Moscow Rules

The death of a Russian journalist leads Gabriel Allon, who works for the Israeli intelligence agency, to Russia. A Moscow awash in oil wealth, where power resides once more behind the walls of the Kremlin and where critics of the ruling are ruthlessly silenced. Allon finds one such man, Ivan Kharkov, who in addition to his investment empire, is also a arm dealer. Allon must stop him before he gets his weapons to al-Queda.
I really liked this book. Silva's book are never black and white. He always shows the many sides to events. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy reading espionage books. Pat M

Exposed by Alex Kava

Last seen in A Necessary Evil, FBI special agent Maggie O'Dell pursues a vengeful monster and assistant who infect innocent people with the deadly Ebola virus. While Maggie and her boss, assistant director Cunningham are investigating a bomb threat in suburban Elk Grove, VA, they are exposed with the virus and they put in isolation. It is up to Maggie's partner, Tully, to investigate this and other cases of exposure to the virus.
I have read all of Alex Kava's books. I really enjoy this book. It's fast-paced and keeps your interest all the through the book. I would recommend it. Pat M

A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand

Claire Danner Crispin has the perfect life, or so people think. She has a hard-working husband, four beautiful children, even a successful career as an artist. Then one summer, she is asked to be the co-chair of Children Summer Gala, where she starts an affair with the director of Nantucket's Children, Lockhart Dixon.
This is one book that I'm not sorry that I read, but it really took a lot of work to finish it. It just took long to develop. I kept waiting for it to have a point to it. Pat M

Rough Justice by Jack Higgins

Blake Johnson, dispatched by the U. S. president, and Harry Miller, dispatched by the British Prime Minister, meet in Kosovo on a fact finding mission. While there, Miller stops a Russian officer from torching a mosque with a bullet to the forehead. This starts a chain of events that includes the United States, Britian, and Russia. Of course Sean Dillon is very much involved.
If you like Jack Higgins' books and follow the adventures of Sean Dillon, you will enjoy theis book. I have his books some time, and I did enjoy this one. If you haven't read any of his books, I would sugguest starting with some of his earlier ones and working up to this one. Pat M

Four hats in the ring by Lewis L. Gould

The election of 1912 found not just two but four well-qualified and distinguished candidates running for president. The republicans had William Howard Taft, the sitting president, the democrats had Woodrow Wilson, The Progressive party has Theodore Roosevelt, and the Socialist party has Eugene V. Debs. This was a very interesting book. Some of the issues that they discussed did not get taken care of until decades after this election. It was surprising that they were so important during this campaign. Some of the problem that you found in our election this year was present in that election also. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in history. Pat M

Dead Time by Stephen White

Dr. Alan Gregory and police investigator Sam Purdy are going through a possible mid-life crisis. A neighbor's sudden death has added a newly adopted son to Alan's life and his wife, Lauren and young daughter, Grace, are off to Amsterdam to look up Lauren's out-of-wedlock daughter born many years ago. As if this isn't enough, Alan's ex-wife Merideth has contacted him to hire Sam to locate her "baby", presently in the womb of the surrogate mother Lisa who has disappeared. Lots of stuff going on in this one, pheromones bouncing around all over the place. Interesting reading about the Grand Canyon. A pretty good read. Sandy P

Shadow of Power by Steve Martini

Paul Madriani and partner Harry Hinds are defending a young man being charged with the murder of Terry Scarborough, a legal scholar and provocateur who craves headline-making celebrity. I found this book pretty boring until about the 20th chapter when things livened up a bit. Martini closes explaining the historical background for the topic of this book, which in itself is very interesting regarding the issue of slavery. History buffs might like this. Sandy P

The Dead Room by Heather Graham

Heroine Leslie MacIntyre is an archaeologist with the ability to see and talk to ghosts. A year ago she was at an event when a gas line exploded killing her fiance, Mark Connolly and three others, and injuring Leslie while also enhancing her supernatural ability. Over the past two to three months, several prostitutes have gone missing as well as social worker Genevieve O'Brien, related to socially prominent Eileen Brideswell, who was trying to help the prostitutes get off the street and into a safe, secure life. Private Investigator Joe Connolly has been hired to find Genevieve. If you like ghost stories this is probably pretty good, but I couldn't get caught up in the story line. Sandy P

agnes and the hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

Food-writer "Cranky" Agnes Crandall is looking forward to the weekend. With the coming wedding of Maria (Frankie "Two Hands" Fortunato's daughter) and preppie golf course designer Palmer, which Agnes and her chef fiance Taylor are catering, their problems are multiplying. Taylor is not acting much like a boyfriend, let alone a fiance and if the wedding doesn't come off, Agnes loses the house. Enter a couple of hit men, Shane and Carpenter, some extended mob characters, Two-, Three-, and Four-Wheeler Thibault, uncle Joey and a house that needs a lot of attention, Agnes picks up her frying pan and goes to work. The author uses the "F" word way too much, but if you can get past that, this is a pretty funny story. Sandy P

What the Dead Know by Laura Lippman

A disoriented woman, involved in an auto accident, claims to be one of two sisters who disappeared several years ago, yet is reluctant to discuss what has happened to her. The police, a social worker, and an attorney work to solve the missing pieces of the puzzle. The angst of the parents, in an already rocky relationship, is revisited. The frustration of the police, unable to come up with any clues, is achingly real. Not an uplifting story but an ok read. Sandy P

Dead Ex by Harley Jane Kozak

If you have read Dating Dead Men, you will know that Wollie Shelley has a career as a serial dater, and in Hollywood that can mean many things, but in Wollie's instance, it is a real job. And it gets her tangled up in a murder that points to her best friend Joey as the suspect. Wollie's current squeeze is an FBI agent, currently on the job, and of course, can't talk about it, making her feel very insecure. Lots of twists and turns, an ok story. Sandy P

Vineyard Stalker by Philip R Craig

J W Jackson, left alone for a few days, investigates a complaint of vandalism and stalking of one Roland Cohen. Mr Cohen is considered somewhat of a recluse but JW finds that Roland does indeed have a lady friend who turns up dead. Well, who dun it? Sally Oliver, realtor and cousin of Roland's? Alfred Cabot, fiance of the dead woman whose mistress is Sally Oliver? Roland Cohen himself? Craig spins an interesting tale of murder and mystery. Sandy P

Miss Julia's School of Beauty by Ann B Ross

Miss Julia has gotten herself into a pickle. Sam convinces her to run off and elope and now they aren't sure the preacher was certified to marry them. Hazel Marie drags her into helping with a beauty contest for the sheriff's department's canine unit. You can imagine the hi jinks and consternation. Really cute read. Sandy P

Odd Hours by Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas is meandering around in California, fighting evil and darkness with his dog Boo. Too much meandering for me. Koontz needs to move on. Sandy P

Chasing Darkness by Robert Crais

New! Elvis Cole and his partner Joe Pike are drawn into an old investigation when a suicide is discovered while firefighters and police are evacuating homeowners in the path of a forest fire. Evidence seems to say that Lionel Byrd was indeed guilty of the murder that Elvis cleared him of and Elvis can't help but wonder if he cost two more young women their lives. Exciting, with twists and turns that leave the reader wondering who the real murderer is. Couldn't put this one down. Sandy P

MIss Julia Hits the Road by Ann B Ross

This book is a hoot! After finding out that her dear friend Lillian is going to lose her home along with some others, Julia decides she is going to raise the money to buy the property and does she ever. Prim, proper and very straight, Julia has to give herself permission to do some things she wouldn't ordinarily do. Laugh out loud! A must read. Sandy P

Many a River by Elmer Kelton

Western in the best tradition. Written with authority, Kelton spins a tale of a young family headed west, the parents killed by Indians, and the two young boys separated, each thinking the other had been killed. I found this very interesting and believable. Sandy P

Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B Ross

Feisty Julia Springer has some pretty set ideas and isn't bashful about expressing them. When Little Lloyd's mother doesn't return home after a date with Wilson T Hodge, fund raiser for the local Presbyterian Church, Julia doesn't waste any time trying to find her. Local authorities are familiar with Julia's actions and don't always look favorably on them. This is an amusing little mystery that keeps one entertained. Looking forward to reading the rest of her books. Sandy P

The Random Passage by Jacques Lamarche

George Mills is trying to rebuild his life after losing his wife and his job. He is taking a cross country trip by jeep and thinking, thinking, thinking. He is experiencing life as a single man again and is not sure that he likes it at all. Lamarche makes me think this is an autobiographical novel to a certain degree, visiting the past and digging up old memories. Not too bad for a first novel. I hate spell check though.. need I say more? Sandy P

Crosshairs by Harry Hunsicker

Third in a series, Lee Henry Oswald just wants to be left alone, to live a normal life away from assorted creeps and lowlifes, which all go with his former life as a private investigator. Alas, Lee is too stubborn to fit into the square holes of "normal" life and gets fired from his job as a barkeep. Enter medical researcher Anita Nazari who begs Lee to find the person threatening her daughter's life and softy Lee takes on yet another job investigating and protecting leading to being drawn into a mysterious complex murder. The two previous novels I have yet to read, but am looking forward to it. Hunsicker writes a witty, gritty tale. Sandy P

Sucker Bet by James Swain

An Elmore Leonard-like mystery. Very good. Hardened ex-cop, Tony Valentine, likes to catch those who cheat the casinos and is good at it. Casino bosses keep him so busy he may have to give up his second job as a wrestler. His neighbor, Mable, acts as his secretary and second in command and really doesn't like his 20 some years younger girl friend, a lady wrestler. Tony gets involved in a really big scam with some pretty shady characters and is wondering if his luck is going to run out. Not available in Villisca library, but worth ordering from another. Sandy P

The Woods by Harlan Coben

Widower Paul Copeland, county prosecutor of Essex, New Jersey, is raising his six-year-old daughter with the help of his wife's sister and husband. His mother abandoned him as a youngster, his father recently deceased, and he still mourns the loss of his sister twenty years ago when two teenagers were found murdered at a summer camp and his sister and another youth were missing, presumed dead. Cope feels his life is moving ahead, until a homicide victim is found with evidence linking him to the past murders. Secrets are exposed and threatened to be exposed. I found this an exciting read, not knowing the out come until just a few chapters from the end. Sandy P

The Final Detail by Harlan Coben

Sports agent Myron Bolitar is experiencing the perfect vacation when on the horizon a yacht appears and his friend Win brings him back to reality with the news that his friend and partner Esperanza is in trouble. In New York, he finds that Esperanza is accused of murdering one of their clients. Determined to clear her of the charges, Myron is caught up in a twisted, tangled web of white lies, deception that began twelve years ago and now threatens to harm them all. A really great read. Could hardly put it down. Sandy P (not in the library here, but we can order it for you...)

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum fans will get a kick out of this one. Everybody seems to be related to everybody in the burg and when Dom Rizzi is released from prison (bank robbery) bad things begin to happen; a body here and a body there; Stephanie and Joe Morelli (the hunk) get to babysit "Zook" while his mother meets bond; and Lulu wants Tank to walk down the aisle. This is just part of the mayhem. If you are ready, Evanovich has added more chaos and racy talk to yet another winner. Sandy P

Beautiful Lies by Lisa Unger

Published in 2006, Unger writes a sad, compelling tale of Ridley Jones, who discovers that her safe, insulated life is anything but. When she dashes in front of a truck to rescue a toddler, the publicity results in unwanted attention. Then she receives a note enclosed with a faded newspaper article that suggests she is not who she thinks she is. I had read this before, but when I picked it up again, I couldn't recall what it was about. An intense read, written in the first person. Certainly not boring. Sandy P

There Will Be No Second Chance by Harlan Coben

Dr Marc Seidman is standing over the sink eating a granola bar for breakfast. Twelve days later he then awakens to find himself in ICU, hooked up to an IV and his head swathed in bandages; his wife dead, his six month old daughter, Tara, missing. Marc suffers the angst of not knowing the why or the where when the FBI and local police can find no leads. Then a ransom note is received, and Marc has hope. This is a suspense thriller in the best vein, a good read. Sandy P

The Stone Monkey by Jeffery Deaver

Published in 2002, this Lincoln Rhyme mystery is probably one of his best, in my opinion. Lincoln and his protegee, Amelia Sachs have been recruited by the FBI to capture "the Ghost" - a homicidal immigrant smuggler. A boatload of refugees from eastern China have traveled half-way around the world to America, the Beautiful Country, hoping for amnesty, hoping to live in freedom. With the Coast Guard closing in directed by Lincoln, a raging storm, and the Ghost with his own agenda, the boat is blown up, with some survivors escaping. What follows is a glimpse into the Chinese culture(s), excellent crime scene investigations, and a fast paced thriller. I really liked it. Sandy P

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin

Private detective Dana Cutler is hired by an attorney with powerful political connections to follow a college student named Charlotte Walsh, to report on who she sees and where she goes. At the same time across the country, Brad Miller, a junior associate in a huge law firm is given a pro bono appeal of a convicted serial killer, Clarence Little. Little admits to some of the murders, but claims innocence of one that will bring Dana and Brad together on a search for a murderer that appears to be a member of the White House. They need to stay alive to do it. A fairly good read, seems like it could happen. Sandy P

The Senator and the Priest by Andrew M Greeley

Tommy Moran is the man we would all like to see run for office - any office. Irish Catholic from west Chicago, he vows to never attack his opponent, that he won't ask for political contributions and he will do the best he can. He is fully supported by his wife and three red-headed daughters as well as close friends and his family with the exception of his brother, Father Tony Moran.

This is a very uplifting story of politics in today's world, where temptations abound and enemies lurk. Tommy is hurt the most by his brother, Father Tony, who criticizes him and his family to their faces and to the media. I really liked this novel of political intrigue. Sandy P

Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline

Scottoline's readers welcome back heroine Mary DiNunzio in a story of friendship, threats of murder and murder, and Mary takes a giant step forward as she trusts her own instincts risking her beloved job with Rosato & Associates. Mary's high school rival, Trish Gambone, asks for help with her abusive and violent live-in. Trish is afraid to follow through on Mary's suggestions because of Bobby's connection with the mob, but she is equally afraid of Bobby's physical violence and his threats to kill her. This is a great read. Liked it a lot. Sandy P

Nothing to Lose by Lee Child

Number twelve in a series, Jack Reacher finds trouble while walking, hitch-hiking diagonally across the United States. Never one to cause trouble, Jack doesn't take kindly to being told he can't do something. Wanting a cup of coffee in Despair, Colorado, Jack gets four hostile locals, a vagrancy charge, and an order to move on. Jack Reacher wants to know why. Lee Child has yet another great Jack Reacher adventure. Sandy P

Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris

Betsy Devonshire, full-time owner of Crewel World needlework shop and part-time sleuth, has to create a group effort to solve the latest puzzle when Bob Germaine is found murdered and a twenty-four thousand dollar check is missing, and Betsy has a broken leg. This is a delightful little piece of fluff, murder not withstanding. Not too bad. Sandy P

Walking After Midnight by Karen Robards

Of all of Robards' books, I think I like this one the best, so far. Her heroine, Summer McAfee, has her own cleaning business and the story begins with her cleaning the floor of the men's room at the town's funeral home at 2 AM when she hears noises. She quickly finishes up and upon closing up, turning out the lights, she discovers an extra body in the embalming room. Freak out! I don't want to tell you any more as I chuckled and sympathized with Summer through several chapters and I don't want to spoil it for you. There is murder and mystery as well as humor. I enjoyed this book greatly. Sandy P

Ghost Moon by Karen Robards

Olivia Morrison returns to her childhood home with her daughter, eight-year-old Sara and begins experiencing nightmares of her mother who had drowned in a lake when Olivia was six. Not only that, but the step-family (Olivia's mother had re-married) are not all pleased to have her return. In between chapters, someone is stealing little girls to have them never seen again. The reader is left to wonder who this dangerous person is and why is he doing this. Will Olivia and her step-family be able to heal old wounds? Robards writes a chilling mystery of mother love and compassion. A good read. Sandy P

Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart

Former police detective Mallory Russo is hired as a private investigator when two young people are killed in a city park and their two friends are missing. Mallory, working on a book since resigning her job with the city due to a smear campaign, finds publication doesn't look too promising, and she is anxious to get back into detective work. Her replacement in the Conroy police department, Charlie Wanamaker, is encouraged by police chief Joe Drabyak to assist her as the city has been short-handed due to a random sniper terrorizing the city. Charlie has his own baggage to deal with, nevertheless, he and Mallory click, discovering details that lead to an old, unsolved murder. Plenty of suspense and action. A really good read. Sandy P

Ride a Painted Pony by Kathleen Eagle

Lauren Davis, ex-jockey, mother to little Joey, and a life with dangerous Raymond Vargas finds herself brutally thrown from a car in another state in the rain. Her life threatened, her son stolen, she accepts a ride with Nick Red Shield who is on his way to pick up his dream stallion, a black and white Indian paint. This is a fast-paced, enthralling story whose author gets kudos for presenting a realistic and believable novel. I really liked it. Sandy P

Hunter's Moon by Karen Robards

Attractive Molly Ballard is the sole support of her younger brothers and sisters, struggling to make ends meet by grooming at a Kentucky stable. FBI agent Will Lyman, investigating a racehorse-fixing scheme, catches her stealing cash from the stable and realizes that Molly can help him catch the culprits he seeks. Molly feels she is trapped, but will do as Will asks in order to protect herself and her siblings. Sparks fly, as independent Molly struggles to maintain her dignity and independence in a "no-win" situation, with Will "pretending" to be her boyfriend in order to explain his presence in the area. This is a cohesive narrative that lives up to its promise of mystery, murder and romance. A good read. Sandy P

Secrets by Jude Deveraux

Cassandra Madden has a near drowning experience at age twelve and is saved by Jefferson Ames, a man at one of her mother's many meetings. Cassie grows up, goes to college and meets a man she plans to marry, even though she yearns for Jeff. In a decisive moment, she breaks the engagement and moves to Williamsburg, Virginia, where the now-widowed Jeff lives with his young daughter. Cassie becomes the child's nanny and general housekeeper, and dreams of becoming wife and mother to Jeff and his daughter. She begins to learn that those around her have many secrets and as she begins to unravel them, she fears that a life with Jeff is not to be. This is a simple love story with lots of twists and turns. Not too bad, but didn't excite me. Sandy P

Heart Breaker by Karen Robards

City bred Lynn Nelson, divorced, single mom, and her daughter Rory are on a wilderness trip in Utah. It's just the first day and she has two more weeks to go. Needless to say, roughing it is not the fun she has anticipated. Even the attention of Jess Feldman, hunky guide, is met with disdain. Meanwhile, murder and mayhem is occurring not too far from the trail and a series of misadventures has Lynn, Rory and Jess on their own, trekking through the scene, looking for help. Quite an adventure read, but entertaining. Sandy P

Superstition by Karen Robards

Nicole Sullivan, investigative reporter for television series Twenty-four Hour Investigates, decides to do a series on a cold case in her home town, Pawleys Island, South Carolina. Her mother, Leonora is a psychic and is going to help with the seance at the Taylor house where the murders of three young girls happened. Things go terribly wrong during the live segment when a young woman is murdered. Police Chief Joe Franconi is pressured by the Mayor who wants the television crew out of town and to let the old murder mystery alone. Karen Robards inserts some humor in this story by including some paranormal incidents and a wacky family for Nicole. I really liked this mystery. Sandy P

Obsession by Karen Robards

Katharine Lawrence survives a horrific attempt on her life, only to feel like a stranger in her own home. She's twenty-nine, the special assistant to the head of the CIA, and she can trust no one. Her neighbor, Dr Dan Howard, appears to be the only person she can trust, yet she feels that everything is a big lie, yet not and is disoriented and fearful. Robards spins a tale of suspense and terror that keeps you reading, turning each page to discover what happens next. Again, a good read. Sandy P

The Empty Chair by Jeffery Deaver

Published in 2000, still a great read. Criminalist Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs are caught up in a crisis situation when Lincoln and Amelia arrive at the University of North Carolina Medical Center for some high-risk experimental surgery. In a 24 hour period, the sleepy town of Tanner's Corner has seen a local teen murdered and two young women abducted. The prime suspect, a strange teenage truant known at the Insect Boy, so nicknamed because of his obsession with insects. County Sheriff Jim Bell enlists Lincoln to help in the search for the women. Forensic mystery readers will love this one. I had read it before but couldn't remember the outcome. Was worth the re-read. Sandy P

Guilty by Karen Robards

Kate White, a single mom and a prosecutor in the Philadelphia DA's office, is devastated when a nightmare of thirteen years ago is renewed. Kate is in a bind. If the truth about her past is revealed, her future with her 9 year old son will be threatened. Kate turns to police detective Tom Braga for help, but he can't help her if she doesn't tell him the truth. And she is afraid to tell him. This suspense thriller is great reading. I recommend it and want to read some of Robards past books. Sandy P

The Front by Patricia Cornwell

This story was quite disappointing for all the fanfare given it. Massachusetts state investigator Win Garano and DA Monique Lamont are thrown together in an investigation of a murder committed in 1962. Doesn't compare to the Kay Scarpetta novels. Sandy P

Santa Fe Dead by Stuart Woods

Santa Fe trial lawyer, Ed Eagle finds the tables turned when he testifies as a witness for the prosecution in the trial of his ex-wife, Barbara Eagle, who has been a very, very bad girl. I was disappointed in this action novel, seemed very contrived. Sandy P

Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein

District Attorney Alex Cooper of New York City is sweating it out in August heat, prosecuting a rapist who was imprisoned 36 years ago. The victim is willing to undergo the stress and fear of facing her attacker to prove through DNA that he is indeed the rapist. Hold on, a body is discovered, a young woman brutally murdered and then a second body, beaten and disposed of in the same manner. Does the city have a serial killer on the loose? Then a third body is found and Alex pushes forward, realizing time is not on their side. This is a well written mystery with a bit of early American history thrown in. Well worth the read. Sandy P

Light from Heaven by Jan Karon

Father Timothy Kavanaugh and wife Cynthia are farm sitting about fifteen miles out from Mitford. Dooley and Lace are off to school. Father Tim is restless, wanting something to do with his time, after all Cynthia had her work! All of a sudden, he finds himself busier than ever. Tim is charged with the revival of Holy Trinity, a closed mountain church; Sammy Barlowe, Dooley's brother is on the scene ; Louella sends Tim on a wild goose chase, looking for Sadie's long-hidden cash. Most importantly, Father Tim reaches out to the flock on the mountain, drawing them closer to the church and each other. A fine story of faith and blessings. I recommend the whole series of books. Sandy P

Hostage by Robert Crais

Chief of Police Jeff Talley, a stressed-out former LAPD SWAT negotiator, is forced to face reality when an ex-con, his brother and a psychopath rob a mini-market, kill the attendant and take Walter Smith and his two children hostage. The hostages are not who they seem, the home contains secrets about a lethal and volatile crime lord, Sonny Benza.

Talley tries to hold himself together and save the hostages inside, putting himself and his own family at risk. This was a real page turner. Couldn't put it down. Robert Crais is a master of thrills and suspense. He doesn't disappoint. Sandy P

In This Mountain by Jan Karon

The seventh book in the Mitford series, Father Timothy Kavanaugh and wife Cynthia deal with the intricacies of retirement, his, not hers, and the Man in the Attic returns to Mitford. Dooley is still looking for a couple of brothers that he has lost touch with and his estrangement with Lace seems ongoing. This series of stories hits the spot, seeming to tell the readers things they need to know to get along in life and keeps one in touch with close friends and neighbors. Jan Karon does a great job. Sandy P

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles

Heroine Adair Colley is thrust into the midst of the War Between the States in southern Missouri when the Union Militia arrive, set the house on fire and brutally attack and carry off her father, and avowed neutralist. Her mother being dead, Adair collects her younger siblings and start out on foot into the winter mountains in search of a safe haven. Author Jiles begins each chapter with historical excerpts relating information recorded at that time. I think this sets her story off quite well, and though I feel this is a sad story, it is very well written and quite believable. I would recommend this as historical fiction. Sandy P

A Common Life by Jan Karon

Flash back to Father Timothy Kavanaugh's proposal to Cynthia Coppersmith. We are given a closer look at the parish as they move forward to the wedding of Tim and Cynthia and the changes it will bring to the lives of everyone. A sweet story. Sandy P

VooDoo River by Robert Crais

LA private investigator Elvis Cole is hired by popular TV star Jodie Taylor to find out about her biological parents. He goes to Louisiana to team up with lawyer Lucille Chenier and uncovers secrets and murder. Great read. I really like this author. Sandy P

A New Song by Jan Karon

Father Timothy Kavanaugh has been assigned as an interim priest at a small parish off the Atlantic coast in Whitecap. Regretting leaving Mitford, but looking forward to the new adventure, Tim and Cynthia take off in his gift from her, a red mustang convertible with the dog Barnabas and cat Violet. An auspicious beginning, the bridge is out, it has been pouring rain and the ferry doesn't want to take one more trip to the island. This, the fifth in a series, characterizes the life of an interim pastor, the politics, the agony and ecstasy of forming new friendships. The characters are just as real and endearing as the townspeople of Mitford. I like Jan Karon's easy style and comforting words. Sandy P

The Two Minute Rule by Robert Crais

Ex-con Max Holman is released from prison for bank robbery only to find out his son, a policeman, has been murdered and the boy's mother has died. When he can't get any answers, he turns to FBI agent (retired) Katherine Pollard, an arresting officer in his last robbery, for help. The reader has compassion for Max, trying so hard to turn over a new leaf and being stone walled from every angle. I thought this was a great read. Loved it. Would like to see a sequel. Sandy P

Out to Canaan by Jan Karon

Father Tim and his wife Cynthia are pondering the uncertainties of retirement. They are also trying to find the siblings of Dooley Barlowe and discover his mother, victim of burns in a hospital bed. Things are happening in Mitford, a mayoral race, rumors of property selling, a new book for Cynthia, all the elements for change are in the mix. Dooley wants to learn to drive; well he already has been behind the wheel, he just wants Father Tim to let him drive the Buick. They have house guests in the basement and in the guest room. Another good read. Sandy P

These High Green Hills by Jan Karon

Third of the Mitford Years series, Father Timothy Kavanaugh and his new wife Cynthia are keeping house(s) and doing the Lord's work. Dooley Barlowe is growing and off to school. Miss Sadie has a set back and Tim and Cynthia go camping with a youth group. Father Tim faces a lot of fears in this volume - giving us lots of wisdom and teaches us to cherish those we love and those we don't love. A really good series. Looking forward to book four. Sandy P

Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline

This is the first time that I've read Lisa Scottoline. I thought it was a good read. The story is about Mary Dinunzio who is an attorney at Rosato & Associates. Her clients are mostly from her home neighborhood in South Philly. Trish Gambone, her high school rival, comes in for her help. She is terrified of her live-in boyfriend, who was tutored by Mary while they were in high school. The boyfriend is part of the mob now. Then Trish vanishes, a dead body turns up in an alley, and Mary is plunged into a nightmare, one that threaten her job, her family, and even her life. The story will keep you reading. I will read more of her books. Pat M

Demolition Angel by Robert Crais

Carol Starkey struggles to pick up the pieces of her former life as a bomb squad technician. When a bomb call turns into a murder scene, Carol is in charge of the case and deals with her inner demons while trying to function on a "normal" level on her job. Robert Crais is a great author. He has written for "L A Law" and "Hill Street Blues" as well as other books. I really like his work. I had to borrow this book from another library, but our library is happy to borrow the book for you to read also. Sandy P

Always Say Goodbye by Stuart M Kaminsky

Lew Fonesca has to go back to Chicago to try to find his wife's killer, or was she murdered? After four years of working as a process server, finding out he has a gift for helping people and a determined therapist, Lew needs to "get a life." Guilt and depression are factors tormenting Lew, and being with family again brings pain to the front. Nevertheless, a murderer is determined to keep some secrets hidden. I like this series with Lew Fonesca and the characters that revolve around him. They seem like real people to me. I had to have the library borrow this book from another library, but it is worth the effort. Sandy P

Quicksand by Iris Johansen

Eve Duncan, forensic sculptor, is taunted by a madman who claims he is responsible for the kidnapping and murder of her little girl, Bonnie, several years ago. She has been searching for Bonnie's remains to put her to rest, and will do anything to find them. Former Navy SEAL Joe Quinn, an Atlanta police detective, will do whatever it takes to bring Eve peace.

A good story plot, way too much angst, some good human interest angles, and the insertion of paranormal events is interesting. A so-so read. Sandy P

Survival of the Fittest by Jonathan Kellerman

Psychologist Alex Delaware and police detective Milo Sturgis are hunting for a killer or killers who appear to choose the young and handicapped as their target. One of the victims is the daughter of a diplomat who denies the possibility of a political motive. There are no signs of a struggle and no evidence of sexual assault and Alex and Milo wonder why.

Working with Daniel Sharavi, an Israeli police inspector, Alex and Milo soon find themselves tangled in a dark and evil case. For me, some of the detail is disturbing, but I feel that Kellerman is making his point and his plot seems very real. It is hard to say I liked this, but I did, although it didn't make me feel very good. Sandy P

The Dead Don't Lie by Stuart M Kaminsky

Kaminsky writes a series about a Jewish policeman by the name of Abraham Lieberman. He and his wife are active in the synagogue and are raising their two grandchildren. Life isn't easy for Abraham. He suffers from insomnia. He is diabetic and has high cholesterol. His partner Bill Hanrahan is a recovering alcoholic. In the city they have alliances of a sort with, some might say disreputable, unsavory characters. In this book, Lieberman and Hanrahan are faced with the slaying of four Turkish Americans. I really like this author. I had to ask the library to get the book from another library. It was worth it. Sandy P

Rage by Jonathan Kellerman

Psychologist Alex Delaware and LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis revisit an eight-year-old murder of a two-year-old by a couple of teenagers when slow-witted Rand contacts Alex and wants to talk to him. The meeting never takes place as Rand is murdered. As Delaware and Sturgis retrace their steps through a grisly murder case that devastated a community, they discover madness, suicide, and even uglier truths waiting to be unearthed. I think I had read this one before, but wasn't sure until I got to the place that made it all come back. A really good read. Sandy P

The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern by Lilian Jackson Braun

Published in 1967, Jim Qwilleran and his Siamese KoKo, out think the local constable in solving a robbery and a murder here and there. If you are a fan, this series continues to entertain no matter how long ago they were written. I had read most of the later books, but liked this one as well or maybe better. A good read. Sandy P

Sunset Express by Robert Crais

Private Investigator Elvis Cole and partner Joe Pike are hired by accused murderer Theodore Martin's attorney Jonathan Green, to prove that Martin was "set up" by police detective Rossi. Elvis is distracted by his personal love life, but he eventually smells a rat in the woodpile and begins to question the direction Green is taking. I like this kind of mystery and Crais does not disappoint. The library had to get it on loan from another, but is worth requesting. Sandy P

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

Tia and Mike Baye spy on their 16-year-old son, Adam, when he becomes distant and uncommunicative after a friend of his commits suicide. This is a story of what happens in a world of TV's, iPods, Blackberrys, GPS and emails, and how technology is used to "spy" on people or manipulate them. I didn't feel a bit good about this book. Made me feel paranoid about the harmful potential of all the things our kids, and adults, have access to and what it says about our trust in one another. Don't read this if you are looking for a happy ending. Sandy P

Killer Smile by Lisa Scottoline

Lawyer Mary DiNunzio is immersed in a case everyone calls the History Channel, a pro bono representation of Amadeo Brandolini estate. Brandolini was arrested by the FBI as part of a mass internment of Italian-Americans sent to a camp in Montana, where he evenutally committed suicide. Mary vows to vindicate Amadeo even though it won't be easy. She has very few clues yet someone doesn't want her to find the truth. I had read this before, but still a very good read. Scottoline writes from personal experience and gives the reader a view of World War II that a lot of people don't realize. I like this one. Sandy P

Hour Game by David Baldacci

Ex-Secret Service agents, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are hired to defend an innocent man in a burglary involving an aristocratic, dysfunctional family. Then a murdered woman is found in the woods. Someone is copying the killing styles of infamous murderers leaving all kinds of clues to confuse and direct the investigators. Never have I read a book with so many murders and murderers involved. Almost confusing. An interesting story though. Sandy P

Beverly Hills Dead by Stuart Woods

Rick Barron, head of production of Centurion Studios, takes the reader back to the 1940s when an individuals association with Communism was becoming a witch hunt. Murder, political intrigue and the shallowness of Hollywood lives are all visited. I didn't care much for this book. Sandy P

The Moscow Vector series created by Robert Ludlum written yb Patrick Larkin

Lt Col Jon Smith, an Army research doctor specializing in infectious diseases and secretly an agent attached to Covert-One, is contacted by Russian colleague, Dr Valentin Petrenko. Petrenko, concerned about government secrecy regarding 4 deaths and possibly others, wants the outside world to know what is happening. Petrenko is murdered and Smith, narrowly missing getting killed, is assigned to investigate the situation. At the same time, government officials around the world are dying from a mysterious infection and Russian President Viktor Dudarev is increasing military forces. A good read if somewhat technical. I enjoyed it. Sandy P

Judge & Jury by James Patterson & Andrew Gross

Fans of James Patterson will like this one. Published in 2006, I'm just now getting around to reading this thriller. Heroine Andie DeGrasse, a juror in a trial for a Mafia don known as the Electrician, and FBI agent Nick Pellisante are thrown together in a story of murder and mayhem with a little romance thrown in. A pretty good read. Sandy P

Darkfall by Dean Koontz

This book was previously written as "The Pit" under Dean Koontz's pen name Owen West. Jack Dawson, police detective, and his two children are caught up in a supernatural crime spree when Baba Lavelle, a voodoo priest from Haiti, takes his revenge out on the mob. I liked it. If the library doesn't have this on hand, someone can get it for you from another library. Sandy P

Firetrap by Earl Emerson

Firetrap is about Captain Trey Brown, a black man in a Seattle fire department where the color of his skin keeps him largely on the outside looking in. As a child, Trey was adopted by a wealthy white family. Because of somthing that happens one summer, Trey is exiled from the family. After a fire at the Z Club, Trey and Jamie Estevez, a beautiful, ambitious reporter are assigned to a task force to investigate the fire. This forces Trey to be in contact with his former family, a brother who is now mayor of Seattle. Suddenly, two mysteries--one of passion and family, the other of fire and murder--are unraveling around Trey. I enjoyed this book. It took a little getting used to. It's written in first person, but from different people. You have to read at the beginning of each chapter who that person is. Once you get used to doing that, it's interesting to read what each character says about what's going on around them. I would recommend this book. I have read some of his other books and enjoyed them. PatM

As the Crow Flies by Jeffrey Archer

This is a rags to riches story about Charlie Trumper and his progress from the slums of London to Chelsea Terrace, where he establishes The Biggest Barrow in the World. The story is presented from the different perspectives of the main characters involved, their motives, ideas, and feelings coloring and providing the interaction between them. A good story, would make a good discussion group topic. Sandy P

The Forgotten Man by Robert Crais

Crais brings together his signature characters, private investigator Elvis Cole and his partner, Joe Pike in an emotional search for the murderer of the man who, according to a policewoman on the scene, in his last breath, claimed Elvis was his son. LAPD detective Carol Starkey helps with Elvis' investigation, unearthing dark and dangerous secrets. Robert Crais writes a tense thriller/mystery that is hard to put down. I really liked it. Sandy P

The Afghan by Frederick Forsythe

Advertised as a chilling story of modern terrorism, I found this book incredibly boring. I'm sure all the technical and factual information is absolutely correct, but it is not my cup of tea. Maybe the next one will be better. Sandy P

High Profile by Robert B Parker

Jesse Stone, small town chief of police, is at the center of a highly public murder case. Walton Weeks is discovered hanging from a tree. Then another body is found less than a week later. The public (read news reporters) is clamoring for results. Talk about stress at work! Then Jesse's ex-wife, Jenn, arrives at his apartment claiming she is being stalked and needs him to keep her safe. Jesse's understanding (?) lady friend and private eye, Sunny Randall agrees to help him keep Jenn safe and to find out who the stalker is. Jesse and his friend and co-worker Suit keep things on the light side and this is entirely an enjoyable read. I liked it. Sandy P

The Saddlemaker's Wife by Earlene Fowler

Ruby McGavin has lost her husband, Cole, of six months. After his death, she finds that there was a lot about him that she didn't know and didn't understand. Her own family history haunting her, she is shocked to learn that the family he told her had been killed in an auto accident is very much alive and that she was part owner of a ranch near Cardinal, California. Off she goes, wanting to settle things and get on with her life, but finds instead that there are some surprising family secrets that make her wonder if she ever really knew Cole. Determined to find some answers, Ruby finds that she might have a new family after all. A really pleasant read. Makes me want to know the rest of the story. Sandy P

Bleeding Kansas by Sara Paretsky

This book is not Paretsky's usual fare. The main characters, Jim Grellier's family and their neighbors, deal with fanatical religious zealots, lesbianism, substance abuse, prejudice, mental illness, and life on the farm. Susan Grellier, Jim's wife, lives in the families past through diaries she has come across in the attic. In my opinion, I think she is bi-polar though it is never mentioned. Mix in the frustrated husband, the rebellious son, Chip, and over-achiever Lara, and you get "duck soup." I didn't care for this new style of Paretsky. Sandy P

Turning Angel by Greg Iles

Penn Cage of Natchez, Mississippi, former lawyer now a writer, is hired by his close friend Dr Drew Elliott when Dr Elliott's teenage lover is found murdered near the Mississippi River. A senior at St. Stephen's Prep, Kate Townsend appeared to have the world on a string. But like her school and her town, Kate had a secret life - one about which Dr Elliott knew little. Enter Shad Johnson, a black district attorney whose dream it is to send a rich white man to prison. A work of fiction filled with sex, violence, and racism, Turning Angel keeps the reader enthralled with suspense to the very end. A very good mystery thriller. Sandy P

How The Light Gets In by M. J. Hyland

Exchange student Louise "Lou" Connor, product of an impoverished dysfunctional family from Austrailia, is greeted by her upper middle-class American host family, the Hardings, each of whom have expectations that are difficult to meet. Needless to say, there is a lot of tension between the family members and Lou, as they try to satisfy their needs. I thought this was one screwy book. Not too crazy about it. Sandy P

"T" Is For Trespass by Sue Grafton

Wow. Sue Grafton has Kinsey Millhone dealing with some pretty deep issues. Sociopath Solana Rojas is hired to care for ailing neighbor Gus. Kinsey and landlord and friend Henry Pitts become concerned that all is not right in Gus's world. Will Kinsey discover what is happening before it is too late? Also stirred in the mix is her hunt for an accident witness who doesn't want to be found. What is he afraid of? This is a very disturbing tale of what goes on underneath the ordinary sameness of everyday living. At one point, I exclaim "Oh my gosh!" at the turn of events and I think you will, too. Sandy P

Master Sniper by Stephen Hunter

Stephen Hunter visits World War II with a tale of American OSS agent Jim Leets and German master sniper Repp and the invention of infrared vision. This is not a pretty story, but one that details the fears and horrors of war and the choices men make for personal and patriotic reasons. I can't say that I liked this book, but I am glad I read it. If you are a war buff, you will probably like this. Sandy P

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter

Published in 1998, Time to Hunt is still relevant. Master sniper Bob Lee Swagger (the Nailer) must face his deadliest foe from Vietnam - and his own demons - to save his wife and daughter. Events that colored the nation's history in Washington during this era, a peace march and a young Marines ideals, combine to touch Swagger and his family just when he thought he had it all behind him. Bob's wife, Julie, has a difficult time dealing with the "black dogs" that torment him, the secrets he seems to contain, and the danger she feels she and Nikki, their daughter, could be in. Even though Stephen Hunter has taken liberties with the facts, this story is quite believable and makes a lot of good points. Worth reading if you like mystery based on some fact. I liked it. Sandy P

Now & Then by Robert B Parker

Boston PI Spenser is hired by Dennis Doherty to find out if his wife is being unfaithful, but he doesn't really want to give Spenser any information. Spenser agrees to the job, does the investigating, catches the wife, reports back to Doherty, job done right? Wrong. Next thing Spenser knows, all hell breaks loose and 3 people are dead. And his beloved Susan Silverman is in danger. Parker's writing is like a movie unfolding in your mind. I really like this style and the characters in his plots. Great story. Sandy P

Third Degree by Gred Iles

Laurel Shields, mother of two and a special education teacher, has been having an affair with Danny McDavitt, father of one of her students. They recently broke off their relationship and now Laurel is pregnant, but doesn't know if Danny or her husband, Warren, is the father. Two weeks earlier, Dr Shields and his partner Dr Kyle Auster had been notified by the IRS that their medical practice was being audited; since then the stress on Warren has steadily ratcheted up. The story begins when Laurel awakens and hears thumping noises downstairs. Upon checking, she sees Warren in the study, wildly pulling books from the shelves hunting for something. The tale escalates into a thrilling plunge into a world of sex, violence, marital betrayal, medical malpractice and intrigue. I have to admit, this novel was hard to put down. Iles is a master of suspense, twisting the plot this way and that. I liked it. Sandy P

Betrayal by John Lescroart

Dismas Hardy and Abe Glitsky reunite in a tale of the war in Iraq and how it affected two men. National Guard reservist Evan Scholler and ex-Navy SEAL Ron Nolan are thrown together in the chaos of the conflict in Iraq. Dismas is asked to take over the caseload of recently disappeared attorney Charlie Bowen and he thinks it will be easy. Well, nothing is ever "easy." The events that happen half-way around the world with Evan and Ron add escalating consequences. I found this book extremely depressing. I like to think our government is better than it is I guess. Lescroart writes a very intense story of corruption that I hope is exaggerated. Sandy P

Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Hannah Swenson stars in a series of mysteries as the owner of The Cookie Jar, making cookies and other sweet treats. In Key Lime Pie Murder, Hannah is going to be on a panel to judge baked goods at the Tri-County Fair. We have several mysteries going on with Moishe, the cat, going on a hunger strike, someone steels the money from the carnival, and Willa Sunquist is murdered on the midway. Boyfriends, Mike and Norman are competing for Hannah's attention and heart and her mother and sisters chip in to stir things up. Some good recipes included and will have to try a couple. A fluff piece, but an OK read. Sandy P

"S" Is For Silence by Sue Grafton

Sue Grafton takes a new approach to telling the story of private investigator, Kinsey Millhone. Thirty-four years ago, Violet Sullivan takes her dog, gets in her new car and disappears leaving her seven-year-old daughter, Daisey and a drunken husband. Tannie, Daisey's friend, asks Kinsey to help Daisey find out what happened to her mother. Using flash-backs, Grafton weaves a story of young lives going awry, middle-age despair, and family grievances. This is not as upbeat as a lot of the alphabet stories, but intriguing just the same. I liked it. Sandy P

"R" Is For Ricochet by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone is hired to escort Reba Lafferty from prison, recently paroled, to her father's home. Nord Lafferty, an older father, has given his daughter everything and she has grown up wild and willful. Can Kinsey keep Reba out of trouble while she becomes acclimated to living in the real world? Is Cheney Phillips a re-newed love interest for Kinsey? Can William and Lewis Pitts, Henry Pitts brothers, mess up Henry's love life with Mattie? Is Reba so "in love with" Alan Beckwith, her former boss whom she embezzled $350,000 from, she will allow herself to violate parole and get sent back to prison? Kinsey takes a backseat to Reba in this story about a complex money-laundering scheme, love gone wrong and betrayed and avenged. A good story. SandyP

"Q" Is For Quarry by Sue Grafton

Lt. Con Dolan and retired police detective Stacey Oliphant, both with health problems, have been working a cold case and want Kinsey to help them. A young woman, Jane Doe, was found murdered 16 years prior in a gravel quarry and the assailant was never caught. Dolan, recovering from a heart attack and Oliphant, battling cancer, want to clear this case. Kinsey has some time and likes the old guys so she says sure, she'll help. If you have been reading this series of books, you will know that Kinsey has discovered some relatives that she isn't sure she is too happy about "getting to know better." We find out more about this in "Quarry" and Kinsey is at her best helping to solve this case. A good read. Sandy P

"P" Is For Peril by Sue Grafton

Dr. Dowan Purcell's ex-wife, Fiona, hires Kinsey to locate the missing man, gone for nine weeks now. Kinsey isn't sure she wants to take this job, but in the end curiosity wins. Kinsey is also looking for new office space and checks out a possible location not too far from her current office, resulting in a questionable association with two strange brothers. Her landlord, Henry Pitts, reads Kinsey the riot act for taking chances. Sue Grafton has another twisted tale of murder, mystery and intrigue for your pleasure. SPenton

"O" Is For Outlaw by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone receives a piece of her past when a storage unit scavenger calls with a box of items from her first marriage to Mickey Magruder. A 14 year old letter leads Kinsey to believe that Mickey was innocent of the incident that caused him to lose his job as a policeman as well as ending their marriage. Feeling regret, she tries to find Mickey only to learn that he is hospitalized, in a coma, from gunshot wounds. Grafton tells a tale of remorse, graft and corruption, leading the reader through another story of Kinsey Millhone, private investigator.

"N" Is For Noose by Sue Grafton

Kinsey, headed home from Carson City, Nevada, stops at Nota Lake, California to interview Tom Newquist's widow, Selma. Selma feels Tom, a detective in the sheriff's office, had a lot on his mind before he died suddenly and she just wants peace of mind. Kinsey agrees to look into things but doesn't feel she will find out much. Well, look out, 'cause things start happening when the citizens of this small town find out she is doing some investigating. Again, Sue Grafton has another great "who dun it?"

"M" Is For Malice by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone is hired to find a missing black sheep brother, no one has heard from him in 18 years. Within 3 days she has found him, and not everyone is happy about it. Robert Dietz, off and on "boy friend," arrives at Kinsey's door step and she isn't sure how she feels about that either. Mix in money, the Malek family, memories and murder and you get a twisted tale that leaves you guessing to the end "who dun it?" Great read.

"L" Is For Lawless by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone has had to be a "good" girl since having her office moved to her friend's law offices, but leave it to her to revert to kind when her neighbor Henry Pitts asks her to do a favor for him regarding a deceased neighbor. No murder here, no missing person, just some missing money, and the relatives are sure there is foul play involved. Grafton again rises to the occasion to keep the reader entranced. A good mystery.

"k" Is For Killer by Sue Grafton

Lorna Kepler's mother hires Kinsey Millhone to investigate the death of her daughter who, she is convinced, was murdered. Kinsey takes a different tack on this investigation, becoming frustrated when Danielle, her friend and informant is brutally beaten. She is given the opportunity to exact revenge. Will she do it? Read "k" to find out. Another good one. Sandy P

"J" Is For Judgment by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone is employed by the same company that booted her out of her office the previous fall. Wendell Jaffe, who disappeared five years ago, is thought to be still alive, and the insurance company has just awarded his widow (if she really was) $ 500,000.00 life insurance monies wants to know if Wendell is dead or alive. If you have been reading the Kinsey mysteries, you will remember that her parents were killed in an auto accident when she was five and raised by an aunt who is now deceased. Thinking she has no other family, she discovers the possibility there might be some relatives after all. Sue Grafton does a fine job of continuing the saga of Kinsey Millhone, private investigator, allowing the reader to sneak glimpses of life in southern California and encouraging us to be as nosy as Kinsey. A good read. I like this series very much. Sandy P

"I" Is For Innocent by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone agrees to take over another PI's investigation when he dies from a heart attack. Five years prior, David Barney was acquitted of his wife's murder and now he is being tried in a civil suit. He claims he is innocent. Is he? The former husband of Isabelle Barney and his wife live close by; what do they know? Isabelle's sister, Simone, lives in a small cottage on the Barney property. What is her secret? Time is running out and Kinsey has to come up with some answers. Oh what a tangled web we weave when we strive to deceive. A good read. Sandy P

"H" Is For Homicide by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone goes undercover. Kinsey is hired by California Fidelity to investigate a suspected insurance scam and is pulled into the life of Bibianna Diaz, running away from Raymond Maldonado, a spurned suitor and scam artist. The police know she is involved and have promised her assistance, but a planned "insurance policy" is aborted when Kinsey and Bibianna are released from jail early. Raymond is there to pick up Bibianna and Kinsey goes with them thinking (or not) that she needed to keep close to the investigation. Very different from the previous books, but I liked it. Sue Grafton is showing diversity in her story plots which is a plus. Sandy P

"G" Is For Gumshoe by Sue Grafton

Kinsey gets to move into her reconstructed apartment for one night, then she is off looking for Mrs. Clyde Gersh's mother in the Mohave desert. Of course, she hasn't heard from her since Christmas. And, there is a hit man with a contract for Kinsey's life. We know by now that nothing is ever simple for Kinsey who finally hires Robert Dietz as a body guard. For someone who likes being alone, this is not an easy task. Join Kinsey and Dietz as they try to solve the mysteries of who, what, where and why for a good read. I liked it. Sandy P

"F" Is For Fugitive by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone is hired to prove Bailey Fowler's innocence. The problem is, Bailey was incarcerated seventeen years ago for the murder of Jean Timberlake. He then escapes and has been at large, as an honorable, tax-paying citizen under an alias. Bailey is caught and his father, who is dying of cancer, wants to exonerate Bailey. Kinsey is thrown into a dysfunctional family in a small town with all the small town characters and tries to find out who really killed Jean Timberlake. This is more like the Kinsey I like. Eccentric, stubborn, and determined. A good read. Sandy P

thirteen moons by Charles Frazier

Well, at least I can say I have read this novel. Orphan Will Cooper tells his life story in the nineteenth century in the Cherokee Nation. Bound to an older man for seven years at twelve, he is given a horse, a key, and a map and sent to run an Indian trading post in what is known as the wilderness. If you have any empathy for the native American Indians, you will again experience the inhumanity of one people against another, and come away with regrets and guilt. Can't say I liked this book very much, but if you liked Cold Mountain, you will probably like this.

Dead in vineyard sand by Phillip R. Craig

This book about J. W. Jackson, a retired Boston cop who lives on Martha's Vineyard with his wife, Zee, and their two kids. A teenage girl has already drowned in an early-summer tragedy. J. W. is not part of a golf course battle but has a confrontation with Highsmith, who is against the golf course. While playing golf with three other golfers, they find the body of Highsmith buried in a sand trap. Meanwhile, Highsmith's wife was almost ran over, and later shot. The evidence is pointing to J. W. He must prove he's innocent. I liked the book. It was a clean read. When you find out who-done-it, it makes sense. I would recommend this book. PatM

"E" Is For Evidence by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone keeps getting herself in trouble, through no fault of her own. Someone deposits $ 5,000 into her checking account, she is set up for insurance fraud, her ex-husband turns up - definitely not good news, throw in a few murders, all of this and more over the holidays. Kinsey has to take on herself as a client to discover what is going on. Another good read by Sue Grafton.

"D" Is For Deadbeat by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone, private investigator, gets into an emotional tangle this time. A man who identifies himself as Alvin Limardo hires Kinsey to find Tony Gahan, recipient of a $ 25,000 cashiers check. Alvin, of questionable character, ends up dead and Kinsey,left with a bounced check for $ 400.00, feels obligated to find out what was going on. Kinsey is as stubborn and eccentric as ever. A good read, somewhat down at the end.

Stranger In Paradise by Robert B Parker

This is a Jesse Stone novel. Jesse, chief of police of Paradise, Massachusetts, continues his relationship with Wilson "Crow" Cromartie, Apache hit man, his ex-wife Jenn and young Amber "Alice" Francisco, daughter of Florida mobster Louis Francisco. Louis wants Amber back home and hires Crow to find her. Then humanity takes over and the plot takes off in several different directions. Would make a great movie. I liked it; didn't last long enough.

"C" Is For Corpse by Sue Grafton

My gosh, this is like eating popcorn. Kinsey Millhone is a busy girl. She meets Bobby Callahan at the local gym working out. Bobby was injured in an auto accident and he thinks is was attempted murder, so he hires Kinsey to do a little investigating. In the meantime, her landlord Henry Pitts becomes enamoured of a lady of questionable character, and Kinsey wants to check her out, too. A few days later, Bobby is killed in another auto accident. But was it an accident? Need to read it to find out the rest of the story. Good one!

'B' Is For Burglar by Sue Grafton

Kinsey Millhone has chutzpah! She is one determined detective. Beverly Danziger hires Kinsey to find her sister Elaine Boldt, whom she hasn't heard from or seen for six months. Kinsey's detecting gets her involved in the unsolved murder of Marty Grice and a trip to Florida where she meets eighty-eight year old Julia Ochsner, amatuer sleuth. Things take a turn for the worse when it begins to look like the missing woman may have been murdered. Very good. I liked it a lot.

The Shooters by W. E. B. Griffin

The Shooters is A Presidential Agent Novel starring Charley Castillo and his "band of renegades." This time they are back in Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina rescuing a kidnapped DEA agent. Griffin gives a lot of detail and background so if you haven't read the books prior to this, you are pretty much caught up. A couple of surprises are in store for the reader, yet Castillo is, in my opinion the American version of James Bond and acts accordingly. Pretty good reading.

'A' Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton

OK, so I'm a little late getting started reading Sue. Pat told me I would like her, but I get kind of stubborn. Kinsey Millhone is a female private investigator, hired by Nikki Fife to investigate her husband's murder. Nikki has just been released from prison having served time for that offense, but claims innocence. Kinsey feels she is telling the truth so she takes on the job. First published in 1982, Grafton is a great story-teller. I really liked it and am looking forward to reading "B" Is For Burglar.

The Killing Ground

By Jack Higgins

I was disappointed with this new "thriller" novel dealing with terrorism and revenge. Mostly a lot of dialogue and killing people. Plot lacks authority. Would make a good B grade movie.

A Light In the Window

By Jan Karon

2nd in a series about Father Tim Kavanaugh and just as delightful as the first. Dooley is a little older and getting some of the roughness smoothed out. Father Tim and his neighbor Cynthia can't seem to quite figure out how to get into "senior" dating. Wealthy widow Edith Mallory has her hat set for Father Tim and causes no end of consternation. The arrival of cousin Meg adds to the mix. Stir with the rest of the characters and you get small town humor, faith and understanding. I really like this series.

Next

By Michael Crichton

What can I say? This novel about genetic engineering certainly entertains the many possibilities, sometimes downright scary, of what supposedly can and is happening in the world today. Many questions are raised. You get a condensed version of the chaos that could happen if unethical people are in control. Chrichton has an agenda and I'm not so sure he is wrong.

Stone Cold

By David Baldacci

If you read Absolute Power by Baldacci then you want to read this. It is the sequel. Oliver Stone is feared and respected and leader of the group the Camel Club, a group that keeps an eye on the bureaucrats. Annabelle Conroy, con artist, is persued by Jerry Bagger ruthless casino owner, who lost 40 million dollars to her scam. Old friends of Stones are dying and he thinks he knows why. Determined to get to the root of the problem, Oliver crosses paths with Annabelle who wants revenge for her mother's death. This is a pretty good story with a fairy tale finish. I liked it.

The Girl Next Door by Patricia MacDonald

The affluent town of Hoffman, NJ reeled in disbelief when highly esteemed physician Duncan Avery stabbed his wife Marsha to death one spring evening. The two Avery sons turned their backs on their father but his daughter Nina never stopped believing in his innocence. Nina returns to Hoffman after his father is paroled. Her father has come home to reconnect with his sons and to find the murderer of his wife. Then her father is killed, and Nina must help find who killed her mother and her father. It's a book that will keep your interest all the way through. I highly recommend it. PatM

At Home in Mitford

By Jan Karon

OK, I'll admit I'm hooked on the Mitford series. Father Tim and all the characters in this book are just that, characters. Makes me feel at home, gives my spiritual life a little boost and is totally believable. A joy to read, with humor and a little suspense thrown in, a little romance, and puppy love. Well worth the while to read.