Mystery by Jonathan Kellerman

Forensic psychologist Alex Delaware and partner Robin want to share in the closing night of a favorite night spot. During the uneventful evening, they observe what appears to be a starlet waiting for someone, drinking champagne and smoking with a cigarette holder. They leave early and two days later discover said starlet is dead. Murdered. Shot in the face. Twice.

Coming to police detective Milo Sturgis's assistance, they begin the tedious task of identifying the remains, who she was meeting, where she lived and all that goes with a homicide investigation. Hollywood is twisted alright. Alex and Milo travel the many twists and turns, revealing the sad story of a beautiful young woman. Kellerman does a great job of story-telling. A great read.

Eve by Iris Johansen

Eve Duncan is a forensic sculptor whose specialty is cold cases involving skeletal remains. Eve's friend, Catherine Ling, has surprised her with a revelation about her daughters', Bonnie, abductor. Will this tear Eve and long-time friend and lover, FBI agent Joe Quinn, apart?

Johansen shares Eve's story with us. Her relationship with the father of her missing daughter and her struggle to get where she is today in the search. And now, Eve has to entertain the possibility that Bonnie's father, John Gallo may be the murderer of their daughter.

This thriller keeps the reader turning pages to the last.

Gideon's Sword by Preston & Child

Gideon Crew sees his father shot in cold blood at age 12. When his mother dies, her last words were for him to avenge his father. After years of planning, Gideon finally has his opportunity. This is only the beginning of the story. There is a government official who is looking for someone with the skills of Gideon and offers him a job. This leads him to international intrigue, a shocking discovery and realization that he can't depend on the promises of others. An interesting twist at the end, this reader expects Preston & Child to come up with a sequel or series starring Gideon Crew. Lots of possibilities.

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum, notorious bounty hunter, along with sidekick Lula, are still in business even though Vinnie's Bail Bonds business went up in smoke. Using Mooner's "bus", Connie is operating out of the back and handing out warrants as usual while contractors dig up bodies in the ruins. Complicating things is Morelli's grandmother, Bella, when she curses and gives Stephanie the evil eye. Always good for a laugh, Evanovich puts Stephanie through her paces in an action-packed thriller. Always a good read.

Devious by Lisa Jackson

Valerie Houston is in New Orleans running a B & B with her friend and also wanting to hear from her sister Camile, who has joined the convent at St. Marguerite. When Sister Camile is found murdered, Valerie is horrified. Determined to discover what happened to her, she digs into the convent, the other sisters, and Camile's boxes of stored things. Detective Montoya is shocked to find the killing of Camile and the residents of the convent more like old home week school reunion. Former lovers and classmates are thrown together, stirring up memories, some he'd like to forget. Will Valerie find out who murdered Camile? Will she and her husband reunite? Are things as dark and sinister at the convent as they seem? Jackson writes a thrilling murder mystery, sure to keep you up nights until you finish the last page. A good read.

One Summer by David Baldacci

Jack has a devastating terminal illness, is bedridden and his wife Lizzie is by his side, his three children stunned. In a few days it will be Christmas. Determined to see this last Christmas, Jack is writing a daily letter to his wife, to be read on his demise. When Lizzie is killed in a traffic accident the day after Christmas, Jack has to face decisions about the children he doesn't want to make, and Lizzie's mother, the grandmother, isn't helping. With children staying with family members, Jack is resigned to dying alone and lonely. What happens next is a series of miraculous events. Can Jack overcome this disease? Can he get the children back? Will he be able to provide for them? Baldacci writes a heartwarming story of the love of a husband and wife, of love for their children. A great read.

Love You More by Lisa Gardner

Sargent Detective D. D. Warren does not forgive. She does not forget. Called to a crime scene homicide she asserts her authority. State Trooper Leoni has shot and killed her husband and her six-year-old daughter is missing. D. D. is puzzled by a number of things about the crime scene which sends red flags up. Trusting her gut instincts, she goes about her job questioning and investigating, unable to accept at face value the clues she is given.

Gardner pens a tale of what first appears as a police trooper gone bad. But appearances are deceiving, leading the reader on a fast-paced, action-packed story of love, deceit, corruption and friendship. An excellent read.

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly

Mickey Haller is happy working out of the backseat of his car representing foreclosure clients. When one of his clients is arrested for murder, Mickey dusts off his criminal law hat and digs in. A fast-moving suspenseful story of deception, murder, and unrequited love. A great read from beginning to end. Sure to satisfy the arm-chair investigator.

Miss Julia Strikes Back by Ann B Ross

Miss Julia is devastated after finding she and Hazel Marie had been robbed. Hazel Marie is off to Mexico for a trip and husband Sam is off to Russia for a trip of his own. Since her wedding and engagement rings were part of the stolen jewelry, Miss Julia is determined to find the thief and get the jewelry back. Clues and rumors lead Miss Julia and Lloyd to Palm Beach, Florida and PI Frank Tuttle. When Mr. Tuttle is a bit disagreeable, friend Etta Mae flies down to help. Miss Julia's persistence pays off. A grand tale.

Coming Back by Marcia Muller

In Muller's previous book, Locked In, Sharon McCone was shot in the head. In Coming Back, McCone is nearly rehabilitated, yet fearful that she will not be able to go back to work and be the person she used to be. When a friend from physical therapy disappears, she is determined to discover what happened to her. Her husband Hy and her colleagues doubt Sharons' ability to return to the rigors of the investigation. Complicating the investigation is the implication of involvement of national security and other secret agents. An exciting novel.

What the Heart Sees by Kathleen Fuller

A Miracle for Miriam (previously published in An Amish Christmas)

Miriam and Seth meet again after several years apart. Having grown apart, Seth has to try a little harder to get to know Miriam again after treating her rather badly. A good message.

A Place of His Own (previously published in An Amish Gathering)

Amanda and Josiah used to be best of childhood friends. When Josiah returns after ten years, he rebuffs Amanda and she is determined to find out why. A good story.

What the Heart Sees (previously published in An Amish Love)

When Ellie lost her sight as a result of an automobile accident, she is resigned to spending the rest of her life as a spinster. Christopher returns home five years after the accident claimed the life of his fiance. Can Chris let past regrets go? Will Ellie have to spend her life alone? What is in store for these two young people? Another good read.

Jahanara Princess of Princesses by Kathryn Lasky

Jahanara shares a glimpse of history in the life of a princess during the years of the Moghul Empire. She has everything she could possibly want except the freedom to come and go as she wishes. Hidden behind privacy screens and veils, only her servants and family are allowed to see her or talk to her.

Jahanara has her 15th and 16th birthday in these pages, recording in her diary the imprisonment of her family, the type of food and clothing that they ate and wore, and the experiences of having a father who has four wives. An interesting read.

Fever 1793 by Lauri Halse Anderson

Fourteen-year-old Mattie Cook awakes one stifling hot August morning unaware that her life will drastically change. Learning that her friend Polly has suddenly died, she is devastated. 1793 Philadelphia was the capital of the United States. President George Washington and his family have deserted the city of 40,000. The citizens were running out of food, dependent on the farmers who were afraid to bring their wares to the city market on the river and therefore did not come. Philadelphia was hot, humid and alive with mosquitos carrying the dreaded yellow fever. People were fleeing to the country side.

This is the tale of one young woman's abrupt entry into adult-hood; the death of thousands and how those who survived managed. An excellent rendition.

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Kathleen Kent pens a novel based on her family history about Massachusetts during the frenzy of witch hunting. It is disturbing to read of the cruelty men, women and children alike testifying against friends, neighbors and their own families. Life was hard enough in the 1600s and people were fearful of strange and unknown things. It is also inspiring to hear reports of bravery in spite of duress. One learns that sometimes it is ok to tell a lie; to commit an act of heresy. You need to read this book in order to find out why.

The Teacher's Funeral a Comedy in Three Parts by Richard Peck

Fifteen-year-old Russell Culver hates school. He wants to go harvest wheat with his friend Charlie Parr. When the school teacher dies, Russell hopes they will close the school and he can persue his dream. Alas! The school board hires his older sister to teach which totally bums Russell out. The reader gets to enjoy rural life in the early 1900s complete with country school and the advent of the automobile.

Percy Jackson & The Olympians The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan

Behind the scenes with Percy Jackson; enterviews with a select few characters; read more of Percy's adventures at Camp Half-Blood. Fans of Percy Jackson will like this.

Tokyo Vice by Jake Adelstein

Jake Adelstein graduated in 1992 from the Tokyo University wanting a job in journalism, writing for a Japanese newspaper. Adelstein gives the reader a close look at the seamy side of Japan. Though the crime rate in Japan is low compared to the US and many other countries, Japan does have it's share. Curious by nature, Adelstein pokes and prods, exposing myriad sex clubs, corruption and human trafficing. When his family is threatened he retires from the newspaper to write an expose about his findings. Educational, interesting and definately not boring.

Stolen by Kelley Armstrong

Werewolf Elena Michaels meets Ruth Winterbourne, witch extrordinare. Ruth warns Elena that humans, two specifically, are on a "witch hunt," not only for witches, but werewolves, vampires and others. Thus Elena is lead to a meeting with those who share varied lifestyles that seem to be threatened by humans anxious to exploit them.

Separated from Clay and Jeremy, Elena recklessly puts herself in danger and is captured. Her mettle is tested when it seems she has no way of escaping. Having to trust those not of the pack frightens her. Will Jeremy and Clay be able to rescue her? Can she outwit her captors? Armstrong pens another exciting tale of werewolves.

Thirty-six Fiews of Mount Fuji by Cathy N Davidson

Catyhy Davidson writes about her experiences of living in Japan while teaching and exploring this country and it's culture. Having visited Japan several different times she shares personal moments revealig the difficulties a foreigner trying to assimilate in a country that is like no other. Sometimes embarrassing, sometimes shameful, but always rewarding. Amusing, witty, a pleasure to read. Kudos to Davidson.