From AudioFile
Harry Bosch fans will be delighted to learn that neither the author nor the narrator has lost his touch. Both keep getting better and better. Connelly's no-nonsense detective is back at the LAPD after three years of retirement. He and his former partner are assigned to the "Open-Unsolved Case Squad." ("Cold Case" is too gauche for the department.) Right away they catch a hot lead via a DNA hit on an old case concerning the abduction and murder of a 16-year-old girl. Bosch's character evolves with each installment. This gives Len Cariou a lot to work with. He punctuates each character differently, so there's never any confusion about who is speaking. His sometimes gravelly voice, reminiscent of the late Rod Serling, makes Bosch's persona come to life. The plotting in this fifteenth Connelly thriller is so tight you won't figure out whodunit until Bosch does. A.L.H. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
My Thoughts
Definitely a worthwhile read. It's my first Michael Connolly read and I am going to go back and start from the beginning of Bosch's career.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Friday, April 07, 2006
"The Rocky Road to Romance" by Janet Evanovich
Book Description
Her tall, dark, and deliciously dangerous boss...
When the delightful, daffy Dog Lady of station WZZZ offered to take on the temporary job of traffic reporter, Steve Crow tried to think of reasons to turn Daisy Adams down. Perhaps he knew that sharing the close quarters of a car with her for hours would give the handsome program director no room to resist her quirky charms. He'd always favored low-slung sportscars and high-heeled women, but that was before he fell for a free spirit who caught crooks by accident, loved old people and pets, and had just too many jobs!
Loving Daisy turned Steve's life upside down, especially once he adopted Bob, a huge dog masquerading as a couch potato. But was Daisy finally ready to play for keeps?
My Thoughts:
Now this is more like it! I loved this book. It was hilarious and had me laughing out loud several times. Daisy is endearingly quirky and you keep wanting her to chose Steve. The things that happen to Daisy are a little over the top, but that just adds to the humor, in my opinion. I liked this much better than "Full Blast."
Her tall, dark, and deliciously dangerous boss...
When the delightful, daffy Dog Lady of station WZZZ offered to take on the temporary job of traffic reporter, Steve Crow tried to think of reasons to turn Daisy Adams down. Perhaps he knew that sharing the close quarters of a car with her for hours would give the handsome program director no room to resist her quirky charms. He'd always favored low-slung sportscars and high-heeled women, but that was before he fell for a free spirit who caught crooks by accident, loved old people and pets, and had just too many jobs!
Loving Daisy turned Steve's life upside down, especially once he adopted Bob, a huge dog masquerading as a couch potato. But was Daisy finally ready to play for keeps?
My Thoughts:
Now this is more like it! I loved this book. It was hilarious and had me laughing out loud several times. Daisy is endearingly quirky and you keep wanting her to chose Steve. The things that happen to Daisy are a little over the top, but that just adds to the humor, in my opinion. I liked this much better than "Full Blast."
"Full Blast" by Janet Evanovich and Charlotte Hughes
From AudioFile
Jamie, madcap editor of a newspaper in Beaumont, South Carolina, and Max Holt, mysterious millionaire and silent partner, are back. Romantic innuendo and sexual tension run high as they investigate murders relating to ads in the personals column. Narrator Lorelei King handles a broad range of characters of both genders and all ages, switching seamlessly from elderly Vera, Jamie's secretary, to Muffin, Max's computer, who makes her presence known in a wispy Marilyn Monroe voice. King gives attention to phrasing and pacing in her characterization and story enhancement. Although the ending is predictable, the journey, filled with comedic incidents, often inspires outright laughter. For those looking for a romantic, well-articulated story. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
My Thoughts:
Not one of my favorites by Evanovich. It was a nice light book to have read during a busy time at work. As the review says, the ending was predictable. The journey getting there does make it worth the read, though.
Jamie, madcap editor of a newspaper in Beaumont, South Carolina, and Max Holt, mysterious millionaire and silent partner, are back. Romantic innuendo and sexual tension run high as they investigate murders relating to ads in the personals column. Narrator Lorelei King handles a broad range of characters of both genders and all ages, switching seamlessly from elderly Vera, Jamie's secretary, to Muffin, Max's computer, who makes her presence known in a wispy Marilyn Monroe voice. King gives attention to phrasing and pacing in her characterization and story enhancement. Although the ending is predictable, the journey, filled with comedic incidents, often inspires outright laughter. For those looking for a romantic, well-articulated story. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.
My Thoughts:
Not one of my favorites by Evanovich. It was a nice light book to have read during a busy time at work. As the review says, the ending was predictable. The journey getting there does make it worth the read, though.
"Pompeii" by Robert Harris
From Publishers Weekly
In this fine historical by British novelist Harris (Archangel; Enigma; Fatherland), an upstanding Roman engineer rushes to repair an aqueduct in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, which, in A.D. 79, is getting ready to blow its top. Young Marcus Attilius Primus becomes the aquarius of the great Aqua Augusta when its former chief engineer disappears after 20 years on the job. When water flow to the coastal town of Misenum is interrupted, Attilius convinces the admiral of the Roman fleet-the scholar Pliny the Elder-to give him a fast ship to Pompeii, where he finds the source of the problem in a burst sluiceway. Lively writing, convincing but economical period details and plenty of intrigue keep the pace quick, as Attilius meets Corelia, the defiant daughter of a vile real estate speculator, who supplies him with documents implicating her father and Attilius's predecessor in a water embezzlement scheme. Attilius has bigger worries, though: a climb up Vesuvius reveals that an eruption is imminent. Before he can warn anyone, he's ambushed by the double-crossing foreman of his team, Corvax, and a furious chase ensues. As the volcano spews hot ash, Attilius fights his way back to Pompeii in an attempt to rescue Corelia. Attilius, while possessed of certain modern attitudes and a respect for empirical observation, is no anachronism. He even sends Corelia back to her cruel father at one point, advising her to accept her fate as a woman. Harris's volcanology is well researched, and the plot, while decidedly secondary to the expertly rendered historic spectacle, keeps this impressive novel moving along toward its exciting finale. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
My Thoughts:
I liked this book, but it was not one of my favorites. It was a bit too detailed in spots, but I think it was somewhat necessary for the story. It just made the storyline drag a little bit. If you are a historical fiction buff, or like the story of Pompeii, then you will enjoy this book. I have loved the story of Pompeii since I first learned about it in sixth grade.
In this fine historical by British novelist Harris (Archangel; Enigma; Fatherland), an upstanding Roman engineer rushes to repair an aqueduct in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, which, in A.D. 79, is getting ready to blow its top. Young Marcus Attilius Primus becomes the aquarius of the great Aqua Augusta when its former chief engineer disappears after 20 years on the job. When water flow to the coastal town of Misenum is interrupted, Attilius convinces the admiral of the Roman fleet-the scholar Pliny the Elder-to give him a fast ship to Pompeii, where he finds the source of the problem in a burst sluiceway. Lively writing, convincing but economical period details and plenty of intrigue keep the pace quick, as Attilius meets Corelia, the defiant daughter of a vile real estate speculator, who supplies him with documents implicating her father and Attilius's predecessor in a water embezzlement scheme. Attilius has bigger worries, though: a climb up Vesuvius reveals that an eruption is imminent. Before he can warn anyone, he's ambushed by the double-crossing foreman of his team, Corvax, and a furious chase ensues. As the volcano spews hot ash, Attilius fights his way back to Pompeii in an attempt to rescue Corelia. Attilius, while possessed of certain modern attitudes and a respect for empirical observation, is no anachronism. He even sends Corelia back to her cruel father at one point, advising her to accept her fate as a woman. Harris's volcanology is well researched, and the plot, while decidedly secondary to the expertly rendered historic spectacle, keeps this impressive novel moving along toward its exciting finale. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
My Thoughts:
I liked this book, but it was not one of my favorites. It was a bit too detailed in spots, but I think it was somewhat necessary for the story. It just made the storyline drag a little bit. If you are a historical fiction buff, or like the story of Pompeii, then you will enjoy this book. I have loved the story of Pompeii since I first learned about it in sixth grade.
"Good in Bed" by Jennifer Weiner
From Publishers Weekly
It is temping at first but unwise to assume Candace Shapiro is yet another Bridget Jones. Feisty, funny and less self-hating than her predecessor, Cannie is a 28-year-old Philadelphia Examiner reporter preoccupied with her weight and men, but able to see the humor in even the most unpleasant of life's broadsides. Even she is floored, however, when she reads "Good in Bed," a new women's magazine column penned by her ex-boyfriend, pothead grad student Bruce Guberman. Three months earlier, Cannie suggested they take a break apparently, Bruce thought they were through and set about making such proclamations as, "Loving a larger woman is an act of courage in our world." Devastated by this public humiliation, Cannie takes comfort in tequila and her beloved dog, Nifkin. Bruce has let her down like another man in her life: Cannie's sadistic, plastic surgeon father emotionally abused her as a young girl, and eventually abandoned his wife and family, leaving no forwarding address. Cannie's siblings suffer, especially the youngest, Lucy, who has tried everything from phone sex to striptease. Their tough-as-nails mother managed to find love again with a woman, Tanya, the gravel-voiced owner of a two-ton loom. Somehow, Cannie stays strong for family and friends, joining a weight-loss group, selling her screenplay and gaining the maturity to ask for help when she faces something bigger than her fears. Weiner's witty, original, fast-moving debut features a lovable heroine, a solid cast, snappy dialogue and a poignant take on life's priorities. This is a must-read for any woman who struggles with body image, or for anyone who cares about someone who does.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
My Thoughts:
I went into this novel thinking it would be another "fluff" story. I couldn't have been more wrong. Weiner writes a wonderful story from Cannie's point of view that will have you laughing and crying along with her. To compare Cannie to Bridget Jones is unfair. Bridget never learns from her mistakes, never grows up. Cannie grows in spirit by leaps and bounds. You will cheer for her all through the story and the ending does not disappoint at all.
It is temping at first but unwise to assume Candace Shapiro is yet another Bridget Jones. Feisty, funny and less self-hating than her predecessor, Cannie is a 28-year-old Philadelphia Examiner reporter preoccupied with her weight and men, but able to see the humor in even the most unpleasant of life's broadsides. Even she is floored, however, when she reads "Good in Bed," a new women's magazine column penned by her ex-boyfriend, pothead grad student Bruce Guberman. Three months earlier, Cannie suggested they take a break apparently, Bruce thought they were through and set about making such proclamations as, "Loving a larger woman is an act of courage in our world." Devastated by this public humiliation, Cannie takes comfort in tequila and her beloved dog, Nifkin. Bruce has let her down like another man in her life: Cannie's sadistic, plastic surgeon father emotionally abused her as a young girl, and eventually abandoned his wife and family, leaving no forwarding address. Cannie's siblings suffer, especially the youngest, Lucy, who has tried everything from phone sex to striptease. Their tough-as-nails mother managed to find love again with a woman, Tanya, the gravel-voiced owner of a two-ton loom. Somehow, Cannie stays strong for family and friends, joining a weight-loss group, selling her screenplay and gaining the maturity to ask for help when she faces something bigger than her fears. Weiner's witty, original, fast-moving debut features a lovable heroine, a solid cast, snappy dialogue and a poignant take on life's priorities. This is a must-read for any woman who struggles with body image, or for anyone who cares about someone who does.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
My Thoughts:
I went into this novel thinking it would be another "fluff" story. I couldn't have been more wrong. Weiner writes a wonderful story from Cannie's point of view that will have you laughing and crying along with her. To compare Cannie to Bridget Jones is unfair. Bridget never learns from her mistakes, never grows up. Cannie grows in spirit by leaps and bounds. You will cheer for her all through the story and the ending does not disappoint at all.
"First Impressions" by Jude Deveraux
From Booklist
After Eden was thrown out by her religious zealot parents when she was raped at 17 and became pregnant, she was taken in by Mrs. Farrington, a member of Arundel, North Carolina's elite. Mrs. Farrington put Eden to work cataloging family papers, and Eden and her daughter lived there until Mrs. Farrington's pedophile son came home. Now that Eden is 45, her daughter is about to become a mother, and Eden has received an inheritance, she decides to leave New York and head back South. But her return is marred by Jared McBride, an undercover FBI agent. His mission, to romance the single mother and find out what she knows, is complicated by Eden's romantic interest in the local lawyer. Deveraux's spunky heroine and quirky hero make this an entertaining read, and the surprise ending is a fun fillip for longtime fans. Patty EngelmannCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
My Thoughts:
What a wonderful story! Deveraux has written another wonderful novel with characters that cut straight to the heart. I found myself emotionally involved in this story, and I was enraptured by it.
After Eden was thrown out by her religious zealot parents when she was raped at 17 and became pregnant, she was taken in by Mrs. Farrington, a member of Arundel, North Carolina's elite. Mrs. Farrington put Eden to work cataloging family papers, and Eden and her daughter lived there until Mrs. Farrington's pedophile son came home. Now that Eden is 45, her daughter is about to become a mother, and Eden has received an inheritance, she decides to leave New York and head back South. But her return is marred by Jared McBride, an undercover FBI agent. His mission, to romance the single mother and find out what she knows, is complicated by Eden's romantic interest in the local lawyer. Deveraux's spunky heroine and quirky hero make this an entertaining read, and the surprise ending is a fun fillip for longtime fans. Patty EngelmannCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
My Thoughts:
What a wonderful story! Deveraux has written another wonderful novel with characters that cut straight to the heart. I found myself emotionally involved in this story, and I was enraptured by it.
"The Broker" by John Grisham
Amazon.com
Before he was sent to federal prison for treason (among other things), Joel Backman was an extremely powerful man. Known as "the broker," Backman was a high roller--a lawyer making $10 million a year who could "open any door in Washington." That is, until he tried to broker a deal selling access to the world's most powerful satellite surveillance system to the highest bidder. When caught, Backman accepted prison as the one option that would keep him safe and alive, since the interested parties (the Israelis, the Saudis, the Russians, and the Chinese) were all itching to get their hands on his secrets at any cost. Little does he know that his own government has designs on accessing that information--or at least letting it die with him. Now, six years after his incarceration, the director of the CIA convinces a lame duck president to pardon Backman, and the broker becomes a free man--and an open target.
The Broker marries the best of John Grisham's many talents--his ability to immerse himself in the culture of small town life (in this case, Bologna, Italy), and his uncanny mastery of the chase. The first half of the book focuses on Backman's transformation from infamous power broker to helpless victim in his own game. Upon his release from prison, Backman is taken into "protective custody" and whisked off to Italy where he is assigned a new identity, and a tutor to help him blend in. Sure he is on the run, but some readers may feel that Backman's time spent in Bologna is a bit too leisurely--readers join him on an almost cinematic tour through the Italian town, complete with language and history lessons. Impatient readers will be happy to know that the final half of the novel is classic Grisham--a fast-paced, thrilling cat and mouse chase pitting Backman against the numerous agencies that want him dead--as the broker makes a move to take back his life. --Daphne Durham
My Thoughts:
While I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite by him. The idea of the CIA shipping Backman to Italy was a bit on the far-fetched side. I did enjoy the Italian language added, though. I did like the way the book ended. It was satisfying. I smiled like a cheshire cat at the end.
Before he was sent to federal prison for treason (among other things), Joel Backman was an extremely powerful man. Known as "the broker," Backman was a high roller--a lawyer making $10 million a year who could "open any door in Washington." That is, until he tried to broker a deal selling access to the world's most powerful satellite surveillance system to the highest bidder. When caught, Backman accepted prison as the one option that would keep him safe and alive, since the interested parties (the Israelis, the Saudis, the Russians, and the Chinese) were all itching to get their hands on his secrets at any cost. Little does he know that his own government has designs on accessing that information--or at least letting it die with him. Now, six years after his incarceration, the director of the CIA convinces a lame duck president to pardon Backman, and the broker becomes a free man--and an open target.
The Broker marries the best of John Grisham's many talents--his ability to immerse himself in the culture of small town life (in this case, Bologna, Italy), and his uncanny mastery of the chase. The first half of the book focuses on Backman's transformation from infamous power broker to helpless victim in his own game. Upon his release from prison, Backman is taken into "protective custody" and whisked off to Italy where he is assigned a new identity, and a tutor to help him blend in. Sure he is on the run, but some readers may feel that Backman's time spent in Bologna is a bit too leisurely--readers join him on an almost cinematic tour through the Italian town, complete with language and history lessons. Impatient readers will be happy to know that the final half of the novel is classic Grisham--a fast-paced, thrilling cat and mouse chase pitting Backman against the numerous agencies that want him dead--as the broker makes a move to take back his life. --Daphne Durham
My Thoughts:
While I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite by him. The idea of the CIA shipping Backman to Italy was a bit on the far-fetched side. I did enjoy the Italian language added, though. I did like the way the book ended. It was satisfying. I smiled like a cheshire cat at the end.
"The Book Club" by Mary Alice Monroe
From Publishers Weekly
Monroe's (Girl in the Mirror) new novel opens as five friends, all members of a monthly book club, face turning points in their lives. Eve's husband dies suddenly, shattering her comfortable lifestyle, while Midge's mother makes an unannounced and unwelcomed reappearance. Annie finally feels ready to have a child, only to find her health and her marriage in jeopardy. Gabriella strains to make ends meet after her husband is laid off; Doris slides into depression as she tries to deny signs of her husband's infidelity. Sometimes close to and sometimes at odds with each other, the friends struggle to face harsh realities and, in the process, gain new independence. The actual book club of the title plays an oddly small role in this celebration of friendship and growth--the books the club reads are mentioned only briefly and often seem irrelevant to the women's struggles. Still, Monroe offers up believable characters in a well-crafted story. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. It was one of my favorites for the year. It was wonderful to watch the relationships shift and develop. I only wish I could have the same friends in my life as these women are for each other.
Monroe's (Girl in the Mirror) new novel opens as five friends, all members of a monthly book club, face turning points in their lives. Eve's husband dies suddenly, shattering her comfortable lifestyle, while Midge's mother makes an unannounced and unwelcomed reappearance. Annie finally feels ready to have a child, only to find her health and her marriage in jeopardy. Gabriella strains to make ends meet after her husband is laid off; Doris slides into depression as she tries to deny signs of her husband's infidelity. Sometimes close to and sometimes at odds with each other, the friends struggle to face harsh realities and, in the process, gain new independence. The actual book club of the title plays an oddly small role in this celebration of friendship and growth--the books the club reads are mentioned only briefly and often seem irrelevant to the women's struggles. Still, Monroe offers up believable characters in a well-crafted story. (Sept.)
Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. It was one of my favorites for the year. It was wonderful to watch the relationships shift and develop. I only wish I could have the same friends in my life as these women are for each other.
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