Mysteries anyone?

Some of the latest Mystery and Suspense book reviews:

From Peggy

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11th Hour by James Patterson

“Another murder mystery with the Women's Murder Club.  Fast moving--love the short chapters.”

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Dead Last by James W Hall

“Main character Thorn helps solve murder and discovers family.”

From Bridgette:

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The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection by Alexander McCall Smith

“I just love all of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I feel as if I have been transported from my living room to the warm and colorful country of Botswana where the people are insightful, friendly, and interesting.”

From Margaret:

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Now You See Her by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

“Nina was nineteen and a change of events caused her to change her identity. Things were going fine as a mother and lawyer.  Then her past catches up with her and she must risk everything to set it right.” 

From Joseph:

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Locked On by Tom Clancy

“Another doorstop of a page-turner, but if you're reading this review, you've read all the other Clancy novels. This next episode of Junior's work with the NGO spy network group is as satisfying as the others, but the extreme portrayals of the three "liberal" characters was a bit of a turn-off.”

From Doris:

The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters

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“Archaeologists from Britain working in Egypt, contending with WW1, spies, tomb raiders stabbings, shootings but always maintaining that stiff upper lip - go dig it.”

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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LeCarre

“Double dealing spies, murder, an enigma within a puzzle Warning: Attention must be paid-the Devil is in the details”

From JoAnn:

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The Art of Detection by Laurie King

“Enjoyable story about a homicide in current day San Francisco that revolves around the discovery of an unpublished Arthur Conan Doyle manuscript. I liked the way King had a light touch on the violence and a light touch when describing gay relationships.  I learned a little about antiques and the need to have items appraised.  King gave enough reality to the main characters to help you see them and care about them.  There was enough action to keep me interested.  The only thing lacking was a stronger involvement of Kate's significant other, who seemed to be frequently ignored by Kate.”

A couple from Bonnie:

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The Suspect by John Lescroart

“Stuart Gorman soon learns that you can talk too much to the police after
your wife is found dead.  He hires a lawyer who has never tried a murder case.  All through the book you keep saying "Shut up Stuart". His faith in the judicial system is "blind", especially when he keeps saying he is innocent and that should be enough. You will enjoy this book and this author.”



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The Cat Who Brought Down the House by Lilian Jackson Braun

“"The Cat Who....." is a series of 26 books. The stars are Jim Quillerin, crime reporter that has moved 400 miles north of everywhere and his Siamese Cat KoKo. KoKo has the uncanny habit of knowing when mysterious things are about to happen. KoKo has an adorable house mate Yum Yum, also a Siamese. This story is about an aging celebrity who moves home, buys an old opera house, her twin brother is murdered, who did it? KoKo knows. These books are "Soft Mysteries".

Non-Fiction! Yes! More Non-Fiction!

We have been saving up the non-fiction reviews for today.

From Geraldine:

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That Woman by Anne Sebba

“In a love story that shook the world, Edward VIII of England sacrificed his birthright for a twice-divorced commoner, the bewitching Wallis Simpson (“That Woman”).  The author lends compelling explanations of how a King could give up status and wealth for love and why an ambitious woman could allow him to do so.”

From Dorothy:

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Zeitoun by Dave Eggers

“In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina hit, Abdulrahman Zeitoun, a New Orleans contractor and house painter, spent a week rescuing people, feeding trapped pets and trying to preserve the homes of his customers.  Then suddenly he was arrested and imprisoned as a terrorist by Homeland Security and it is at this point the simply written but truly eye-opening book points an unwavering finger at the choices our government made that victimized Zeitoun and other citizens many times over in the storms aftermath.”

From Kim:

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Columbine by Dave Cullen

“Fascinating, in-depth must-read about the events at, and surrounding, the shooters at Columbine.” 

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This Is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike by Augusten Burroughs

“Terrible.  Absolutely terrible.”

 

A couple more for your reading pleasure

Don't forget that the last day to enter for the drawing is Friday, August 3, 2012.  The drawing will be held on August 4th.

From Katherine:

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A million nightingales by Susan Straight

“This is a very well-written story about one slave girl’s life and journey to freedom.  It grabs on to you and transports you to French Louisiana without you even realizing it.  It’s the kind of book that keeps you reading, even when you know you have to stop.”

Ocean of Words by Ha Jin

"This is a collection of short stories about the every-day lives of Chinese soldiers during the 1970's on the Russian border.  Ha Jin makes the characters come to life by capturing not only the personalities of the people, but also the attitude of the country at the time.  It was a very interesting read."

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A Cure for Gravity by Arthur Rosenfeld

“In this story several lives intersect in unexpected ways, sometimes even through the supernatural.  It started a bit slowly and felt a little segmented, but tied together better by the middle.  In the end, I found myself rooting for both the good guy and the ‘bad’ guy, and even though only one can win, the ending was still satisfying.”

From Dawn

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Every Last One by Anna Quindlen

“Not what I was expecting - From the seemingly mundane details of ordinary life to the twists and turns, this author has a style of describing that kept me reading through the slower parts of the story. The surface stories and the hidden secrets that set the stage for conflicts, chaos, and ultimately recovery will draw you in too.”

Just a couple to whet your appetite

From Lynsey:

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Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman

“Frank and Eudora arrive in the small Georgia town of Whitbrow hoping to start their lives as newlyweds.  It isn't until they begin to become part of the town that they realize things are not exactly how they appear.  One small action that the town commits opens everyone up for attack from the things across the river.”

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The Radleys by Matt Haig

“The Radley’s are an all around average family, or so they would like to believe.  This abstaining, vampire family tries very hard to fit into small town life without drawing any attention to themselves until one night, the daughter (who doesn’t know she is a vampire) makes her first kill.  After that moment, all of the lies they are living begin to crumble and their true selves emerge – definitely not just another vampire story.”

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Left for Dead by J. A. Jance

“Jance begins her story with the attempted murders of two unrelated individuals in California in this mystery-thriller.  Each chapter portrays the life of various characters that Jance skillfully weaves together.  Each chapter leaves you wanting to read the next.”

Are you ready for this?

Fantasy, Mystery and a Thriller!

From Alyson:

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The Skystone by Jack Whyte

“A positively addicting reimagining of the creation of Arthurian Britain, the first book of six is set at the fall of the Roman Empire, when Arthur's great-grandfather seeks the ore that will one day become Excalibur.”

From Ashley:

Perfectly Matched by Heather Webber

"The 4th in a series about Lucy Valentine, reluctant heiress to a matchmaking dynasty, this fantastic mystery centers on an arsonist plaguing Boston during a summer heatwave.  Funny, with a little romance thrown in for good measure." This title is not currently in our catalog.

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Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

"Fast paced psychological thriller with chapters written by several "unreliable narrators", this novel will leave readers guessing what really happened and wondering what will happen next.  Great summer read."

The Year of the Gadfly by Jennifer Miller

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“A teen's family relocates to small-town Massachusetts after a tragedy.  Enrolling in the local private school, the teen, an aspiring reporter, discovers that the school's storied past may be influencing current scandals.”

From Janet:

The Hangman's Daughter by Oliver Potzsch

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“This is not a quick read, but definitely well worth the time.  This is a story that has a little bit of everything and ties it up nicely in the end.”

A variety of reviews today

We have everything today - Science Fiction, Mystery and dangerous criminals!

From Jason:

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The Bachman Books - Four Early Novels by Stephen King by Richard Bachman/Stephen King

“This collection kicked me straight in the teeth and had me begging for more. Read about King's prediction for the future of reality television in "The Running Man" and "The Long Walk". "Roadwork" and "Rage" show you what happens when a normal guy just. can't. take. it. any. more.”

100 Most Infamous Criminals by Jo Durden Smith

“I'm a True Crime fan, and this book had my rapt attention for hours. Covering everyone from Charles Manson to Al Capone, Jack the Ripper to Butch and Sundance, I couldn't ask for more. The book is information-rich and chock full of original photographs and information. A great read all around.” This title is not currently in our catalog.

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Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

"Set in Florida and fun as a summer day, the first of six (so far) Dexter novels introduces you to your friendly neighborhood serial killer. Take a ride with the Dark Passenger and enjoy the story as much as I did."

From Alyson:

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Star Trek: Destiny by David Mack

“The Borg are back, and badder than ever in this apocalyptic omnibus edition of the bestselling "Destiny" trilogy. You'll be glued to your reading chair for the whole of this rip-roaring ride through space-time. Resistance is futile.”

The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution by

Richard Dawkins

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“There is beauty in nature, and Dawkins will strike you with awe. From the battle between orchids and moths to our own early amphibian ancestors, you'll be delighted to see the magic of evolution beyond "Crocoducks" and "Fronkeys".”

Have we got some reviews for you!

From Janet:

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The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer

“While this book had some interesting facts from history that wrapped it into a conspiracy theory-type story, it was fun and easy to read.  There were some twists that were both fresh and predictable within the story which helped make it a little more of a comfortable read rather than a gut-twister.”

Four more from Rewa!

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Private Arrangements by  Brenda Jackson

“Another one of the 'Bad News Steele" boys bites the dust. Jonas fights love tooth & nail but Nikki knocks him off his feet. A wonderfully romantic love story!”

Chance of a Lifetime by Portia Da Costa

“After viewing some of her boss's videotapes, she is introduced to his 'alternative' sexual habits and begins to fantasize about him and her in those situations. The story line is interesting but it is very graphic.”

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Another Chance by Portia Da Costa

“The sequel to Chance of a Lifetime, this book is mildly entertaining and has some graphic descriptions of sexual situations.”

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Rules of Engagement by Suzanne Enoch

“Once the heroine (Zephyr) entered the story line, I truly enjoyed the development of the relationship between her & Captain Carroway. Love to see a powerful 'chit' not conforming to expectations!”

Try some of these titles

Enjoy these reviews and look for lots more to come next week!

From Catherine:

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A Man Called Blessed by Ted Dekker

“A story with miraculous surprises.   The leading lady is much like Ziva on NCIS.  The leading man is nothing like Gibbs, but he gets the job done.”

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Death of a Dude by Rex Stout

“As usual Nero and Archie do a great job in solving another murder mystery.  One of the few cases where they leave New York City.”

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Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

"This was one hilarious murder mystery.  Colorful descriptions made characters really come alive!"

Rainel gives us two reviews:

Healing of Memories  by David Seamands

“Seamonds writes this book very carefully. It treats many topics related to memories, including memories blocked. This book is useful both to the person seeking the healing of memories, as well as for pastors and counselors. Time can not completely heal the memories of painful experiences that hurt us long ago and have been left out of our conscious mind. In the healing of memories, David Seanmands shows how the healing power of God can free us from the tyranny of painful memories that affect our behavior and Christian growth. Pastors and counselors can learn to discover when and how to use this form of therapy." This title is not currently in the library catalog

Transforming Worldviews: An Anthropological Understanding of How People Change  by Paul G. Hiebert

“Hiebert makes a comparative study, thorough and comprehensive world view and its implications from an anthropological perspective that the Christian must learn to apply the biblical worldview in a multicultural world. He analyzes the worldviews that missionaries must know when to evangelize in a world glocal (global + local) cosmopolitan and polytheistic. The missionary must know the views of communities from small scales as well as large cities, such as the peasant world, modernity, the current context of postmodernism / hiperposmodernidad or globalization / retribalization glocal context and the new ministry century. The author examines each of these worldviews and the impact it has on the Christian mission and compares it with the biblical worldview. He notes that the mission was previously focused on the change in behavior and belief, however, Hierbert suggests a third element   to achieve these various worldview: the Christian must make a change in the vision he has of the world to understand so you can make a contextualized ministry to different cultures, which always contextualized ministry lies in the behavior and beliefs based on biblical principle of sola Scriptura.” This title is not currently in the library catalog

From Jennifer:

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

“I really liked reading this book. My son asked me to read the book because he liked it so much. I know am going to check out the second book City of Ashes.”