BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

A note about BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.:

These are not, in any way, meant to be comprehensive reviews. They are intended to acknowledge that I have read the book, and give my honest core impressions.

If a real review is what you wish, there are many wonderful book blogs available, and I have provided some tools to find them under the tab marked "Useful Stuff."

~ AUDIOBOOKS ~

An Unsuitable Job For A Woman (audiobook) - P. D. James

This was more like a pleasant BBC radio play than an audiobook.

The first book in the Cordelia Gray series presents us with a young private detective on her first case after the suicide of her boss and mentor.

Though a relative novice, doing a job most often thought of as 'men's work,' Miss Gray acquits herself admirably.

The Talisman (audiobook) - Stephen King & Peter Straub

The usual heraldic quest to save the damsel/world, coupled with much danger, death, and magic.

This wasn't one of my favorite King stories. Not even close to the top of the list, me thinks.

The Library Policeman (audiobook) - Stephen King

Even though I read the entire story, I just could not get into into it no matter how hard I tried.

I guess, since from childhood libraries have been a source of wonder, enlightenment, discovery, and solace for me, my mind simply rejected the plot.

Face Off (audiobook) - Ed. David Baldacci

Oh My! Oh My! Oh My! Oh My!

A dream anthology for mystery fans!

With pairings of some of my favorite characters and introductions to some I'd yet to read, this has to be easily one of my favorites for the year.

True Detectives (audiobook) - Jonathan Kellerman

Although this is a stand alone novel, it does contain cameos by our old friends Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis.

As always, Mr Kellerman keeps the story going well past the point when other authors would have neatly wrapped the plot.

The Mystery Box (audiobook) - Mystery Writers of America, Ed. Brad Meltzer

Some of today's top mystery writers, and each take a unique approach to the same prompt.

These anthologies are a very good way for readers to try writers new to them without a major commitment.

Malice Domestic vol. 6 (audiobook) - Ed. Anne Perry

Another fun anthology of murder & mayhem.

On Writing (audiobook) - Stephen King

“Language does not always have to wear a tie and lace-up shoes.”

Interestingly, Stephen King's book on writing is illustrated by his own life. This book is a memoir from which you can pull lessons, and interesting on both counts.

The Colorado Kid (audiobook)- Stephen King

Although King's trademark character building ability is present in this novella, it comes across as a tepid story told by Statler & Waldorf.

Mr. Mercedes (audiobook) - Stephen King

In this novel, Mr. King has given us a murder mystery and thriller with vivid characters and a plot that demands attention.

It is also the first book in a series of three. (Like we haven't heard that before.)

~ REINCARNATED TREES ~

Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

It was nice to finally find out what happened to Danny Torrence after he and his mom escaped the Overlook Hotel all those years ago.

He hasn't had an easy time of it, but those who suffer trauma rarely do. And boy did he suffer trauma.

In my opinion, well done.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

A note about BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.:

These are not, in any way, meant to be comprehensive reviews. They are intended to acknowledge that I have read the book, and give my honest core impressions.

If a real review is what you wish, there are many wonderful book blogs available, and I have provided some tools to find them under the tab marked "Useful Stuff."

~ AUDIOBOOKS ~

Revival - (audiobook) - Stephen King

Revival does indeed have many meanings, and leave it to Stephen King to raise the scariest of them.

King has a gift for creating engrossing characters who pull us into the most fantastical of stories. Because of this, we grow up with Jamie and are drawn into the world of Reverend Jacobs in spite of our selves.

And like all King stories, the road ends in a place we don't wish to remain, at least not alone.

The Drowning Man (audiobook) - Margaret Coel

Wealthy collectors with no respect for history run afoul of the ancients, and come between partners.

But in the end, faith and trust can set things right.

Known To Evil (audiobook) - Walter Mosley

Noir set right in the middle of the present. It doesn't seem like it should work, but it does - and well.

McGill is hired to check on a girl, but when she turns up missing, nobody wants him to find her. Nobody!

And he does not like being pushed around.

Sometimes I Wonder About You (audiobook) - Walter Mosley

This was the last in the Leonid McGill series (so far) and I am definitely looking forward to more.

As I stated before, I decided to add more minority authors to my reading list this year and this, my first choice, is definitely a positive addition to my list of favorite authors.

Mr. Mosley has several other series, as well as non-fiction, erotica, plays, and a graphic novel to his name.

I plan to explore more of these offerings over time, but I also plan to explore more authors that seem to 'escape' heavy main stream promotion.

The Long Walk (audiobook) - Stephen King

As with all Steven King books the writing was vivid and visceral, but this was a painful book to read.

One could see this story as a metaphor for life, where one simply has to keep going regardless, and the alternative is death.

Or perhaps it is an exploration of the human spirit when faced with the ultimate challenge.

Whatever its true meaning, I just need an Aleve and a nap.

Go Set A Watchman (audiobook) - Harper Lee

I haven't really wanted to read this book.

At first, the controversy surrounding its publication forced a reevaluation of its predecessor, To Kill A Mockingbird. In my childhood, Gregory Peck was hero and brave soldier, standing strong against the forces of hatred and oppression.

Like so many things of our youth, when reexamined, that turned out not to be the case. I wasn't the only one who failed to look too close and, in my defense, I was only five years old when the movie debuted.

Still, it hurts.

This book still swirls with controversy. Did Ms Lee actually write it? Did she really want it published? Was she victimized by nefarious people? If these questions have been answered I don't know. I stopped reading about the mess when Ms Lee died.

But at last I've read it. Other reviewers say that the key theme of the book is disillusionment. I can agree with that. I felt it through most of the book, that an profound sadness.

The casual racism used throughout the novel by all the characters was difficult to tolerate. It was used as much by Jean Louise, our heroine, as by the racists she supposedly objects to.

I ran across a sentence in another review that pretty much sums what I think about the book. "Go Set a Watchman endorses undeserved tolerance and respect for hateful white people."

Joyland (audiobook) - Stephen King

The story was interesting, but the real strength of this novel is its strong, dimensional characters.

That, in my opinion, is King's strength. If you believe in and care about a character, you will follow her/him through the wildest of plots.

Rumpole of the Bailey (audiobook) - John Mortimer

I watched the series on PBS ages ago and it was fun to revisit cranky old Rumpole and, of course, 'She Who Must Be Obeyed.'

The Wind Through the Keyhole - Stephen King

There are writers, some of them excellent in their chosen genre, and there are story tellers.

Not all writers, no matter how captivating their creations, are story tellers. But in the hands of a story teller, you delve deeper and deeper into other worlds with only their words to guide you through - and you go willingly.

Stephen King is a story teller.

~ EBOOKS ~

Mycroft Holmes (ebook) - Kareem Abdul - Jabbar

I often wonder who did most of the writing when I read a book that has been cowritten, especially when it was cowritten by a celebrity.

This was a new view of a different Holmes, and it was engaging as well as well written.

~ REINCARNATED TREES ~

Double Homicide - Jonathan & Faye Kellerman

Two novellas that, while not offering the opportunity for plot or character development of the longer form, are still entertaining none the less.

Capital Crimes - Jonathan & Faye Kellerman

Both plot and dialogue seem stilted in these novellas, which is unusual for both authors.

I was disappointed, but also a bit stumped. Jonathan Kellerman is easily one of my favorite authors.

The Murderer's Daughter - Jonathan Kellerman

This book was p-l-o-d-d-i-n-g.

Okay. I understand what is happening here.

Kellerman is creating a new kind of protagonist: a broken person helping other broken people in her own broken way. Kind of like Dexter with more psychology. No?

If he continues with the character I will give her a fighting chance. After all, once he has established her back story it should be full speed ahead. Right? Right?

11/22/63 - Stephen King

I never realized that the facts I learned about this era in history class had left without a true understanding of the time. But King brought the cold war with its fear, paranoia, and hatred alive - as well as their consequences.

And the echo in today's political and social climate is chilling. Perhaps it is time to take stock of who we are and who we want to be

Driving Heat - Richard Castle

Unlike the TV series, this novel showed no sign of ending the Nikki Heat saga.

Like its predecessors, it was a quick and fun read.

The Heat/Rook relationship progressed; the plot was complex enough to hold my interest; and the supporting characters remained integral to the story.

This series remains one of my guilty pleasures.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

A note about BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.:

These are not, in any way, meant to be comprehensive reviews. They are intended to acknowledge that I have read the book, and give my honest core impressions.

If a real review is what you wish, there are many wonderful book blogs available, and I have provided some tools to find them under the tab marked "Useful Stuff."

~ AUDIOBOOKS ~

The Long Fall (audiobook) - Walter Mosley

This is the first novel in my latest murder mystery series.

I am endeavoring to make my reading list more diverse, and all those people who say we should be color blind never consciously took stock of just how few authors of color are A). published & B). promoted to the masses, compared to the number of white authors and tried to put together a healthy reading list of the former.

If you search hard enough you will actually start to find the names of novelists of color, but getting your hands on them is not always easy once you find them.

So, what did I think of Walter Mosley once I found him? The plot was interesting and our protagonist, Leonid McGill, was slightly reminiscent of such hard boiled PIs as Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, and Mike Hammer, but more introspective. I like him in spite of his faults.

Mosley's prose is a bit more lyric than that of his noir predecessors and the narrator, Mirron Willis, does an excellent job. I've had to enjoy a book in spite of the narrator many times, this was definitely not one of them.

I am glad I found Mr. Mosley, and hope to read a lot more of his work. He has definitely been added to my regulars list.

Blood Oath: The President's Vampire (audiobook) - Christopher Farnsworth

I found this series by accident and had to try it even though I don't usually care for horror or monster stories.

The writing isn't bad, but I guess I expected more humor. A lot of history and backstory was packed in to a short space, presented in flashbacks (lots of them), and making it easy to lose track of the current plot from time to time.

But I think my real problem with it is that it's actually a political thriller rather than a murder mystery, and I'm not overly fond of political thrillers - even ones with morose and melancholy vampires.

You guessed it. I plan to continue on with the series.

The President's Vampire - (audiobook) - Christopher Farnsworth

This, the second book in the series, continues the fight against monsters (human and otherwise) who want to take over/end the world, by the reluctant & pouty vampire. Politics, of course, wreaks havoc with battle to protect humankind (just as in real life).

I am reminded of The X-Files as I read these books. Our heroes, intrepid and unappreciated outsiders, take on monsters from fairy tale and urban legend. Of course the general public can't know the horrors they face and politics leaves them hamstrung at the worst moments, but they prevail - mostly.

Red, White, and Blood - (audiobook) - Christopher Farnsworth

I can see this series as the newest action movie franchise.

Some might want Michael Bey, but I'm rooting for Joss Whedon.

Unlike some series, each book could stand alone but make more sense together as the basic plot continues from one to the next. As the plot continues the picture is getting uglier for our 'heroes.'

Onward . . .

The Maltese Falcon (audiobook) - Dashiell Hammett

I read the book twice and have seen the movie four times and still couldn't figure out where the statue went.

Can we say mcguffin? {WARNING, SPOILER AT LINK}

This was an interesting dramatization, but I preferred both the novel and the movie (with Bogie, of course).

~ EBOOKS ~

What Color is My World? (ebook) - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The value of this little book is not in the creative writing, but in the valuable overlooked history.

It introduces young people to many scientists, inventors, and people who have made an impact on our world - all African-American and most overlooked by history books.

Its subject matter should be celebrated much more widely.

~ REINCARNATED TREES ~

Breakdown - Jonathan Kellerman

Probably the book I look forward to most each year is the new Alex Delaware novel. Then I read it too fast, and it's over - way too soon.

I am never disappointed.

This time add to the usual mix a sensitive and tragically realistic portrayal of how mental illness is handled in our society.

Now I have to wait another whole year!

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

A note about BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.:

These are not, in any way, meant to be comprehensive reviews. They are intended to acknowledge that I have read the book, and give my honest core impressions.

If a real review is what you wish, there are many wonderful book blogs available, and I have provided some tools to find them under the tab marked "Useful Stuff."

~ AUDIOBOOKS ~

X - Sue Grafton

Since I had to wait my turn at the library I didn't get this one read before the end of the year. But as always, it was worth the wait.

Kinsey is still doing well - and relying on stereotypes can cost dearly.

~ EBOOKS ~

Taken (ebook) - Robert Crais

This is actually the fourth book in the series, but I was unable to get hold of it until now. It was, as expected, worth the wait.

I think it's Elvis Cole's smart ass sense of humor and always on the ready sarcasm that I am drawn to. I wish I could get away with that type of thing. (Because you know I'm thinking it.)

~ REINCARNATED TREES ~

Speaking In Bones - Kathy Reichs

I finally caught up with the series. Now I have to wait another year for the next one.

The investigation in this one was sad and aggravating by turns. But Ms Reichs' writing keeps me barreling on.

Also ... Change is afoot.

Wherever You Go, There You Are - Jon Kabat-Zinn

This is the first of three books I read for this year's New Year's Resolution Reading Challenge, and it's review can be found at the top of {this page}.

The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living ... - Chris Guillebeau

This is the second of three books I read for this year's New Year's Resolution Reading Challenge, and it's review can be found at the top of {this page}.

The Life Changing magic of Tidying Up - Marie Kondo

This is the third of three books I read for this year's New Year's Resolution Reading Challenge, and it's review can be found at the top of {this page}.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

A note about BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.:

These are not, in any way, meant to be comprehensive reviews. They are intended to acknowledge that I have read the book, and give my honest core impressions.

If a real review is what you wish, there are many wonderful book blogs available, and I have provided some tools to find them under the tab marked "Useful Stuff."

~ AUDIOBOOKS ~

Night (audiobook) - Elie Wiesel

I first read this in high school after studying the Second Word War and the Holocaust. Time has not diminished the power of the Mr. Wiesel's story or his voice.

There are lessons. Will we ever learn them?

~ EBOOKS ~

At Risk (ebook) - Patricia Cornwell

This is the beginning of a new to me series from Ms Cornwell, published in 2006. And, well . . . The reviews of this series (there's one more as of this date) are overwhelmingly bad - for good reason.

Winston Garano is the protagonist, and he's about the only likeable character in the book.  His boss, a lady DA, is despicable in extreme. And everyone else is meh.

The most annoying feature of the undeveloped plot with its one dimensional characters, however, is that it is written in present tense. It seems ameturish and continually pulls the reader out of the story.

I hate giving bad reviews, especially when Ms Cornwell was once one of my favorite writers. 

The Front - (ebook) - Patricia Cornwell

"My father always said the secret to success is simply not giving up. Kind of a cool thing to tell a little girl."

The second book in the Winston Garano series and STILL written in present tense.

There is far more anger, hatred, and betrayal in this novel than in the first, if it is at all possible.

Cool quote, though.

Hornet's Nest (ebook) - Patricia Cornwell

This is yet a third Patricia Cornwell series, Andy Brazil.

Pettiness, backstabbing, anger, hatred, betrayal, . . . and this from the good guys. The actual murder mystery is almost an afterthought, tucked in amongst the rest of the misery.

I quit. I will not be reading any more of either of these Patricia Cornwell series, there are too many good books out there. Unfortunately, I feel compelled to continue with Dr. Kay Scarpetta. At this point I have so much invested to quit and my health insurance doesn't cover the therapy needed to.

~ REINCARNATED TREES ~

The Book of Lost Things - John Connolly

I think every adult has times of longing for childhood days.

But the fairytales . . . They're never quite the same . . .

Flesh and Blood - Patricia Cornwell

These days the whole world revolves around Kay and her band. Every crime is about them. They wallow in their separate pits. They don't communicate with one another.

And you know there's trouble brewing when you find yourself in the last chapter without nearly enough room for a satisfactory resolution.

That being said . . . this book, like the previous one, is definitely better than they have been for a while. Still, they remain far from the beginning of the series, when Kay actually practiced her trade, proving herself a top forensic specialist by solving crimes.

Death of an Angel - Sister Carol Anne O'Marie

Choices.

Results are sometimes far from what we intended.

Death Takes Up A Collection - Sister Carol Anne O'Marie

This one sent me to the internet with a few questions, and I learned some interesting things.

Requiem At the Refuge - Sister Carol Anne O'Marie

"But youth, like snow, is a problem that goes away if you ignore it long enough."

Life is full of new beginnings, if you're brave enough to take the first steps.

The Corporal Works of Murder - Sister Carol Anne O'Marie

To the chagrin of homicide inspectors Kate Murphy and Dennis Gallagher, Sister Mary Helen's career change has placed her closer to trouble.

With Sister Eileen away in Ireland, Sister Anne seems to be being pulled out of her comfort zone.