Category: Book Review

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, R, Read in 2009

A Tisket, A Tasket, a Fancy Stolen Casket by Fran Rizer

Tara

A Tisket, a Tasket, a Fancy Stolen Casket
by Fran Rizer

Copyright: 2007
Pages: 282
Rating: 5/5
Read: June 7-10, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; 1st in a Series Challenge; Suspense & Thriller Challenge – Cozy Mystery subcategory
Yearly Count: 28

First Line: Eager to pump up my new underwear, I dashed into my apartment just as the phone rang.

Calamine “Callie” Parrish is a mortuary cosetologist at Middleton’s Mortuary. She likes to spend her free time with a moon pie and a mystery novel. Oh yeah, and watching Six Feet Under. But, she finds herself mixed up in a local murder. When the body of Bobby Saxon comes in with a hypodermic needle broken off in his neck, Callie realizes that his death wasn’t accidental as originally thought, and that there’s a killer on the loose in town. But with the list of suspects as long as her arm, Callie must figure out who the killer is before she turns up dead next.

Okay, so this is a little bit out of my comfort zone. I am more of a hard-boiled mystery reader. However, I do like the occasional cozy (or as I call them, “fluff books”) just to get myself out of a funk. I found Calamine to be an endearing character, even if a little naive for my taste. I had pretty much figured out who the killer was since Rizer didn’t hide her clues very well. But overall I enjoyed this quick and fun read.

AUTHOR, B, Book Review, Cotton Malone, Fiction, Read in 2009, READING CHALLENGES 2008, SERIES

The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry

Tara

The Templar Legacy
by Steve Berry

Copyright: 2006
Pages: 475
Rating: 5/5
Read: June 3-7, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; Countdown Challenge; 1st in a Series Challenge; Suspense & Thriller Challenge – Religious thriller subcategory
Yearly Count: 27

First Line: Jacques De Molay sought death, but knew salvation would never be offered.

Cotton Malone, once an agent for the US Justice Department, is enjoying a peaceful life in Copenhagen as a antiquarian book dealer. But all of that changes when his former boss tries to meet up with him while she is on vacation. However, he finds out rather quickly that she is not on vacation; she is not an any type of operation, but she is up to something. As he sets out to figure out what it is that his former boss does not want to let him in on, he quickly finds himself involved in an ancient puzzle that has mystified scholars for ages. The more involved he finds himself, the more dangers the stakes become, and the more intrigued Cotton Malone becomes. For there is one very powerful man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even with Cotton in his way.

I’ve been keeping my eye on this book for a while, but I had been slightly unsure about reading it. However, after seeing Angels & Demons in the theater, my interest in this type of book has been renewed (I also have Angels & Demons waiting anxiously on my TBR pile for me). So I checked this book out of the library the last time I was there. And let me tell you – I was absolutely hooked on this book from about page one!! I loved it. I loved the historical/religious aspect of it intertwined with the fast paced race-around-the-clock action!! I highly recommend this book if you haven’t read it yet!

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, P, Read in 2009, SERIES, Women's Murder Club

The 8th Confession by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Tara

The 8th Confession
by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Copyright: 2009
Pages: 284
Rating: 5/5
Read: May 28-31, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; RYOB 2009; Suspense/Thriller Challenge – Police Procedural Category
Yearly Count: 26

First Line: The old chrome-yellow school bus crawled south on Market Street at half past seven that May morning.

The seemingly perfect murder has been committed in San Francisco. Isa and Ethan Bailey, young millionaires in the prime of their life have been found dead in their beds. How or why they have died is a mystery. Not even Claire can explain to her friend Detective Lindsay Boxer what happened to the Baileys. And as other young wealthy and healthy millionaires are dying in the same manner, they realize that they have to figure out what is killing these people and who and quickly. But as Lindsay is working that case, her friend, reporter Cindy Thomas, is on her about a homeless man, Bagman Jesus, who has been found murdered, shot brutally on the streets. But the man is not as saintly as his street name indicates. As Cindy works that case on her own, sparks begin to fly between Cindy and Lindsay’s partner, Rich Conklin. But as Lindsay and Rich get closer to the truth in the millionaire deaths, one of them will have a scare.

Okay, so I stated in my last review of the 7th book in this series that I wasn’t impressed with 6 or 7 and that I would read 8 and that that might be it for me with this series. Well I just finished the 8th and I have to say …. I am back on the Women’s Murder Club bandwagon! I absolutely loved this book!! I thought that the writing was better, the plot line was much better, the characters developed a lot more and overall I was very pleased after reading this book. It definitely made me look forward to a ninth if there will be one (the inside of the cover states that this will be the only installment for this year – are they ending this series soon?). So I am happy to report that I enjoyed this book immensely and that I recommend everyone read it 🙂

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, O, Read in 2009

Rape: A Love Story by Joyce Carol Oates

Tara

Rape: A Love Story
by Joyce Carol Oats

Copyright: 2003
Pages: 154
Rating: 3/5
Read: May 24, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge;
Yearly Count: 25

First Line: After she was gang-raped, kicked and beaten and left to die on the floor of the filthy boathouse at Rocky Point Park.

When Teena Maguire took a shortcut home after a party with her twelve-year-old daughter Bethie, she could never have imagined what awaited her in the park. A victim of a vicious gang rape some say she deserved it. She shouldn’t have been in that park at midnight dressed the way she was … But now the only thing Teena can do is regret that she even survived the attack. And Bethie’s childhood as she knows it is now over. The gang of young men who attacked her have been rounded up, identified by Bethie, but they’ve got hot shot attorneys who are going to get the charges reduced to simple assault. And with them out on bail, Teena is not coming out of her bedroom and Bethie is terrified. But one man understands their pain … and understands the meaning of justice for Teena and Bethie.

I read a review of this book on someone’s book blog (sorry, I don’t remember who it was) and put it on my PBS reminder list. When I was browsing in the library (like I need to be doing that with all these books at the house) I happened to notice it and picked it up off the shelf quickly! Unfortunately I was not impressed by this book, or novella I should say. There was just something about it. I didn’t care for the writing style I guess you could say. The sentences seemed all choppy. I am assuming that some people would enjoy that style, but I personally didn’t like it real well. I enjoyed the overall storyline, but didn’t care for the execution of it.

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, J, Read in 2009

Whispers by Lisa Jackson

Tara

Whispers
by Lisa Jackson

Copyright: 1996; 2003
Pages: 433
Rating: 5/5
Read: May 19-23, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; RYOB 2009; 2009 Celebrate the Author
Yearly Count: 24

First Line: “Bitch.” Harley Taggert was drunk, but not drunk enough.

Sixteen years ago Claire Holland left Lake Arrowhead, Oregon, with a secret. One that she swore she’d never tell. But when her father calls her and her two sisters back to the old family home she realizes that the secret that she’s held for all these years just might get out after all. But what she didn’t count on was that it would be Kane Moran who would end up wanting to expose the truth behind the night that her fiancé drowned. But as Claire fights her feelings toward Kane, feelings that she has fought for sixteen years, a killer lurks in the background eager to silence Claire forever.

I must say that I have been in somewhat of a reading slump lately. So when I picked up Whispers I just had to cross my fingers that I would be able to finish it. But let me say that I never once had any hesitation once I really got into this book! I was hooked from the first page. I really enjoyed Claire and her family. I liked learning about them and seeing what the secret was all about. I couldn’t hardly wait to figure out what had happened to Harley that night at the marina. I definitely enjoyed this book and am glad that I have other Lisa Jackson books on my TBR shelf.

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, P, Read in 2009, SERIES, Women's Murder Club

7th Heaven by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Tara

7th Heaven
by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Copyright: 2008
Pages: 353
Rating: 4/5
Read: May 12-19, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; RYOB 2009
Yearly Count: 23

First Line: Tiny lights winked on the Douglas fir standing tall and full in front of the picture window.

The Women’s Murder Club is back! In this seventh installment of the series, Detective Lindsay Boxer is running two cases. The first is the missing teenage son of California’s ex-governer. He’s been missing for quite some time, and when the first break happens, it’s devastating. But at the same time, Lindsay and her partner, Rich, are also investigating some fatal fires. The fires are destroying some of San Francisco’s most beautiful homes. But as Lindsay starts to really get into the investigation, one fire rages way too close to home.

I think I said this with the 6th book in this series – these books are getting so formulaic! I wasn’t going to read this one for a while, but the 8th in the series came up on my PBS wishlist and I accepted it and figured I would need to read this one first. I enjoyed it to a point, but I just keep wondering how far this series is really going to go. Personally, I’m not really seeing a whole lot of growth in the characters. Lindsay still hasn’t settled with Joe (although they have made big changes), Yuki and Cindy haven’t seemed to change at all, and all that’s happening with Claire is that she had a baby. There’s really no character development to me and that’s something that I really enjoy in a series. I’m going to read the 8th book since I already used a PBS credit for it and would like to get my credit back when I finish it, but if there’s a 9th I’m not sure I’ll be rushing to read it.

AUTHOR, Author Debut, Book Review, F, Fiction, Read in 2009

The Osiris Alliance by Jack Ford

Tara

The Osiris Alliance
by Jack Ford

Copyright: 2009
Pages: 287
Rating: 5/5
Read: May 6-11, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; Countdown Challenge
Yearly Count: 22

First Line: The big bolt on the cell door slammed open, echoing like a thunderclap in the silence of the prison hallway.

When the US government gets wind of a possible nuclear arms smuggling deal going down, federal prosecutor Adam Stark opens an investigation. But when he begins to run into dead ends, he finds help from an unlikely source – television reporter Megan Delaney. Her own investigation into rumors surrounding the arms deal has led her to the Osiris Corporation, but she doesn’t know where it goes from there. Pairing up, they discover a small time crook who has an interesting piece of the puzzle – a stolen diary that gives all the answers and then some. But the diary’s owner wants his property back, and will go to great lengths to get it returned to him before Adam and Megan get their hands on it.

I received this book from Shelby Sledge with Phenix & Phenix Publicists to review. I have to admit that I was very excited to get this opportunity. I have seen the author, Mr. Ford, on television numerous times (I’m a former Court TV junkie!) and figured by the description of the book that this would be a really great read. I have to say, I was NOT disappointed!! I thought that the writing was concise and well done, the plot was intriguing and well thought out and the overall book was immaculate. I was entertained from start to finish – and let me tell you, I really enjoyed the historical twist to the book. I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good read and I look forward to any future books that Mr. Ford writes.

A, AUTHOR, Author Debut, Book Review, Fiction, Read in 2009

Capital Offense by Kathleen Antrim

Tara

Capital Offense
by Kathleen Antrim

Copyright: 2001
Pages: 385
Rating: 4/5
Read: April 22-30, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; RYOB 2009
Yearly Count: 21

First Line: “What’s deadlier to a country than war?” a low, gravelly voice slurred.

A successful woman in her own right, Carolyn Alden Lane, wife of Senator Warner Lane from Missouri, Carolyn will do seemingly anything to put her husband in the White House – it’s her goal as well. But after a shocking confession to her husband, he becomes cold and distant. Their marriage is essentially over. But they can’t divorce. If they divorce Warner’s career is over. So Carolyn decides to take matters into her own hands and really manipulates everyone she comes into contact with just so she can be in the White House. But her real motive? Not only does she want to be First Lady – she also wants to be Vice President!

I enjoyed this book. I liked the writing. I thought that it was really good actually! Carolyn came across as a really heartless woman at times, but her original intentions were good. I thought that Antrim did a good job showing the kind of power that most people in Washington have (as well as outside of Washington) and what people will really do to become President or Vice President.

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, H, Harper Connelly, Read in 2009, SERIES

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

Tara

Grave Sight
by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2005
Pages: 293
Rating: 4/5
Read: April 19-21, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; Countdown Challenge; RYOB 2009
Yearly Count: 20

First Line: The silent witnesses lie everywhere, passing from one form of matter to another, gradually becoming unrecognizable to their nearest and dearest.

Harper Connelly has an interesting job. She finds dead people. After being struck by lightning as a teenager Harper has had this uncanny ability to “hear” the dead. She is able to find people who have gone missing and bring closure to the family. She can even tell what the person died of. So she travels the country with her stepbrother Tolliver helping families find their loved ones – for a price of course. This time Harper finds herself in the small town of Sarne. She is there to look for a teenage girl. But in a small town, some secrets aren’t meant to be brought out in the open. So when Harper begins to uncover the truth behind the girl’s disapperance it becomes very clear that some people want Harper out of town at the very least.

Okay, so I was unsure about this book, but the description definitely sounded interesting. However I was pleasantly surprised by this book!! It was a quick and enjoyable read. I really took to Harper as a character and I’m definitely looking forward to getting to the second book in the series soon! Highly recommend this book.

AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, O, Read in 2009

Heart of Ice by Gregg Olsen

Tara

Heart of Ice
by Gregg Olsen

Copyright: 2009
Pages: 460
Rating: 5/5
Read: April 11-15, 2009
Challenge:  2009 100+ Reading Challenge; Countdown Challenge; RYOB 2009
Yearly Count: 19

First Line: Hauling a dead body around isn’t easy.

Three bodies. Three differrent towns. What do they have in common? They’re all sorority girls. Their murderer is very precise … but he’s not done. He has a specific sorority girl in mind and he won’t stop until she’s suffered the same fate.

Okay, I simply love Gregg Olsen!! Very rarely do I buy a book new anymore, but Olsen is definitely an author that I buy new!! His books are always full of twists and turns and this one is no exception. It features Emily Kenyon once again, a few years after the last time we met her. It was definitely nice to see how her and her daughter Jenna came out after facing the madman the first time we saw them in A Cold Dark Place. I really recommend everyone to give Gregg Olsen a try if given the opportunity.