In 1977 Cincinnati, Ohio the mixed race Lee family - composed of ethnically Chinese dad James, American mom Marilyn, and their children Nathan, Lydia, In 1977 Cincinnati, Ohio the mixed race Lee family - composed of ethnically Chinese dad James, American mom Marilyn, and their children Nathan, Lydia, and Hannah - is unusual for the time period. In fact, James and the children are among the very few Orientals in the area, subjected to occasional teasing and stares from the local population. As the book opens sixteen-year-old Lydia is missing, soon to be found dead at the bottom of a lake. The remainder of the book goes back and forth in time, relating how James and Marilyn grew up, met, and married - and the devastating effect of Lydia's death on the family.
We soon learn that Lydia has sky-blue eyes like her mother and is the most 'caucasian-looking' of the Lee children. She is also the golden hope of her parents, for different reasons. James, who always felt like an outsider with no friends, would like his children to fit in and be popular. Apparently, he thinks Lydia has the best chance of accomplishing this goal. Marilyn, on the other hand, feels cheated out of her ambition of becoming a doctor and desperately wants Lydia to go to medical school.
For various reasons revealed in the book Lydia is determined to please her parents, especially her mom. On the surface, therefore, Lydia is the ideal child. As far as her parents know Lydia spends most of her time attending school, doing homework, and studying. And her few spare hours are apparently spent socializing with and phoning her girlfriends. In reality, though, Lydia is struggling in school, has no girlfriends, and hangs out with Jack - the local bad boy/teen heart-throb who lives down the street.
In the course of the story we learn that Lydia's brother Nathan, a bright boy who's interested in outer space, has gotten into Harvard - the only school his dad finds acceptable. Even so, on the very day Nathan's college acceptance packet arrives he's shunted aside, as usual, because of his parents' concerns about Lydia. Little Hannah has it even worse. She's practically invisible to the family, who generally ignore her or push her away. The only time Hannah gets attention is when she swipes a trinket or book from her parents or siblings and they come looking for it.
Lydia's death shocks the Lee family, each of whom struggles to make sense of it. Nathan hates Lydia's elusive friend Jack, and practically accuses him of killing her. Marilyn spends most of her time in Lydia's room, grieving and searching for clues. Hannah knows more than she tells but not enough to solve the mystery. And James' despair drives him to act out in uncharacterstic ways. In the end - when the actions leading to Lydia's death are revealed - they make sense.
The characters in the story are generally well-drawn and realistic and I had sympathy for them despite (in some cases) some pretty bad behavior. On the other hand the actions of one character in particular were not believable (to me) and detracted from the story.
I feel like this book is a cautionary tale about what can happen when parents - with all good intentions - try to control their children's lives. Other readers, depending on their personal experiences, will probably see different lessons in the book.
My final assessment: this is an excellent book, well-written and highly recommended.
In this 20th book in the 'J.P. Beaumont' series, Detective Beaumont investigates the death of a girl who was apparently the victim of a new fad
[image]
In this 20th book in the 'J.P. Beaumont' series, Detective Beaumont investigates the death of a girl who was apparently the victim of a new fad. The book can be read as a standalone, but knowledge of the characters' background is a plus.
When Governor Marsha Longmire of Washington finds a snuff film on her step-grandson Josh's cell phone she calls her old classmate, Detective J.P. Beaumont (Beau), to investigate.
[image]
The snuff film shows the death of a young girl during "the choking game", apparently a fad among some teens.
Beau and his wife Melissa, also a homicide detective, get on the case.
[image]
They question Josh, who purports to know nothing about the film. Josh is uneasy however, and further developments suggest he might know more than he admits. ...more
In this 21st book in the 'Stephanie Plum' series, the bounty hunter is trying to track down a man accused of human trafficking. The book can be read a
In this 21st book in the 'Stephanie Plum' series, the bounty hunter is trying to track down a man accused of human trafficking. The book can be read as a standalone.
[image]
Stephanie Plum, bail enforcement agent, needs to round up Jimmy Poletti - a used car salesman accused of of trafficking girls. Jimmy is an elusive crook though, and while he's on the loose members of his gang are getting bumped off, one after another.
[image]
Jimmy seems especially anxious to get rid of Briggs, a little person who was Jimmy's accountant and knows too much. After Briggs' apartment is blown up he convinces Stephanie to let him stay with her, with unfortunate consequences for Stephanie's abode.
[image]
The two men in Stephanie's life are on hand. Cop Joe Morelli is trying to capture Poletti and shows up at the various murder scenes and in Stephanie's love life - often with pizza or donuts.
[image]
And security firm honcho Ranger is being threatened by a member of the Russian mob, who tries to wipe out his entire staff with the deadly poison polonium. Stephanie, worried about Ranger's safety, joins him on various exploits to catch the Russian.
[image]
Meanwhile, gun-toting Lula helps Stephanie run down some eccentric bail jumpers.
[image]
Grandma Mazur goes to viewings at funeral parlors, Stephanie's mom drinks and irons to calm her nerves, Rex (the hamster) runs on his wheel, bombs and rocket propelled grenades blow up Stephanie's stuff.....all the usual shenanigans that go on in this series.
Many of the previous books in the Stephanie Plum series are laugh out loud funny, but it feels like Evanovich is really running out of steam with this one. The book felt stale, it recycled the same old scenes, and Stephanie still lusts after both Joe and Ranger - which is tiresome by now.
Moreover, by the end of the story it felt like Evanovich just wanted to get it over with, and the finale is rushed and tacked on.
In this 5th book in the 'Shetland Island' series, Detective Jimmy Perez helps investigate the death of a journalist. The book can be read as a standal
In this 5th book in the 'Shetland Island' series, Detective Jimmy Perez helps investigate the death of a journalist. The book can be read as a standalone.
Journalist Jerry Markham, a former resident of Shetland Island in Scotland, goes back for a visit and ends up dead. His body is found by Procurator Fiscal (prosecutor) Rhona Laing, in a boat she regularly uses.
[image]
Detective Inspector Willow Reeves is brought in to investigate the crime.
[image]
She works with two local detectives: Sandy Wilson - an insecure lad who lacks confidence in his abilities; and Jimmy Perez - who is still in deep mourning after the death of his girlfriend Fran.
[image]
Willow immediately pegs Rhona Laing as "knowing something" but the local police - loyal to Shetland Islanders - resist the idea.
Investigations reveal that Jerry Markham may have been looking into an island group promoting tidal energy. 'Green initiatives' are a controversial issue on the island, with some people promoting the idea and others agitating against it. The police come to suspect shenanigans in this proposed business venture.
[image]
The detectives also discover that Markham is generally considered a spoiled, self-centered fellow who - several years before - had run out on his pregnant girlfriend, breaking her heart and angering her family. Moreover, another body soon turns up, complicating the investigation and widening the list of suspects.
The story's setting is well described, and the reader gets (what seems to be) an authentic glimpse of the terrain and culture of the Scottish islands.
[image]
[image]
The characters, including the detectives and a wide array of suspects, are well-rounded and interesting. In addition to his professional duties we get to know a bit about Jimmy Perez's private life, in which he's raising Fran's young daughter - a sweet, precocious child.
The police investigation proceeds in a logical fashion leading to a finale that's believable but too long and drawn out. All in all an enjoyable mystery.
FYI: 'Shetland' - adapted from Ann Cleeves books - is a BBC crime series starring Douglas Henshall as Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez. It's available on Netflix.
In this 2nd book in the 'Kate Shugak' series, the Alaskan private detective is on the trail of a vicious killer. The book can be read as a standalone.
In this 2nd book in the 'Kate Shugak' series, the Alaskan private detective is on the trail of a vicious killer. The book can be read as a standalone.
[image] Kate and Mutt
Private Detective Kate Shugak, a former investigator with the district attorney's office, lives on an isolated homestead in Alaska. One morning, not far from Kate's home, a psychotic killer picks up his rifle, strolls through town, and kills everyone he comes in contact with.
[image]
Kate, warned that the mass murderer is coming her way, manages to capture him with the help of her loyal (and very smart) wolf/husky mix, Mutt.
[image]
Examination of the murder victims shows that one of them - beautiful blonde Lisa Getty - was killed with a different rifle, most likely by a different killer. Kate is asked to investigate. She soon learns that Lisa had a dark side: she seduced almost all the men she met (regardless of age or marital status), grew and sold marijuana, poached animals for their valuable parts, and was generally a bad girl. In short, many of the locals - especially wives and girlfriends of cheating men - wanted Lisa gone.
[image]
Kate's detective work apparently alarms the killer, who commits more crimes to avoid capture. Meanwhile, we're treated to a peek at the culture of the Alaskan natives, including meals of moose stew, a potlatch (a sort of pot luck assembly with native dancing), mountain climbing on local icy peaks, driving snow machines rather than cars, etc. One can almost feel what it would be like to live in an environment that's frozen for most of the year.
[image]
[image]
[image]
[image]
There are plenty of interesting characters, including legless veteran Bobby - who has bad memories of the Vietnam war and a soft spot for Kate; Trooper Jim - whose helicopter patrols give him a good view of things below; Jack - Kate's sometimes boyfriend; Lottie Getty - the victim's awkward sister; Ekaterina - Kate's manipulative grandmother; Bernie - who runs the local pub; and more.
My favorite character is the canine Mutt, who helps herself to hidden treats, understands English, has her own opinions (and lets them be known), and is absolutely loyal to Kate.
Kate's investigation leads to a dramatic climax on a mountain, and a satisfying ending. An enjoyable mystery with a fascinating setting.
In this 15th book in the 'Alexandra Cooper' series, Assistant District Attorney Cooper and her colleagues, Detectives Chapman and Wallace, investigate
In this 15th book in the 'Alexandra Cooper' series, Assistant District Attorney Cooper and her colleagues, Detectives Chapman and Wallace, investigate the murder of a homeless girl. The book can be read as a standalone.
A young homeless girl, dubbed "Angel", is found dead in Central Park and the trio of Assistant District Attorney Alex Cooper,
[image]
Detective Mike Chapman,
[image]
and Detective Mercer Wallace investigate.
[image]
The three professionals are friends as well as colleagues and enjoy joking, dining, and playing "Final Jeopardy." In addtion - being free of other romantic entanglements - Alex and Mike allow their long-simmering, low-key attraction to take a tiny step forward. Though the familiar characters in the series are fun to visit, the book is not a success.
Linda Fairstein's crime novels always involve murder at iconic locations in New York City. Thus the reader is treated to a healthy dose of the architecture and history of the site(s) along with an interesting investigation, good detective work, and a satisfactory resolution. Not so in this book. It seems like about 90% of the book is devoted to discussing the geography, history, structure, fountain, and uses of Central Park....
[image]
and about 10% to a disjointed, sprawling, almost incomprehensible mystery novel.
As the story proceeds Angel's death somehow leads investigators to the Dakota, a super-ritzy apartment building next to Central Park.
[image]
In the past, the wealthy Dalton family bought up the 8th floor of the Dakota for themselves and housed their servants on the 9th floor. The family also experienced a terrible tragedy, the disappearance of a 3-year-old Dalton child.
[image]
Meanwhile - in the present - as Angel's killer is being sought a rapist with the words "Kill Coop" tattooed on his hand is attacking women and another death occurs. Are these events all connected somehow?
[image]
To top it all off, Mike Chapman has gotten himself into hot water by having an affair with - and dumping - a disturbed lady judge who's out for revenge.
[image]
This causes trouble all around. Other characters in the story include an elderly Dalton, Dalton family servants, homeless people, mental patients, and more.
[image]
Eventually, Angel's killer is uncovered in a resolution that seems almost disconnected from the rest of the story. Moreover, some plot points seem to go unresolved - but by the end I didn't care. If this book was billed as a story about Central Park it would be a success. If you're looking for a good mystery, skip this book.
In this 23rd book in the 'Richard Jury' series, a classic movie and two well-known novels provide clues when the Detective Superintendent investigates
In this 23rd book in the 'Richard Jury' series, a classic movie and two well-known novels provide clues when the Detective Superintendent investigates a number of deaths.
The novel can be read as a standalone, but readers familiar with the series would probably enjoy the story more.
[image]
Twenty-two years ago - at a children's party thrown by Tess Williamson - young Hilda Palmer was found dead at the bottom of an empty swimming pool. No charges were filed but Hilda's mother held Tess responsible. Five years later Tess was found dead at the bottom of a steep staircase. The general consensus was that her vertigo resulted in a fatal fall.
[image]
In the present day, Tess's husband Tom - thinking his wife's death was no accident - asks Detective Superintendent Richard Jury to look into the old case. Meanwhile, other recent deaths come to Jury's attention: a beautiful blonde in a designer dress and shoes dies of a 'fall' from a tower; and an unidentified man who was looking for a lost dog is found shot.
As usual in Martha Grimes books Jury's friends in Northamptonshire - Melrose Plant and his eccentric cohorts - get involved in Jury's investigations.
[image]
There are also two 'found' dogs in the tale, Joey and Stanley.
During their investigations, Jury and his tea-loving assistant Sergeant Wiggins question everyone who was at the party where Hilda died.
[image]
They learn that Hilda was a bully, disliked by children and adults alike.
[image]
They also discover some possible links behind the recent deaths of the blonde and the dog-lover with those of Hilda and Tess.
The movie "Vertigo" and the books "A Passage to India" and "Tess of the d'Urbervilles" keep popping into Jury's mind as he looks into the cases, which seem to provide him with clues to the crimes.
[image]
The plot meanders and the resolution of the cases seems unlikely but it's fun to visit with the familiar, well-liked characters in the series. An okay book to pass some time.
In this 12th book in the 'Sarah Booth Delaney' series, private detectives Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Richmond try to protect a rich elderly woman
In this 12th book in the 'Sarah Booth Delaney' series, private detectives Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Richmond try to protect a rich elderly woman from being fleeced by fake psychics. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus.
Marjorie Littlefield - an immensely wealthy, older woman - is haunted by the death of her daughter Mariam many years ago. Marjorie is especially troubled because she suspects her son Chasley may have drowned his sister. Thus, Marjorie plans to leave her fortune to her cat Pluto.
[image]
Desperate to ask Mariam what really happened on the day she died Marjorie has fallen under the influence of Brandy and Sherry Westin, a mother-daughter duo who hold seances. During these sessions Sherry supposedly contacts spirits of the dead.
[image]
To hold these spiritual encounters the Westins run a kind of spa/psychic retreat/business conference where their rich clients are held almost incommunicado with the outside world.
[image]
Enter Sarah Booth and Tinkie, private detectives who are hired to check out the Westins and protect Marjorie from being fleeced. They pose as Marjorie's maids to get into the retreat, and big trouble ensues.
It's an interesting premise but the book is disappointing. The characters are not well-rounded and not believable, and some of the regulars in the series are hardly present at all. In addition, the story is filled with unlikely plot contrivances: wealthy guests remain at a retreat where people are being murdered left and right; a stiff elderly butler and an obnoxious young cook engage in sado-masochistic sex; Marjorie allows Chasley - who she dislikes and distrusts - to stay in her suite; Graf and Oscar disguise themselves to lend a hand in the investigation, and so on.
[image]
One big problem with the story is that the Westins are a shrewd team. They could - in two seconds - google Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Graf, and Oscar to discover they're all imposters. Also the motives for the crimes are murky and the solution is unlikely. Finally, the end of the book strains credulity to breaking point.
One mildly amusing touch is Sarah Booth's personal 'haint'(ghost) Jitty - who shows up periodically impersonating a variety of private detectives from books and movies.
[image]
I've read several books in this series that were pretty good, but this isn't one of them.
Kick Lannigan was abducted as a child, then "raised" by new parents (Mel and Linda) who were part of a child pornography ring. Apparently suffering fr
Kick Lannigan was abducted as a child, then "raised" by new parents (Mel and Linda) who were part of a child pornography ring. Apparently suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, Kick became attached to the abductors, and even came to love them in some fashion.
[image]
[image]
Rescued at age ten, a very disturbed Kick becomes determined to ensure her safety. Thus, by the time she's an adult Kick is an expert in martial arts and is always well-armed - with pistols, throwing stars, knives, nunchucks, etc. You name it, she has it - and she knows how to use it.
[image]
Kick's closest companions are her elderly dog Monster and her "adopted brother" James, a troubled computer addict who lives in an apartment below hers.
[image]
When a young girl and boy are abducted a few weeks apart, Kick becomes obsessed with the case. Enter John Bishop - a mysterious, well-trained operator with endless resources - whose job seems to involve rescuing kidnapped children and investigating child pornography. After tussling with Bishop, Kick joins his mission to try to find the kidnapped youngsters.
[image]
The task requires Kick to retrieve her old, painful memories and even to vist a dying Mel in prison - in an attempt to get information about child pornographers.
While they're pursuing the abductors Kick and Bishop fly in private planes, stay in a lavish home, and engage in a speck of romance. On the down side, some terrible things happen involving violence and torture.
[image]
This is page turner with memorable characters, including some disgusting bad guys and good guys you can root for. Kick is a tough cookie with awe-inspiring skills and Bishop - though more enigmatic - has a good heart and high-powered connections that help him do his job.
In this 23rd book in the 'Commissario Guido Brunetti' series, the Italian policeman investigates the destruction of valuable old manuscripts and the m
In this 23rd book in the 'Commissario Guido Brunetti' series, the Italian policeman investigates the destruction of valuable old manuscripts and the murder of a former priest. The mystery can be read as a standalone.
[image]
The Biblioteca Merula in Venice has experienced a terrible desecration: a number of valuable old books have been stolen and others have had pages cut out.
[image]
When Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates, Dottoressa Fabbiani - the chief librarian - tells him an American scholar, Dr. Joseph Nickerson, had been reading the cut up books.
[image]
Brunetti also learns that another ardent reader, former priest Aldo Franchini, has been coming to the library for years to read 'Fathers of the Church'.
[image]
Before long Brunetti discovers that Nickerson's credentials were falsified and that Franchini has been murdered. He also learns that book theft has become rampant in the country, with valuable tomes disappearing from libraries across Italy.
[image]
While investigating the murder and thefts Brunetti learns a bit about obsessive collectors, greedy villains, and certain members of the Italian aristocracy. As always his boss's fashionable secretary, Signorina Elettra, provides valuable computer assistance as well as a touch of humor.
In this 8th book in the 'Hannah Swensen' series, the baker/amateur sleuth investigates when an actor is murdered with a 'prop gun.' The book can be re
In this 8th book in the 'Hannah Swensen' series, the baker/amateur sleuth investigates when an actor is murdered with a 'prop gun.' The book can be read as a standalone.
[image]
The star of this series is Hannah Swenson - amateur sleuth and entrepreneur - who owns a cookie bakery and loves to create new cookies for her shop and prepare treats for her friends and relatives. Luckily for readers who'd like to try the sweets, recipes are provided.
In this story some scenes for a Hollywood movie are slated to be shot in Hannah's home town of Lake Eden, Minnesota. The producer, director, actors and supporting staff flood into town, and - to the delight of the townsfolk - local citizens will be involved as advisors and bit players.
[image]
The murder in this book involves a character dying from a bullet wound from what was supposed to be a prop gun. This doesn't occur until about page 200, however, and until then we visit with the characters and follow Hannah's apparently eternal romantic triangle with Norman the dentist.....
[image]
.....and Mike the detective.
[image]
In fact, this book has an additional boyfriend - Hannah's attractive friend Ross - who's on the movie staff.
[image]
It's hard to believe Hannah's beaus would put up with her indecisiveness forever, but it's a book - not real life.
Once the murder occurs Hannah and her sisters are on the job - not "investigating" (which is frowned on by Mike the detective) but rather "snooping" to help find the killer. As usual with amateur detectives in these kinds of stories, they withhold information from the police, go where they shouldn't, etc.
[image]
This isn't a complex mystery but rather an entertaining cozy with fun characters that are staples of the series - and lots of good pastries.
In this 4th book in the 'Kovac and Liska' series, the police detectives are on the trail of a vicious serial killer. The novel can be read as a standa
In this 4th book in the 'Kovac and Liska' series, the police detectives are on the trail of a vicious serial killer. The novel can be read as a standalone.
[image]
When the mutilated, acid-burned body of a teenage girl falls from a car's trunk a serial killer called 'Doc Holiday' is the prime suspect.
[image]
This sadistic murderer has already taken eight lives in a ritualistic fashion and police fear the teen may be his ninth victim. Detectives Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska investigate the murder of the unidentified girl - dubbed 'Zombie Doe' by the media.
Turns out 'Zombie Doe' is Penelope Gray, a high school classmate of Liska's son Kyle. Talking to students reveals that 'Gray' (as her friends call her) was at a teen hangout the night she disappeared, as was Kyle and a number of other students - some of whom were bullies who tormented both Gray and Kyle.
The homicide detectives pursue evidence on the assumption that Doc Holiday killed Gray, wanting to stop him before he claims another victim. The book intersperses some first person scenes of Doc Holiday planning/committing his crimes with the story of the detectives' investigation.
[image]
Liska's problems raising two sons as a single mother - one of whom is a witness in the case - also plays a part in the story.
The characters are realistically depicted, the police investigation proceeds at a good pace, and the ending is almost satisfying.
In this 15th book in the 'Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery' series, caterer/amateur sleuth Goldy Schulz is catering a couple of weddings when her godfather
In this 15th book in the 'Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery' series, caterer/amateur sleuth Goldy Schulz is catering a couple of weddings when her godfather and his friend are the victims of two separate crimes. Goldy helps her cop husband investigate. The book can be read as a standalone.
[image]
Goldy Schulz, owner of Goldilocks Catering, is thrilled when her godfather Jack moves to Colorado and purchases a home near her. Jack and his friend, Doc Finn, can always be counted on when Goldy needs a hand.
[image]
As the story opens Goldy - who is married to police detective Tom Schulz - is preparing to cater a couple of weddings: the O'Neal nuptials and the wedding of Billie Attenborough to Dr. Craig Miller.
[image]
Billie is a narcissistic pain-in the-neck who has driven Goldy crazy by continually changing the wedding menu, wedding guests, and wedding venue. Finally, Billie decides to hold the event at the Gold Gulch Spa owned by Victor Lane - a man Goldy dislikes and distrusts.
[image]
Prior to the Attenborough wedding, Goldy and Jack drive over to check out the Gold Gulch Spa facility - for catering purposes. Jack soon gets caught snooping around the usually locked 'smoothie shack' where delicious fruit beverages are prepared for spa guests.
[image]
Jack, however, pretends he entered the shack to nuzzle one of the spa employees and won't explain the incident to his goddaughter.
The first tragedy strikes when Doc Finn has a fatal car accident on the day of the O'Neal wedding. An investigation shows that, before his death, Doc was thinking of having a mysterious vial analyzed.
[image]
[image]
A few days later, Jack is attacked at the Attenborough affair. When Goldy visits Jack in the hospital he provides her with mysterious clues, though Goldy doesn't immediately know what they mean. However, spurred on by Jack's clues Goldy helps her husband investigate the crimes.
[image]
Seems there are odd goings on in the local medical community and at the Gold Gulch Spa; things that Doc Finn and Jack were looking into.
The plot of the book is satisfactory for a light mystery and Davidson's popular recurring characters are on hand: Goldy's rich (and hungry) friend Marla;
[image]
Her teen son Arch;
[image]
And her talented assistant Julian.
[image]
The additional ancillary characters are also well-drawn and interesting. As always in the Goldy series, the characters consume lots of mouth-watering food (for which Davidson provides the recipes).
I'd recommend the book as an enjoyable light mystery.
In this 21st book in the 'Kay Scarpetta' series, the medical examiner is on the trail of a sadistic murderer. The book can be read as a standalone, bu
In this 21st book in the 'Kay Scarpetta' series, the medical examiner is on the trail of a sadistic murderer. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the series is a bonus.
[image]
Medical examiner Kay Scarpetta has an abundance of troubles: she's traumatized after the Newtown, Connecticut school shootings; she's recovering from a bad flu; and her head investigator Pete Marino has bailed on her.
[image]
Kay's FBI profiler husband - Benton Wesley - is on the outs with his boss;
[image]
And a serial killer seems to be at work in Cambridge, Massachusetts where she lives.
As usual in Patricia Cornwell's series, Kay and Benton are in the cross-hairs of self-serving or demented bad guys - and have to contend with them while concurrently chasing criminals. Pete Marino is also true to form, resentful that Kay never fell in love with him and determined to make her life difficult by behaving in a childish, crude, and unpleasant manner. Personally, I've had about enough of Pete Marino and wish that Kay would cut him loose so he'd disappear from future books.
Kay's genius niece Lucy is also on hand - and in this book she's behaving a little better than usual -refraining from getting involved with psychopaths and using her IT skills to help the investigation.
[image]
Lucy, however, is a hard to believe "over-the-top" character: she drives around town in an armored SUV worthy of the Russian mob, flies helicopters, hacks into any computer anywhere, and so on.
[image]
I liked Lucy much better when she was a youngster in the early Scarpetta books.
The plot of the book is fairly straightforward. Kay is determined to help capture a sadistic murderer who apparently killed several people in Washington, D.C. before heading for Massachusetts. Kay is thwarted, however, because the head of the FBI seems to be tampering with the evidence and a large, wealthy, corrupt corporation is also obstructing the investigation. Kay carries on trying to catch the perp, however, and does numerous forensic examinations that are described in great detail. Readers interested in this type of thing will probably like this book.
[image]
Though this book is a little better than the last couple of books in the Scarpetta series it isn't as good as the early books. I'd mildly recommend it to mystery fans, a little more if they're huge Scarpetta fans.
In book #8 of the 'Wind River Reservation' series, lawyer Vicky Holden is suspected of killing her abusive ex-husband. The book can be read as a stand
In book #8 of the 'Wind River Reservation' series, lawyer Vicky Holden is suspected of killing her abusive ex-husband. The book can be read as a standalone.
Vicky Holden, an Arapaho who grew up on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, recently returned to the region and set up her new law office.
[image]
[image]
After a huge public fight with her abusive ex-husband, Ben Holden, he is shot dead - and Vicky is a suspect. Other troubles are also brewing in the area. A self-proclaimed prophet named Orlando has revived the Shadow Dance religion, meant to rid the region of white people and restore the land to the Indians. Moreover, a young computer expert named Dean Little Horse is missing.
Vicky's situation is made more difficult because Ben's family and the Indians on the reservation revered Ben and thought Vicky should have reconciled with him. This was perplexing (to me) since it was known that Ben was an unfaithful wife-beater. Neverthless, everyone is ready to believe that Vicky killed Ben, and she is taunted and harassed. Determined to clear her name Vicky investigates.
[image]
She learns that, just before he was killed, Ben had a confrontation with two Lakota Indians who stole something from the ranch he managed. Vicky feels sure they were involved in Ben's death and sets out to find them - running into various kinds of trouble along the way.
Vicky is assisted by Father John O'Malley, the priest in charge of the Catholic mission on the Wind River Reservation. Father John, who is not-so-secretly in love with Vicky, sets out to help Vicky prove her innocence, find Dean Little Horse, and shut down Orlando's cult. He's also busy trying to save the mission, which may be shut down for financial reasons.
[image]
Margaret Coel skillfully includes glimpses about the Arapaho people and culture, which was an enjoyable addition to the story. The motive for the killings made sense and the mystery - and tangential issues - were resolved in a satisfactory manner. I'd recommend the book as light reading for mystery fans.
Every year the Bellweather Hotel in upstate New York hosts a musical event called "Statewide" where talented young students get the opportunity to sho
Every year the Bellweather Hotel in upstate New York hosts a musical event called "Statewide" where talented young students get the opportunity to show off their skills.
[image]
In 1997, twin high school seniors - Rabbit and Alice Hatmaker - have both qualified to attend. Rabbit plays the bassoon in the orchestra, and Alice, an aspiring singer/actress, is in the chorus.
[image]
[image]
This year the head of Statewide is Viola Fabian, a cruel, unpopular woman who delights in crushing the aspirations of young talent, and uses and abuses people to further her goals.
[image]
Coincidentally, Viola's daughter - flute prodigy Jill Facelli - is Alice's roommate in Room 712.
[image]
On the first evening of Statewide Alice discovers Jill's hanging body in their hotel room. When Alice rushes out to get help Jill's body disappears. This incident is eerily reminiscent of an occurrence 15 years before when a newlywed bride shot her husband and hanged herself in Room 712 of the Bellweather.
[image]
The crux of the story revolves around what happened to Jill. Viola insists that Jill, prone to acting out, faked this incident and is perfectly okay. Alice, however, fears that Jill is dead and is determined to investigate. Meanwhile Rabbit has his own issues to deal with: he develops his first heart-rending crush on a handsome acapella singer and debates telling Alice that he's gay.
There's plenty of additional drama going on in the story, which is populated by an array of intriguing characters: Natalie Wilson - the Hatmakers' chaperone - has no rapport with young people and was once Viola Fabian's student; Fisher Brodie - Rabbit's orchestra conductor - is an eccentric former pianist who purposely mangled his hand and has a romantic history with Viola Fabian; Minnie Graves - a troubled young woman - was a child when she was the first person to discover the Belllweather's hanged bride in 1982; Auggie - a cute, deaf dog - is Minnie's comfort pet; Harold Hastings - the elderly hotel concierge - is a kind-hearted, troubled man who can't stand Viola being in charge of Statewide.
[image]
Could one of these people have harmed Jill, perhaps to get back at Viola? Alice tries to find out while the characters and situations play out in various ways. There's a major snowstorm, lovely music, some romance, psychotic behavior, bad food, drunk teens, amateur detective work, and so on.
This is a face-paced, amusing, and entertaining mystery that's a little off the beaten track for this genre. I enjoyed it and recommend it.
In this 5th book in the 'Sarah Booth Delaney' series, the private detective is hired by a woman accused of killing her child. The book can be read as
In this 5th book in the 'Sarah Booth Delaney' series, the private detective is hired by a woman accused of killing her child. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
Doreen Mallory - a spiritual healer living in New Orleans - is accused of murdering her severely handicapped infant daughter. Doreen is visiting her dead mother's grave in Zinnia, Mississippi when she's arrested.
[image]
Private detectives Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Richmond are hired to prove Doreen's innocence.
[image]
Turns out that Doreen's mother - who she never knew - was the unmarried "street corner preacher" Lillith, who used to harangue the local teens with rants against unwed sex.
[image]
Sarah Booth and Tinkie look into Lillith's past and are surprised to discover that she had three children out of wedlock. The detectives then travel to New Orleans, where Doreen is jailed, to look into her case.
Doreen admits that several men - a senator, a preacher, and a financial advisor - are candidates for father of the child, and the detectives proceed to question these men, thinking one of them may be the real murderer.
[image]
Most of these characters are rather two-dimensional but serve their purpose as possible suspects.
Many of the recurring characters in the series are on hand, including Jiffy - the fashionista ghost that gives Sarah Booth life advice (I love this character).
[image]
Other returning characters are Coleman - the married cop in Sarah Booth's life; Connie - the married cop's mentally disturbed wife; and Sarah Booth's friend CeCe - the tough transgender reporter. Sarah's handsome former lover Hamilton also puts in an appearance, and Sarah is conflicted between her attraction to Hamilton and her love for Coleman.
[image]
This is just an okay cozy mystery with detective work that seems rather superficial and uninspired. It's entertaining though, to visit with the characters in Sarah Booth's circle and observe their familiar shenanigans.
In this first book in the 'Blue Ant' series, marketing consultant Cayce Pollard is hired to find people who upload mysterious film clips.
New York
In this first book in the 'Blue Ant' series, marketing consultant Cayce Pollard is hired to find people who upload mysterious film clips.
New York resident Cayce Pollard is a marketing consultant who instinctively knows what the public will find 'cool'.
[image]
Cayce is also a follower of a website called 'Fetish Footage Forum' (FFF) where mysterious film clips - periodically published online - are discussed and analyzed by large numbers of people around the world.
[image]
[image]
[image]
As the story opens in August, 2002 Cayce is in London, having been hired by the 'Blue Ant' company to evaluate a proposed new shoe logo.
[image]
At a meeting with Hubertus Bigend - Blue Ant's boss, and Dorotea Benedetti - representative of the logo's designer, Cayce nixes the proposed logo. She also senses huge antagonism from Dorotea, a woman she's just met.
[image]
Soon afterward someone breaks into the London apartment where Cayce is staying, making her feel nervous and paranoid.
These unexplained occurrences remind Cayce of her missing father, Win Pollard, an intelligence agent who disappeared on September 11, 2001, when planes flew into the World Trade Center. Cayce and her mother have done all they can to find Win, with no success.
[image]
After Cayce okays a second proposed shoe logo, Hubertus hires her to find the makers of the inscrutable film footage on FFF. He apparently has a scheme to use the film clips to make money. Cayce reluctantly agrees to work with Hubertus, and during her search for the filmmaker Cayce meets an array of interesting people and travels between London, Japan and Russia.
[image]
Everywhere she goes, however, Cayce senses she's being followed, which seems to be proven when she's attacked in the street.
[image]
The book is chock full of engaging characters, starting with Cayce - who's 'allergic' to logos and cuts the labels off all her clothing and possessions. Other interesting characters include several FFF analysts, fetishists of old technology, a computer whiz who's supposed to help Cayce find the filmmaker, and more.
[image]
I enjoyed the book which essentially reads like a thriller, as Cayce rushes here and there to discover something that unknown (and hostile) 'others' also want to know. All this leads to an exciting and believable climax. Very good book, highly recommended.
In this 4th book in the 'Meg Langslow' series, the blacksmith/amateur sleuth goes into action when her brother is accused of murder. The book can be r
In this 4th book in the 'Meg Langslow' series, the blacksmith/amateur sleuth goes into action when her brother is accused of murder. The book can be read as a standalone.
[image]
Once again there's trouble brewing in Caerphilly, Virginia. Rob Langslow feels something is amiss at his computer game company 'Mutant Wizards'. So he convinces his sister Meg Langslow - blacksmith and amateur sleuth - to sign on as temporary receptionist, hoping she can uncover the problem. Sure enough, Ted - the office practical joker/pain in the neck - is soon murdered as he rides around on the automated mail cart.
[image]
The Chief of Police, who pays minimal attention to evidence, arrests Rob for the murder. So Meg, convinced her brother is innocent, jumps into action to investigate. 'Mutant Wizards' employs a full array of oddball characters as well as sharing their premises with a group of psychotherapists, so there are plenty of suspects. Also on hand are Meg's dad, who enjoys a spot of sleuthing himself, and Meg's fiance Michael, who calls in his admonitions from an acting gig in California.
[image]
As Meg uncovers a variety of clues several possible motives present themselves. Did someone murder Ted to get his living quarters in housing-deprived Caerphilly? was Ted a blackmailer? was Ted involved in a harmful lawsuit? Meg has to find out.
The murderer is revealed in a finale that's mildly amusing but so drawn out that it becomes a bit tiresome.
This is an entertaining light mystery with fun characters, my favorites being George the one-winged Buzzard who eats microwaved mice, and Spike the bad tempered dog who bites anyone within reach.
Mia Dennett - an inner-city art teacher who grew up in a wealthy, prominent Chicago family.....
[image]
.....is abducted by Colin Thatcher, a low-level
Mia Dennett - an inner-city art teacher who grew up in a wealthy, prominent Chicago family.....
[image]
.....is abducted by Colin Thatcher, a low-level thug who collects debts and does odd jobs for his criminal employer.
[image]
Instructed to kidnap Mia and hand her over, Colin snatches the girl. He then has a change of heart and takes Mia to a primitive cabin in the Minnesota woods where he holds her for months.
[image]
The living conditions are horrific: it's freezing; bathing and clothes-washing are minimal, so their bodies reek; there's little food; there's nothing to do; and Mia is terrorized by her abductor.
[image]
Colin, meanwhile, knows that if they're found - by either the cops or his employer - his life is essentially (or literally) over.
[image]
The book is told from rotating points of view: Gabe - the detective assigned to the case;
[image]
Eve - Mia's mother;
[image]
Colin - the kidnapper; and Mia - the abductee. It also alternates between two time periods: before Mia is rescued and after Mia is rescued. This type of thing could get confusing but the author handles it skillfully and it's easy to follow the story. The book has an interesting premise and kept my attention (to a point) because I wanted to find out the circumstances of Mia's rescue. That said, however, the book moves excruciatingly slowly.
As the book proceeds the characters talk a lot about their backgrounds, and they all have a sad story. Eve's husband (Mia's father), a judge, was distant and controlling, concerned only with his career and public image.
[image]
Mia was a neglected child who could never please her father. Colin grew up poor but had a loving mother; when she got seriously ill his life fell apart. Gabe's a lonely guy without a family. And so on. The characters also provide detailed descriptions of their hour to hour activities and interact in a variety of ways, some of which are frankly not believable. I kept hoping the action would perk up and the plot would get more interesting, but it never did.
It's hard to drum up much sympathy for any of these characters. I did like Gabe, a talented, caring detective who was determined to find Mia and bring the perpetrators to justice. Many readers probably won't be surprised by the book's ending which is telegraphed at several points in the story. I thought the book was just okay. For me it doesn't live up to the hype which seems to surround it.
Loading...
