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