Double Cross

By James Patterson

It has been a while since I have read an Alex Cross mystery and I must say although well-written and a thriller, Alex seems to be going thru a mid-life crisis. I guess If a person hadn't read some of the older versions of the detective mysteries, you wouldn't notice. In previous reading, the characters have seemed to have more depth and I felt this book reflects pretty shallow characters.

Never-the-less, Double Cross was a pretty good read. I would rate a "7" using a rating scale of "0" being awful and "10" being really great. Would make a good movie.

Blood Dreams

By Kay Hooper

How could I pick two psychic thrillers in a row? Blood Dreams is a Bishop/Special Crimes Unit novel dealing with individuals with paranormal powers, learning to use them together and to solve a series of grizzly murders. The end leaves you hanging, knowing there is more to come in the next book.

I liked it.

Pandora's Daughter

By Iris Johansen

Voices in her head, Megan Blair has to deal with a phenomena that few ever experience. Learning she has psychic powers creates confusion and fear, and Megan discovers her life has been a lie. I really liked this book. I don't know if Johansen's ideas are reality but it is fun to think about. If you are into sci-fi or paranormal you will like Pandora's Daughter.

The Darkest Evening of the Year

By Dean Koontz

A mixed cast of characters: Amy Redwing, dog lover, Brian McCarthy, architech and love interest, and some really evil and cruel people (who get their just desserts) make for a gripping, suspenseful, fearful story. I have to say that I both liked and disliked this story. Made me uncomfortable with some of the cruelty depicted but hopeful as well that good might triumph over evil in the end. If you like Koontz, you won't be disappointed. He is a masterful storyteller.

Plum Lucky

By Janet Evanovich

Another great Stephanie Plum Between-the-Numbers Novel. I don't know how Evanovich keeps coming up with new twists and turns, but I love her characters, especially Grandma Mazur. Totally unbelievable yet makes me want more of her zany antics. I'm a fan, can you tell?

I want more!

Christmas Jars

By Jason F. Wright

Thought-provoking little tale of Hope Jensen. From birth (almost) to maturity (but not in years...) Hope tells a "pay-it-forward" story with a couple of unusual twists and turns. Oh, if life were only this simple.

A good read. Make me want to be a better person.

The Fifth Vial

By Michael Palmer

A very interesting and thought provoking novel. Dr. Palmer writes about organ transplanting and the worst case scenario in my opinion. The characters are pretty believable, if somewhat extreme in the depiction of organ stealing. Yet, the reader is educated. The Fifth Vial would make a thrilling movie.

Stolen in the Night

By Patricia MacDonald

Give me a break! This story line has great possibilities but MacDonald has treated it like a grade "B" (or worse) movie. The killer got the wrong girl. I was really disappointed.

MacDonald not on my list to read again.

Twisted Justice

By Patricia Gussin

Laura Nelson, doctor and husband Steve, TV anchorman, seem to have it all: good jobs, 5 children, home in Tampa, Florida. Then their lives seem to start falling apart. Ten year old vehicle accident victim dies on the table. Steve has a moment of indiscretion with his sexy co-anchor Kim, interrupted by wife Laura, then loses his job. Mix in marital strife, an ambulance chasing attorney, some unsavory members of the South Florida mob and secrets, secrets, secrets. Ms Gussin has a great plot in her second novel. I would look forward to reading her next.

My Last Grievance

By Elinor Lipman

Frederica Hatch, 16 years old, born and raised in a dormitory of a small women's college in the 60-70's, tells an "Oh my gosh!" tale. Her parents houseparent the dorm as well as teach at the college and have treated Frederica as an "adult" all her young life, holding family meetings, keeping no secrets, analyzing every action and emotion. Her snug cocoon is shaken when she discovers at the paternal grandmothers' that David (dad to us) was married previously. Enter the ex-wife, Laura Lee French, as the new housemother in the "other" girls dorm on campus.

Ms Lipman's novel is very entertaining. I enjoyed it a lot and look forward to reading more of her work.

The Twelfth Card

By Jeffery Deaver

Lincoln Rhyme, forensics expert, and protegee Amelia Sachs are drawn into the 140 year-old "cold case" of Charles Singleton by the attempted rape/murder of 16 year-old Geneva Settle. If you have ever wondered how this type of job was done, Deaver does an excellent job of giving the reader a mental visual of the process, and of crafting this complicated suspense thriller from beginning to end.

I really liked it; had a hard time putting it down.

Last Breath

By Mariah Stewart

A novel about an archaeologist, Daria McGowan, who has the opportunity to open crates stored by her great-grandfather over 100 years ago. Souvenirs of a dig in Turkey, Daria discovers several pieces missing which leads to discovery of ritual murders. FBI agent Conner Shields is there to help and becomes a romantic interest.

Not a bad story, a bit fluffy for me. Probably won't read this author again.

Last Known Victim

By Erica Spindler

Post Katrina New Orleans - 2006 - we are introduced to Captain Patti O'Shay of NOPD and several members of her family. There is a serial killer out there, and with the discovery of six human hands our story begins. One year later, mix in Yvette Borger, stripper and dancer at the Hustle Club, and get ready for the plot to thicken.

This novel is written well but I kept getting "lost" trying to keep the members of the family straight as several of them are employed by the New Orleans Police Department. A little confusing. I thought the storyline was good and I wasn't sure "Who dun it?" until the heroine figures it out herself. I would probably read this author again.

Garden of Beasts

By Jeffery Deaver

American hit man Paul Schumann is on a government assignment that, if successful, will clear him of all charges against him. He goes to Berlin, 1936, to attempt to kill an official of Hitler's staff and perhaps prevent a war. Lots of intrigue, covert action and insight into everyday characters personalities. I had read this before, but picked up again by accident and was glad to re-read. Deaver writes a compelling narrative about historical events. I liked this story and would recommend to anyone who likes fiction based on fact. Mostly believable.

Beloved

By Toni Morrison

Published in 1987, I had not read this before. Ms. Morrison writes in a style that is hard to follow sometimes. The story of Sethe and her daughter, Denver, is a heart-breaking, convoluted tale of slavery, "freed" slaves and their misery. I found this very disturbing, but intriguing. I hate to think that there is truth to Sethe's life, but cannot say there isn't. Again, another story of man's inhumanity to man. I liked The Bluest Eye better, probably because it didn't make me as uncomfortable.

Ms. Morrison is a gifted writer.

He Who Hesitates

By Ed McBain

If you are an Ed McBain's 87th Precient stories fan, this will catch your attention. McBain's fourth book, published in 1965 is a story told mostly in first person by Roger Broome, in the city to sell his woodworking products. It's cold, he's lonely and he gets into trouble. You have to be sympathetic towards the guy, hen-pecked by his mother, insecure, a country bumpkin. A quick read, but very good. You will find it on the paperback shelf unless Pat upgrades it to a book to be checked out.

I really liked it.

Into The Storm

By Suzanna Brockmann

The first chapter made me think this was one I would like, Navy SEALS training alternating with a serial killer's activities. However, Brockmann giving her male characters "feelings" did not ring true to me. Lindsey is probably the only character I would want in my corner when it came down to a fight for my survival.

This novel is called romantic suspense. The suspense is there, but I was disappointed in the author's treatment. I don't know that I would be interested in reading Brockmann again.

Hunter's Moon

By Randy Wayne White

Dr. Ford, self -employed marine biologist living on Florida's Gulf coast is caught up in intrigue when former President Wilson asks Ford to make him "disappear" for a couple of weeks.

There is more to Dr. ford than we know in the beginning and President Wilson has a ridged agenda that he is not willing to share. Randy White does a good job of doling out the information in a manner that keeps you turning the page.

Well written and believable. I liked it.

Killer Weekend

By Ridley Pearson

Police chief Walt Fleming is reunited with Attorney General Elizabeth Shaler when she decides to run for Presidency. Someone is trying to kill her and Walt is taking his job seriously. The FBI and Secret Service don't want Walt involved and hinder his effectiveness. Add to this a failed marriage, a dead brother and an alcoholic father to create tension.

The killer is a clever assassin, involving several characters in twists and turns that make a good mystery. I liked it.