Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett

 Title: Missing White Woman

Author: Kellye Garrett
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 12/31/2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Bree, boyfriend Ty, missing woman Janelle Garrett, old friend Adore, cop Calloway
What happens? Bree goes to Jersey City to weekend at an airbnb with Ty, he goes AWOL, dead woman appears in her place
How long was this? 324 pages
Did I like this? very confusing plot, don't know why the crypto thing was not just plainly introduced.  Liked the main character and the story moved well
Overall grade:B

Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell

 Title: Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders, and the Rise of Social Engineering

Author: Malcolm Gladwell
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 12/30/2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Overstories, Superspreaders.  Miami Social Security cheaters.  Opiod superspreaders.
What happens? a very few people can be responsible for the spread of a pandemic.  the overstory is a key element.  Change can happen fast, when a minority view gets to 25 to 33%
How long was this? 310 pages
Did I like this? Entertaining reading, but no big WOW.
Overall grade: B+

A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea by Liz Eeles

 Title: A Letter to the Last House Before the Sea

Author: Liz Eeles
Did I listen or read?: audio book, SB (Carp) trip Dec 22-29, 2024
When did I finish?: Dec 29, 2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Letty Starcross, Claude the curmudgeon, Corey the romantic interest, Corey's mother Florence, great aunt Iris, land developer Simon
What happens? Iris passes away and leaves Letty with a mystery key and instructions to solve the mystery.  She goes back to Heaven's Cove where Iris grew up to figger it out.  She deals with sister Daisy and mother who treat her as their servant.
How long was this? 290 pages
Did I like this? Really good story, good characters.  Lots of mystery with no murder.
Overall grade: B+

A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny

 Title: A World of Curiosities

Author: Louise Penny
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: December 20, 2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Gamache, Reine-Marie, Jean-Guy.  Clara, Ruth.  Gamache replays the incident when he met Jean-Guy years ago, and deals with a murder in 3 Pines and a hidden room and a painting with a ton of secrets called a World of Curiosities
What happens? above
How long was this? 390 pages
Did I like this? decent
Overall grade: B

The Club by Ellery Lloyd

 Title: The Club

Author: Ellery Lloyd
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 12/22/2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Adam Groom, brother, Ned Groom, CEO, Jess, last minute manager hired for housekeeping, Nikki, Annie - 
What happens? The Home, club for rich people, opens an Island retreat and all the bad stuff comes out. Starts with the reveal of the fatal drive across the causeway when it floods at night.
How long was this? 305 pages
Did I like this?  Got better at the end, not great.  Mystery plot rotating between characters.
Overall grade: B

We solve murders by Richard Osman

 Title: We Solve Murders

Author: Richard Osman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 12/16/2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Steve Wheeler, daughter in law Amy Wheeler, author Rosie D'Antonio, Jeff Nolan, Francois Loubet, Henk, Felicity Wollaston
What happens? Amy is guarding Rosie, working for Jeff's firm.  She is also being set up for murders of Felicity's influencer clients who are unwittingly laundering money for Francois
How long was this? 380 pages
Did I like this? very good, entertaining, easy to follow, good mystery.  Hope he writes more.  Waiting for the next Thursday Murder Club of course, and the movie.
Overall grade: B+

To The Hilt by Dick Francis

 Title: To The Hilt

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Dec 11, 2024
When was the book published: 1996
Main Characters: Alexander Kinlock, painter in a shack in the Scottish mountains, father Ivan, mother, uncle "Himself" on whose property he lives.  Step sister Patsy and husband Surtees, his wife Emily 
What happens? Alexander is attacked by 4 man at his bothy, who want to know "where is it?"  The family brewery has been robbed by embezzlement, the Gold Crown is missing, and Bonnie Prince Charlie's sword hilt is missing. 
How long was this? 312 pages
Did I like this? Another excellent Dick Francis story, full of Scotland and horses and painting and bagpipes and evil men and sibling rivalry.
Overall grade: A-

Feared by Lisa Scottoline

 Title: Feared

Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 12/8/2024
When was the book published: 2018
Main Characters: Mary diNunzio, Benny Rosato, Judy, John Foxman (new partner with expertise in anti trust), Machiavelli.  Her parents, husband Tony.  The three tonys.
What happens? 3 men sue their law firm for reverse discrimination orchestrated by Machievelli. Mary is VERY pregnant.  John has been setup as "feeling out of place" among the women.
How long was this? 386 pages
Did I like this? Great story, page turner, lots of fun.  Lots of Italian South Phily
Overall grade: B+

Girl, Forgotten by Karin Slaughter

 Title: Girl, Forgotten

Author: Karin Slaughter
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 12/6/2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Emily Vaughn, Andrea Oliver, ex-bf Mike, partner Bible
What happens? Emily is the judges's daughter who gets raped and impregnated by one of her "friends." Andrea is the US Marshal who is new and gets assigned to protect the judge from threats even though her father was part of the "clique" of Nardo, Clay, Ricky and Blake.  Mike is her BF who is also in charge of protection for Andrea's mother, who testified against Clay years later when he became some cult leader.

I am really not making this up.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? I had to keep going over this set up, just to understand why Judith is Andrea's sister.  She's a good writer I guess, but after listening to the serial rapist monstrosity recently, not sure if she is for me.  But I like Will Trent.
Overall grade: B-

Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg

 Title: Malibu Burning

Author: Lee Goldberg
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/23/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Fire Investigator Walter Sharpe, ex-US marshal Andrew Walker, con man Danny Cole
What happens? Cole is a master con man, but stops on his get away to save a guy from drowning.  He works as a firefighter in prison, one of his mates gets killed, and he pulls a long con to get even by starting a fire in Malibu where the billionaires live.
How long was this? 277 pages
Did I like this? A good story, good pace and characters, lots of unbelievable plot work at the end,
Overall grade: B

Hard Revolution by George Pelecanos

 Title: Hard Revolution

Author: George Pelecanos
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/20/2024
When was the book published: 2004
Main Characters: Derek Strange, father Darius, brother Darren, Frank Vaughn white homocide cop, wife Olga, 
What happens? Derek grows up in DC, becomes a cop.  Darius works for Mike in a greek diner.  Frank investigates a random brutal killing of a black guy.  Derek wants to find his brother's killer.
How long was this? 373 pages
Did I like this? It is a long story about people's lives in an important time (50s and 60s) for race relations in DC.  It's full of good guys and bad guys, but it isn't always compelling to follow the action or lack of it.

The author has extensive knowledge of the lives and lingo of black people in the 60s and shows it off a lot.
Overall grade: B-

Quit by Annie Duke

 Title: Quit, the Power of Knowing When to Walk Away

Author: Annie Duke
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/16/2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Natural human behavior to commit to a goal and pursue it, and not to give up no matter what happens.  There is a bias against quitting.  (Quitters are never winners.)
What happens? People who invest in a company are more likely to ignore bad news and invest more in it, despite reasons not to.  Quitting is viewed very negatively.  Should be the other side of the coin.

"I commit to running a marathon, unless I break my leg."  

Quitting on time feels like quitting too early.

People get stuck because of: sunk cost, escalating commitment, ownership, your identity.

Find a quitting coach.  Set decision points.  Don't make them - then think about quitting.

Forget about waste - don't think about past waste, but future waste.

Learn from the ants.  Explore other routes, even if you have a source of food.

Goals are pass fail.  Use the "unless" clause. 
How long was this? 247 pages
Did I like this? A good common sense book with a unique perspective from a poker player.
Overall grade: A-

https://www.annieduke.com/substack/

A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd

 Title: A Divided Loyalty

Author: Charles Todd
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 11/16/2024
When was the book published: 2020
Main Characters: Det. Rutledge, Chief Inspector Brian Leslie
What happens? A dead body is found near the stones in Avebury.  Leslie can't solve it.  Markham (the boss) sends Rutledge to see if he can
How long was this? 328 pages
Did I like this? A decent story.  Seems very long and drawn out.  Surprise ending at the end.
Overall grade: B

Under Orders by Dick Francis

 Title: Under Orders

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/12/2024
When was the book published: 2006
Main Characters: Sid Halley, Marina his g'friend, Bill Burton, former jockey and trainer, Huw Walker, bill's jockey, Chris Beecher, journalist, Charles Woodward, ex-father-in-law and friend
What happens? Sid is at the track and Huw is found shot.  He is hired by Archie Finch to look into internet gambling.  Bill is accused of the murder.  Everyone wants Sid to help.
How long was this? 308 pages
Did I like this? another excellent Francis work
Overall grade: A-

What are the Sid Halley books in order?

Odds Against 1965

Whip Hand 1979

Come to Grief 1995

Under Orders 2006

The Perfect Stranger by Megan Miranda

Title: The Perfect Stranger
Author: Megan Miranda
Did I listen or read?: kindle book
When did I finish?: 11/8/2024
When was the book published: 2017
Main Characters: Leah Stevens, roommate Emma, cop Kyle
What happens? Emma and Leah move to rural W PA.  Emma is teaching school - a woman is murdered - Emma disappears - and more stuff happens and Leah goes to figure out the mystery.  Who is Emma, and was she involved with the bad things that happened?
How long was this? 337 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good, a page turner.
Overall grade: B+

 

The Favor by Nicci French

 Title: The Favor

Author: Nicci Frenh
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 11/3/2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Jude, Liam, Liam's wife Danny, Vin and the weird people in his house
What happens? Jude hasn't seen summer fling Liam in 18 years.  He asks her for a favor; she doesn't tell her fiance and goes to his weekend cabin.  He never shows up.
How long was this? 429 pages
Did I like this? Parts were really good, really unique mystery.  scenes at the house dragged on and on and on.
Overall grade: B

True Fiction by Lee Goldberg

 Title: True Fiction

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

Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

 Title: Pretty Girls

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

Hot Money by Dick Francis

 Title: Hot Money

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

A Quantum Love Story by Mike Chen

 Title: A Quantum Love Story

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

Regretting You by Colleen Hoover

 Title: Regretting You

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

The Dry by Jane Harper

 Title: The Dry

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

Gated Prey by Lee Goldberg

 Title: Gated Prey

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

Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter by Nicci French

 Title: Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter

Author: Nicci French (actually a married couple pseudonym
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 10/4/24
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: The Salter (Etty, Nial, father Alec, mother Charlie, Paul, Ollie) and Ackerley families (father Duncan, Katherine, Morgan and Greg) - detectives Maud and pregnant Charlie
What happens? 30 yrs ago, Charlie disappears on her way to Alec's 50th bday. The next day, Greg and Etty find Duncan's body in the river.  Then, modern day, Greg and Morgan do a podcast, then pt 3, Maud comes to town to find out the truth.
How long was this? 530 pages
Did I like this? It was very good, definitely need to check out this author further
Overall grade: B+

Who let the Dog Out by david rosenfelt

 Title: Who Let the Dog Out

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 9/29/2024
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Andy, Marcus, Laurie, new son Rick, Tommy Lasiter, Pete and Vince, Sam
What happens? Gerry Downey steals a dog from Willie's shelter.  He is found dead when Andy and Willie trace the GPS.  Tommy is set up and framed for the throat slashing.
How long was this? 339 pages
Did I like this? always entertaining, nothing special
Overall grade: B

Silks by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

 Title: Silks

Author: Dick Francis and Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 9/26/24
When was the book published: 2008
Main Characters: Geoffrey Mason, attorney and amateur horserider, Julian Trent, bully, Steve Mitchell, wrongly accused top 3 horserider
What happens? Mason is riding in a race and sees Barlow claiming to have been struck by Mitchell.  Barlow turns up dead.  Trent (convicted of a crime) is free as he has intimidated witnesses and jurors to recant.  Trent turns up as the muscle threatening Mason - he must lose the case and Mitchell be convicted.
How long was this? 338 pages
Did I like this? This is great, what I want from a Dick Francis book.  horse action, criminals, imminent threats, romance.
Overall grade: A-

Fortune and Glory by Janet Evanovich

 Title: Fortune and Glory

Author: Janet Evanovich
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 9/23/2024
When was the book published: 2020
Main Characters: Stephanie, Potts, Lulu, Grandma, the lounge chair boys, Ranger, Morelli, new character Gabrielle
What happens? Grandma has the keys to a hidden treasure.  Stephanie tries to round up FTAs and has to use Ranger to do her job
How long was this? 310 pages
Did I like this? feh.  entertaining, Potts was annoying
Overall grade: B-

Calico by Lee Goldberg

 Title: Calico 

Author: Lee Goldberg
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 9/20/24
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Beth McDade, Owen Slader, the Cartwright family, Wendy and Ben Cartwright, the Judge, the newspaper guy Overnmyer
What happens? Beth is banished to the boonies police force for sleeping with a co-worker, gets a case where a guy with a 100 year old body is killed by an RV, and the cop she slept with in LA comes to her to help find missing Owen who disappeared on Feb 2, the same day that the RV accident happened.
How long was this? 306 pages
Did I like this? A really good detective / time-travel story.  What would happen if someone really traveled back to 1882.
Overall grade: A-

Hounded by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Hounded

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 9/13/2024
When was the book published: 2014
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, Laurie, Hike, Marcus, Sam.  Pete gets set up for the murder of Danny Diaz
What happens? Andy discovers a plot involving a euthanasia pill for dogs
How long was this? 312 pages
Did I like this? really good Tara story
Overall grade: B+

Goodbye Girl by James Grippando

 Title: Goodbye Girl

Author: James Grippando
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 9/8/2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Jack Swyteck, lawyer, wife Annie the FBI agent, Imani, the pop star, ex husband Shaky
What happens? lots of stuff about music pirates and real pirates with a twist perversion at the end
How long was this? 377 pages
Did I like this? It was decent but Jack's sidekick Theo stumbles into a connection to "the Judge" that is completely unbelievable and coincidental.
Overall grade: B-

Zero Days by Ruth Ware

 Title: Zero Days

Author: Ruth Ware
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 9/3/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Jack (Jacintha) Cross, pen tester, husband Gabe, best friend Cole, sister Hel
What happens? Jack is working late night breaking into a company, comes home and Gabe is dead, slashed throat, police suspect her, and she goes on the run to prove she's not the killer
How long was this? 356 pages
Did I like this? excellent story, fast paced, well done
Overall grade: A-

Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner

 Title: Touch & Go

Author: Lisa Gardner
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 8/30/2024
When was the book published:  2013
Main Characters: Justin and Libby Denbe and daughter Ashlyn.  Tessa Leoni.  small part for DD Warren.  NH cop Wyatt
What happens? The family gets kidnapped.  His 100 million dollar construction biz is in trouble.  He had an affair. Libby is hooked on painkillers, and the daughter is 15.  Tessa is hired by the company as security.  Wyatt gets into it because the GPS tracking device in his coat is found in NH.
How long was this? 372 pages
Did I like this? OK thriller.  Figured out "whodunit".  
Overall grade: B

Rules of Betrayal by Christopher Reich

 Title: Rules of Betrayal

Author: Christopher Reich
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobooko
When did I finish?: 8/29/2024
When was the book published:  2010
Main Characters: Jonathan Ransom, wife Emma, Division boss Frank Conner, Lord Balfour, the Hawk
What happens? A nuclear warhead is found in the mountains of Pakistan from a 20 year old plan crash.  Lord Balfour goes after it, has Emma working for him, the Hawk is going to buy it.
How long was this? 372 pages
Did I like this? It's a spy story where you don't really care what happens to who or why.  Barely worth finishing.
Overall grade: B-

Set In Darkness by Ian Rankin

 Title: Set In Darkness

Author: Ian Rankin
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 8/21/2024
When was the book published: 2000
Main Characters: Rebus, Siobhan Clarke, the Grieve family (Roddy, Cammo), Cafferty
What happens? Roddy Grieve is running for office and is killed.  Rebus investigates, while Siobhan tracks down what happened to a homeless person who killed himself carrying 400,000 pounds cash.
How long was this? 414 pages
Did I like this? Good rebus, yeah
Overall grade: B+

Unleashed by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Unleashed

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 8/14/2024
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, Laurie, Edna, Sam the accountant.  Barry Price.  wife Denise.
What happens? Barry is a rich guy, dies in a plane crash.  He was poisoned.  Denise is accused, hires Andy.  Sam would have been in the plane except he hit a golden with his car, adopts "Crash."
How long was this? 308 pages
Did I like this? always entertaining, a twisted terrorist plot.  
Overall grade: B

Find Her by Lisa Gardner

 Title:  Find Her
Author: Lisa Gardner
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 8/12/2024
When was the book published: 2016
Main Characters: DD Warren, Flora Dane, Samuel Keynes FBI victim aide, Jacob Ness - monster, Lindy - daughter, Stephanie Summers, kidnapped recently
What happens? Flora is free after 472 days captive by Jacob. 
How long was this? 400 pages
Did I like this?  Really good story, painfully specific coffin and in-the-dark imprisonment
Overall grade: B+

The Sacred Bridge by Anne Hillerman

 Title: The Sacred Bridge

Author: Anne Hillerman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 6, 2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Chee, Bernie Manuelito. 
What happens? Chee takes a trip on behalf of Leaphorn to the Sacred Bridge.  He spots a dead body while hiking, and gets involved with finding the killer.  Bernie witnesses a man deliberately run over and killed and goes undercover to solve the crime.
How long was this?  308 pages
Did I like this? Really well done Chee stuff.
Overall grade: B+

Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena

 Title: Everyone Here is Lying

Author: Shari Lapena
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: August 2, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: William, Dr. Wife, Erin, son Michael, daughter Avery, Nora and husband Al, David - son
What happens? Nora breaks off her affair with William.  He goes home and smacks Avery who got kicked out of choir practice.  Avery disappears.  William lies about being at home.
How long was this? 319 pages
Did I like this? decent story, ending kinda weak.  Page turner for sure
Overall grade: B+

The Hike by Lucy Clarke

 Title: The Hike

Author: Lucy Clarke
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 7/31/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Liz, friends Helena (single,) Joni (rock star), Maggie (single mom)
What happens? Liz picks a hike in Norway for their annual get together.  He and hubby Patrick are on a trial separation.  Everyone's got a back story.
How long was this? 367 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good, the "secret" and mystery are a bit hard to believe, but well done
Overall grade: B

Mark of the Hunter by Charles G. West

 Title: Mark of the Hunter

Author: Charles G. West
Did I listen or read?: libby audio book
When did I finish?: July 30 2024
When was the book published: 2013
Main Characters: Cord Malone, Levi Creed, Bill Dooley
What happens? Levi kills Cord's mother and father, and he vows vengeance.  When he gets old enough, he heads out to find him.  He takes a job as a cowboy at the Triple T, then heads off to Ogalala to find Creed.  A bad guy creates the Roman 3 (III) to steal the cattle from the TTT, and Cord has to make it right.
How long was this? 306 pages, about 8 hours
Did I like this? Purty good western, yeah
Overall grade: B

Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

 Title: Swan Song

Author: Elin Hilderbrand
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 27, 2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: CoCo, bartender/personal assistant to the Leslee and Bull Richardson, Nantucket interlopers, Ed Kapenash, wife Andrea, daughter Kacy
What happens? CoCo talks her way from Virgin Islands bartender to Richardson's Nantucket personal assistant.  Kacy runs from her SF NICU nurse job as her girlfriend Isla refuses to give up her marriage plans to Rondo.  Leslee Richardson turns life upside down in Nantucket, and then...
How long was this? 375 pages
Did I like this? Great story, plot, suspense.  A bit too many characters to track, but easy to ride along
Overall grade: A-

10 LB. Penalty by Dick Francis

 Title: 10 lb. Penalty

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 7/25/2024
When was the book published: 1997
Main Characters:Benedict Juliard, father George, Dear Polly, A.L. Wyvern, Orinda, Dennis Nagle's widow
What happens? Ben is a 17 year old who loves riding, but his career ends, and his father drafts him to help with his campaign for election in HoopWestern
How long was this? 273 pages
Did I like this? usual great characters and story, but this one meandered a bit
Overall grade: B

Demolition Angel by Robert Crais

 Title: Demolition Angel

Author: Robert Crais
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 22, 2024
When was the book published: 2000
Main Characters: Carol Starkey, Mr. Red, Tennant the prisoner with no thumb, Charlie Riggio, John Pell from the fed ATC
What happens? Riggio gets blown up, Mr. Red is the suspect, Tennant the link to RDX to make Modex.  Starkey struggles with her near-death experience working a bomb 3 years ago.  Lots of gin.
How long was this? 388 pages
Did I like this? Good story, tense, hard to read with the alcoholism and anger.
Overall grade: B+

The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian by Lawrence Block

 Title: The Burglar Who Painted Like Mondrian

Author: Lawrence Block
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 16, 2024
When was the book published: 1998
Main Characters: Bernie Rhodenbarr, bookstore owner/thief, Ray the crooked cop, bestie Carolyn who owns the pet washing biz, Gordon Onderdonk
What happens? Gordon invites Bernie to his house to price his books.  He has a Mondrian.  Carolyn's cat is magically stolen.  The thief wants the Mondrian as ransom.
How long was this? 234 pages
Did I like this? He's always easy to read, but the plot was so convoluted.  Many painting copies, many tricks.
Overall grade: B

The Price You Pay by Nick Petrie

 Title: The Price You Pay

Author: Nick Petrie
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: July 16, 2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Peter Ash, wife June, Lewis, wife Dinah, Lewis's crew - Teddy, Nino, Ray
What happens? Teddy wrote a diary of the gang-drug dealing robberies that Lewis and the Ghost Killers took on.  It falls into the wrong hands, and someone wants revenge.
How long was this? 420 pages
Did I like this? It was OK.  Reacher like, but with a lot of improbabilities in the story. Might have been a lot better of I started with Peter Ash number 1.  this is number 8
Overall grade: B

The Consequences of Fear by Jacqueline Winspear

 Title: The Consequences of Fear

Author: Jacqueline Winspear

Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: July 15 2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Maisie Dobbs, Freddie Hatchett, his mother, his father, Colonel Shapoo, her boss McFarland, American Mark Scott
What happens? Maisie tries to solve the case of the murder that Freddie the 12 year old messenger witnessed, that ties together with some spy stuff and guys with scars on their faces
How long was this? 352 pages - 10 hours
Did I like this? It was reasonable, a little slow
Overall grade: B

Smokescreen by Dick Francis

 Title: Smokescreen

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: July 7, 2024
When was the book published:     1972
Main Characters: Edward Lincoln, wife Charlie, cameraman Conrad
What happens? Edward is a Tom Hanks level actor who helps a dying friend by going to South Africa to find out why her horses are running so poorly.  Starts with Edward being filmed locked in a car in the desert for a movie directed by Evan
How long was this? 6 hours
Did I like this? Real good story, usual great characters
Overall grade: B+

The Women by Kristin Hannah

 Title: The Women

Author: Kristin Hannah
Did I listen or read?: kindle purchase
When did I finish?: 7/5/2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Frances Frankie McGrath, Barb and Ethel, Rye, Jamie
What happens? Frankie's brother is killed in Vietnam.  She finishes nurse training and enlists in the army and does 2 years in Vietnam.  
How long was this? 480 pages
Did I like this? A very realistic portrayal of the idiocy of war, and specifically the Vietnam war.  And how women were/are treated
Overall grade: A-

Leader of the Pack by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Leader of the Pack

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 29, 2024
When was the book published: 2012
Main Characters: Andy, Laurie, Hike, Marcus, Tara, Joey Desimone
What happens? Joey gets Andy to visit his demented Uncle, who mumbles about Joey being set up for the murder conviction by the mob family.  Andy takes on his case.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? good story, usual humor, plot twists
Overall grade: B+

Decider by Dick Francis

 Title: Decider

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 27, 2024 by the pool with the kids inside playing "What Do You Meme?"
When was the book published: 1993
Main Characters: Lee Morris, the Stratton family, aunt Marjorie, Conrad, Keith, Dart, Rebecca the rider, Hannah the half sister, Colonel Roger Gardner, manager of the race course
What happens? Lee is approached by Gardner and Oliver Wells to help deal with the Strattons after the old man passes, and the remaining family squabbles over the fate of the racecourse, which Lee holds 8 shares (out of 100) as his mother was Keith's first wife.
How long was this? 318 pages
Did I like this? super Dick Francis story, Lee and his six boys and his unique marriage situation
Overall grade: A-

One Dog Night by David Rosenfelt

 Title: One Dog Night

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/22/2024
When was the book published: 2011
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, Laurie, Marcus, Hike, Noah Galloway was Tara's first owner
What happens?  Noah believes that he set fire when he was on drugs that killed 26, 6 years ago.  Andy defends him and investigates why napalm was used. 
How long was this? 387 pages
Did I like this? Always good stories and laughs 
Overall grade: B+

Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Dog Tags

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 19, 2024
When was the book published: 2010
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, Laurie, Hike takes over for Kevin, Tara, Milo the german shepherd, Billy Somerville one legged thief
What happens? Billy has Milo steal an envelope from an ex-military guy that everyone hated.  Someone kills the guy.  Everyone tied to a terrorist incident in Iraq is tied into a plot.  Andy has to get Billy off and solve it.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? Another really good Carpenter story, number 8 I think
Overall grade: A-

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

 Title: The Mystery Writer

Author: Sulari Gentill
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/15/2024
When was the book published: 2024
 Main Characters: Theodosia Benton, brother Gus Benton, law firm investigator Mac Etheridge and "prepper" family, mystery writer Dan Murdoch
What happens? Theo drops out of law school and moves to the US (from Australia) to write a book, in Lawrence Kansas.  She starts hanging out at Benders cafe/bar, where she starts hanging out and writing with Dan.
How long was this?  367 pages
Did I like this? first three quarters was very good, as Theo, Gus, and Mac try to solve the mystery of what happened to Dan.  Then the author blows the whole thing up into a bizarre far-fetched scheme.
Overall grade: B-

A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo

 Title: A Gathering of Secrets

Author: Linda Castillo
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 6/10/2024
When was the book published: 2018
Main Characters: Kate Burkholder, CBI boyfriend, Daniel the bad Amish, ina, viola, etc the Amish girls
What happens? Daniel is lured to a romantic spot in a barn, locked in, and burned to death.  Kate has to find out what he did to deserve this.
How long was this? 308 pages 10 hours
Did I like this? It was decent, not particularly distinctive, action picks up at the end
Overall grade: B

The Truth About The Devlins by Lisa Scottoline

 Title: The Truth About The Devlins

Author: Lisa Scottoline
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 6/8/2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: TJ Devlin, reformed alcoholic and convicted felon, son of Paul, brother is John, sister is Gabby
What happens? John comes to TJ and tells him he might have killed a client, an account who works for a long time client of the Devlin law in the Runstan company
How long was this? 374 pages
Did I like this? a really good thriller, great characters, bad guys
Overall grade: A-

New Tricks by David Rosenfelt

 Title: New Tricks

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 5, 2024
When was the book published: 2009
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, #7, Laurie, Kevin from the Lawdromat, Marcus, Vince and Pete have minor roles
What happens? Hatchet has Andy handle the disposition of a dog (Waggy) when Walter Timmerman is killed.The 2nd wife?  the son?  More death and destruction follows
How long was this? 309 pages
Did I like this? Yep, more solid Andy and Tara adventures, this time with a Bernese Mountain dog!
Overall grade: B+

End of Story by A.J. Finn

 Title: End of Story

Author: A.J. Finn
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: June 3, 2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Nicky Hunter, Sebastian Trapp, current wife Diana, daughter Madeline, wife and son Hope and Cole.  
What happens? Trapp, famous mystery writer, is dying, and Nicky has been in correspondence with him over the years as a fan.  Trapp invites Nicky to stay with him and write about him in his final months.  Nicky naturally investigates the disappearance 20 years ago of Hope and Cole.
How long was this? 408 pages
Did I like this? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  A challenging writing style and very convoluted mystery make it tough.  Well defined characters and action filled plot.  Generally aggravating, but I would try another from this author
Overall grade: B

Lessons by Ian McEwan

 Title: Lessons

Author: Ian McEwen
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 5/25/2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Roland Baines, Miriam Cornell, Alissa, Daphne, Peter Mount
What happens? Roland has a sexual relationship with his piano teacher at 14.  Then, the rest of his life in detail, set in the political backdrop of the days from post WWII to COVID.
How long was this? 420 pages
Did I like this? long, rambling, esoteric, full of references I don't get
Overall grade: B-

high stakes by Dick Francis

 Title: High Stakes

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: libby audio
When did I finish?: 5/24/2024
When was the book published: 1975
Main Characters: Steven Scott, Jody Leeds, Owen (helper), Charles (banker), Alexandra Ward
What happens? Steven realizes that Jody (his trainer) has been cheating him in his billing, and also running some kind of scheme to make money by getting the horse to lose when Steven places his first large bet on the horse.
How long was this? 6 hours, 272 pages
Did I like this? classic Francis, loved it
Overall grade: A-

Play Dead by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Play Dead

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 5/17/2024
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, Kevin, Marcus.  Bit of Laurie, still in Wisconsin.  Tara of course.  Reggie the swimming dog. Richard Evans, sister Karen
What happens?  Reggie appears.  Richard Evans is in jail for murdering Sharon (wife) on a boat.  Reggie was on the boat but was assumed dead (at trial) but is clearly alive.  Mysterious how it all ties together.
How long was this? 308 pages
Did I like this? Yeah, fast paced, fun.  Not obvious.  The recurring characters (Vince the newspaper guy and Pete the cop having beers and watching the game at Charlie's) could get old, but not yet!
Overall grade: A-

In the Frame by Dick Francis

Title: In the Frame
Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: May 16, 2024
When was the book published:  1976
Main Characters: Charles Todd, brother Donald, old school chum Jik, his wife
What happens?  Donald's wife is killed in a robbery.  Charles stumbles on a woman whose house has burned down destroying her antiques and paintings.  Both Donald and the woman had been to australia and bought a munnings
How long was this? 304 pages, 6 hours
Did I like this? Always good.  
Overall grade: A-

 

Enquiry by Dick Francis

 Title: Enquiry

Author: Dick Francis
Did I listen or read?: libby audio
When did I finish?: May 12, 2024
When was the book published: 1969
Main Characters:  kelly Hughes, jockey, Dexter Cranfield, owner, Rebecca Cranfield, daughter
What happens? Jockey and owner get warned during an enquiry filled with false testimony.  Jockey fights like hell to find out what happened and why to get his name restored
How long was this? 272 pages, 6 hours
Did I like this?  Well done, yes, typical Francis plot w mystery, great characters and violence
Overall grade: A-

Three-Inch Teeth by C.J. Box

 Title: Three-Inch Teeth

Author: C.J. Box
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 13, 2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Joe Pickett, Marybeth, Sheridan, Nate and Liv and Kestrel. Dallas Cates.
What happens? A bear kills Sheridan's soon-to-not-be fiance, and then attacks a LEO.  Dallas Cates gets out of prison and gets together with Alex Soledad to get revenge on those who got him, by making their deaths look like bear attacks
How long was this? 450 large print
Did I like this? Good, but sad, and not particularly heroic
Overall grade: B+

Still See You Everywhere by Lisa Gardner

 Title: Still See You Everywhere

Author: Lisa Gardner
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 8, 2024
When was the book published: 2024
Main Characters: Frankie Elkin, Kaylee Pierson, sister Leilani, cooks Ann and Trudy, PM Vaughn, engineer Charlie, lawyer Victoria Twanow
What happens? Kaylee the Beautiful Butcher asks for Frankie to find sister Leilani who is "ward" of McManus billionaire who is building a resort on a desert island hours from Hawaii.
How long was this? 404 pages
Did I like this? Really good exciting story.  Lots of plot twists.  Giant crabs. Too much serial killing
Overall grade: A-

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

 Title: The Thursday Murder Club

Author: J.A. Jance
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: May 4, 2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, Ron.  Elizabeth's husband Stephen.  Bogdan plays chess with Stephen.  Tony Curran, Ian Wrexham. Ron's son, Jason, the boxer and celeb.  
What happens? Tony turns up dead.  Ian is going to dig up the cemetery to build more retirement community. 
How long was this? 351 pages
Did I like this? the first Thursday murder club.  Plot's a bit convoluted and goes all over the place, but the characters and the descriptions and the dialogue and the people are priceless.
Overall grade: B+

Missing and Endangered by J.A. Jance

 Title: Missing and Endangered

Author: J.A. Jance
Did I listen or read?: libby audio
When did I finish?: May 1, 2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Joanne Brady, husband author Butch, daughter college student Jennifer, roommate Beth Rankin, officer Armando Ruiz, Leon Hogan and bad mother-wife
What happens? Jennifer's roommate has a fake boyfriend on line.  Ruiz gets shot and kills Leon Hogan serving a no-contact order
How long was this? 365 pages
Did I like this? Meandering plot, hundreds of characters and back stories
Overall grade: B

Prom Mom by Laura Lippman

 Title: Prom Mom

Author: Laura Lippman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 29, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Amber Glass, Joe Simpson, wife Meredith
What happens? In 1997, Amber goes to the prom with Joe (but as friends) and has a miscarriage in the hotel bathroom, baby dies, she becomes Prom Mom and he is Cad Dad.  Present day, Joe is married to Meredith and Amber moves back from New Orleans to Baltimore, opens an art gallery, and they reconnect.
How long was this? 302 pages
Did I like this? OK, medium.  Interesting characters and story, ending whipped together in the last few pages
Overall grade: B

The Little Liar by Mitch Albom

 Title: The Little Liar

Author: Mitch Albom
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 23, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Nico, Sebastian, brothers, Fannie, friend, Udo, Nazi bad guy
What happens? Very realistic portrayal of the Nazis taking 50,000 Jews from Salonika in Greece and sending them to concentration camps.  Nico is the boy who tells no lies, until Udo tricks him into telling the people that they should board the train, that all would be well.
How long was this? 328 pages
Did I like this? Very well done.  Very hard to read.
Overall grade: A-

Dead Center by David Rosenfelt

Title: Dead Center
Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: libby audio
When did I finish?: April 16, 2024
When was the book published: 2006
Main Characters: Andy, Tara the dog, Kevin the assistant, Mack the scary body guard.  Laurie, now in Wisconsin on a police force.  Richard Davidson.  people of Center City
What happens? Laurie convinces Andy to come to Wisconsin because a young man is wrongly accused of the murder of 2 young ladies from the Centurions of Center City, a devout religious town
How long was this? 360 pages, 7 hours
Did I like this? Another solid story.  Lots of chuckles
Overall grade: B+

 

Blood Lines by Nelson Demille and Alex Demille

 Title: Blood Lines

Author: Nelson DeMille and Alex DeMille
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: April 20, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Scott Brodie and Maggie Taylor (from The Deserter), Harry Vance, Anna Albrecht, Trent Chilcott, Col. Dombrowski, Odin
What happens? Scott and Maggie are sent to the minor leagues after the Deserter, and are called in to find out what really happened when Harry Vance died in Berlin.  The CIA and FBI and German police/spies get involved.  Scott pisses everyone off....
How long was this? 495 pages
Did I like this? Yes, a good story, very mysterious to figure out what is going on for the reader and the characters
Overall grade: B+

Sudden Death by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Sudden Death

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: libby audio
When did I finish?: April 11, 2024 while building a wood shed downstairs
When was the book published: 2005
Main Characters:  Andy Carpenter, Laurie the investigator, Tara the dog, Kevin the laundromat guy.  Tony Preston, dead NFL guy, Kenny Schilling innocent set up w body in closet
What happens? Andy is wrestling with Laurie's possible move to Wisconsin, gets a call from Kenny (doesn't know him) to help him as the dead guy is in his closet.
How long was this? 330 pages 7 hours
Did I like this? Quality Carpenter story and wit.  
Overall grade: B+

Broken Trust (Spenser) by Mike Lupica

 Title: Broken Trust

Author: Mikc Lupica
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 4/10/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Spenser, Susan, Hawk, Belson, Quirk, Andrew Crain battery inventor, Ethan Crain 40% owner, Laura Crain, wife, Claire Megli, Whitson the bad attorney
What happens? Laura Crain comes to Spenser because Andrew is acting weird and won't say why.  Ethan is leading the merger with another big battery company.  Corporate intrigue.  Abused women. Hawk.
How long was this? 382 pages
Did I like this? A really good Spenser story, comfortable as an old pair of shoes
Overall grade: B+

Bury the Lead by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Bury the Lead

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 4/8/2024
When was the book published: 2005
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter #3, Laurie, Kevin the assistant and laundromat owner - 
What happens? Andy's friend Vince the news paper guy hires him to help journalist Daniel Cummings who is the mouthpiece for a serial killer who cuts off the victims hands.  Andy unravels a plot with a lot of nasty characters with bad histories.
How long was this? 320 pages, 7 hours
Did I like this? Always fun to be with Andy and Willie and Tara the golden retriever
Overall grade: B+

A Heart Full Of Headstones by Ian Rankin

 Title: A Heart Full of Headstones

Author: Ian Rankin
Did I listen or read?: Library book
When did I finish?: April 5, 2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Rebus, Siobhan Clarke, Ger Cafferty, Jack Oram father of Tommy, cop Christine Esson, Alec Fleck, Malcolm Fox, Tynesdale gang like Haggard or Driscoll or Agnew
What happens? Cafferty asks Rebus to find Jack Oram, and Siobhan participates in the Haggerty case (attacked his wife and then killed).  Their paths cross as the Tynesdale corrupt cop investigation unfolds.
How long was this? 331 pages
Did I like this? good rebus story with a cliffhanger at the end
Overall grade: B+

The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner

 Title: The Neighbor

Author: Lisa Gardner
Did I listen or read?: audio book libby
When did I finish?: April 3, 2024
When was the book published:  2009
Main Characters: Detective D.D. Warren the Jones, Jack and wife Sandra and daughter Ree, neighbor Andrew registered sex offender, 
What happens? Jack and Sandra have a weird marriage with tons of secrets but love their cute 4 year old Ree.  Sandra finds something on Jack's computer, researches, and then disappears into thin air.
How long was this? 384 pages 12 hours
Did I like this? The big secret with the reveal at the end sucks, but this has two of them.  Not great, but well written and moves reasonably well
Overall grade: B

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

 Title: None of This is True

Author: Lisa Jewell
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 3/27/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Alix Summer, podcaster, Nathan, husband, Josie Fair, born the same day as Alix, same hospital, Josie's husband Walter, kids Roxy and Erin.
What happens? Josie realizes that Alix's was born on the same day, birthday twins, forces herself into her life, weird stuff happens, and has happened.  Hard to tell what the truth is.
How long was this? 370 pages
Did I like this? It was engrossing, but weird, complex characters who were a bit frustrating
Overall grade: B+

The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

 Title: The River We Remember 

Author: William Kent Krueger
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: March 21, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Cop Brody Dern, Jimmy Quinn, brother Tom and wife Garnet, Angie runs the diner, her son Scott.  Noah Bluestone and wife Kyoko.  Lawyer Charlie
What happens? Jimmy is found dead, with the catfish eating him in the Alabaster river.  Everything points at Noah (or his wife) and they will not say anything as Charlie (Charlotte) tries to help.
How long was this? 424 pages
Did I like this? Really good story, great characters.  Not a great mystery, but a very exciting ending.
Overall grade: A-

The Dilemma by B.A. Paris

 Title: The Dilemma

Author: B.A. Paris
Did I listen or read?: libby audio book
When did I finish?: 3/21/2024
When was the book published: 2019
Main Characters: Livia and Adam, son Josh, daughter Marnie, best friend Nelson, his wife, Rob and Jess
What happens? Livia's throwing herself a massive 40th bday party, in part to make up for a wedding she never had because her parents disowned her.  Marnie is in Hong Kong studying, but wants to come back for the surprise.  Livia has learned a surprise about Marnie.
How long was this? 342 pages, 9 hours
Did I like this? It was not great.  Repeated hours of justifying why to keep two secrets from each other.
Overall grade: B-

No Reserve by Felix Francis

 Title: No Reserve 

Author: Felix Francis
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 3/12/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Theo Jennings, horse auctioneer, Janis from accounting, Peter Radway, his boss, Elliott Mitchell and Brian Kitman
What happens? Theo auctions off a horse and it's bid up to 3 million.  He overhears Mitchell and Kitman in the men's room discussing how they illegally pushed the price up.  The horse dies.  Theo investigates.
How long was this? 256 pages
Did I like this? Excellent Francis horse story
Overall grade: A-

The Madness of Crowds by Louise Penny

 Title: The Madness of Crowds

Author: Louise Penny
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: March 7, 2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Gamache, wife Reine-Marie, Beauvoir, Lacoste.  Clara, Myrna, Gabri and the other dude.  Abigail Robinson. Vincent Gilbert the "asshole saint". Chancellor Claudette Roberts.  Danielle Schneider.  Haniya Dayoud
What happens? Abigail Robinson takes pandemic data and presents "why euthanasia is the right thing" for the elderly and handicapped.  Gamache has to do security duty for her speech at a local U.  Someone takes a shot at her.  It gets really complicated.
How long was this? 436 pages
Did I like this? It was not the best Gamache, repetitive and stretched out, with repeated (not occasional) ties to their personal lives, and roles as parents and grandparents.  
Overall grade: B

Master of Change by Brad Stulberg

 Title: Master of Change

Author: Brad Stulberg
Did I listen or read?: library book (link+)
When did I finish?: March 5, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: see the Word document "Master of Change by Brad Stulberg"
What happens?
How long was this? 198 pages
Did I like this? Very good, well done, not stretched out
Overall grade: A-

First Degree by David Rosenfelt

 Title: First Degree

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: libby audio book
When did I finish?: Feb 29, 2024
When was the book published: 2003
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter book 2, girlfriend partner Laurie Collins, dog Tara, Judge Hatchett, Miller from the first book and his dog Cash, 
What happens? Former crooked cop and Collins enemy Dorsey is found burned to death with his head chopped off.  Is it really him? Why does the evidence point at Oscar Garcia, drug peddler that Laurie has been tracking.
How long was this? 302 pages
Did I like this? Very enjoyable, fast paced, humor.  
Overall grade: A-

Hero by Thomas Perry

 Title: Hero

Author: Thomas Perry
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 2/25/2024
When was the book published:  2024
Main Characters: Justine Poole, bodyguard to the stars, Leo Sealy and Mr. Conger.  Joe Alston, random stranger
What happens? Justine's boss, Ben Spengler, calls her out to help as the Pinskys are about to be robbed by 5 guys in a follow from a fancy restaurant robbery.  Justine kills two guys.  Mr. Conger wants to avenge them, and hires Leo Sealy to kill her.  Leo is a pro.  Justine is a pro.
How long was this? 293 pages
Did I like this? Ok, not riveting.  Well thought out, detailed - two adversaries who are very smart and don't make mistakes.
Overall grade: B

Anna O by Matthew Blake

 Title:  Anna O

Author:  Matthew Blake
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Feb 19, 2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Anna O, Ben Prince - forensic psychologist, wife Clara, daughter KitKat, boss Virginia Bloom, Harriet, Anna's full time nurse
What happens?  Anna O has been asleep for 4 years since she slept walked and killed her business partners in a magazine startup.  Ben has a protocol to wake her up.  Is she guilty?  Is it related to her research on Sally the stepson killer from 20 years ago (who committed murder 20 years to the day earlier.)
How long was this? 424 pages
Did I like this? It was pretty good, basically - convoluted, with a plot twist inside a plot twist inside a plot twist.  Ending with an explanation of all of it, I guess.  Who was PatientX?
Overall grade: B

Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt

 Title: Open and Shut

Author: David Rosenfelt
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: Feb 10, 2014
When was the book published: 2002
Main Characters: Andy Carpenter, dog, ex wife Nicole, Laurie (detective/girlfriend), his father, Miller who is waiting for execution.  
What happens? His father asks Andy to help a convicted murderer overturn the conviction.  His father dies.  He inherits 21 million.  People start threatening him.
How long was this? 290 pages 7 hours
Did I like this? Very enjoyable, wiseass writing style, fast moving plot.
Overall grade: A-

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

 Title: The Man Who Died Twice

Author: Richard Osman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 9, 2024
When was the book published: 2021
Main Characters: Joyce, Ron, Elizabeth, Ibrahim.  the Thursday Murder club.  Elizabeth's current husband Stephen and prior husband, cops Chris and Donna, spies Sue and Lance, reluctant spy Poppy and mother Siobhan, crooks Connie Johnston, Frank the mafia guy and local money holder who has diamonds
What happens? 20 million dollars of Diamonds are stolen.  Ex-husband is accused.  Ibrahim gets beat up by a moron punk.  
How long was this?  352 pages
Did I like this? Excellent, funny, complex plot
Overall grade: A-

The Exchange by John Grisham

 Title:  The Exchange

Author: John Grisham
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 2/5/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: Mitch and Abby McDeere, Sully law firm, head Jack Ruch, Cory - security, Stephen - associate.  Luca - Italian aging patriarch.  granddaughter Giovanna.  
What happens? Mitch gets called in to collect $400 million for Turkish company Lannak from Libya for a bridge in the middle of the desert.  Giovanna gets kidnapped
How long was this? 336 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good, not a classic.  Story starts with a death row representation that's completely discarded.  Moves along, no wasted time at the end.
Overall grade: B

Breakdown by Sara Paretsky

 Title: Breakdown

Author: Sara Paretsky
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: February 1, 2024
When was the book published:  2012
Main Characters: V.I. Warshawski, Tommy Glover, Chaim Salanter, Sophy Durango, Miles Wuchnik, Lawlor (Rush Limbaugh), Xavier Jurgens
What happens? V.I.'s niece is in a cemetery doing a tween vampire thing, and a dead body appears, killed vampire style.  Nazi war crimes, mentally incompetent criminals (Ruhetal) and far-right nonsense.
How long was this?  431 pages
Did I like this? Decent story.  Definitely like VI character
Overall grade: B

Kickback by Ace Atkins

 Title: Kickback 

Author: Ace Atkins
Did I listen or read?: libby audiobook
When did I finish?: 1/25/2024
When was the book published: 2015
Main Characters: Spenser, a bit of Hawk and Susan.  Dillon Yates, 17 yr old.  Judge Scalli. Hood DeMarco.
What happens?  Judge is taking kickbacks and putting kids in a youth facility, no lawyers allowed. People die.  Spenser goes to Florida.
How long was this? 304 pages
Did I like this? very predictable story.  tortured by including a blow-by-blow at the youth facility.
Overall grade: B-

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

 Title: Lessons in Chemistry

Author: Bonnie Garmus
Did I listen or read?: Kindle library book
When did I finish?: January 20, 2024
When was the book published: 2022
Main Characters: Elizabeth Zott, Calvin Evans, daughter Mad, neighbor Harriet
What happens? Elizabeth is frustrated by being a woman chemist, meets Calvin, winds up with a hit cooking show.
How long was this? 360 pages
Did I like this? Pretty good fantasy
Overall grade: B

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

 Title: The Last Devil to Die

Author: Richard Osman
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 1/15/2024
When was the book published: 2023
Main Characters: usual 4, Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim
What happens? Their friend Kuldesh runs an antique store and decides to resell the heroin drop that is sold/reappropriated from his store.  He gets killed.  Elizabeth's husband Stephen wrestles with dementia.  They help a new neighbor, Mervyn, who is being conned in a on-line love scam.
How long was this? 349 pages
Did I like this? Very good story.  Very touching depiction of dementia.  This is book 4.  need to get 2 and 3.
Overall grade: A-

The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

 Title: The Lincoln Highway

Author: Amor Towles
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: 1/10/2024
When was the book published: 2021 
Main Characters: Emmett Watson, brother Billy, Duchess and Woolly, Ulysses, Prof. Abernathe
What happens? Emmett is driven home from his time in juvenile prison because his father has passed away.  He is there for hitting a guy at the fair who died.  Woolly and Duchess sneak out in the trunk of the warden's car.  Emmett's plan to take Billy and drive to California on the Lincoln Highway to find their mother runs into many obstacles and detours.
How long was this? 576 pages
Did I like this? It was a nice read, and I would definitely read the next chapter if he writes one.
Overall grade: B+

Missing Joseph by Elizabeth George

 Title: Missing Joseph

Author: Elizabeth George
Did I listen or read?: library book
When did I finish?: Jan 3, 2024
When was the book published: 1993
Main Characters: Lynley and Helen, St. James and Deborah.  Polly Yarkin who loves constable Colin Shepherd who loves Juliet Spence mother of Maggie who loves Nick Ware.
What happens?  Pastor Sage doesn't show for the Townley-Young wedding.  He's dead.  Did Juliet (caretaker for the TY "hall") intentionally poison him w hemlock?
How long was this? 496 pages
Did I like this? good story, not great.  Interesting theme of adoption
Overall grade: B

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

 Title: What the Dead Know

Author: Laura Lippman
Did I listen or read?: Libby audio during Xmas SB trip 2023
When did I finish?: 12/29/2023
When was the book published: 2007
Main Characters: Heather Bethany,   Kevin Infante, horny copy, Chet Willoughby, horny retired copy, Kay Sullivan, social worker, Gloria Bustamante, lawyer
What happens?  Heather reappears after a car accident on an icy Baltimore bridge, one of the missing Bethany sisters.  She doesn't want to tell her story, and regrets admitting that she was a Bethany sister.  The car belonged to Penelope Jackson.  Who dat?
How long was this?  384 pages, about 12 hours
Did I like this? It was pretty good, yeah.  Kept our attention.
Overall grade: B+