan
Title: Devil Went Down To Austin
Author: Rick Riordan
Did I listen or read?: library book - recommended by Summy
When did I finish?: July 4, 2016
When was the book published: 2001
Main Characters: Tres Navarra, paraplegic brother Garrett, ex girlfriend lawyer Maia Lee, Jimmy Doebler married to Ruby who started a tech company with Garrett, Matthew Pena, unscrupulous businessman
What happens? Tres goes to see Jimmy and Garrett when he finds out the Garrett co-signed the ranch they inherited from their father to fund the now floundering tech company, and Jimmy winds up dead and Garrett looks like the doer.
How long was this? 318 pages
Did I like this? It was a bit slow and convoluted at the beginning, but the second half was sensational and complex.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Rick Riordan
Did I listen or read?: library book - recommended by Summy
When did I finish?: July 4, 2016
When was the book published: 2001
Main Characters: Tres Navarra, paraplegic brother Garrett, ex girlfriend lawyer Maia Lee, Jimmy Doebler married to Ruby who started a tech company with Garrett, Matthew Pena, unscrupulous businessman
What happens? Tres goes to see Jimmy and Garrett when he finds out the Garrett co-signed the ranch they inherited from their father to fund the now floundering tech company, and Jimmy winds up dead and Garrett looks like the doer.
How long was this? 318 pages
Did I like this? It was a bit slow and convoluted at the beginning, but the second half was sensational and complex.
Overall grade: A-
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Off the Grid by C.J. Box
Title: Off the Grid
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 28, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, Nate Romanowski, Marybeth, Sheridan, April, Gov. Rulon, Ibby the falcon guy, Saeed the evil sidekick, Jan from the bar by the Red Desert
What happens? Nate gets a free pass from his record if he takes an assignment to find Ibby and find out what he is doing. Joe is tracking a killer bear and winds up on Nate's trail in the desert. Lots of bar Arabs in the desert.
How long was this? 384 pages
Did I like this? Always love CJ Box, the plot was a bit far fetched, esp. having Sheridan turn up in the middle of the action. But tore through it for sure.
Overall grade: B+
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 28, 2016
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, Nate Romanowski, Marybeth, Sheridan, April, Gov. Rulon, Ibby the falcon guy, Saeed the evil sidekick, Jan from the bar by the Red Desert
What happens? Nate gets a free pass from his record if he takes an assignment to find Ibby and find out what he is doing. Joe is tracking a killer bear and winds up on Nate's trail in the desert. Lots of bar Arabs in the desert.
How long was this? 384 pages
Did I like this? Always love CJ Box, the plot was a bit far fetched, esp. having Sheridan turn up in the middle of the action. But tore through it for sure.
Overall grade: B+
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Damned if You Do by Michael Brandman for Robert B. Parker
Title: Damned if You Do
Author: Michael Brandman for Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 19, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Jesse Stone, Molly, Suitcase Simpson, Clarice Edgerson, Thomas Walker, Donnie Jacobs who is committed to the Golden Horizons Retirement Village, Fat Boy Nelly
What happens? Jesse investigates the murder of a young hooker at a local run down motel, while simultaneously reacting to the mistreatment of Donnie Jacobs and others at the retirement home. He gets in the middle of a turf war between Thomas Walker and Fat Boy Nelly who are both working in the Gino Fish organization
How long was this? 271 pages
Did I like this? Could hardly tell it wasn't parker, stone is a great character. good story, sad ending.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Michael Brandman for Robert B. Parker
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 19, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Jesse Stone, Molly, Suitcase Simpson, Clarice Edgerson, Thomas Walker, Donnie Jacobs who is committed to the Golden Horizons Retirement Village, Fat Boy Nelly
What happens? Jesse investigates the murder of a young hooker at a local run down motel, while simultaneously reacting to the mistreatment of Donnie Jacobs and others at the retirement home. He gets in the middle of a turf war between Thomas Walker and Fat Boy Nelly who are both working in the Gino Fish organization
How long was this? 271 pages
Did I like this? Could hardly tell it wasn't parker, stone is a great character. good story, sad ending.
Overall grade: B+
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Endangered by C.J. Box
Title: Endangered
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 11, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Maryann, the white trash Cates family esp. rodeo star Dallas, Nate Romanowski and Liv Brannan, daughter April, daughters Sheridan and Lucy, two sage grouse inspectors, Gov. Rulon
What happens? Joe's daughter is found near dead, beat up by the side of the road. Joe suspects Dallas did it, but he is home, beat up from the rodeo. Nate gets out of prison in a deal with the FBI, and gets ambushed as he starts his falconry business with Liv, who gets kidnapped. Joe investigates the slaughter of a lek of sage grouse.
How long was this? 369 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Joe Pickett, loved it, zoomed right through.
Overall grade: A-
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 11, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, wife Maryann, the white trash Cates family esp. rodeo star Dallas, Nate Romanowski and Liv Brannan, daughter April, daughters Sheridan and Lucy, two sage grouse inspectors, Gov. Rulon
What happens? Joe's daughter is found near dead, beat up by the side of the road. Joe suspects Dallas did it, but he is home, beat up from the rodeo. Nate gets out of prison in a deal with the FBI, and gets ambushed as he starts his falconry business with Liv, who gets kidnapped. Joe investigates the slaughter of a lek of sage grouse.
How long was this? 369 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Joe Pickett, loved it, zoomed right through.
Overall grade: A-
Thursday, June 16, 2016
The Promise by Robert Crais
Title: The Promise
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 5, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Joe Pike, Elvis Cole, Scott Jones (the dog guy)
What happens? Elvis is hired to find a missing woman who supposedly worked for a bomb manufacturer. This is all a lie, and when he is sent to a house looking for a missing dude, he gets caught in the middle of a drug bust and a very bad man getting away.
How long was this? 408 pages
Did I like this? One of the best Crais, loved it.
Overall grade: A
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 5, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Joe Pike, Elvis Cole, Scott Jones (the dog guy)
What happens? Elvis is hired to find a missing woman who supposedly worked for a bomb manufacturer. This is all a lie, and when he is sent to a house looking for a missing dude, he gets caught in the middle of a drug bust and a very bad man getting away.
How long was this? 408 pages
Did I like this? One of the best Crais, loved it.
Overall grade: A
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Badlands by C.J. Box
Title: Badlands
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/11/16
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Cassie Dewell, detective; Kyle Westergaard, paper boy / witness; T-Lock, Kyle's mother's scumbag boyfriend; the Lizard King who kills hookers at truck stops
What happens? Kyle witnesses a car accident and picks up a bag of drugs and money that are thrown a distance in the freezing North Dakota winter morning. Cassie is working to put away the Lizard King and then moves to Grimstad to take on a new job as the fracking growth explodes and the drug cartels fight for control.
How long was this? 278 pages
Did I like this? Box is the best, can't miss whatever he puts out. Great characters, good story. Purty violent.
Overall grade: A-
Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/11/16
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Cassie Dewell, detective; Kyle Westergaard, paper boy / witness; T-Lock, Kyle's mother's scumbag boyfriend; the Lizard King who kills hookers at truck stops
What happens? Kyle witnesses a car accident and picks up a bag of drugs and money that are thrown a distance in the freezing North Dakota winter morning. Cassie is working to put away the Lizard King and then moves to Grimstad to take on a new job as the fracking growth explodes and the drug cartels fight for control.
How long was this? 278 pages
Did I like this? Box is the best, can't miss whatever he puts out. Great characters, good story. Purty violent.
Overall grade: A-
Every 15 Minutes by Lisa Scottoline
Title: Every 15 Minutes
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 4, 2016
When was the book published: 2015 I think
Main Characters: Dr. Eric Parrish, Max Jakubowski, his grandmother, Eric's soon to be ex wife and daughter Hannah
What happens? Things simultaneously fall apart for Eric, and some pyschopath is behind it. Who is it? His wife is leaving him, his patient Max might be a threat to a girl he is stalking, he is being sued for sexual harrassment.
How long was this? 435 pages
Did I like this? It was OK. It took a really long time to get into the guy's problems, and then they became a bit unbelievable.
Overall grade: C+
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 4, 2016
When was the book published: 2015 I think
Main Characters: Dr. Eric Parrish, Max Jakubowski, his grandmother, Eric's soon to be ex wife and daughter Hannah
What happens? Things simultaneously fall apart for Eric, and some pyschopath is behind it. Who is it? His wife is leaving him, his patient Max might be a threat to a girl he is stalking, he is being sued for sexual harrassment.
How long was this? 435 pages
Did I like this? It was OK. It took a really long time to get into the guy's problems, and then they became a bit unbelievable.
Overall grade: C+
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Front Runner by Felix Francis
Title:Front Runner
Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 18, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Jeff Hinkley, investigator, Dave Swinton, champion jockey, Leslie Morris - bet maker
What happens? Dave asks Jeff to help him because he is being blackmailed into throwing races. His investigation leads him to meet his new girl, Henri, whose family business makes her very wealthy. Repeated attempts are made to kill him by locking him in a sauna or putting CO in his scuba tank.
How long was this? 372 pages
Did I like this? Excellent work. Wonderful story, and a main character to root for.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 18, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Jeff Hinkley, investigator, Dave Swinton, champion jockey, Leslie Morris - bet maker
What happens? Dave asks Jeff to help him because he is being blackmailed into throwing races. His investigation leads him to meet his new girl, Henri, whose family business makes her very wealthy. Repeated attempts are made to kill him by locking him in a sauna or putting CO in his scuba tank.
How long was this? 372 pages
Did I like this? Excellent work. Wonderful story, and a main character to root for.
Overall grade: A-
The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian
Title: The Double Bind
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: 5/29/16
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Laurel Eastabrook, roommate Talia, boyfriend David, Whit, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Bobbie Crocker
What happens? Laurel is assaulted and raped and run over by a car in a park in Underhill, Vermont. 7 years later she is working at a homeless shelter in Burlington. Bobbie Crocker is a homeless man who dies and leaves behind a bunch of photos from his life. Laurel's boss passes the photos to her to create a tribute photo show. Laurel decides that Bobbie is the long lost son of Daisy and Tom Buchanan. She becomes obsessed with researching this.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? My least favorite of his books, a very unsatisfying ending revealing an unsatisfying premise throughout the book
Overall grade: C+
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: 5/29/16
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Laurel Eastabrook, roommate Talia, boyfriend David, Whit, Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, Bobbie Crocker
What happens? Laurel is assaulted and raped and run over by a car in a park in Underhill, Vermont. 7 years later she is working at a homeless shelter in Burlington. Bobbie Crocker is a homeless man who dies and leaves behind a bunch of photos from his life. Laurel's boss passes the photos to her to create a tribute photo show. Laurel decides that Bobbie is the long lost son of Daisy and Tom Buchanan. She becomes obsessed with researching this.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? My least favorite of his books, a very unsatisfying ending revealing an unsatisfying premise throughout the book
Overall grade: C+
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
The Searcher by Christopher Morgan Jones
Title: The Searcher
Author: Christopher Morgan Jones
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 6, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Ben Webster, Ike Hammer, Webster's wife Elsa
What happens? Hammer and Webster have a dispute and Webster leaves their London based investigation firm. Some problems arise and Webster is blamed for them, and Hammer goes to find him in Georgia. Hammer runs into political problems, gangsters.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? OK
Grade: B
Author: Christopher Morgan Jones
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 6, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Ben Webster, Ike Hammer, Webster's wife Elsa
What happens? Hammer and Webster have a dispute and Webster leaves their London based investigation firm. Some problems arise and Webster is blamed for them, and Hammer goes to find him in Georgia. Hammer runs into political problems, gangsters.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? OK
Grade: B
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Rogue Lawyer by John Grisham
Title: Rogue Lawyer
Author: John Grisham
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 30, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Sebastian Rudd, sidekick Partner, ex-wife Judith, Judith's partner Ava, his son Starcher, fighter Tadeo Zapate
What happens? A number of cases thread through the life of Rudd as he lives of fascinating life defending total scum, going to cage fights, and fighting with his humorless ex. There's the kidnapped and missing daughter of the police chief Kemp, and a guy named Link who escapes with a helicopter minutes before his execution, and a senior citizen whose house is mistakenly invaded by the cops, who kill his dog and his wife.
How long was this? 344 pages
Did I like this? Good, exciting, a little choppy at points, but he brings it all together at the end. I would definitely like another adventure with this character
Overall grade: B+
Author: John Grisham
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 30, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Sebastian Rudd, sidekick Partner, ex-wife Judith, Judith's partner Ava, his son Starcher, fighter Tadeo Zapate
What happens? A number of cases thread through the life of Rudd as he lives of fascinating life defending total scum, going to cage fights, and fighting with his humorless ex. There's the kidnapped and missing daughter of the police chief Kemp, and a guy named Link who escapes with a helicopter minutes before his execution, and a senior citizen whose house is mistakenly invaded by the cops, who kill his dog and his wife.
How long was this? 344 pages
Did I like this? Good, exciting, a little choppy at points, but he brings it all together at the end. I would definitely like another adventure with this character
Overall grade: B+
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
The Crossing by Michael Connelly
Title: The Crossing
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Harry Bosch, Mickey Haller, DeQuan (accused of murder,) bad cops Ellis and Long
What happens? Harry has been forced into retirement, Mickey recruits him to look into who killed a rich lady, where DeQuan's DNA (sperm) was found. Harry struggles because he doesn't want to go over to the other side, but he realizes that the wrong man is in custody, so the real killer is not.
How long was this? 388 pages
Did I like this? Top notch, loved every minute
Overall grade: A
Author: Michael Connelly
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Harry Bosch, Mickey Haller, DeQuan (accused of murder,) bad cops Ellis and Long
What happens? Harry has been forced into retirement, Mickey recruits him to look into who killed a rich lady, where DeQuan's DNA (sperm) was found. Harry struggles because he doesn't want to go over to the other side, but he realizes that the wrong man is in custody, so the real killer is not.
How long was this? 388 pages
Did I like this? Top notch, loved every minute
Overall grade: A
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Refusal by Felix Francis
Title: Refusal
Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Sid Halley, wife Marina, daughter Sassie, the Admiral Charles, Sir Richard Stewart, Irishman McCusker, Peter Medicos, head of the BHA
What happens? Sid is 6 years retired from detective work, managing investments. Sir Richard wants him to investigate race fixing, gives him a list of suspect races, and is found dead the next day from a supposed suicide. McCusker threatens him and makes him sign a letter stating that he investigated and found nothing. Sid is also working on getting a hand transplant.
How long was this? 371 pages
Did I like this? Read it in one weekend, when is the next Sid book coming?
Overall grade: A
Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Sid Halley, wife Marina, daughter Sassie, the Admiral Charles, Sir Richard Stewart, Irishman McCusker, Peter Medicos, head of the BHA
What happens? Sid is 6 years retired from detective work, managing investments. Sir Richard wants him to investigate race fixing, gives him a list of suspect races, and is found dead the next day from a supposed suicide. McCusker threatens him and makes him sign a letter stating that he investigated and found nothing. Sid is also working on getting a hand transplant.
How long was this? 371 pages
Did I like this? Read it in one weekend, when is the next Sid book coming?
Overall grade: A
Saturday, April 16, 2016
After You by Jo Jo Moyes
Title: After You
Author: Jo Jo Moyes
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: April 16, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Louisa Clark, recovering from Will Traynor's death in "Me and You," her parents, sister Treena, Sam the ambulance driver, Will's parents who have split up, and...Will's troubled teenage daughter Lily
What happens? Louisa is struggling to recover from Will's death, living in a London flat that she bought with money Will left her. She goes to the roof, a girl calls her name, and she falls off. Sam (and Donna the other ambulance driver) picks her up. She goes to a group therapy for people trying to move on.
How long was this? 384 pages
Did I like this? Sensational, tear jerker, great characters, plot twists. Rom-com material
Overall grade: A
Author: Jo Jo Moyes
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: April 16, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Louisa Clark, recovering from Will Traynor's death in "Me and You," her parents, sister Treena, Sam the ambulance driver, Will's parents who have split up, and...Will's troubled teenage daughter Lily
What happens? Louisa is struggling to recover from Will's death, living in a London flat that she bought with money Will left her. She goes to the roof, a girl calls her name, and she falls off. Sam (and Donna the other ambulance driver) picks her up. She goes to a group therapy for people trying to move on.
How long was this? 384 pages
Did I like this? Sensational, tear jerker, great characters, plot twists. Rom-com material
Overall grade: A
Saturday, April 9, 2016
Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline
Title: Keep Quiet
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: April 8, 2016
When was the book published:
Main Characters: Jack Buckworth(?), Ryan (son) and Pam, Dr. Dave the shooting coach, Amy, office assistant
What happens? Jack is trying to get close to his son Ryan, lets him drive on his learner's permit after accepted hours, he hits and kills a girl with his car, has pot in his pocket, and Jack decides they have to keep quiet.
How long was this? 320 pages I think
Did I like this? Very exciting. A couple of plot things that seemed less than straight forward after the reveal, but very compelling. Definitely a page turner.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: April 8, 2016
When was the book published:
Main Characters: Jack Buckworth(?), Ryan (son) and Pam, Dr. Dave the shooting coach, Amy, office assistant
What happens? Jack is trying to get close to his son Ryan, lets him drive on his learner's permit after accepted hours, he hits and kills a girl with his car, has pot in his pocket, and Jack decides they have to keep quiet.
How long was this? 320 pages I think
Did I like this? Very exciting. A couple of plot things that seemed less than straight forward after the reveal, but very compelling. Definitely a page turner.
Overall grade: A-
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
Title: Secrets of Eden
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Pastor Stephen Drew, Alice and George and Kate Hayward, friend Anita, police officer Catherine Benincasa. angel expert Heather Laurent
What happens? George kills Alice, and it appears he killed himself afterwards. Pastor Drew is tangled up in the middle, and leaves town right after and has an affair with Heather. How did George die?
How long was this? 364 pages
Did I like this? Excellent story, no idea what was going to come out of it. The time immersed in the angel lady's world was interesting, but too long. The cop's section was superb.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Pastor Stephen Drew, Alice and George and Kate Hayward, friend Anita, police officer Catherine Benincasa. angel expert Heather Laurent
What happens? George kills Alice, and it appears he killed himself afterwards. Pastor Drew is tangled up in the middle, and leaves town right after and has an affair with Heather. How did George die?
How long was this? 364 pages
Did I like this? Excellent story, no idea what was going to come out of it. The time immersed in the angel lady's world was interesting, but too long. The cop's section was superb.
Overall grade: A-
Sunday, March 27, 2016
The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian
Title: The Light in the Ruins
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: March 26, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: The Rosati clan, Christina, Marco, Vittore, Marco's wife Francesca, their two kids, Vittore's wife Gulia, their two kids, the Marchese and Marchese, the police: Paolo and Serafina. Serafina's partisan rebel group, Enrico and his wife.
What happens? Jumping between 1943 when the German effort in the war was disintegrating and the Italians had to shift between support of the Fascist Mussolini and the Allies - and 1955 when someone is killing off the Rosati's brutally in revenge. Serafina tries to solve while trying to come to grips with the scars left by her war experience.
How long was this? 305 pages
Did I like this? Very good, no complaints, interesting story. The brutality of the murders was a bit challenging.
Overall grade: A-
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: March 26, 2016
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: The Rosati clan, Christina, Marco, Vittore, Marco's wife Francesca, their two kids, Vittore's wife Gulia, their two kids, the Marchese and Marchese, the police: Paolo and Serafina. Serafina's partisan rebel group, Enrico and his wife.
What happens? Jumping between 1943 when the German effort in the war was disintegrating and the Italians had to shift between support of the Fascist Mussolini and the Allies - and 1955 when someone is killing off the Rosati's brutally in revenge. Serafina tries to solve while trying to come to grips with the scars left by her war experience.
How long was this? 305 pages
Did I like this? Very good, no complaints, interesting story. The brutality of the murders was a bit challenging.
Overall grade: A-
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Every Secret Thing by Laura Lippman
Title: Every Secret Thing
Author: Laura Lipmman
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: March 20, 2016
When was the book published: 2004
Main Characters: Alice Manning and Ronnie Fuller, Cynthia Barnes, daughter of the judge. Helen Manning. Nancy Porter (cop) and Sharon Kerpelman who defended Alice
What happens? Alice and Ronnie are attending a birthday party as 11 year olds, get kicked out, and come across a baby outside a doorway on the way home. They take the baby and keep it and kill it a few days later. 7 years later, they are both released from juvenile detention. Another baby disappears.
How long was this? 410 pages
Did I like this? It was pretty good, but the plot just jumped at the end and many things that many characters knew but didn't reveal are all revealed magically in the last 40 pages. A good read overall, but a lot of characters that you don't like.
Overall grade: B
Author: Laura Lipmman
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: March 20, 2016
When was the book published: 2004
Main Characters: Alice Manning and Ronnie Fuller, Cynthia Barnes, daughter of the judge. Helen Manning. Nancy Porter (cop) and Sharon Kerpelman who defended Alice
What happens? Alice and Ronnie are attending a birthday party as 11 year olds, get kicked out, and come across a baby outside a doorway on the way home. They take the baby and keep it and kill it a few days later. 7 years later, they are both released from juvenile detention. Another baby disappears.
How long was this? 410 pages
Did I like this? It was pretty good, but the plot just jumped at the end and many things that many characters knew but didn't reveal are all revealed magically in the last 40 pages. A good read overall, but a lot of characters that you don't like.
Overall grade: B
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Silver Bay by Jo Jo Moyes
Title: Silver Bay
Author: Jo Jo Moyes
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: February 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2008
Main Characters: Mike Dormer, Liza McCullen, 10 year old daughter, grandmother and hotel owner Kathleen
What happens? Mike is an up and coming numbers guy for a big London firm, engaged to the boss's daughter, and gets sent to Silver Bay in Australia to prepare for the development of a monster luxury resort. He falls in love with the local folks who run dolphin and whale watching adventures, and with Liza, and the development plans threaten to upset their way of life, as well as a deep dark secret from Liza's past.
How long was this? 392 pages
Did I like this? Yes, I really like her characters and she suckers me in to sappy love stories every time! Plus I was in Australia when I read it!
Overall grade: A
Author: Jo Jo Moyes
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: February 25, 2016
When was the book published: 2008
Main Characters: Mike Dormer, Liza McCullen, 10 year old daughter, grandmother and hotel owner Kathleen
What happens? Mike is an up and coming numbers guy for a big London firm, engaged to the boss's daughter, and gets sent to Silver Bay in Australia to prepare for the development of a monster luxury resort. He falls in love with the local folks who run dolphin and whale watching adventures, and with Liza, and the development plans threaten to upset their way of life, as well as a deep dark secret from Liza's past.
How long was this? 392 pages
Did I like this? Yes, I really like her characters and she suckers me in to sappy love stories every time! Plus I was in Australia when I read it!
Overall grade: A
The Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
Title: The Luckiest Girl Alive
Author: Jessica Knoll
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: March 14, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Ani Fanelli, fiance Luke, high school friend Arthur, high school teacher/crush Mr. Larson
What happens? Ani is about to marry Luke and is a really annoying yuppie wannabe in NYC (or Philly, I can't remember.) She has problems left over as a result of tragic events that happened in high school, which are first revealed to be that she is raped by the soccer team stars, but turns out to be much worse.
How long was this? 352 pages
Did I like this? Her character was hard to root for, and the ultimate reveal was shocking. Overall, it was pretty good. She grows on you if you ignore the yuppie arivista mentality in the beginning.
Overall grade: B+
Author: Jessica Knoll
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: March 14, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Ani Fanelli, fiance Luke, high school friend Arthur, high school teacher/crush Mr. Larson
What happens? Ani is about to marry Luke and is a really annoying yuppie wannabe in NYC (or Philly, I can't remember.) She has problems left over as a result of tragic events that happened in high school, which are first revealed to be that she is raped by the soccer team stars, but turns out to be much worse.
How long was this? 352 pages
Did I like this? Her character was hard to root for, and the ultimate reveal was shocking. Overall, it was pretty good. She grows on you if you ignore the yuppie arivista mentality in the beginning.
Overall grade: B+
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Title: The Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: Feb 17, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Rachel on the train, "Jess and Jason" in the house by the tracks, Tom, ex husband, Anna, new wife, Megan and Scott, Dr. Abdic who treats Megan
What happens? Rachel is a blackout drunk who Tom has left for Anna. She pretends to go to work on the train every day (lost her job already) and observes Megan and Scott, and then sees Dr. Abdic with Megan and...someone disappears...you get the idea.
How long was this? 326 pages
Did I like this? Yeah, it was pretty good. Not as good as Gone Girl, but an interesting idea with plenty of twists.
Overall grade: A-
Career of Evil (Cormoran Strike #3) by Robert Galbraith (Pseudonym), J.K. Rowling
Title: Career of Evil
Author: Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: February 12, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Cormoran Strike, Robin Ellacort
What happens? Robin gets a package and it's a woman's leg. Strike figures that it is one of four old enemies of his and starts researching, loses all his clients, and Robin struggles with going through with her marriage
How long was this? 497 pages
Did I like this? Yes, a good London based mystery
Overall grade: A-
Author: Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
Did I listen or read?: Nook
When did I finish?: February 12, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Cormoran Strike, Robin Ellacort
What happens? Robin gets a package and it's a woman's leg. Strike figures that it is one of four old enemies of his and starts researching, loses all his clients, and Robin struggles with going through with her marriage
How long was this? 497 pages
Did I like this? Yes, a good London based mystery
Overall grade: A-
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Team of Teams by General Stanley McChrystal
Title: Team of Teams
Author: General Stanley McChrystal
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: March 13, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: The teams that had the highest levels of internal engagement and external exploration had much higher levels of creative output.
He collected a billion measurements in one month and found that engagement was the central predictor of productivity, exceeding individual intelligence, personality and skill. (p 196)
end of chapter 10
Complexity vs Complicated...page 74
Complexity produces a fundamentally different situation from the complicated challenges of the past; complicated problems requriec great effort, but ultimately yielded to prediction. Complexity means that, in spite of our increased abilities to track and measure, the world has become, in many ways, vastly less predictable.
What happens?
How long was this?250 pages
Did I like this? good business book
Overall grade: B+
Author: General Stanley McChrystal
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: March 13, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: The teams that had the highest levels of internal engagement and external exploration had much higher levels of creative output.
He collected a billion measurements in one month and found that engagement was the central predictor of productivity, exceeding individual intelligence, personality and skill. (p 196)
end of chapter 10
Effective adaptation to emerging threats and opportunities requires the disciplined practice of empowered execution. Individuals and teams closes to the problem, armed with unprecedented levels of insights from across the network, offer the best ability to decide and act decisively.
Complexity vs Complicated...page 74
Complexity produces a fundamentally different situation from the complicated challenges of the past; complicated problems requriec great effort, but ultimately yielded to prediction. Complexity means that, in spite of our increased abilities to track and measure, the world has become, in many ways, vastly less predictable.
What happens?
How long was this?250 pages
Did I like this? good business book
Overall grade: B+
Thursday, March 3, 2016
The Guest Room by Chris Bohjalian
Title: The Guest Room
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 22, 2016 Australia
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Richard Chapman, about to be married brother, wife Kristin, Russian girl Alexandra
What happens? Richard agrees to have a bachelor party for his (somewhat sleazeball) brother who works at a hotel, and his hotel buddies hires two hookers to come to the party. The hookers kill their bodyguards and escape. The story switches from Richard's viewpoint to Alexandra's viewpoint and life story.
How long was this? 314 pages
Did I like this? Great story, real page turner
Overall grade: A
Author: Chris Bohjalian
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 22, 2016 Australia
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: Richard Chapman, about to be married brother, wife Kristin, Russian girl Alexandra
What happens? Richard agrees to have a bachelor party for his (somewhat sleazeball) brother who works at a hotel, and his hotel buddies hires two hookers to come to the party. The hookers kill their bodyguards and escape. The story switches from Richard's viewpoint to Alexandra's viewpoint and life story.
How long was this? 314 pages
Did I like this? Great story, real page turner
Overall grade: A
Sunday, February 28, 2016
L.A. Requiem By Robert Crais
Title: L.A. Requiem
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 17, New Zealand
When was the book published: 1999
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Karen Garcia, daughter of Frank Garcia
What happens? This book gives the complete exposition of Joe Pike's upbringing, military experience and how he did the right thing and got tossed out of the police force when his partner died. They investigate the murder of Karen Garcia. And Elvis's girlfriend leaves him and goes back to New Orleans.
How long was this? 391 pages
Did I like this? Love everything Crais writes. pretty sure this was my 2nd time through this one. gotta go back and get them all.
Overall grade: A
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 17, New Zealand
When was the book published: 1999
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Karen Garcia, daughter of Frank Garcia
What happens? This book gives the complete exposition of Joe Pike's upbringing, military experience and how he did the right thing and got tossed out of the police force when his partner died. They investigate the murder of Karen Garcia. And Elvis's girlfriend leaves him and goes back to New Orleans.
How long was this? 391 pages
Did I like this? Love everything Crais writes. pretty sure this was my 2nd time through this one. gotta go back and get them all.
Overall grade: A
Detroit Shuffle by D.E. Johnson
Title: Detroit Shuffle
Author: D.E. Johnson
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 13, 2016 in New Zealand
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters:Will Anderson, amateur sleuth, lover Elizabeth hume, nemesis Sapphira Zanaxis, Andrew Sullivan, head of the Michigan Liquor Associations
What happens? 1912 in Detroit, and the woman's suffrage movement is pushing forward, and is considered aligned with the suffrage movement, which means it has powerful opponents. Will works for his father's electric car company, but is caught in the middle of political intrigue and attempted murder. His exposure to radiation (previous book?) makes him black out and appear unreliable.
How long was this? 329 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good - the main character makes some ridiculous decisions and judgements, but the plot moves and is believable.
Overall grade: B
Author: D.E. Johnson
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 13, 2016 in New Zealand
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters:Will Anderson, amateur sleuth, lover Elizabeth hume, nemesis Sapphira Zanaxis, Andrew Sullivan, head of the Michigan Liquor Associations
What happens? 1912 in Detroit, and the woman's suffrage movement is pushing forward, and is considered aligned with the suffrage movement, which means it has powerful opponents. Will works for his father's electric car company, but is caught in the middle of political intrigue and attempted murder. His exposure to radiation (previous book?) makes him black out and appear unreliable.
How long was this? 329 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good - the main character makes some ridiculous decisions and judgements, but the plot moves and is believable.
Overall grade: B
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Indigo Slam by Robert Crais
Title: Indigo Slam
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 2/6/16
When was the book published: 1997
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, three Hewitt kids (Teri, Charles, Winona,) Clark Hewitt, Markov, Dobcek
What happens? Three Hewitt kids come to Elvis to find their father who has been gone for 11 days. He is up to no good, and the Vietnamese and Russian mobs get involved
How long was this? 241 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Elvis Cole
Overall grade: A
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 2/6/16
When was the book published: 1997
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, three Hewitt kids (Teri, Charles, Winona,) Clark Hewitt, Markov, Dobcek
What happens? Three Hewitt kids come to Elvis to find their father who has been gone for 11 days. He is up to no good, and the Vietnamese and Russian mobs get involved
How long was this? 241 pages
Did I like this? Top notch Elvis Cole
Overall grade: A
Saturday, January 30, 2016
The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais
Title: The Two Minute Rule
Author: Rpbert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Jan 26, 2016
When was the book published: 2006
Main Characters: Max Holman, bank robber, his cop son Richie, ex-FBI agent Pollard, her boss Leeds, a buncha bad cops
What happens? Max gets out of prison for bank robbery and finds out his estranged son was a cop and was murdered along with three other cops. He looks into it and other cops start trying to make him stop finding the truth about what's buried by the Hollywood sign.
How long was this? 560 pages large type edition
Did I like this? Love Crais, great characters and plot, even without Elvis Cole
Overall grade: A
Author: Rpbert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Jan 26, 2016
When was the book published: 2006
Main Characters: Max Holman, bank robber, his cop son Richie, ex-FBI agent Pollard, her boss Leeds, a buncha bad cops
What happens? Max gets out of prison for bank robbery and finds out his estranged son was a cop and was murdered along with three other cops. He looks into it and other cops start trying to make him stop finding the truth about what's buried by the Hollywood sign.
How long was this? 560 pages large type edition
Did I like this? Love Crais, great characters and plot, even without Elvis Cole
Overall grade: A
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Purity by Jonathan Franzen
Title: Purity
Author: Jonathan Franzen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: January 23, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Purity (Pip) Tyler, Andreas Wolf, Tom Aberrant, Annagret, Annabel, Jason the tennis player, Colleen the co-worker from Boliva
What happens? What is this book about? I don't even know. It's an American story, but there is a lot of East Germany thrown in. He starts with Pip, whose mother absolutely refuses to tell her who her father is or what her background is, and then goes into the backstory and current story of Tom, Andreas. Every one of them is in a tortured relationship that is agonzing to read about.
How long was this? 562 pages
Did I like this? Sort of - he's a great writer, it's just painful to read what he writes about. Psychologically challenging to say the least.
Overall grade: B
Author: Jonathan Franzen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: January 23, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Purity (Pip) Tyler, Andreas Wolf, Tom Aberrant, Annagret, Annabel, Jason the tennis player, Colleen the co-worker from Boliva
What happens? What is this book about? I don't even know. It's an American story, but there is a lot of East Germany thrown in. He starts with Pip, whose mother absolutely refuses to tell her who her father is or what her background is, and then goes into the backstory and current story of Tom, Andreas. Every one of them is in a tortured relationship that is agonzing to read about.
How long was this? 562 pages
Did I like this? Sort of - he's a great writer, it's just painful to read what he writes about. Psychologically challenging to say the least.
Overall grade: B
Lullaby Town by Robert Crais
Title: Lullaby Town
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: paperback from LA Barnes and Noble
When did I finish?: 1/13/16
When was the book published:1992
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Peter Alan Nelsen, Karen and Toby
What happens? Elvis is hired by Peter Alan Nelsen, wealthy and powerful movie producer, to find his ex-wife and their son who has disappeared from his life. Cole finds them easily and (spoiler alert) the ex-wife is caught up with the mob as part of her job as VP in a bank. Cole fixes it.
How long was this?317 pages
Did I like this? Real vintage excellent detective novel-age. Loved it.
Overall grade: A- only a minus because it got violent at the end.
Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: paperback from LA Barnes and Noble
When did I finish?: 1/13/16
When was the book published:1992
Main Characters: Elvis Cole, Joe Pike, Peter Alan Nelsen, Karen and Toby
What happens? Elvis is hired by Peter Alan Nelsen, wealthy and powerful movie producer, to find his ex-wife and their son who has disappeared from his life. Cole finds them easily and (spoiler alert) the ex-wife is caught up with the mob as part of her job as VP in a bank. Cole fixes it.
How long was this?317 pages
Did I like this? Real vintage excellent detective novel-age. Loved it.
Overall grade: A- only a minus because it got violent at the end.
Saturday, January 9, 2016
The Girl in the Spider's Web by David Lagercrantz
Title: The Girl in the Spider's Web
Author: David Lagercranz
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: January 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Mikael Bloomquist and Lisbeth Salander return. Frans Balder, his savant son, August, his ex-wife and her abusive famous actor husband
What happens? Balder works in information security and comes across some NSA documents that indicate the Solon (fictitious s/w company) is in cahoots with the NSA to do bad things. He gets killed. Lisbeth winds up helping the boy, who is the next target because he saw what happened. Mikael's career is under suspicion and Millenium is under attack from a big media company that has invested in the magazine.
How long was this? 400 pages
Did I like this? It wasn't as good as the originals, but not too bad.
Overall grade: B
Author: David Lagercranz
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: January 2, 2016
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Mikael Bloomquist and Lisbeth Salander return. Frans Balder, his savant son, August, his ex-wife and her abusive famous actor husband
What happens? Balder works in information security and comes across some NSA documents that indicate the Solon (fictitious s/w company) is in cahoots with the NSA to do bad things. He gets killed. Lisbeth winds up helping the boy, who is the next target because he saw what happened. Mikael's career is under suspicion and Millenium is under attack from a big media company that has invested in the magazine.
How long was this? 400 pages
Did I like this? It wasn't as good as the originals, but not too bad.
Overall grade: B
Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler
Title: Full Dark House
Author: Christopher Fowler
Did I listen or read?: paperback bought at the Grove, selected by Elissa, Dec 2015
When did I finish?: Dec 28, 2015
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Detectives Arthur Bryant and John May
What happens? The book goes back and forth to London during the blitzkrieg in WWII and modern day when Bryant is killed in an explosion that destroys their police office.
How long was this? 349 pages
Did I like this? Delightful British mystery, quirky and entertaining, gotta read more Peculiar Crimes Unit books
Overall grade: A-
Author: Christopher Fowler
Did I listen or read?: paperback bought at the Grove, selected by Elissa, Dec 2015
When did I finish?: Dec 28, 2015
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Detectives Arthur Bryant and John May
What happens? The book goes back and forth to London during the blitzkrieg in WWII and modern day when Bryant is killed in an explosion that destroys their police office.
How long was this? 349 pages
Did I like this? Delightful British mystery, quirky and entertaining, gotta read more Peculiar Crimes Unit books
Overall grade: A-
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