Category: READING CHALLENGES 2012

5/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, J, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, SERIES

2012.12 REVIEW – The Pawn by Steven James

Tara

The Pawn
by Steven James

Copyright: 2007
Pages: 427
Rating: 5/5
Read: May 7 – May 20, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense 2012; Off the Shelf 2012
Yearly Count: 12
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: Patrick Bowers specializes in tracking down the killers who elude the FBI’s best forensic investigators. As an environmental criminologist, Bowers employs twenty-first-century geospatial technology to analyze the time and space in which a crime takes place. Using an array of factors, Bowers can pinpoint, with surprising accuracy, the important clues that lead to solving the toughest of cases.

Bowers’s impressive skills have made him one of the Bureau’s top agents. Until now. Called to the mountains of North Carolina to consult on a gruesome murder, Bowers finds himself caught in a deadly duel with a serial killer who seems to transcend Pat’s analytical powers. Forced to track the killer’s horrific string of murders one by one, Bowers finds his techniques and instincts put to the ultimate – and perhaps final – test.

Review: Oh my goodness, this book was so good! I am still beating myself up for not picking this book up sooner. It’s only been sitting on my shelves for a good two years, and the only reason I picked it up when I did is because I am involved in a multi-book trade with a friend and this was one of her selections! *Kicking myself* Seriously, this was that fun of a book!

There was just something about this book that sucked me in nearly immediately. I can honestly say that I was hooked from the very first page (and with my scatterbrained pregnant mind the way it is right now, that was such a nice change). It was a very fast-paced interesting read. The bad guy that Patrick was charged with chasing was interesting and original, in my opinion. Not just your run-of-the-mill bad guy (or guys?!)

And the reader gets to see a personal side of Patrick’s character as well. I thoroughly enjoyed that. His reactions to his wife’s death a while back and how he has reacted to the teenage step-daughter he is left in charge of, well it just made his character that much more real life. And I think that’s part of what really drew me into Patrick’s character.

Overall, I can’t gush enough about this book. I think it will be the start of a great new series for me to explore! Book two is The Rook, and luckily, my library has a copy of it – as well as the other books in this series. Hopefully I can get to them soon (although I’m not holding my breath on that, what with a newborn baby coming any day now!)

Bottom line? – Read this book!!

3/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, H, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012

2012.11 REVIEW – Under Cover of Daylight by James W. Hall

Tara

Under Cover of Daylight
by James W. Hall

Copyright: 1987
Pages: 368
Rating: 3/5
Read: April 24 – May 4, 2012
Challenge: Off the Shelf 2012
Yearly Count: 11
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: As a young child, Thorn survived the hit-and-run accident that killed both his parents. Years later, he settled the score his way – but never defeated the guilt. Now in Florida’s torrid, drug-ridden Keys, violence once again strikes too close to home. This time, Thorn finds himself with a passionate and angry woman at his side … and dope-dealing hit men at his back. This time, Thorn can leave vengeance to luck – or once again, against his conscience, become an avenging killer.

Review: I have to be completely honest in this review: this was not my favorite book. I will say that it was not necessarily a bad book. It just wasn’t one for me.

It started out quite interesting. But then something happened around the middle of the book and I just kind of found it to be boring after that.

As I said earlier, there’s nothing particularly bad about this book. It just didn’t appeal to me. I want to say that part of my problem with it is that as the reader I knew too much to early; there was no surprise/twist ending, and that’s what I love most about reading. I think the only reason that I kept reading it is because it actually read rather quickly when I sat down with the book.

But just because it wasn’t a book for me doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be a book for someone else, so while I wouldn’t give it a glowing, raving review, I wouldn’t discourage others from trying it either.

4/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, Lucas Davenport, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, Review Book, S, SERIES

2012.10 REVIEW – Stolen Prey by John Sandford

Tara

Stolen Prey
by John Sandford

Copyright: 2012
Pages: 402
Rating: 4/5
Read: April 16– April 24, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2012
Yearly Count: 10
Format: Print
Source: LibraryThing Early Reviewer Program

Blurb: Lucas Davenport has seen many terrible murder scenes. This is one of the worst. In the Minnesota town of Wayzata, an entire family has been killed – husband, wife, two kids, dogs. One the wall, in blood: “Were coming.” No apostrophe.

There’s something about the scene that tugs at Lucas’s cop instincts – it looks an awful lot like the kind of scorched-earth retribution he’s seen from Mexican drug gangs. But this is a seriously upscale town, the husband ran a modest software company, the wife dabbled in local politics. None of it seems to fit.

Until it does. And that’s when everybody starts coming to town: the DEA, the Mexican federales, and some independent operators who are decidedly less welcome.

Where it all leads … will take Lucas into the darkest nightmare of his life.

Review: I received this book through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program. It has a publication date of May 15, 2012.

I honestly haven’t read very many of the Lucas Davenport books (even though I have quite a few of them accumulated on my shelves), but I was really excited to see this one offered on LibraryThing’s Early Reviewer program. And then I was thrilled when I saw that I had managed to snag a copy. But at the same time, I was a little apprehensive. It’s the 22nd book in a series. A series in which I’ve read maybe two previous books.

But it worked out fine. This book can read as a standalone. I had very little idea as to who the characters he mentioned really were (his wife and daughter, namely), but that didn’t take away from the book whatsoever.

The plotline revolved around Mexican drug dealers, money laundering, murderers, bank fraud. Oh yeah, and murder. It all made it seem very current to today’s world. It was made very interesting when someone ended up being not who they appeared to be.

Overall, I found this book to be very fast paced and enjoyable. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller.

4/5, AUTHOR, B, Book Review, Fiction, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, Sean King & Michelle Maxwell, SERIES

2012.9 REVIEW – Split Second by David Baldacci

Tara

Split Second
by David Baldacci

Copyright: 2003
Pages: 481
Rating: 4/5
Read: Mar. 28– April. 4, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2012; Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge
Yearly Count: 9
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: Michelle Maxwell has just wrecked her promising career at the Secret Service. Against her instincts, she let a presidential candidate out of her sight for the briefest moment and the man whose safety was her responsibility vanished into thin air. Sean King knows how the younger agent feels. Eight years earlier, the hard-charging Secret SErvice agent allowed his attention to be diverted for a split second. And the candidate he was protecting was gunned down before his eyes. Now Michelle and Sean are about to see their destinies converge.

Drawn into a maze of lies, secrets, and deadly coincidences, the two discredited agents uncover a shocking truth: that the separate acts of violence that shattered their lives were really a long time in the making – and are a long way from over…

Review: This was a very good, fast-paced book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoyed all the characters. I think it will be interesting to see how this series progresses with Sean & Michelle partnering up for a private detective agency. I also wonder if there will be a romantic relationship between the two also, since there is a very obvious mutual attraction. I’m also curious to see if Joan will make a return in the future, she could definitely throw an interesting wrench in the proverbial mix!! Overall I really enjoyed this book and look forward to continuing the series in the future. Highly recommended!!

4/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, D, Fiction, Lincoln Rhyme, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, SERIES

2012.8 REVIEW – The Empty Chair by Jeffery Deaver

Tara

The Empty Chair
by Jeffery Deaver

Copyright: 2000
Pages: 479
Rating: 4/5
Read: Mar. 18– Mar. 28, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2012; Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge
Yearly Count: 8
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: Lincoln Rhyme faces his ultimate opponent: a kidnapper and murderer dubbed the Insect Boy. But Rhyme is in for a surprise when he learns that catching a criminal is one thing … keeping him is another. Now Rhyme finds himself hunting a ruthless killer in the heart of a southern swampland – and going head-to-head with his protegé, Amelia Sachs, in a rivalry that tests the limits of both their expertise and their love.

Review: This is the third in the Lincoln Rhyme series. It’s been a while since I read a Deaver book. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I completely understood why Amelia felt that way she did toward Garrett (aka – Insect Boy). There were definitely some twists and turns that I never saw coming until they were halfway past me! That’s exactly how I like my books to be. I would highly recommend this read, and while it’s not necessarily required to read the first two in the series before you read this one, it will definitely help you understand the characters better if you do.

4/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, C, Fiction, Oregon Files, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, SERIES

2012.7 REVIEW – Golden Buddha by Clive Cussler

Tara

Golden Buddha
by Clive Cussler & Craig Dirgo

Copyright: 2003
Pages: 420
Rating: 4/5
Read: Mar. 7– Mar. 18, 2012
Challenge: Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge
Yearly Count: 67
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: Clive Cussler, creator of the bestselling NUMA and Dirk Pitt series, presents his latest and most intriguing high seas action hero: the enigmatic captain of the Oregon, Juan Cabrillo.

In his first feature-length adventure, it’s up to Cabrillo and his crew of expert intelligence and Naval men to put Tibet back in the hands of the Dalai Lama by striking a deal with the Russians and the Chinese. His gambling chip is a golden Buddha containing records of vast oil reserves in the disputed land.

But first, he’ll have to locate–and steal–the all-important artifact. And there are certain people who would do anything in their power to see him fail…

Review: Every once in a while I like to break out of my mystery reading and pick up a fun adventure book. This particular book definitely fit the bill for that! Apparently Mr. Cussler introduced Juan Cabrillo’s character in one of his Dirk Pitt novels. Having only read two Dirk Pitt novels, I had never met Juan Cabrillo before. That being said, I found him and his Corporation to be quite interesting.

The reach that the Corporation has is truly intriguing. It was interesting to have all these smaller storylines running along with the others only to have them connect back up a little later on in the book. As I mentioned above, I mainly read mysteries, but an adventure book is almost always fun. This book (when I had time to actually sit down and read more than a couple of pages) was really fun and fast paced. The way the story just unfolded in front of me was amazing. Little things here and there ended up being connected to the overall story in ways I never would have imagined.

Overall I’m definitely glad that I gave this series a chance (as if I needed another series, haha!). And I hope to be visiting the Oregon again soon!!

4/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, E, Fiction, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, SERIES, Taylor Jackson

2012.6 REVIEW – The Immortals by J.T. Ellison

Tara

The Immortals
by J.T. Ellison

Copyright: 2010
Pages: 389
Rating: 4/5
Read: Feb. 22– Mar. 6, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense 2012; Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge
Yearly Count: 6
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: It is Samhain – the Blood Harvest. Nonbelievers call it Hallowe’en. The night when eight Nashville teenagers are found dead, with occult symbols carved into their naked bodies. It’s a ritual the killers believe was blessed by Death himself.

When children are victimized, emotions always run high, and this case has the public both outraged and terrified: a dangerous combination. Recently reinstated homicide lieutenant Taylor Jackson knows she has to act quickly, but tread carefully.

Exploring the baffling culture of mysticism and witchcraft, Taylor is immersed in a darkness that threatens to unbalance the order of her world, and learns how unchecked wrath can push a killer to his limits.

Review: I have enjoyed all of the Taylor Jackson books in this series so far and this installment is no exception. I had a bad feeling going into this book when I found out that there was an occult spin on the storyline. I tend to steer clear of anything with witches/vampires/werewolves, etc. It’s just not my thing. But I love Taylor’s character and was pleasantly surprised to find this one enjoyable. I guess I should say that while there was that aspect to this story, it wasn’t too overpowering for someone who tends to not care for paranormal stuff.

For whatever reason it had been a few months since I had read the previous Taylor Jackson book. I don’t know why; this book had been on my shelf since before I finished the previous book. (It’s probably because it had the occult/paranormal twist and I was putting it off). So I had a little bit of trouble recalling some things that had happened previously. But all in all I found this one to be another great installment in this series.

I need to say that while you do not have to read these books in order, it is definitely for the best that you do.

So I guess my final rating would be that it was another good installment in a favorite series!

4/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, S

2012.5 REVIEW – Don’t Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub

Tara

Don’t Scream
by Wendy Corsi Staub

Copyright: 2007
Pages: 476
Rating: 4/5
Read: Feb. 9– Feb. 15, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense 2012; Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge
Yearly Count: 5
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: In a remote, heavily wooded area near the Berkshires of Massachusetts, Rachel Lorant died on her birthday. But she didn’t die alone. That night, her four sorority sisters make a solemn, trembling pledge. They will never reveal what has just happened in those woods – ever. Instead, they will take their terrible secret to their graves…

Now, ten years later, their secret is coming back to haunt them as each receives a card in the mail from Rachel: “Happy Birthday to Me. xoxo R.” It’s clear that someone knows what happened that night. Someone is stalking them and sending mysterious, chilling gifts that only they can understand – deadly warnings of what is to come. For the sins of the past have come back with a vengeance, and a killer will see that they all pay in blood…

Brynn Costello has never felt such pure fear. She didn’t want any part in what happened so long ago, but now, the mother of two will do anything to stay alive and protect her family – even if it means matching wits with a killer she can’t see … a twisted psychopath who is closer than she thinks and who is saving her death for last…

Review: This book was such a fun read! It was non-stop suspense with lots of twists and turns. When I looked back at my records, I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t read a book my Ms. Staub since 2009 … and all I can do is question what’s wrong with me?

Overall, I would highly recommend this book (and this author in general). The writing was very good. The characters are well-developed and interesting. I found it cool that Brynn and Fiona had remained friends after their college days, even though they were polar opposites!

The who-dun-it part was quite interesting to me. The killer was not at all who I thought it was going to be, which is always a nice surprise. Even though Brynn was pretty much the main character, I liked that the reader gets to hear from the other characters as well, I always find that enjoyable in a book such as this where there are quite a few characters.

I guess I don’t know what else I can say about this book. I liked it. A lot. I would definitely recommend it.

4/5, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, Kindle County, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, SERIES, T

2012.4 REVIEW – Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

Tara

Presumed Innocent
by Scott Turow

Copyright: 1987
Pages: 421
Rating: 4/5
Read: Jan. 29– Feb. 9, 2012
Challenge: Mystery & Suspense 2012; Off the Shelf 2012 Challenge
Yearly Count: 4
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: Hailed as the most suspenseful and compelling novel in decades, Presumed Innocent brings to life our worst nightmare: that of an ordinary citizen facing conviction for the most terrible of all crimes. It’s the stunning portrayal of one man’s all-too-human, all-consuming fatal attraction for a passionate woman who is not his wife, and the story of how his obsession puts everything he loves and values on trial – including his own life. It’s  a book that lays bare a shocking world of betrayal and murder, as well as the hidden depths of the human heart. And it will hold you and haunt you … long after you have reached its shattering conclusion.

Review: Sometime last year I picked this book up, read 80 pages, and walked away from it. I just never took to it at the time. However, I hung on to it. I considered trading it (and the other books in the series that I have collected), but I never could make myself do it. I can say that I am glad that I did not trade it. While I will admit the beginning was a little hard to get through, mainly because of all the flip-flopping between what was going on and what was being described by Rusty to his psychiatrist. But once I got through that part the book really started to take off.

I will admit that this book has to have, honestly, some of the best legal courtroom scenes I have ever read. I was just totally enthralled by the courtroom action. Sometimes I felt as if I was right there in the courtroom watching the action unfold. And when Rusty’s lawyer, Sandy, had his big shining moment in the courtroom, it was simply unbelievable! Criminal defense lawyers would probably give their right arm to have that kind of moment in a case.

That’s not to say that this book isn’t without its faults. First of all, as I mentioned above, the beginning was a little slow to get into. And my biggest complaint is that the “who-dunit” part wasn’t all that surprising to me. I kind of had an inkling about halfway through about what the outcome would be, and sometimes that irritates me. Maybe I just read too many mysteries, I have the “formula” figured out 🙂

Either way, I am very glad that I read this book (finally!). I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great legal thriller. And I’m really hoping to see the movie sometime in the future … I can’t believe I never saw the movie either!

4/5, Abe Glitsky, AUTHOR, Book Review, Fiction, L, RATING, Read in 2012, READING CHALLENGES 2012, SERIES

2012.3 REVIEW – Damage by John Lescroart

Tara

Damage
by John  Lescroart

Copyright: 2011
Pages: 445
Rating: 4/5
Read: Jan. 16 – Jan. 29, 2012
Challenge: The Eclectic Reader 2012; Mystery & Suspense 2012
Yearly Count: 3
Format: Print
Source: Personal Copy

Blurb: The Curtlees are a powerful force in San Francisco, unscrupulous billionaires who’ve lined every pocket in the Bay Area in pursuit of their own ascent. So when the family’s heir, Ro Curtlee, was convicted of the rape and murder of a servant girl in the family home, the fallout against those responsible was swift and uncompromising. The jury foreman was fired from his job and blacklisted. The lead prosecutor was pushed off a career fast track. And head homicide detective Abe Glitsky was reassigned to the police department’s payroll office.

Then Ro’s lawyers win him a retrial, and he’s released. Within twenty-four hours, a fire kills the original trial’s star witness, and her abused remains are discovered in the ashes. When a second fire claims another participant in the case, Abe is convinced that Ro is out for revenge. But with no hard evidence and an on-the-take media eager to vilify any challenger, Abe finds himself in the crosshairs, wondering how much more he can sacrifice in the name of justice.

Review: So my grandmother gave me this book a couple of weeks ago with a glowing recommendation to read it as soon as I possibly could. Since 99% of the time we always agree on books, I jumped right into this one. I want to make it perfectly clear that while it took me what felt like forever to read this book, it had absolutely nothing to do with the book itself. It’s the fact that I’m not reading as much or as fast as I once was. That being said, seriously: read this book.

Having read a couple of Mr. Lescroart’s earlier Dismas Hardy novels, and one of the earlier Abe Glitsky books, I was a little familiar with most of the main characters in this book. And although I read it out of series order (something that I hate doing), I feel as if this could read perfectly fine as a stand-alone for anyone who is unfamiliar with Lescroart’s work.
The Curtlees were definitely some interesting characters. They actually reminded me a little bit of the people who were from the richest family in my hometown. And when I say rich, I mean super duper rich – private airplanes, trips to Paris to go shopping, vacation homes all over the country – you get the idea. And while the abovementioned family from my hometown may not be as devious as the Curtlees, they sure do own most of the town and most of the people in it. So I could relate a little bit to what the people involved in the investigation felt like when they were getting squeezed by the Curtlees to make sure that everything went their way.
I must say that the ending was surprising, but not completely out of left field for me. I had kind of a feeling as to where Glitsky was headed in his investigation into one of the murders. It was actually a really cool twist, if you want my opinion. And almost the perfect crime.
Overall, I would highly recommend this novel 100%. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As always, Mr. Lescroart has definitely written another winner in my opinion.