Reading and #Reviews (Patterson, Benson, King)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, once in a while a true story, WWII historicals, mysteries, and main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

Jack and Jill by James Patterson

 Crime Mystery

I really enjoy the Alex Cross series but must admit this one was not one of my favorites. He seemed to be trying to cross-sell some of the other books in the series by mentioning the villains from other stories. The way he wove together two murder stories, one about a child killer and one about Jack and Jill who are out to murder the president, was interesting. I can’t put my finger on why this one didn’t have the same punch as other Alex Cross stories. Still, it was an entertaining read, and I enjoyed it.

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Blood and Silver by Vali Benson

 YA Historical

This is a young adult novel about a twelve-year-old girl in 1880 Tombstone, Arizona. It’s a story of childhood friendship. It’s a story of the bravery of a young girl, Carissa Beaumont. Young readers from the ages of twelve and older will enjoy the brave adventures of Carissa. I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children as the subject matter deals with brothel life and drug addiction. It is evident Ms. Benson did her homework on the era and the city of Tombstone.

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Skeletons on the Zahara by Dean King

 True Life Adventure

I read this book several years ago. The story is one that remains with me today. This is a true story of twelve American sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815, captured by desert nomads, sold into slavery, and subjected to a hellish two-month journey through the perilous heart of the Sahara. This is a gripping story, at times gross with reality. But it’s a story of courage, brotherhood, and survival. In the end, what happened to those who survived is also revealed. Good touch.

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Reading and #Reviews (Hoonstra, Proell, Patterson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you reviews of present and past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

On the Make (Brothers in Blue, book three) by Margo Hoonstra

Romantic Suspense

If you love books about cops, and you love romance, this book is for you. Madison Clark is twice widowed and her first love was a policeman. The hunky policeman, Adam Pride, who walks into her life this time is also a movie star. Whoa! Quite a combination. And when she becomes an intended victim, who better to have on your side. A fun read for sure.

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Amaryllis by Joyce Proell

Historical Romance with Suspense

I had such fun reading this book. Spy vs spy and boy do the sparks fly. Lily Fitzhugh will do almost anything to get to America to save her father. It's a time period in which she's acting rashly for a woman. She sneaks aboard a ship bound for America and doesn't expect to fall for the man who she's supposed to be spying on...who is a spy. Ms Proell mixes history with fiction and that equals a very enticing read.

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Cat and Mouse by James Patterson

Crime Novel

Gary Soneji, a dying prison escapee, is looking for revenge on Cross, while another insane killer is pursued by Thomas Augustine Pierce-a brilliant and relentless detective who may even be better than Cross. As the bodies pile up, and Cross is nearly murdered in his own home, the game of cat and mouse leads to one final trap. . . As always, I enjoyed this Patterson novel. Alex Cross is one of my favorite recurring characters.

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Reading and #Reviews (Gallant, Garner, Dean, Patterson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you what I'm reading and reviews of past reads. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a paperback or an eBook at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. Besides Romantic Suspense, I read crime and law novels, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven books.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author! 

Ominous Legacy by Jannine Gallant

Romantic Suspense 

Ms. Gallant’s tag line “Will a historical legacy doom the nation…or save it?” roped me in. But when it comes to her novels, I’m a sure mark. Once again, she didn’t fail to entertain me. I had a crush on Wyatt Stone from the start—a television personality with a sense of adventure. Talia Davis is a member of Counterstrike. I’ve enjoyed Counterstrike novels before. So, the premise is our founding fathers created an out for our nation should the government not fulfill its purpose, should the people be in jeopardy of a just governing body. Seven people have inherited the ability to change the current government. Wyatt is one of them, and he’s on a quest with the help of Talia to discover the other six. The trouble is there are two factions who don’t want that to happen, and they aren’t afraid to stop Wyatt and Talia even if it means murder. It’s suspense you’ll really enjoy. 

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Targeted by Marissa Garner

Romantic Suspense 

This book is the second book in the FBI Heat Series and the second one I’ve read. The third and final waits for me in my reader. You might guess I find them entertaining reads. In this story, Marissa Panuska is an FBI Special Agent who is undercover in a terrorist organization. Yes, readers, edge of your seat suspense. With every page turn I was afraid she’d get found out. Ameen Ali is a former Navy Seal. He discovers Marissa is part of a cell spreading American hate propaganda at his mosque, he doesn’t want to believe she’s evil. When he saves her life, and is drawn into the nightmare of her undercover work…well you have to read the book to see what happens. Intrigue and suspense and romance. A great read. 

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Without Mercy by Alicia Dean

Thriller 

Alicia Dean is now one of my favorite authors. I’ve read at least a half dozen of her stories. She is versatile and successful regardless of the genre. This could be her best novel yet. China Beckett witnesses the murder of her boss during a bank robbery where she works. Going home to be with her daughter and get past her horrific experience isn’t going to happen. She and her daughter become hostages to these criminals in her home. Protecting her daughter is upmost for her, but these ruthless killers have a plan of their own. You’ll be flipping the pages and staying up later than you intended once you pick up this book. 

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Kiss the Girls by James Patterson

Crime 

This is one of his best. I love his character Alex Cross. In this one, the doctor/detective investigating two competing villains. These guys are sick puppies. It’s a typical Patterson novel that will keep you reading.

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Reading and #Reviews (Gallant, Patterson with Allen, Eaton)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you what I'm reading and some reviews. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a book or an eReader at night for the last hour of my day.

I tend to read what I write, but not exclusively. I’m currently reading two books. The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy (a fun way to teach myself to relax) and Second Wind by Alison Henderson, a romantic suspense. I also read crime and law novels, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven novels.

Here are some of the books I've read recently or in the not too distant past. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author!

Lethal Memory by Jannine Gallant

Romantic Suspense

“Will a cure for humanity be the death of her?”

Book two of the Counterstrike Novel series is sure to delight fans of Ms. Gallant. As always, she weaves great suspense with romance and this time throws in the tough subject of dementia. Riley is a biology professor with amnesia. Locked away in her mind could be a cure for dementia. Her knowledge nearly gets her killed before the Counterstrike team rescues her. While her passion grows with one of the rescuers, her fight to regain her memory is coupled with the race to recover her cure and save her grandfather.

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Juror #3 by James Patterson with Nancy Allen

Crime/Mystery

“A young attorney is defending her client in a racially charged felony case -- but in a town of old money and hidden secrets, her first trial may be her last in this #1 New York Times bestselling legal thriller.”

Actually two books in one, Juror #3 is the first of the stories. The new lawyer in town does a fine job of defending her clients in spite of the strikes against her. This is an easy read, but does not have the hard-hitting plots of James Patterson of the past. I’ve found this true of the books he co-authors.

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Booked 4 Murder by J.C. Eaton

Cozy Mystery

“Sophie “Phee” Kimball is not a cop. She’s a divorced, middle-aged mom who works as an account clerk for the police department in a small city in Minnesota. But her retired mother, Harriet Plunkett, is convinced Phee is the only one who can solve the mystery of a cursed book.”

This Cozy Mystery is just that. You’ll chuckle as you read and roll your eyes in all the places Phee is probably rolling her eyes. I’m originally from Phoenix and my mom lived in Sun City for years, so reading this mystery was even more fun for me. Since this is the first in the series, I know Phee must continue her sleuthing, and I’m going to have to follow her in her adventures.

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Reading and #Reviews (Murphy, Walls, Patterson)

I'm a writer, but I'm also a reader. Each month, I'll share with you what I'm reading and some reviews. My available time to read is limited because I write, but I love to curl up with a book or a reader at night for the last hour of my waking day.

I tend to read what I write, which is Romantic Suspense, but not exclusively. My current read is a Romance by Alison Henderson entitled Como Bluff. I'm not quite finished so you'll have to wait until next month for the review. But I also like detective thrillers, WWII historicals, mysteries, and some main stream character driven novels.

Here are some of the books I've read recently. Maybe you'll discover a new book or author!

Goodbye Emily by Michael Murphy
They met at Woodstock, and the love lasted a lifetime. Then she was gone, and so was his college teaching job. Heartbroken but determined, he calls on his two best friends to help him return to the place it all began. Three baby boomers relive their 1969 trip to Woodstock. One final roadtrip. One last chance to say Goodbye Emily.

What an absolutely enjoyable book. Michael Murphy did an excellent job of portraying the 60's while grounding us in the present with characters who "were there". The 60's are hard times to write about without sounding trite or preachy. Mr. Murphy uses dream sequences to flash back from present day to the Woodstock Festival. He handled it beautifully. I've never read a book that had me crying and laughing for the whole book. Thank you, Michael, for a beautifully enjoyable read.

Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls

This is a story about the author’s grandmother. Lily survived tornadoes, droughts, floods, the Great

Depression, and the most heartbreaking personal tragedy. She bristled at prejudice of all kinds -- against women, Native Americans, and anyone else who didn't fit the mold. Rosemary Smith Walls always told Jeannette that she was like her grandmother, and in this true-life novel, Jeannette Walls channels that kindred spirit.

What a great true story novel. I found it particularly interesting as the book is set mostly near where I used to live in Paulden, Arizona. The fact it is based on true happenings made it so enthralling. Great characterizations. 

Judge and Jury by James Patterson

Andie DeGrasse, an aspiring actress and single mom, is not your typical juror. Hoping to get dismissed from the pool, she tells the judge that most of her legal knowledge comes from a bit part curling around the stripper's pole in The Sopranos. But she still ends up as juror number 11 in a landmark trial against a notorious mob boss.

I'm normally a Patterson fan, but this one left me kind of cold. I couldn't get behind the characters, and the suspense was mild. This is one of his collaborated books so that could be why it didn't seem to have the same level of entertainment.