Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews - delightful Southern chicklit with a foodie edge. Gina Foxton's health conscious cooking show gets canceled when the sponsor finds his wife in bed with Gina's producer/boyfriend. But the producer/now ex-boyfriend finds them a chance for a new show. But the Cooking Channel is also interested in another local area show with a male chef, called Vittles. Sparks fly between Gina and Tate - and the show sponsor dreams up a way to drum up interest in the new show - a Top Chef Survivor kind of reality show, where Gina and Tate will compete to find ingredients and cook for judges. But things really start cooking between Gina and Tate :) Fun, flirty, and hungry making, but her other novels were better. Go to the library or wait on the paperback.
The Third Circle by Amanda Quick - newest book in the Arcane Society series - chronologically the second, fourth written. Leona Hewitt has the paranormal power to work with crystals, meets up with Thaddeus Ware, a formidable hypnotist, while both are trying to steal the same crystal from a antiquities collector. A murdered prostitute and a poisonous vapor complicate things, as does the attraction between them. Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz - frothy fun. This series is written under both names, Victorian times under Quick, current time frame under Krentz - so far, two each. (A to Z)
The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky - On a rainy night, Deborah Monroe and her daughter Grace are driving home, when a man comes out of nowhere and the car hits him. The man turns out to be Grace's history teacher and later dies. Grace was driving, but Deborah sends her home to look after her younger brother, who's alone, and never mentions that fact to the police, who assume she was the driver. It's a interesting premise, but most of the characters felt very flat and cliched - angsty teen, stern father, black sheep sister, etc. I did like the sister, but the best part was the relationship between Deborah and Tom, the victim's estranged brother. *That* felt more like the Delinsky stories I've read and enjoyed. Readable, but forgettable. (EMAH, BAM - the Book A Month theme was mothers, so I chose Mother's Day as the holiday for Every Month a Holiday)
all books: 100 books (currently at 85)
Delusion by Peter Abrahams - Nell Jarreau's world gets turned upside down when Alvin Dupree is set free. Her eyewitness testimony is what sent him to prison, but in the aftermath of a recent hurricane, a videotape was found in a police locker that proved he couldn't have been the man who murdered her then-boyfriend Johnny. Nell is now married to the Chief of Police, who had been the lead detective on the case. And the tape was found in his deceased partner's locker. Nell must figure out who she can trust - and what exactly she saw - to save her life and that of her & Johnny's daughter. Kind of a faux post-Katrina New Orleans setting, with some interesting looks at hurricane aftermath, but not a huge part of the story. As one reviewer noted "entertaining but not much suspense". Dupree, though innocent of this crime, is unlikeable. And Nell is just too good to be true. Not as good as his other books, but since it was a library book...
South of Shiloh by Chuck Logan - billed as a thriller, it's a bit more of a mystery. But not a whodunit - you know who did it. More of a "why exactly and will they catch him and what the hell are all these other people doing?" A Civil War re-enacter gets killed by a real bullet. But when his widow finds out that the bullet was meant for the man next to him, a local cop combining re-enacting with working security at the event, she gets her former lover, a danger junkie photographer/journalist, to investigate. Set in a small fictional town with a fictional Civil War battle - has a great sense of place and the difference in views between northerners and southerners, lots of Civil War & gun lore, and photography info, plus some local info on Buford Pusser. Probably a little much for one book :) but I enjoyed it.
Dirty Money by Richard Stark - newest Parker book. A follow-up to 2 books ago - Nobody Runs Forever, where Parker & company robbed an armored car and hid the money in an abandoned church. They only escaped by leaving almost all of the money and still one man was captured after spending some of the money he took - it was marked. Now that guy has escaped after killing a U.S. Marshal. Parker and the other guy involved, along with the bounty hunter who got involved, are curious to find out if the money is still there and safe. Parker's not quite as violent in this one - maybe since there are so many cops around, but the caper part is still crisp and concise. Now if Westlake would only write another Dortmunder...
all books: 100 books
Cauldron by Jack McDevitt - A failing space program gets a boost from a new star drive and two veteran pilots get to return to deep space to test the drive and investigate some mysterious space objects. Vague description, I know :) but the detail is too long. Book is readable and enjoyable, but has very little zip (I was going to say 'drive', but decided not to go there). Very slow throughout, and then the main mystery of the omegas is handled very quickly. For fans mostly.
The Exchange Student by Kate Gilmore - Talk about a foreign exchange student! Fen is an alien from Chela, one of nine teen Chelans sent to Earth to live with human families and learn about life here. 16 year old Daria isn't thrilled to have Fen come into her home, but when she realizes he is as much an animal lover as she is, she opens up. She is a registered zookeeper, helping to breed endangered animals. But Fen and friends do have an ulterior motive. Which, thankfully, isn't the cliched 'eating humans' motive - though, at points, I did wish it was(Daria's sister is a stereotypical fashion fanatic teenager). Nice stuff about animals and ecological disasters. (YAC)
Tracing the Shadow by Sarah Ash - Plot is extremely complex. Interesting characters, nice magical feel with some very different types of magic. Some good action, but loads of explication. Almost too many characters. Felt like more of a setup for the next book(s). Would be interested in the next one and in her other books. Good writing.
Flora Segunda by Ysabeau Wilce - First the purely silly - great cover to the hardback and I love the author's first name (yes, I'm a Ladyhawke fan & a Guy Gavriel Kay fan). Another complex plot, with good characters, with way too much explication as compared to the action. Some very inventive, original ideas that could have used some better editing. But would be interesting in at least looking at the next one. (YAC)
all books: 100 books
Dragon Harper by Anne & Todd McCaffrey - Kindan, a young harper apprentice, becomes tasked with searching archives to see if there are ny clues to a mysterious flu-like virus attacking everywhere on Pern. The dragonriders come up short in this one due to the need for them to stay healthy to fight the coming Thread. I enjoyed it - I like learning about the inner workings of Harper Hall and the apprentices. Interesting parallels to the 1918 outbreak and the more recent SARS. The older books are still better, but it's a nice way to while away some time. (EMAH)
Moon Flights by Elizabeth Moon - Short story collection. Some SF, including one set in the Vatta's War universe(well, pre-Vatta's War series), some fantasy, mostly Chicks In Chainmail stories, and one historical military fiction. Definitely readable, but I'm not really a short story person.
Commitment Hour by James Alan Gardner - peripherally connected to his League of Peoples/Expendable Crew Members series. In Tober Cove, the young people alternate gender from year to year until they turn 20. Then they must make the Commitment and choose the gender that they will remain for the rest of their lives. There are the usual male and female choices, plus a third choice of becoming a hermaphrodite, or Neut. But Neuts are scorned and driven out of the village. But this year, the year that Fullin and Cappie will Commit, a scientist (also feared and scorned in this village) shows up to observe, along with his companion, a Neut whose reasons for being there are hugely complicated and very deadly. Interesting concept, not as great a follow through. First parts of the book drag somewhat, but action picks up towards the last part. LOTS of expounding on gender roles. An okay read - his other books are much more interesting.
all books: 100 books (3/4s of the way!)
Legends by LIFE Magazine - photographs of legendary people and quotations about them by other famous people. Some nice pictures and quotes. (888, BAM)
The Quotable Star Wars - quotations from the original trilogy. Cute. Has a few photographs. (A to Z, 888)
all books: 100 books
Guilty by Karen Robards - ADA Kate White's troubled childhood as a foster child in a bad neighborhood catches up with her when an attempted breakout from the cells in the court house bring her face to face with her past - con Mario, who killed an off-duty cop when they were teenagers - a crime never solved that she witnessed. I enjoyed it, but ... It didn't grab me as much as her books usually do - I found it very easy to put down.
Notorious by Michele Martinez - About to try a notorious rap star, prosecuter Melanie Vargas has just received some shocking information from his attorney, who is killed by a car bomb moments later. Vargas, who shared an attraction with the deceased, is determined to find his killer. Great opening, lackluster follow-up. Vargas is interesting as she becomes slightly obsessed with the dead man, but some very cliched characters (a transparently evil attorney, an easily seduced intern) mar the rest of the story.
Dark of the Moon by John Sandford - Introduced in Sandford's Prey series, Virgil Flowers goes solo this time when he's sent to Bluestem, a small Minnesota town where several old timers have been killed, including a rich recluse hated by most of the town. Virgil likes to stir things up and see what happens, which sort of backfires when he and his new lady become targets. Still like the Prey series and the Kidd series better, but I'd like definitely like to see more of that f*cking Flowers.
All books: 100 books
Endless Blue by Wen Spencer - A missing ship's warp drive reappears and on a mission to find out where it came from, a new world and new aliens are found, along with a possible way to stop the war going on back in the rest of the universe. That is the short, uncomplicated version :)
The long version is *very* complicated - and the new world is confusing, but this has great characters. Real, flawed, confused and absorbing.
both: 100 books, A to Z
The Pub Challenge (see sidebar to the right) rules were to read 8 books published in 2008. Duma Key and Sizzle and Burn were my first two and I read the last six this month :) The first 4 of them were the new entries into great series, the 5th is an author I've read a lot, and the 6th was an ARC I got from LibraryThing.
Stranger in Paradise by Robert B. Parker - Jesse Stone finds himself helping an old foe save a young girl from her gangster father and a gangbanger boyfriend. Reminds you of April Kyle & Paul Giacomin in the Spenser series. Not his best, but a nice familiar kind of read.
Nightshade by Susan Wittig Albert - Albert shakes up the usual China Bayles storyline by alternating characters this time between China and her PI husband as they delve into the recent murder of her newfound half-brother and the decades old death of her father. Finishes up a story arc began a couple of books ago. A cozy, with lots of interesting tidbits about herbs.
Small Favor by Jim Butcher - the new Dresden File! Weee! The Winter Queen, Mab, is calling in one of her favors - she wants Harry to rescue someone. And that someone is Gentleman Johnny Marcone, who's been taken by unknown magical forces. But the Summer Queen is opposed and sends opponents after Harry. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Winter Study by Nevada Barr - Park Ranger Anna Pigeon returns to an old post for a winter wolf study, as her current Rocky Mountain post may get its own pack of wolves soon. But soon after her arrival, the packs start acting strangely - as do several of the study group members. After one woman is killed - apparently by a pack - Anna's investigation places her directly in the line of fire and the question nearly becomes which one will kill her - the wolves, the cold, or one of the group. Kind of a 'locked door' mystery. Excellent entry into an excellent series.
Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark - 10 years ago, Carolyn's older brother Mack left his college dorm - and was never seen again. But he called every year on Mother's Day just to say he was okay. This year Carolyn's anger gets the best of her and she decides to find Mack. But someone close to her doesn't want Mack found. Good premise, kinda dull presentation. Clark's last couple of books have felt tedious to me - it's still readable, but ultimately I didn't really care.
The Last Oracle by James Rollins - not really any info at the amazon.com page - the book doesn't come out until July. I snagged an Early Reviewer's copy from LibraryThing :) A think tank of world scientists have been experimenting for years on ways to manipulate and enhance the abilities of autistic children with savant talents. But a rogue group within have different experiments going - with the plan of creating a world prophet for the new millennium, which will rise out of a manufactured disaster. SIGMA Force commander Gray Pierce races to stop the disaster and save the children, but to do that he must first solve a mystery that dates back centuries to the Greek Oracle of Delphi. I hadn't read any of the other SIGMA Force books, but will look them up. Reads in the manner of Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, and Dan Brown. Nonstop action. The afterword where Rollins points out his research is very interesting. (A to Z)
All books: 100 books
Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies by Kurian, Thompson & Davidson - the usual "Dummies" stuff, fun yet informative.
Sex For One by Betty Dodson - very open, positive book about masturbation. Originally published in the late 70's/early 80's and has a definite "conciousness-raising" kind of vibe, but, then again, that's what it's trying to do. (A to Z, 888)
The Forbidden Body by Shelley Bovey - subtitle is "Why Being Fat Is Not a Sin". Bovey addresses lots of issues about why it does seem to be a sin, pointing out many of the myths and assumptions about fat and the unrealistic body images that people have today. Flawed, but passionate - informative and kind of depressing. (888)
The first two books and the last one seem very contradictory :) Being a very overweight person, I'm contemplating having the lap-band surgery for health reasons, but I still think fat people are treated horrendously in our society and am always looking for information to use to counter all misconceptions.
All books: 100 books
The Joy of Writing Sex by Elizabeth Benedict - I got this years ago, back when I was still writing fanfiction. Mine tended to be a bit naughty :) Benedict isn't interested in porn here, but using sex scenes to further plot and/or characterization. She includes quotes from authors she interviewed, plus excerpts from books. Mostly read this to get it off my TBR pile, but it was okay. (888, BAM)
Frontier by Louis L'Amour - Read this for the Every Month a Holiday challenge(see links) - L'Amour was born in March. This book is a series of essays on the frontier - but not just what is typically considered the frontier. L'Amour looks at all of the US as a frontier - as it was when people first started exploring. I love his writing - and his love for the wild parts of the country are obvious. The accompanying photographs by David Muench are gorgeous. (emah)
both: 100 books (halfway! 52 books)
Ragamuffins by Tobias Buckell - sequel but much more typically SF. Spaceships and guns :) The aliens who control most of the galaxy have decided that humans need to be eliminated. Humans, of course, fight back. A young woman, Nashara, has been implanted with a virus that could help take down the computer networks of the aliens' minions - but her survival afterwards is uncertain. The two books connect when the wormholes between the worlds are reopened, allowing the planet on one end and the ships on the other to seek help from each other. I'll be looking for more from Buckell definitely!
The Service of the Sword by David Weber et. al - a Worlds of Honor story collection. I love Honor Harrington and her universe. Several excellent military sf authors offer up stories. Good stuff.(888)
The Night Room by E.M. Goldman - A group of high school students are offered a chance to to participate in "Argus", a VR program that lets you see yourself 10 years in the future at their high school reunion. The only problem is that one of them isn't alive. So the group decide to try to stop one's future death, which may have been planned by a vengeful computer hacker. Characters start off fairly stereotypical, but develop real personalities as the story goes on. Entertaining, but not essential. (YAC)
all books: 100 books
A Homecoming For Murder by John Armistead - Sheriff Bramlett is looking forward to spending some quality time with his grandson, but work interferes. The body of a male school teacher is found murdered in a graveyard - and it turns out the deceased wasn't the nicest guy, which makes for lots of suspects. Bramlett is especially concerned as his grandson may have seen and been seen by the murderer leaving the scene. More of a procedural than a thriller, lots of homey small town touches, and several side plots make a nice solid read. (A to Z)
Mission Canyon by Meg Gardiner - I got this one and the first Evan Delany based on a rave review by Stephen King. Not sure I like them quite as much, but they are good. Evan's lover Jesse was paralysed below the waist in the same hit and run that killed his best friend several years ago. Now it looks like the driver, who fled the country, is back. But his return stirs up more than Jesse and Evan - a computer company, a Russian mobster, and the Feds are all putting pressure on Evan and Jesse to make them stop hunting the driver or else. (888)
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult - School shooting aftermath. I liked it - and I didn't. Some of the characters were very well done - a good look into the effect bullying can have. Some of the characters were just caricatures (and were meant to be) and were irritating in a way that made it easy to put the book down. And it felt tedious. Lionel Shriver's We Need To Talk About Kevin was better.
all books: 100 books
Nameless Night by G.M. Ford - I really liked this - the main character has no memories of who he is, except for a name. And when that name is sought out on the web for information, the government shows up and comes down hard on whoever was looking. It's a fairly standard conspiracy thriller, but I like Ford's work. (A to Z)
The Murderer's Club by P.D. Martin - The psychic part was a bit annoying, but it was nice that the character wasn't thrilled with her abilities and was reluctant to use them. The murderer's club idea I really liked. Need to find the first book in the series, but not having read it wasn't a problem - some references, but fairly well standalone.
Double Cross by James Patterson - Another good Alex Cross book - I like these so much more than his collaborations. Not as tight a story as some of the earlier ones, but still a page-turner.
all books: 100 books
Red As Blood by Tanith Lee - twisted fairytales - some of the famous tales with wicked twists - such as a perfectly good stepmother, whose stepdaughter *reeks* of evil.
Chicks In Chainmail - warrior women, chicks with swords. Funny, fluffy. (A to Z)
all books: 100 books, 888
Gods In Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson - lots of fun - combination of a coming-home story and chicklit, but much better than that. Arlene made a deal with God - she'd leave Alabama and stop lying and fucking if God would make sure Jim Beverly's body was never found. Nine years later, it looks like God may have broken his part of the deal, so Arlene's heading home, planning her lies, and deciding to go ahead and have sex with her African-American boyfried before she introduces him to her lily-white family.
You've Been Warned by James Patterson & Howard Roughan - it's weird - I find the Alex Cross books *so* much better than any of the books Patterson cowrites (I have the new one to post about). This one, while readable, is time I'll never get back.
both: 100 books, A to Z
End of Feb: 36 books, Authors needed: ABDEQRTUXYZ, Titles needed: BCEHJKNOQUVWXZ
I wouldn't call it his 'best', but it's definitely one of his better ones. (The Pub challenge)
The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz - A golden retriever is rescued from an abusive owner by Amy Redwing and her architect boyfriend Brian McCarthy. Nickie becomes a key figure in a twisted duo's plan of sadistic revenge. I enjoyed it, but didn't think it was his best (actually one of his bests includes a dog too - Watchers).
A Wicked Snow by Gregg Olsen - Nice and twisty procedural thriller. Hannah's present as a crime scene investigator comes into conflict with her past as a survivor of a female/male serial killer team - the female leader was her mother. Now it looks like her mother may not be dead, so Hannah reopens the case. I can't believe such a thing would be allowed, but, hey, it's fiction - and good. (A to Z)
The Intruders by Michael Marshall - Go read the summary at Amazon - it's too complicated :) Kinda X-Files, kinda twisty thriller - requires a fair suspension of disbelief, but good writing and characters. (A to Z)
all books: 100 books
Sizzling by Susan Mallery - 3rd in th Buchanan series. Fun fluff. (A to Z)
Getting Rid Of Bradley by Jennifer Crusie - more fun fluff - hardcover reprint of older paperback original.
Tempting by Susan Mallery - 4th in the Buchanan series. More fun fluff.
all: 100 books
edited 2/28/08 to add third book.
Gold Unicorn - sequel to Black Unicorn. Tanaquil is pressed into service under her half-sister, the Empress, and gives life to the gold unicorn, a war machine. Probably would have helped to re-read the other first. Lovely writing, but just didn't grab me. (888 challenge A to Z)
both: 100 books
The Long Way Home (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight) by Joss Whedon - Buffy after the activation of all the slayers. Graphic novel. Nice. (A to Z)
Sinfest by Tatsuya Ishida
Life Is My Bitch by Tatsuya Ishida
Both of these are comic collections of the web comic Sinfest - which I love. Slick, Monique, God, the Devil... great stuff.
all books: 100 books
Profile
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
otterevilreads- otterevilreads
Syndicate
