WEDDING BELLES

What is a mother to do? Her wonderful 28-year-old daughter has announced her engagement. Instead of being thrilled, her mother is horrified. The groom-to-be is none other than her husband's best friend. Yes, he's closer to 60 than 30 and he has a wild past. Georgia is horrified what people will say about her daughter's fiance who has been married twice and every woman in town knows his reputation. Georgia hopes to find a way to stop the wedding without losing the daughter that she loves. Luckily for her, she has a great group of friends who will support her in any way they can.

I almost chucked this book in the first 50 pages or so. It was a little too sappy and the women were a group of Red Hat Club who had been chums since high school. It was all a little too convenient. Still, the story drew me in. Georgia's anxieties about the upcoming wedding was both funny and real. Overall, these Southern women and their friendships made for a pretty good story.

Rating - 3.75 stars

EVERYONE WORTH KNOWING

Bette is sick and tired of her seventy hour work week in the wonderful world of banking. One day, without really thinking it through, she tells her boss that she quits. No one is more surprised than Bette. Through some connections of her uncle's, she starts a totally different job as an events planner for a public relations firm. In other words, she goes to parties for a living. As delightful as it sounds, Bette soon finds that the lifestyle of the rich and famous can be overwelming and somewhat shallow. She also finds herself in the midst of a relationship that really isn't a relationship at all, but merely a publicity scam. When she meets the man of her dreams, a bouncer at one of the nightclubs her group often frequents, there are many complications to their relationship.

This is the second book that I've read by Lauren Weisenberger and for the most part, I enjoyed it. Bette's description of the party life was fun and almost disgusting at times. Her friend, Penelope, and her parents were delightful characters. There was quite a bit of a side story about her love of romance novels. Somehow this didn't really seem to fit in the overall scheme of the book. I also thought this book was plenty long but overall, it was fun. The ending was a little too fairy tale but hey, this wasn't supposed to be real life, or was it?

Rating - 4 stars

MURDER IS A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND

Paige Turner has promised her new boyfriend, Dan Street, that she won't get involved in more murder cases. She plans to honor her promise until her late husband's best friend in Korea comes to New York to ask for her help. His sister was murdered and he doesn't believe the police's insistence that the case was a simple burglary. Paige is convinced, too, when she sees the amazing diamonds that the girl's brother, Whitey, found hidden in her box of Quaker Oats. Paige sets out to find the murderer, even if it means keeping the truth from Dan. Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, Paige is on the trail of a murderer.

Amanda Matetsky has written another delightful book set in 1954. Paige is a great heroine, not too brave or too perfect, and her friends are wonderful characters, too. The actual murderer was something of a surprise, but mostly this book was fun just for the great storyline set in New York in the '50's. I'll be looking forward to the next Paige Turner book.

Rating - 4.5

ANOTHER MAN'S MOCCASINS

Sherrif Walt Longmire has a problem. A Vietnamese girl is found dead in a field. In a nearby culvert, a homeless Indian is sound asleep. Even though it would seem obvious that the Indian with his previous record of homicide is the killer, Walt isn't convinced. As Walt with the help of his deputies and his friend, Henry, attempt to solve the case, Walt is drawn back to his own time in Vietnam. Fighting with his own memories, Walt is unsure if he is biased about the case or not.

As usual, Craig Johnson has written a story that keeps the reader drawn in. His characters are wonderful and in this fourth book, they seem like old friends. There was less romance in this book and that was fine. I'm not a big fan of the sherrif and his deputy getting together. At times, this book was confusing, as the story went back and forth between the present day and Walt's time in Vietnam. I would also have enjoyed more of an update on Walt's daughter and her head injury. Once again, she was something of a secondary character.

Rating - 4 stars

'TIS THE SEASON

Caroline Dixon is an heiress well-know to the public for her partying ways. Caro has gone too far, though, and now no one wants anything to do with her. When Caro decides to clean up her act, the only people who will have anything to do with her are her old nanny and a cowboy on the ranch where she was a camper at age thirteen. As Christmas approaches, these unlikely people come together in their attempts to help Caroline and get some surprises of their own.

Lorna Landvik has woven together a sweet Christmas story with a tale written only in letters and emails. The humor is delightful and the characters are warm and funny. Landvik is a master storyteller and this book is a fun and quick holiday read. The only sad part was that it was over too quickly!

Rating - 5 stars.

MURDER ON K STREET

Senator Lyle Simmons returns home after a party to find his wife, Jeanette, lying dead on the kitchen floor. It is obvious that she has been murdered. Before calling the police, Simmons calls his old friend and lawyer, Phillip Rotondi. Simmons and Rotondi were college roomates and Rotondi and Jeanette were sweethearts before Simmons stole her away. Rotondi finds that Simmons seems more interested in his career and possibly running for president than he is concerned about his wife's murder. Phil know that Jeanette has been drinking too much and that she has had concerns about her husband and her son's involvement with a lobbying group. Rotondi, along with his friend, Mackenzie Smith, set out to find the truth behind Jeanette's murder.

Margaret Truman was one of the first mystery writers that I ever read and I have enjoyed most of her books a great deal. This one was intriguing from the first page. I have always been a big fan of Mackenzie and Annabel Smith and their small role in this book was enjoyable. I also enjoyed Phillip Rotondi. Ms. Truman passed away earlier this year and I am sad that there is only one more of her Washington mysteries to enjoy.

Rating - 5 stars

THE WATCHMAN

Joe Pike is back and he is frantically trying to keep a young woman alive. The girl was involved with a car accident. When she tries to take responsibility for her actions, it seems that someone wants her to keep quiet - forever. Pike's old training officer convinces the girl's father that Pike is the man who can keep his daughter safe. Larkin Conner Barkley keeps Pike quite busy doing that and Pike has also decided that he has to do more than keep the girl safe. He also has to find out who is behind the plot to kill Barkley. In usual Pike style, there will be a few more dead bodies before he is done with the job.

Joe Pike is a fascinating character. He is strong and tough. He shoots to kill without regret and still, he is one of the good guys. It is interesting to see him appreciate and come to care for Larkin. As usual, Elvis Cole adds a lighter touch to the tense situation. He also offer perspective on Pike. I loved the tense drama and although the plot was sometimes a little convoluted, this was a book on CD that made me glad for a few extra minutes in the car.

Rating - 5 stars

THE BRASS VERDICT

Mickey Haller has been out of the practice of law, going through rehab due to an addiction to prescription pain killers. He is just thinking he might be ready to start again slowly when a colleague of his is killed and Haller is named to fill in his practice. Suddenly, Haller has 31 active cases and one is really big. A big-time movie producer has been accused of shooting his wife and her lover. Haller is thrown back in the limelight doing his best to defend his client and trying to figure out of the person who killed his colleague is also after him.

Micheal Connelly is one of my favorite writers. His protagonists are flawed heroes. Harry Bosch does appear in this book, but the spotlight is definitely on Haller. This was a good read, full of the complex issues that one expects in Connelly's novels. Of course, there is some old-fashioned smart-aleck commentary, not to mention sharp lawyering on Haller's part.

Rating - 4.5 stars

HIT AND RUN

Keller is a hired killer. He is supposed to be retired but he agrees to take on one more job. He finds himself in Des Moines, IA pursuing his favorite hobby of collecting stamps when he learns that a political figure has been murdered and this time, Keller didn't do it! Still, he's a man on the run as he tries to get home without being discovered. Eventually, Keller is forced to begin a new life and he certainly encounters some twists and turns along the way.

It is a little hard to imagine why we feel sympathetic towards a hired killer but I certainly wanted things to work out for Keller. I have read some in this series before by Lawrence Bloch. As in most of Bloch's books, this one included a great deal of introspection. This one, did include some other very good characters. In the end, Keller does end up with a good life and the reader is happy if not slightly fascinated by his cold-blooded killing ways.

Rating - 4 stars

MURDERES PREFER BLONDES

Paige Turner, (yes, that's her real name), is trying to become a writer. Unfortunately, her job at "Daring Detective" magazine is far from that as a writer. Instead, Paige spends her days fetching coffee, clipping newpapers and doing re-writes for the men in the office. In 1954, no one thought of women as having careers. When Paige learns of the murder of Babs Babcock, she is fascinated, and realizes that her is her chance to investigate and murder and write the story for the magazine. Paige is an amatuer detective for sure but she is determined and with her pluck and the help of her neighbor, Paige is on the trail of a killer.

This was a fun and amusing tale by Amanda Matetsky. I enjoyed following Paige around New York City in 1954. I wasn't sure that all of the speech was typical of the era but most of it seemed to ring true. I also liked it that Paige wasn't a fearless heroine. She was nervous and afraid but still willing to keep trying to get the true story. I'll definitely be looking for more books in this series.

Rating - 4.5 stars

DEAD AND BERRIED

Natalie is having a tough time. Her best friend is mad at her, her ex-fiance shows up unannounced and she has a guest who is dogging her footsteps trying to learn all she can about the bed and breakfast business, not to mention laundry piling up like crazy. That's when things really go wrong! Natalie goes to look for the gal who helps out with laundry and finds her dead. The police are sure that Polly's death was a suicide but Natalie isn't convinced. As she investigates Polly's death, she stirs about a hornet's nest. It's obvious that someone is trying to keep Natalie from the truth.

This is the second in the Gray Whale Inn series by Karen McInerney. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, just like the last one. There were a few weaknesses in the plot. The killer had a very minor role until the end. There weren't many clues pointing in his direction at all. The story surrounding Natalie's personal life was fun and amusing. Even though the reader was quite certain all along which choice Natalie would make, it was enjoyable to see her work it out. I'll be looking forward to my next visit to Gray Whale Inn.

Rating - 4.5 stars

CAPITOL THREAT

Ben Kincaid is finally married and just starting his career as the senator appointed to the position for Oklahoma. The President is coming to visit Oklahoma City and Ben, in his new role, is invited to meet him and speak at the event. A terrible tragedy occurs and once again, Oklahoma City is in the midst of a killing spree. As a result, Ben is asked to champion a new constitutional amendment that will increase the powers of the presidency and national security. Normally, Ben is a liberal and would never agree to such a measure but the assassination attempt nearly took his life and did take others. A shaken Ben is thinking that he should support the amendment. It takes the help of his wife, Christina, and the rest of his staff to figure out what is behind the recent killings.

I am a fan of the Ben Kincaid series and it is great that he finally married Christina. As with some of Bernhardt's books, his political views are very clear and at times nearly preachy. There was a great mystery going on behind all the politicking, so I was glad that I read the book and I'll be ready for the next chapter in Ben Kincaid's story.

Rating - 4 stars

L.A. Requiem

Elvis Cole is helping his girlfriend, Lucy, and her son, Ben, settle into life in L.A. He is in the process of moving her couch for the 100th time when he gets a call from his partner, Joe Pike, to help find a girl he used to date. Her father wants Elvis and Joe to find her because the police don't seem concerned. From there, Elvis and Joe get drug into a huge mess. Joe's past with the L.A. Police Department is still a raw subject and his reputation has him targeted for a crime he didn't commit. Elvis finds himself working with a sharp police woman who is angry at the men she works with who don't take her seriously. In the meantime, this case severely strains the relationship between Elvis and Lucy.

I have read a couple of Robert Crais' Elvis Cole books and I have liked them very much. This was my favorite. Until now, Joe Pike has been a strong, silent mysterious guy. In this book, we learn why Joe is they way he is and I liked him even more. The mystery was a good one and I found myself driving around a little extra to listen to the tape. Can't wait for the next Robert Crais mystery!

Rating - 5 stars

DYING IN STYLE

Josie Marcus is a mystery shopper. She dropped out of college when she got pregnant with her daughter. Her mother is disappointed that she didn't marry a rich man and live the perfect surburban life. Mostly, Josie feels like she is doing okay until she has to review the famous Danessa boutiques. Josie is always honest in her reviews and the Danessa boutiques are a mess. After a screaming match with Danessa, Danessa and her boyfriend, Serge, are found dead and guess who is the main suspect? Josie, along with a little help from her friend, Alyce, and her pushy but well-meaning mother, Jane, work to solve the murders before Josie ends up in jail.

This was the first book that I've read by Elaine Viets. It's part of her dead end job series. Josie is a spunky and fun character. She is down-to-earth and gutsy when she has to be. Some of the circumstances surrounding the murders, like Serge dosing himself with rat poison instead of buying coumadin, didn't make much sense, but overall, this was a fun, light-hearted read.

Rating - 4.5 stars

DESIGNED TO KILL

Tim Gannon, an up and coming architect/engineer has just completed a big condominium project in Florida. At a celebration party, the top floor balcony collapses and two people die. The next day, Tim Gannon is found dead with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His parents aren't buying it and they ask their friend, Greg McKenzie and his wife, Jill, to find out if their son's death was truly a suicide. Greg is retired from the Office of Special Investigations for the Air Force. He and Jill agree to check things out in Florida. Soon, they are caught up in investigating a scheme of building fraud and the greedy participants are trying to keep the McKenzies from learning the truth.

This is the first book that I have read by Chester Campbell. I enjoyed the retired couple of Greg and Jill investigating the suicide/murder. They were realistic and complimented one another well. Unfortunately, there is only one other book in this series and it doesn't sound like something I'd enjoy. This was an enjoyable book with some different twists than most mysteries I've been reading lately.

Rating - 4 stars

BODY IN THE VESTIBULE

Faith Fairchild, along with her minister husband and her 3-year-old son, Ben, are spending an idyllic month in France. Faith is especially enjoying the time as she is pregnant with her second child and she loves the warmth of France and the food! Everything is delightful until one night while taking out the trash, Faith finds a body in the trash dumpster. She immediately calls the police. When they get there, the body is gone. Faith can't let the incident go and as she tries to find the truth, more people seem to be in danger.

This is the first book that I have read by Katherine Hall Page. This is not the first book in the series but I didn't find that to be a problem. I was a little put off by all the French words. I know nothing of the French language or France and the constant use of French terms slowed the story down for me. Still, it was a good read and I think that I'll be picking up more of the Faith Fairchild books. I am hoping that the next one will center more around Faith's business as a caterer.

Rating - 4 stars

MURDER ON THE ROCKS

Natalie has recently moved from Texas to the coast of Maine to her dream job of owning a bed and breakfast. It looks like the Gray Whale Inn may not be in existence for long if a developer named Bernard Katz has his way. He plans to construct a huge resort which would wipe out all of the natural habitats and tear down Natalie's inn to build a parking lot. Natalie will do just about anything to protect her bed and breakfast, but when she finds Katz murdered, she is shocked. In a very short time, it seems that Natalie is the main suspect. Natalie decides that if she is going to stay out of jail long enough to keep the inn, she had better find the killer herself.

I had heard lots of great comments about this series by Karen McInerney but it took me awhile to get the book and start reading. What I had heard was right - this is a great series and I'll be looking for the next book very soon. I really enjoyed hearing about life on an island off the coast of Maine and the characters were very enjoyable, too. I'll be looking forward to my next visit to Cranberry Island and the Gray Whale Inn.

Rating - 5 stars

BLOODY MARY

Jack Daniel's life is way too complicated. Her mother is living in Florida and hospitalized after a fall. Jack is trying to convince to come live with her in Chicago. Her love life is complicated, too. She is in love with her new boyfriend but then her ex-husband shows up. Not only that, but a killer is on the loose and Jack suspects that the killer may be a cop. She and her partner, Herb, are trying to find the killer without giving away clues that a policeman with inside contacts would be able to use.

This is the second in the Jack Daniel's series by J.A. Konrath. Like the first, I found this to be a good mystery but I didn't really enjoy the parts about Jack's personal life. For someone who is so accomplished professionally, she seems to be such a loser in her personal life. I could be the only one who feels this way but I'm not sure that I'll continue the series. I do know that I won't be rushing to read the next book anytime soon.

Rating - 3.5 stars

THE FIRST WAVE

Billy Boyle finds himself in Algiers as the Allied Forces try to take control from the Vichy French supporters. In a very short time, Billy finds himself in prison and the girl he loves, Diana, is also being held captive. Billy has to find a way to save her. In the meantime, he is also called upon to investigate the murders of two people in the U.S. military hospital who die within a short time of one another. Following a trail of drug smuggling seems the way to find answers, but it is also dangerous.

This is the second in James Benn's series about Billy Boyle who finds himself as an investigator for the U.S. Army, thanks to his connections with "Uncle Ike". I enjoyed this book but I have to admit that at times I was confused by the various "bad guys" and their affilations. The book includes some fascinating things that were going on during the war including the importance of the introduction of penicillin. Billy Boyle is still a wisecracking guy but he was much more serious and angry in this book than the first. Overall, it was a good read and I'll be glad to continue this series.

Rating - 4 stars

GUARDIAN OF THE HORIZON

This book is based on the "lost files" of Amelia Peabody's diaries. The Emerson family has been contacted by a prince from the Holy Mountain that their presence is required. Their friend, the king Tarek, has been ill and he needs their help. The family embarks on a dangerous journey across the desert. The Holy Mountain is the place where they rescued Nefrette nearly ten years ago. She is eager to help her people in any way she can and the Emersons feel duty bound to help and keep Nefrette safe. As usual, none of their adventures are easy and when they get to the Holy Mountain, nothing is as it was supposed to be. Once again, it takes the combined wits of the Emerson family to overcome the forces of evil.

This book was somewhat out of order from the last several installments. It was odd to go back to the days before Ramses and Nefrette were married. The story, as usual, was chaotic and crazy with Amelia her usual know-it-all self, leading the charge. At least she thinks she is. Once again, we hear part of the "real" story from Ramses point of view and that is lots of fun, too.

Rating - 4.5 stars

NIGHT TRAIN TO MEMPHIS

Dr. Vicky Bliss is contacted by an agency to be a guest lecturer on a luxury cruise. It sounds too good to be true. The reason they want Vicky is because of her experience in spying and espionage to provide security. In other words, she is a special agent. Imagine her surprise when her on again, off again, lover shows up - with his new wife. In the meantime, things are getting pretty crazy on the cruise. Vicky's houseboy is found murdered and she feels terrible. She can't figure out for sure who is on which side anyway. Most of all, she's keeping an eye on John, her ex-boyfriend, because he has a history of stealing precious Egyptian objects and she is sure he is scheming to do it again. In the end, this book is full of unpredictable twists and Vicky is chased, shot at, kidnapped and more in her struggle to stay alive - a sort out who the real thieves are.

I have enjoyed Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series and I have heard lots of good things about the Vicky Bliss books. This was not the first book in the series and I was pretty confused at times. I don't do well with lots of spy stuff and there was some history between the characters and their previous adventures that might have made this an easier read. Still, it was a wild and bumpy ride and I think I may be brave enough to try another before too long!

Rating - 3.5 stars

FEARLESS FOURTEEN

Stephanie Plum is back and as usual, her life is full of chaos. She has agreed to help Ranger provide security for Brenda, an aging rock star. When she brings in a woman for skipping her court date, the woman begs her to pick up her 13-year-old son from school. Little does Stephanie realize that she and Morelli will become the computer geek kid's guardians. Life gets even crazier when the word leaks out that a bank robber may have burried $9 million somewhere on Morelli's property. With people digging in the yard, Mooner acting as a babysitter for the computer geek, Lula planning a wedding with a reluctant groom and Stephanie as the only one who can save the boy's mom, it's typical Stephanie Plum insanity.

Several reviewers wrote this recent installment in the Plum series off as being totally worthless. I'm not saying that it was great literature but it was a fun read, typical Janet Evanovich humor and nonsense. I can't imagine who would expect anything different. I thought the storyline was amusing and easy to follow, so what is there to complain about? Besides, this book had lots of Morelli and he's my favorite!

Rating - 4 stars

MITFORD BEDSIDE COMPANION

This book is a compilation of many of the favorite scenes in all the the Mitford series. Jan Karon, along with the help of her sister, show again why this series was so popular with readers. As I read this book, I was reminded of my favorite characters and taken back to scenes and story lines that I had forgotten. Some parts were a little redundant, like the section relating to the seasons, but overall, it was very pleasant to spend time again in Mitford with Fr. Tim, Cynthia, Dooley and the whole gang. I'm not much of one for re-reading books but this was a pleasant way to review and yes, it does make me consider reading the whole series again. Either that or I can wait for the next in Karon's Holly Spring Series.

Thanks for a wonderful review of my Mitford memories!

Rating - 4.5 stars

BILLY BOYLE

Billy Boyle is a young police detective from Boston. When it seems clear that he will have to serve in WWII, his family decides to do whatever possible to keep him from being in harm's way. They contact his distant, Uncle Ike, and Billy is assigned to the General's staff. He expects to find himself in an office position doing paperwork. Instead, he is to be a detective for the General. He soon finds himself searching for the killer in a castle at a summit. With the help of two new friends, Billy tests his own abilities as a detective. Racing all over England and getting into plenty of scrapes, Billy begins to learn what the war is really all about.

This is the first in the series by Bern and it was lots of fun! Billy is a wisecracking American and his new friends, Kaz and Daphne, make great companions. Billy got to the rank of detective with help from his family and he's not too confident that he really knows how to conduct an investigation, plus all of the rules that he knew at home have changed. The book is an great look at WWII from the perspective of more than just Americans. Sure, some of Billy's success is purely luck, but overall, this book was very enjoyable.

Rating - 4.5 stars

AUDITION

Barbara Walters tells her story of her very successful life. It is interesting to hear how her family influenced many of her choices. Barbara had the opportunity to be part of television in its very early days. She blazed a trail for other women to follow by being a first as an anchor. She had a glamorous career in many ways but at times, her personal life was less than happy.

It took three times checking this audiobook out from the library but I finally finished it. Overall, it was enjoyable and I'm glad Barbara narrated the story herself. She is a very professional and intelligent woman. I don't agree with all of her personal choices but overall, I still feel great admiration for all she has accomplished.

Rating - 4 stars

DEATH'S HALF ACRE

Judge Deborah Knott has a secret. Only she and her daddy, former bootlegger Kezzie Knott, and one other person know the circumstances that led to her appointment as a judge. It seems like that secret might be in danger of being revealed when Candace Bradshaw, county planning and zoning commissioner is found dead. Candace collected information on as many people as possible and used it to gain money and power. No surprise that the list of suspects of people who want her dead is a long one!

I have loved this series by Margaret Maron. Sometimes, she gets a little preachy as she carries on about how development in this area of North Carolina is destroying farming and old ways of life. I do understand her concerns but it can be a little tiresome. As usual, though, I love her characters. It is wonderful to have Deborah happily married. It's always fun to hear about her many brothers and her wonderful daddy. As usual, as soon as I finished, I was hoping for another Deborah Knott story very soon!

Rating - 4.5 stars

WHISKEY SOUR

Jack Daniels, a Chicago police detective, has been having a tough time. Her boyfriend moved out and in with his personal trainer. She's thinking of trying a dating service to meet new men but that has some glitches, too. Most disturbing of all is a serial killer who tracks down women and leaves his signature - a gingerbread man. He seems to delight in taunting Jack and it's a race to see if she can catch him before he kills other - or even Jack.

I have heard of this series for a quite awhile. Mostly, I found this to be a good mystery. I had some reservations about Jack. She's a very tough cookie and it seems that for someone her age, she doesn't have her life together at all. Her mother, although a minor role in the book, seemed pretty unrealistic to me. I'll probably try another book in this series at some point, but it didn't grab me like some books do. It could be the graphic descriptions of the violence but I think most likely it's that I wasn't as drawn to the main character.

Rating - 4 stars

L.A. DEAD

Ed Eagle has problems. His ex-wife, Barbara, was found not guilty of trying to kill him (and a few other people) and she's on the loose again. Barbara is a schemer and soon she has her hooks in another wealthy man. It's not enough, though, to keep her from wanting to get her revenge on Ed Eagle. Ed in the meantime, finds himself caught up in a very interesting case. A new client calls from Rome to say that his wife has received death threats and he wants Ed to check it out.

I have read quite a few of Stuart Woods other books featuring Stone Barrington and Holly Barker. Ed Eagle made a fairly interesting main character, although he is not as warm and endearing as Stone Barrington. The story was good and kept the reader engaged but it was hard to have much compassion for the characters. I listened to this on tape and sometimes, it was hard to keep all the characters, especially the various policemen straight.

Rating - 3.75 stars

DAMAGE CONTROL

Sherrif Joanna Brady is keeping very busy these days. She has a new baby and things are a little out of control at work. An elderly couple is dead and the question is whether it might have been a murder-suicide. Another older gentleman dies in a trailer fire. Again, was this an accident or perhaps a suicide. If that weren't enough a body is found in two trash bags. As usual, Joanna's staff is working hard to solve these cases. It's not always easy to keep everything on track in a busy sherrif's department, plus manage your not so easily managed mother, a teenaged daughter, a baby and a husband who needs to go on a book tour.

I always enjoy J.A. Jance and Joanna Brady was the first of her books that I fell in love with. It's been quite awhile since there was a new Joanna Brady book and this was her usual good fare. There is enough mystery to keep the reader involved and enough of Joanna's personal life to make the characters human and likable. I'll be looking forward to the next J.A. Jance novel.

Rating - 4.5 stars

BIG BONED

This was another of Meg Cabot's books in her series "Size Twelve is Not Fat". Once again, Heather Wells, assistant dorm director, finds dead body on her hands. This time, it's her boss who has been shot in the head in his office. The police are focused on pinning the crime on a grad student but Heather is sure there is more to the story. Despite a few distractions like team building exercises for the staff, a boyfriend who has a serious question to ask her and a lucrative job offer from her father, Heather is determined to find out who the real killer is.

Heather Wells is a fun and warm-hearted character. She is sassy and easy to relate to. Heather's friends are back, too, wild and wacky as ever. There is Tom, former boss, Magda, the food service friend who loves her "movie stars", Sarah, her crabby graduate assistant, and the nutty film student, Gavin. The ending was something of a pleasant surprise as Heather's love life is finally just what the reader hoped it would be.

Rating - 4 stars

NO KINDNESS GOES UNPUNISHED

This time Walt Longmire and Henry are far from the mountains of Wyoming. They have gone to Philadelphia to visit Walt's daughter, Cady. When they get there, they find that Cady has been the victim of an assault. As her life hangs in the balance, Walt tries to find who has done this terrible thing to his daughter. Was it her boyfriend - someone he's never met but doesn't think he likes anyway? Walt is soon joined in his efforts by Vic's family. Vic's mother becomes a friend and Vic's brother and father are policemen themselves. There are many twists and turns as Walt investigates his daughter's life without help from her.

Once again, I loved this book by Craig Johnson. His characters are real and likable. I had a hard time finishing this book as I hated for it to be over. There are lots of bad guys and I couldn't always keep them straight. There were also changes in Walt's relationship with Vic that I really didn't like. Not quite enough Henry in this book either but overall, I loved it and I'll be looking forward to book four in the series.

Rating - 4.5 stars

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

It is 1946 and Juliet Ashton is an author who became famous writing a lighthearted column about the war in London. The war is over and Europe is struggling to recover from the long, grueling war. Juliet is trying to figure out what she wants to write about next. By chance, she receives a letter from Dawsey Adams asking if she can possibly help him locate more books by Charles Lamb. Dawsey lives on the island of Guernsey which was occupied by the Nazis for five long years. He and his friends helped maintain their sanity by reading and forming a book discussion group called the "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society". Food was in short supply during the occupation and even things like potato peels had to be put to use. Now Guernsey is hungry to be part of the world again. Juliet begins a lively correspondence with the inhabitants of this lovely island and she falls in love with them all.

This book, written entirely as correspondence, was delightful. It wasn't always easy to read as we learn of Elizabeth's last days, the hunger during the war, the children leaving the island for five years during the occupation, life and death. Still, I loved every minute. The characters were absolutely delightful and like Juliet, I think a piece of my heart will always belong to Guernsey. There were some comments by reviewers that the changing of narrators from letter to letter was confusing but I didn't find this to be so. Each character had their own distinct voice. It is only sad to know that one of the authors, Mary Ann Shaffer, died earlier this spring and there won't be a sequel.

Rating - 5 stars

BUBBLES ALL THE WAY

Bubbles is having her share of troubles. Even though she is crazy about Steve Stilleto, she is remarrying her ex-husband, Dan, and she's not too happy about it. In the process of helping her friend, Sandy, at the House of Beauty, Debbie Shotzky dies of an allergic reaction. The cops are sure that Sandy somehow switched the glue for the extensions so that Debbie would die of her latex allergy. If that wasn't crazy enough, a young intern has been hired at the newspaper where Bubbles works and seems to be overtaking her desk. Oh yeah, and when Bubbles decides to buy a Christmas tree, someone starts shooting at her.

This is my first read by Sarah Strohmeyer. I found Bubbles and her troubles to be delightful. I really enjoyed listening to this book with all the crazy characters and twists and turns. However, the end of the book was such a disappointment. Not that I was expecting a totally realistic ending, but having Bubbles become the long lost queen of Lithuania was just too much of a stretch even for a fun and lighthearted book like this. I would have given the book a rating of four stars, but the ending killed the fun for me.

Rating - 3 stars

DEATH WITHOUT COMPANY

It wouldn't seem that unusual for someone to die at the Durant Assisted Living facility. However, when Mari Barojola passes away, the former sheriff, Lucian, insists that an autopsy be performed. He is sure that the old woman was murdered. Sheriff Walt Longmire is somewhat hesitant to trust the old lawman's instincts and his life is complicated enough with his daughter coming home for Christmas, an interesting woman in town and an interview with a possible new deputy. As he digs further into Mari's past, he also realizes that someone is trying to either bury secrets of the past or dig them up!

This is the second Craig Johnson book featuring Walt Longmire. I found it to be just as wonderful as the first one. I love his descriptions. The Wyoming mount ans and the people who live there come alive with Johnson's careful prose. His characters are realistic and lovable. The action is fast and furious, plenty of violence but still characters with a heart. Once again, I can't wait to start the next book in this series.

Rating - 5 stars

KILLER COCKTAIL

Molly Forester and her friend Cassady, join their friend Tricia for a weekend in the Hamptons. Tricia's very rich and very proper family are having a special weekend to announce the engagement of Tricia's brother, David. The family isn't particularly thrilled with the bride-to-be, Elisabet. She puts on quite a show at the party and the groom-to-be ends up carrying her away in disgust. Still, no one expects that the next day the bride-to-be will be found dead in the swimming pool! Tricia asks Molly to investigate the murder. After all, Tricia is a journalist and has already solved one murder case. The more Tricia investigates, the more complicated things get. That includes Tricia's already complicated relationship with her NYPD dectective boyfriend, Kyle, who is involved in the investigation, too. As usual, the girls tackle the case in designer clothes and high heels while drinking sophisticated cocktails.

This is the second in the Molly Forester series by Sheryl Anderson. It was a quick and fun read. Sometimes, I get a little put off by the endless references to designer clothing and shoes. I haven't a clue about most of the designers that she refers to. I also get somewhat annoyed by Molly always trying to read so much out of every look and word from Kyle, but overall, this book was the lighthearted affair it was meant to be.

Rating - 4 stars

CONFESSIONS OF A CARB QUEEN

This is the story of a woman, who at 38 years of age, finds herself at 468 pounds and desperate to find a way to change her life. Her story is heartbreaking and the tales of her binges are nearly unbelievable. She admits that she ate to the point of nearly being comatose on a regular basis. Her description of her life as a fat person was hard to read, much less imagine. She tells of how hard it was to even get herself out of bed because she was nearly suffocating. When she finally decides to go to the Rice Clinic in Durham, NC to lose the weight, the story is just as hard to read. The reader suffers, too, as she describes her struggle to resist the foods she craves so much. When she does slip up, we can see it coming, but it isn't any easier to take. Finally, as Sue reaches a weight loss of 250 pounds, the reader is eagerly cheering her on.

This book was both sad and inspirational. At times, one wants to scream at the fat Sue about why she is so out of control and why she is making the choices that she does. It is also heartbreaking to think of how hard it is to live in the body of a 450 pound woman. Anyone who has struggled to diet and to avoid the foods that they love so much can relate to the struggles as she tries to change her life forever. Sue's choices of flawed men made me angry and I wanted to tell her to grow up as again and again she is disappointed by the expectations she has for her family members. Mostly, though, I came away inspired to keep moving, watch what I eat and keep battling. One comes to love Sue as she finally comes to love herself.

Rating - 4 stars

MURDER OF A SMALL TOWN HONEY

Skye is a school psychologist who has returned to her small hometown. She is less than thrilled to be back in Scrumble River where everyone seems to remember her as a high school girl who was eager to be out of town and on her way to bigger things. Skye is just getting the school year started when Mrs. Gumtree, a local celebrity from a children's TV show, is murdered just before the Chokecherry Days parade was supposed to begin. Everyone was surprised to learn that Mrs. Gumtree was really a young woman who had spent her senior year in Scrumble River. It seems that Honey was not the sweet girl her name might suggest, but Skye really gets pulled into the investigation when her brother, Vince, is accused of the murder.

I was thinking that I had read this book by Denise Swanson a long time ago and for some reason, I really didn't think that I had liked it. I was somewhat surprised that I really did enjoy the book. It is a little thin in places - Skye does some things that I don't think a psychologist would ever consider doing and her attitude about her small town is sometimes a little wearing. However, I really did enjoy the book and I'll probably try another sometime soon.

Rating - 4.25 stars

COLD DISH

Walt Longmire is a Wyoming sheriff in a small town and he has serious trouble on his hands. A young man has been found murdered. The list of people who might have wanted to kill Cody Pritchard is exceptionally long since Cody and his friends brutally raped a young Indian girl with fetal alcohol syndrome. Most of the people in town and the reservation think Cody and his friend got off too easily. Walt has to figure out who committed the murder before anyone else gets killed. The hardest part is that he isn't sure who he can trust. Even his best friend, an Indian, is one of the prime suspects for Cody's murder.

I had heard that Craig Johnson's books were very good and I found this one to be a delight. Johnson's characters are well-rounded human beings, very likable but human with flaws, nonetheless. Walt is a great guy and his desire to begin dating is a wonderful side story. I loved Johnson's description of the scenery of the West. His writing is so fun to read - it's almost lyrical. The story is gritty and tough but the reading is pure delight.

Rating - 5 stars

Voodoo River

Elvis Cole finds himself in Lousiana tracing the adoption of a Hollywood celebrity. She tells Cole that she just wants her medical information from her birth parents. Cole finds life in Lousiana to be much different from Hollywood, but he soon is drawn into a relationship with Lucy, the attorney for adoptees. Life would be nice if he could just spend time with Lucy, but Elvis soon realizes that there are more secrets in the Lousiana Bayou than he could ever imagine. Elvis must decide whether he is more committed to protecting his client or for working for justice in an untolerable situation.

I really liked this book alot but at times it seemed to drag. I loved seeing Elvis with someone as nice as Lucy but I also got pretty confused by the two conflicting mob groups and the scam they were running. It all got pretty convoluted. As always, Robert Crais tells gives vivid descriptions of his settings and characters. I especially enjoyed the character of the old lady who hopped around her trailer with a can of Raid to kill bugs. I'll be checking out more of Robert Crais and I'll hope this book was one of his "not so great" ones.

Rating - 4 stars

BROKEN WINDOW

Arthur Rhyme is accused of a murder that he swears he didn't commit. There is nothing new about hearing that someone feels they are unjustly accused of a crime but Arthur happens to be the cousin of the criminalist, Lincoln Rhyme. When Arthur's wife, Judy, begs Lincoln to look into the murder, Lincoln is very skepital. However, he and his team soon realize that someone is using data to set up innocent victims as murder suspects. Amelia Sachs is soon digging into a company that collects and sells all kinds of data and the implications are frightening. Someone can analyze the data and predict when and where a person will be, what products he buys and what his interests are. He is planting evidence to set the person up to take the fall for murder while he takes his pleasures in the world.

Jeffrey Deavers has another hit with this book. I love Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs. As always, this book was quite suspenseful but his characters are rich, human and likable. Deavers adds enough of their personal lives to keep things cohesive and interesting. It has also been fun to see the characters in this series develop. Deaver's theories in this book about the data that is being collected on all of us and how available it is to certain people is truly scary and thought-provoking.

Rating - 5 stars

MISS ZUKAS AND THE LIBRARY MURDERS

This is the first in the Miss Zukas, the librarian, series. Working in a library, one doesn't expect to find a dead body lying in one of the aisles between bookcases but that is exactly what happens to Miss Zukas one morning at work. Soon, she is drawn into the investigation after finding a slip of yellow paper with something written on it in a directory. She can't make sense of the words on the paper but suddenly, strange things are happening to her. Someone has broken into her apartment and she thinks she is being followed. Along with her crazy friend, Ruth, Helma is determined to figure out what's going on, and maybe then she'll share some info with the Chief of Police.

I read another of the Miss Zukas books by Jo Dereske not so long ago. I liked the book but Helma drove me kind of crazy. She is such a stiff and proper person. Her friend, Ruth, on the other hand is kind of wild and exuberant. Quite the combination. I actually liked this book better. We got some background on Helma and somehow, it helped me like her more. Despite a rather confusing ending, I will probably try another book in this series again sometime.

Rating - 4 stars.

THE LAST LECTURE

I am so glad that I read Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture". This 47-year-old professor at Carnegie Mellon University is dying of pancreatic cancer. He was invited to give a lecture last fall. Clips were shown on "Good Morning America" and Charlie Gibson named him as his person of the week. This uplifting book covers Randy's approach to life, the lessons he wants to teach his students, the things he hopes that his young children might learn and the importance of pursing your dreams. I plan to bribe my kids to read this book as I feel it is written in such a way that anyone who reads it and thinks about the wisdom it contains, can't help but change their perspective on life in general.

Rating - 5 stars

THIS PEN FOR HIRE

Jaine Austen is a freelance writer. She writes letters for clients, prepares resumes and makes business brochures. She's never had a client ask her to do what Howard Murdoch wants - a letter to convince a beautiful aerobics instructor to go out with him. Much to Howard - and Jaine's - surprise, she agrees. When Howard goes to pick her up, she's been clubbed to death with a Thigh Master and Howard is the prime suspect. Jaine can't believe that nerdy Howard is capable of killing anything, so she decides to investigate. Posing as a writer for the New York Times, a policewoman and a lawyer, Jaine manages to solve the case, but it isn't easy!

I have been hearing that Laura Levine's Jaine Austen series is a fun lighthearted series and I agree. It certainly isn't serious literature but it is a nice diversion. Jaine was a likable character even is she is pretty ditzy and her other characters were amusing. I didn't have the murderer pegged until the end. I'll probably read another in the series, but I think I would need to break them up or they might become rather tedious and dull.

Rating - 4 stars

FREE FALL

Jennifer Sheridan approaches Elvis Cole to find out why her fiance, a policeman, has been acting distant and strange for the past couple of months. As soon as Jennifer leaves Cole's office, Mark Thurman, her boyfriend shows up and tells Cole there is nothing to investigate. He says he is involved with another woman and he will tell Jennifer on his own. Elvis can't help but think this is his easiest case ever - solved within ten minutes. Jennifer insists there is more to the story and in the meantime, Elvis discovers that his office has been searched by pros who know what they are doing. The search for the truth involves Thurman's police unit and soon, Elvis feels that he needs to uncover the truth, not just for Jennifer but for another family and himself.

This is the first Robert Crais book that I have read and I loved it. I'm not sure why I put off reading this author but Elvis Cole is as good of a protagnist as others have said that he was. He reminds me of Coban's Myron Bolitar as far as being laid-back, wisecracking, but still with a heart and a conscience. I will definitely be reading more from Robert Crais.

Rating - 4.5 stars

MURDER IS BINDING

Tricia has her dream job. She has come to this small town filled with bookstores to run the store that she has always dreamed of. Her bookstore, Haven't Got a Clue, features classic mysteries. All seems to be going well, until her sister shows up unexpectedly, and mostly unwelcome, with plans to move and stay. Then, Tricia find her neighbor and owner of the cookbook store next door, dead. Even more disturbing is that the local law enforcement seem quite happy to pin the whole thing on Tricia and she is afraid that her dream of running a bookstore will end if she is in jail!

I had been hearing that this new cozy series by Lorna Barrett was a winner and I wasn't disappointed. I love the description of a cozy New England town whose main street is filled with bookstores of all kinds. What could be more wonderful? Although I would classify this book as a cozy, it was a good read with quite a few twists and turns in the plot and great characters. I will definitely put the next book in the series on my TBR list!

Rating - 5 stars.

Corpse Suzette

The owner of a posh new spa in San Carmelita has gone missing. Tammy's cousin has won a makeover sweepstakes at the spa - and she's not too thrilled about it. She's also not the most wonderful house guest that Savannah has ever had, but that's the way it goes. Savannah and Dirk are back at sleuthing and trying to figure out who is responsible for the woman's disappearance. Is she really dead or just missing? What about her slimy husband? Did he have a hand in this?

I haven't read any of the J.A. McKevett series for awhile. I got tired of Savannah's decadence and Dirk's dirty comments. I decided to try another and although it wasn't a great book, it was better than I remembered the series being. Savannah and Dirk actually seem to have something more of a relationship than their previous wisecracking one. The book was a pretty fast read and maybe I'll try the next one. No hurry, though!

Rating - 3 stars

MISS JULIA:S SCHOOL OF BEAUTY

Well, Sam and Julia did it. They snuck off to a chapel in Dollywood and got married. At least they think they did, until a news story of a country western singing star suggests that the preacher might have been a fake. Miss Julia is totally undone. Have she and Sam been living in sin? As usual, she is appalled by what people might think. As if she didn't have enough on her mind, Hazel Marie has been asked to put on a beauty pageant for the local sheriff's department and of course, Miss Julia's help is needed. When Julia isn't trying to figure out if her marriage is for real or if Sam is really having second thoughts, she is trying to help the young ladies with good grooming and poise. Oh, and if that weren't enough, her house is being remodeled and Sam's cook and hers are in the midst of a cold war!

Once again, Miss Julia is delightful. This was an audio book and at times, I could have gladly shook Miss Julia as she continued to worry and doubt her way through the book. I want to tell her to get over herself, but of course, the best part of the story is watching Miss Julia decide how to handle her dilemma and even help one of the beauty pageant contestants find her own voice in the world.

MISS JULIA THROWS A WEDDING

Binkie and Coleman announce that they have decided to go to the courthouse next weekend and get married. Miss Julia is so happy and relieved - she thinks it's about time they quit living in sin! Just a simple wedding with the justice of the peace won't do and she suggests that they let her plan a wedding for them. Needless to say, there are a few trials to overcome, like the bride and groom getting cold feet, the construction of the church center across the street with all the people coming and going, not to mention Hazel Marie's skimpy bridesmaid dress. Well, the chaos only adds to the fun, especially when Miss Julia is in charge.

As usual, Ann Ross keeps things light and fun with her prim and proper Miss Julia. Just about the time when I am sick and tired of Miss Julia being so worried about how things will look and doing the right thing according to the rules of etiquette, she figures out what is really important and does things her own distinctive way. The characters in this book were delightful and it is so easy to picture them all - by the end, they all seem like old friends. Miss Julia is truly a colorful character and I get a kick out of her!

Rating - 4 stars

PHANTOM PREY

Lucas Davenport is in the midst of a confusing case. A wealthy friend of his wife asks Lucas to investigate the disappearance of her daughter. The daughter has been frequenting Goth nightclubs and another Goth has been murdered. As usual, Lucas is involved in other police work. including a long-term stake-out, but he is intrigued by this case. It seems that the more Lucas investigates, the more confusing the entire case becomes.

This is John Sanford and Lucas Davenport at their best. Lucas has long been one of my favorite crime solvers and this is one of the best from John Sanford in several years. The book also took a look at multiple personality disorder and I found this interesting but spooky. It was amazing to see a person who appeared to function so well and be in such control struggling with other personalities and finally be torn apart. I hope that John Sanford keeps us entertained with many more of his books featuring Lucas Davenport.

Rating - 5 stars

DEAD GIRLS DON'T WEAR DIAMONDS

Nora Blackbird is just a hard-working girl trying to stay afloat financially after her parents lost the family fortune. Nora's career as a society reporter is hampered when her old boyfriend's wife is found dead in the family swimming pool shortly after Nora and the husband are caught together in a bathroom at a large party. Worse still, the dead woman has been changing her appearance to look more like Nora and she has a history of stealing other people's jewelry. The latest jewel missing is Nora's grandmother's sapphire ring! Nora, with the help of her zany sisters and her Mafia-connected boyfriend are out to set the record straight.

This is the second of the Blackbird sisters mysteries by Nancy Martin. This book was a quick read and enjoyable. Ms. Martin manages to mix lighthearted fun with more serious issues. I am looking forward to reading more of the Blackbird sisters and their capers.

Rating - 4 stars

SIZE 14 IS NOT FAT EITHER

Heather Wells was a teenaged rock star. After her mother took her money and ran off with her manager, Heather has been trying to put her life back together. She has a job and she is starting back to college. Heather's job as assistant director of the residence hall at New York City College was going along just fine until the head of a cheerleader was found in a cooking pot in the kitchen. Now everyone is calling it "Death Dorm" and Heather is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. Heather's sleuthing is slowed down by a few complications like her ex-boyfriend begging her to attend his upcoming wedding, the return of her father after his release from prison and the guy that she is crazy about not taking her seriously.

I haven't read any of Meg Cabot's books but my daughters love everything that she has written for young adults. I thought this book was fun but still worthwhile. Heather is a very likable character and so are her friends. I loved the dialogue - it was snappy and real. I thought maybe there was too much emphasis on Heather's size that really had nothing at all to do with the story. I will keep looking for more of Meg Cabot's books for adult readers.

Rating - 5 stars

CURSE OF THE SPELLMANS

Isabel Spellman can't help herself. She is suspicious and sleuthing is in her genes. Both of her parents are private detectives and Isabel works in the family business. Her curiosity about her new neighbor and the locked room in his apartment are the reason that she has been arrested four times in the past two months. Those aren't her only problems - her perfect brother is sitting around is his pajamas drinking and watching television all day, her father is making mysterious trips to the gym, her mother is sneaking out all night and her sister, Rae, has nearly killed her best friend, a forty-year-old police detective. It's a recipe for disaster and the kind of craziness only Isabel can sort out.

This is Lisa Lutz's sequel to THE SPELLMAN FILES. It is madcap fun and a quick light-hearted read written in the style of a case report. Beneath the zaniness is a woman trying to decide what she wants from life and realizing that some parts of her haphazard lifestyle choices just aren't working. I can't wait for the next installment of the Spellman family.

Rating - 5 stars

FOUNDING MOTHERS

Cokie Roberts is the author and narrator of this audiobook featuring the lives of the women who were a part of the historical time of the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. The lives of women of the time were not nearly as well recorded as were the men of the times. Still, Ms. Roberts has been able to piece together through letters and other records of the time, what the lives of women were like. She includes stories about Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Mrs. Benjamin Franklin, along with many other women whose names are not so well known. She tells of their struggles maintaining farms and businesses while their husbands fought in the war or were part of the Continental Congress writing the Declaration of Independence or later, the Constitution of the United States.

Cokie Roberts is a wonderful televions newswoman and an enjoyable writer. Her stories of these remarkable women are filled with humor and her interpretation of these women's point of view. In other hands, this topic might seem rather dull and tired, but her narration kept the book lively and entertaining. I am glad that I chose this in audiobook format.

Rating - 4 stars.

DARKEST FEAR

Myron Bolitar is surprised when his college girlfriend, Emily, calls him. She is now divorced from the man who caused the accident that ended Myron's professional basketball career. She shocks Myron by telling him that she believes he is the father of her thirteen-year-old son. The boy has a potentially fatal anemia and is desperately in need of a bone marrow transplant. A potential donor has been identified but cannot be located. Emily pleads with Myron to find the donor and save his son. Myron's investigation soon becomes very complicated as it appears the donor is no where to be found, even with Myron's somewhat underhanded investigation techniques. As usual, he calls upon his loyal pals, Win and Esperanza for help, all the while struggling with the idea that he might really be the boy's father.

This is Harlan Coben at his best. The second half of the book was especially fast-paced and captivating. As usual, Myron Bolitar is outwardly light-hearted and wise-cracking. Meanwhile, Myron struggles with the issues of being the boy's father and his own parents' aging. Like all of Coben's novels, this case is full of twists and turns and captivating characters. Definitely worth reading.

Rating - 4.5 stars

HOME

Julie Andrews tells of her early life in England through the beginning of the filming of "Mary Poppins". Andrews is one of those stars who have had a long and marvelous career and seem to have stayed clear of poor choices and scandal which seem to be so much a part of most celebrity lives. Her life was certainly not easy as a child. Her parents divorced early and she lived in near-poverty mos of her childhood. She did not have much a regular education and much of her formal training was in voice and dance with some acting lessons and a tutor as needed. Julie Andrews helped support her family at a young age and had to deal with a step-father who nearly molested her and was an alcoholic who treated her mother poorly.

Still, Julie Andrews tells the story of her life in a positive and up-beat way. She is very down to earth and seems grateful for the opportunites that she has been given. She tells of performing "My Fair Lady" before the Queen of England. She also tells how hard she had to work to learn her craft when surrounded by those with lots of experience and talent. Her descriptions of performing "Camelot" with Richard Burton and Robert Goulet were also quite entertaining. Andrew's descriptions of the people she worked with were fun and never very negative. I certainly hope that she continues her memoirs because I am sure that she has many more delightful tales to share.

Rating - 4.5

THE WOODS

Paul Copeland, County Prosecutor, is in the middle of a big and controversial case. At first, it seems that all the odds are against him but as the tide starts to turn, Paul begins to believe that someone is trying to force him to plea bargain the case. Twenty years ago, when Paul was eighteen and a camp counselor, his sister and three others from camp disappeared. Two bodies were found but Paul's sister and the body of another boy were never located. The incident changed everything in Paul's life and now, someone seems to be stirring the case up again. Is there a chance that Paul's sister is alive? What really happened between his parents? Who is behind the effort to discredit Paul and his entire family with secrets from the past?

I have become a huge Harlan Coban fan and this is the first of his stand alone books that I have read. I thought this book was great. Lots of twists and turns and the combination of the story of Paul's sister's disappearance plus his current case and the implications of both on his life and his future. As always, I think Coban's strength is the believability of his characters. They are wonderful people but flawed as we all are.

DEALBREAKER

Myron Bolitar's hot new recruit has graduated college and now is headed for the pro's. The shining star has a problem, though. His girlfriend disappeared 18 months ago and now, he has gotten a picture of her in a magazine and disturbing phone calls. If Myron doesn't get things straightened out soon, Christian's chances in the NFL, not to mention product endorsements, will be lost. Christian's girlfriend was Myron's ex-girlfriend's sister, so Myron has plenty of interest in solving the mystery of her disappearance. Nothing is as simple as it seems and every clue leads to more and more questions.

This Harlan Coben novel was the first in the Myron Bolitar series. Although sometimes the secondary characters are a little confusing, for the most part this was a very good book. Myron is funny and good-hearted. His friends, Win and Esperanza, are a good compliment to Myron's basic good guy nature. The relationship between Myron is complex and intriguing. I honestly had no clue to the outcome until the very end. I am definitely a Myron Bolitar fan!

Rating - 5 stars

SWEET POTATO QUEEN'S FIRST BIG ASS NOVEL

The Sweet Potato Queens were always queens, although, they did recognize that they were special very early in life. Jill, Patsy, Tammy, Mary Bennett and Gerald were the best of friends in high school. One fateful Homecoming Parade, they decided that it was time to show the elite and snooty crowd in their high school a thing or two. Little did they expect that their float featuring the Sweet Potato Queens would attract so much attention. Once a queen, always a queen, so even when the friends part ways after graduation, they still look after one another through triumphs and tragedies, true love and heartbreaks. Only in true Sweet Potato Queen style can booze, comfort food and true friendship conquer any challenge life can bring.

Jill Connor Browne's Sweet Potato Queen books are always hysterical fun and this "novel" was no exception. Jill explains how the famous "promise" got its start and why every SP Queen is named Tammy. As usual, the book is filled with bawdy good humor and light-hearted fun. Every girl dreams of being a Queen and surrounded with friends who will stick with her through thick and thin. This was a quick, fun read.

Rating - 4 stars

THE FINAL DETAIL

Myron needed to get away from it all, so he ran off to the Carribbean with a woman he hardly knew and spent weeks soaking up the sun on a deserted island. His time on the island is cut short when he learns that his partner, Esperanza, is being charged with the murder of one of his oldest clients, Clu Haid. Clu was a fraternity brother, who has spent most of his life boozing and chasing women but his life finally seems to have been coming together. Myron is certain that Esperanza didn't do it, but she's not telling him anything and so Myron has to put the pieces together for himself. Myron's search for the truth isn't easy and some of the things he learns about his partner, his clients, and other people he thought he knew aren't easy to deal with. Most of all, Myron has to take a look at himself and all that he was running away from.

As usual, Harlan Coben's books are filled with great twists and turns, wisecracking humor and thought-provoking situations. I think Myron is the greatest - you can't help but love him for his kind heart and his goofy sense of humor. As usual, his other buddies, Win, Esperanza and Big Cindi add color and humor. This book kept me guessing until the end and still, I didn't have a clue who had committed the murder or why. Mostly, I just keep reading and can't let go because the plot keeps me tied in until the surprise finish, tying all the loose ends together.

Rating - 4.5 stars

DREAMING IN BLACK AND WHITE

Phoebe Grant thinks that her days of writing ads and obituaries are finally over. Her dream job, a movie critic for a Cleveland newspaper, seems to finally be hers. Life isn't always the cozy movies that Phoebe loves and instead of the perfect new job - she finds that she doesn't have a job at all. Worse, her mother has fallen and broken both arms and needs Phoebe to come back to her small hometown in northern California. Phoebe has never been really close to her mom and she's left her small town days far behind. Still, Phoebe believes that God has a plan for us all and so this single girl heads home, hoping something will work out. Imagine her surprise when home has some great things to offer and maybe even Filmguy, someone she met online reappears in her life.

This is a debut novel for Laura Walker Jensen. Her characters were fun and very human. I guess this could be called Christian chick-lit but it was well-written and enjoyable. Phoebe was fun and amusing but still sometimes quick-tempered and judgemental. No preaching in this novel, just gentle reminders to live a Christian life. Maybe a few too many movie references for a non-movie buff like me, but I would probably read a follow-up novel.

Rating - 3 stars

ONE FALSE MOVE

Myron Bolitar has an unusual assignment. He has been asked to insure the safety of the star of a new women's basketball league. If he's lucky, she may decide to let him be her agent. Myron soon learns that watching over Brenda Slaughter isn't an easy task. She's beautiful, talented and smart, but her past is complicated. Her mother disappeared when she was five. There are some very dangerous people who seem to be hiding secrets about Brenda's family. Myron is determined to help Brenda in any way he can, even if he has to make some powerful people angry.

I am catching up on Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar series. It is fun to see how the characters evolve into the place they are in his latest novels. This book was full of Myron's wisecracks and the help from his complex friend, Win. The book was a quick read, full of action and twists and turns. I truly didn't figure out who the killer was until the very end. Some of the bad guys were just a little flat, no dimension or surprises but overall, the book was good. I have to say, though, that I enjoyed his latest Myron Bolitar, PROMISE ME, even more than this one. I love it when an author gets better and better.

Rating - 4 stars

HOME TO HOLLY SPRINGS

Fr. Tim hasn't been home to Holly Springs, Mississippi for over 35 years but he has received an anonymous summons to come home. Tim has his doubt but he feels compelled to go. To his surprise, you really can go home. He soon finds the answers to many questions. What has become of his childhood home, Whitefield? What caused the bitterness and depression that plagued his father for years, making it so hard for him to show love? What happened to Tim's beloved Peggy? What began as a simple trip home ends with so many life-changing ramifications, all told in Jan Karon's wonderful way.

I had devoured all of the Mitford books but I was in no hurry to read this one. I couldn't imagine what Jan Karon would write at the end of the Mitford series. To my surprise, this book was an absolute delight. When you finish a Jan Karon book, it's always hard to describe the action in the plot and yet, so much happens in this quiet real-life way. As usual, the characters of the book are people you would love to have for your own friends. I hear that the next Fr. Tim book will be about his trip to Ireland. I can hardly wait for that one. Jan Karon has made sure that Fr. Tim's life in retirement will be full and rich.

Rating - 5 stars

STOP WHINING, START LIVING

Dr. Laura Schlessinger is known for telling it like it is to her radio audiences. Her responses are no-nonsense, predictable and leave no room for self-pity. In this book, Dr. Laura advocates giving up the excuses and whining and start living a useful and productive life. Whether it be your marriage or the things that your family did to you in the past, her advice is to suck it up and make the best of it. She admits that she wants to be the "kick in the pants" that we sometimes all need.

I have enjoyed some of Dr. Laura's other books but this one was very predictable. Still, we all have a tendency to think that our life is hard and that no one quite understands how tough we have it. Dr. Laura, in her simplistic way, reminds us that we have choices about how we handle our situations and how we deal with our emotions. Not a bad reminder, really.

Rating - 3 stars

Ah, You Iowans!

I grew up reading Chuck Offenburger's Iowa Boy columns in the Des Moines Registar. I had kind of forgotten all about him until I saw a recent PBS special. I looked up his writings and found a blog and this book. As always, I was captivated by both Chuck's ability to find the good in everyone and a certain pride and amusement about life in Iowa. These columns were nearly 20 years old but most of them were fun and something that could be written today. Again and again, the Iowa Boy managed to touch my heart. This certainly wouldn't be an entertaining book for everyone but I savored these column, reading just a few at a time and delighting in the characters and down-to-earth human beings that make life so much fun.

Rating - 5 stars

KILLER HEAT

Alexandra Cooper, head of the Manhattan District Attourney's Sex Crimes Unit, doesn't have a minute to savor her hard-fought victory in a 35-year-old rape case because it seems that a new serial killer is on the loose. Alex, along with her cop buddies, Mercer and Mike Chapman, are in the thick of it all as they race to find the killer before he takes another victim. This time, they are exploring some of the abandoned military facilities and islands in the New York City area. Alex's love life seems to be looking up, too, that is if she had time for a love life!

Linda Fairstein is one of my favorite authors and I devour each Alex Cooper novel as soon as it becomes available. I wasn't disappointed this time either! As usual, there is plenty of suspense and just enough details of the main characters' personal lives to keep things interesting. I keep hoping for a romance between Alex and Mike but that is going to have to be in the next book or two because it wasn't here. This book has a great plot but probably has fewer personal details than usual about Alex and her buddies. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, though!

Rating - 5 stars

CARROT CAKE MURDER

Hannah is busy helping Lisa and Herb with their huge family reunion. Everyone is thrilled when Uncle Gus shows up after leaving thirty-some years ago without ever contacting any of the famiy again. Unfortunately, Uncle Gus such a great guy after all. When he is found murdered, Hannah agrees to help figure out who committed the murder so that the reunion is spoiled. Hannah, with the help of Norman, soon find that many people had reasons not to be happy to see Gus again. Mike seems to be encouraging Hannah in working on the murder but Hannah isn't sure if she can trust him to share information with her. In the meantime, Hannah is busy whipping up her famous cookies and trying out new recipes.

As usual, Joanna Fluke's mysteries are pure fluff. That's okay, fluff is fun sometimes. This book was a quick, light-hearted read. There is still an ongoing love triangle between Mike and Norman and Hannah. It didn't drive me as crazy in this book as in some of the previous books. Hannah seems to be getting closer to Norman, but that could change in the next book in the series, I'm sure. Overall, this was as good as Joanna Fluke gets!

Rating - 4 stars

THE WAR AGAINST MISS WINTER

RosieWinter is a struggling actress in New York City during WWII. Things are so rough that she may soon be kicked out of her boardinghouses for actresses because she hasn't had a part for six months. To make matters worse, her part-time job as a filing clerk for a shady private detective has come to an end, since she just found his body hanging in the office closet. Rosie can't let her boss' death go and soon she finds that quite a few others are interested in Jim's last case, including his high society widow, the mob and New York's theater crowd. Rosie may be a sassy independent gal, but she and her roommate, Jayne, are going to have to figure out the case quickly or end up dead!

Kathryn Miller Haines does a great job of taking the reader back to the 1940's. Words like peepers, gams, java and V-mail sprinkle the entire book and the conversation is absolutely delightful. Some of the plot was a bit tricky with some weird twists and turns but mostly, it was enjoyable. The characters of Rosie and Jayne were well-developed but the secondary characters were a little thin. Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I think is she writes a sequel, I'll read it.

Rating - 3-1/2 stars

Shoot HIm If He Runs

Stone Barrington and Holly Barker are sent by the CIA to St. Mark's to check out a former CIA agent, Teddy Fay, who has disappeared and is believed to be living there. Fay is a liability to the President, who is planning to run for re-election and the First Lady, who happens to be the head of the CIA. Stone and Holly, accompanied by Stone's pal, Dino, and his girlfriend, Genevieve, split their time between enjoying the lovely tropical life on St. Mark's and getting caught up in the politics of St. Mark's government and trying to flush out Teddy Fay.

I have read quite a few of Stuart Woods books, mostly the Stone Barrington series. I think the best that I can say for this book was that it was okay. The characters are fairly predictable, the plot was similar to Woods' other books and there was some degree of intrigue. I don't think that I'll be rushing out to read the next Stuart Woods novel.

Rating - 2 stars

KILLER HEELS

Molly Forrester is the advice columnist for a Manhattan magazine. She is stunned when her brand new Jimmy Choos are sticky with blood from a murdered co-worker. Molly sees this as a chance to show her true journalistic skills as she endeavors to solve the mystery of Teddy's death. Of course, Molly would be lost without her BFF's, Tricia, the events planner, and Cassady, the lawyer with kind of loose morals and they pitch in to help her find the murderer. Molly's other motive for solving the case is the darling police inspector - at least when he isn't suspecting her of the murder!

Sheryl Anderson has written a light-hearted and fun girlfriend book. Molly is funny and the book is a quick read. At times it was a little too frivolous. I mean life isn't just about fashion and men, or is it? Anyway, the book was enjoyable but I'm not sure how quickly I'll be reading the sequels. Of course, some authors do improve their style with a couple of books under their belts.

Rating - 3 stars

PROMISE ME

Myron Bolitar overhears two teenage girls who are friends of the family talking about going to high school parties, drinking and riding home with friends who are drunk. Myron makes them promise that if they are in that situation again, they will call him to get them and he'll give them a ride, no questions asked. Two weeks later, he gets a call from one of the girls, Aimee Biel, at 2 a.m. asking him to come pick her up. Myron does and tries to get her to tell him what has been going on. She refuses to talk, makes him promise not to say anything to her parents and asks him to take her to a friend's house. Myron isn't comfortable with the whole situation but what can he do? After all, he made a promise. The next day, he learns that Aimee never came home and he was the last person known to see her. Myron makes another promise, this time to Aimee's mother. He promises he'll do whatever he can to bring her baby home. Before long, Myron faces secrets, danger, damaged relationships, and broken dreams, in his quest to bring Aimee home.

This is the first book that I have read by Harlan Coben, but it won't be the last! I loved Myron Bolitar. He is a main character that is easy to like. The story focuses almost as much on relationships as the whole mystery and Myron's observations are insightful. Before things become too heavy and dull, Myron's friends who help him find Aimee are wacky and colorful. Myron himself, is full of wisecracks and puns. All in all, it was a really fun read and I'm eagerly looking forward to more of Harlan Coben's adventures!

Rating - 5 stars

Remeber Me?

Lexi Smart wakes up in a hospital after hitting her head. She soon realizes that she has forgotten the past three years of her life. She is now slim and trim with a gorgeous body and a gorgeous husband! Even Cinderella didn't have it this good. Unfortunately, Lexi doesn't remember how she got here. She has a fabulous job but she doesn't have a clue what she is supposed to be doing. She has a wonderful home and beautiful clothes but none of it seems to be her style. Most bewildering of all is a husband that is totally unfamiliar.

Sophie Kinsella's Remember Me? is pretty lighthearted and fun. Lexi's predicament puts her in some very amusing positions and one can't help but feel sympathetic when she encounters situations where she has no idea what is going on. I couldn't help thinking that this would make an amusing movie.

Rating - 3 stars

The Appeal

The verdict is in and the jury has awarded the plaintiff a stunning $41 million dollars from Krane Chemical for their illegal dumping practices which has led to multiple cancer deaths. Carl Trudeau, owner of Krane Chemical isn't ready to give up so easily. He vows that none of his money will go to the people of Cary County. The decision will be reviewed by the Mississippi Supreme Court and Carl decides to buy himself a seat on the court. He helps manipulate the election of a young lawyer for a Supreme Court seat.

I have loved quite a few of John Grisham's novels. Especially his early books were filled with great suspense and intrigue. The last few have been a disappointment and this one was the worst of all as far as I am concerned. Some of the characters were well-developed where others seemed pretty flimsy. I kept reading the book in hopes that in the end, it would all come together and be worth the effort. I was very dissatisfied. I think that Mr. Grisham may have painted a realistic picture of the influence of big business in the politcal process but he seemed to have an agenda that he was hammering home. Sorry, but I read fiction for pleasure, not a lecture.

Rating - 2 stars

Betrayal

Dismas Hardy inherits a missing lawyers files and finds himself involved in the appeal of the murder case involving Evan Scholler. Scholler had met Ryan Nolan when he was stationed in Iraq. Due to Nolan's rash actions, Scholler's troops were nearly wiped out in a fire attack and Scholler sustained severe head injuries. Upon returning home, Scholler finds that Nolan has also stolen his girlfriend. When Nolan is found dead, all evidence points to Scholler killing Nolan. The more that Dismas reviews the case, the more convinced he is that Evan is innocent. Dismas' pal, Abe Glitzky is also involved in solving a series of murders relating to Scholler's case.

I usually love John Lescroart and I think I've read all of his books so far. I was disappointed that Hardy and Glitzky have such small roles in this book. It really took awhile for me to get into the story. I'm not a big war story fan and it was probably a hundred pages or so before I was convinced to stick with it. Lescroart's characters are usually very human and Nolan and Scholler were no exception. All in all, it was a good book but I'll be hoping that Lescroart's next book features Hardy or Glitzky or even Wyatt Hunt.

Rating - 4 stars

The Ivy Chronicles

Ivy Ames is having a very bad day. She has been fired from her cooperate job and when she comes home early, she finds her husband in the bathtub with another woman! Shortly after, she loses her luxerious apartment off Central Park and can't even afford the therapist for the dog, much less the nannies, the cars and everything else that makes her life comfy. Finally, Ivy decides to become an admission counselor for parents trying to get their children into the top private schools in New York City. Everyone knows that if you don't get into the right kindergarten, there is no chance of an Ivy League college later on. Ivy's clients include a mob boss, a lebian couple who have adopted a handicapped black child, and some of New York's most elite (snobby!) families. Ivy seems willing to do ANYTHING to get the kids she works with into the schools of their choice.

This is a "just for fun" romp. It's funny and entertaining. At times, Ivy seems to have no scuples at all. The characters are so outrageous but that just adds to the fun. Some of the descriptions were just a little too much - too much sex detail and we could live without knowing about the latest options in grooming certain body parts (Brazilian waxes are no longer the big thing - need I say more?!) All in all, Ivy's woes were good for lots of laughs.

Rating - 4 stars

This I Believe

THIS I BELIEVE is a collection of essay from famous people and everyday common folk stating their personal beliefs. The essays were collected from a radio series on NPR radio that aired in the 1950's and was revived fifty years later. Some of my favorite essays are from the 1950's series. It was amazing to read the personal credos of William O. Douglas, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, Jackie Robinson, Helen Hays and Eleanor Roosevelt stated in their own words. Just as fascinating were the philosophies of the essays from modern times from authors like Bill Gates, John McCain, Newt Gingrich, Gloria Steinam, William F. Buckley, Jr. and Dr. Benjamin Carson.

It's not easy to state your personal beliefs in 350-500 words. Readers were encouraged to write their own essays and share them with the radio producers. Two 0f the essays that really stuck with me were written by less well known people. "Be Cool to the Pizza Dude" by Sarah Adams speaks to the importance of treating everyone equally and with kindness. Diedre Sullivan discusses the importance of doing the right thing, even when we don't want to in her essay, "Always Go to the Funeral". I really enjoyed reading this book. I didn't agree with everyone's point of view, but most were thought provoking, leaving me to answer my own question, "What do I believe?"

Rating - 4 stars

7TH HEAVEN

7TH HEAVEN is James Patterson's latest sequel to the Women's Murder Club series. Lindsay Boxer is involved in a case of a missing boy. It is Yuki's job to prosecute the case with very limited hard evidence. As usual, there is a parallel story, this time involving arson cases all over the San Fransico area. The arsonists leave a book at the fire scene, inscribed in Latin. As Lindsay and her partner struggle to solve the two cases, Lindsay has to choose between her longtime boyfriend, Joe and her partner, Conklin.

I gave up on the last Women's Murder Club book I tried to read. I'm not sure if it was #5 or #6. This story was quite a bit better. I sometimes feel that Lindsay Boxer's voice just doesn't ring true. I'm not sure if it's because it is written by a man (although the co-writer is a woman) about a woman in a tough job. Sometimes, the things she says, or maybe the way she says them, just aren't believable for me. Ah well, it's a quick read and not every book is going to be totally memorable, huh?

Rating - 3 stars

Turning Angel

Penn Cage was a prosecutor in Houston before returning to his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to live a quiet life with his daughter and write novels. His peaceful life is disturbed when a high school student at St. Stephen's, his alma mater, is found murdered. Penn is startled when his old friend, Drew Elliott, now the town's physician, seeks his advice. Drew admits that he has been having an affair with the teenage but denies killing her. Penn is sure what to believe but he is drawn into a very scary world of politics, drugs, sex and secrets.

This is the first book I've read by Greg Iles. I found parts of it too graphic and disturbing but I also thought it was a well-written novel with only too-human characters. At times, the main character and his family were the only people that I could sympathize with at all. The plot is full of twists and turns and if the mark of a good book is the ones that you keep thinking about for a long time, TURNING ANGEL, is that kind of book. I understand that this is Iles' second book featuring Penn Cage, so I will probably try to go back and read the QUIET GAME. I also hope Iles will write another book featuring this character because the ending leaves many possibilities for a future story. All in all, this book is well-worth the time.

Rating - 4 stars

Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen

Catherine Grace Cline, daughter of the local Baptist minister, spends her Saturday afternoons at the Dairy Queen with her sister, plotting to leave their small Georgia town as soon as she can. Catherine Grace's mother died when she was six and it hasn't been easy. She is sure that her future lies in the big exciting city of Atlanta. On Catherine Grace's 18th birthday, she boards a Greyhound bus, leaving her family, the boy she loves and her neighbor, Jean, who has taught all a girl needs to know. Before long, Catherine Grace is called back to her hometown and nothing is the same - not the people she thought she knew and not the town she longed to escape.

This is the first novel by Susan Gregg Gilmore and she is already being compared to Jan Karon and Fannie Flagg. What great company to be in! Gilmore's characters are delightful and her descriptions of small town Southern life in the early 1970's make you feel at home. On the surface, this seems like a quick and light read, but there are many layers and lots to ponder regarding loving people despite their flaws and that sometimes what we think we want isn't really the right thing at all. I think that I chose this book because the title was so intriguing. How could I miss out on a book with Dairy Queen in the title? I'm glad that I read it and I hope that Susan Gregg Gilmore just keeps on writing!

Rating - 5 stars

Lady Killer

LADY KILLER by Lisa Scottoline is a really fun read. I have loved most of Lisa Scottoline's books about Bennie Rosato and her all girl law firm and this is no exception. Mary DiNunzio, the sweet Italian girl who carries her guilt with her like a briefcase is a totally lovable main character. Mary, who was voted Most Likely to Achieve Sainthood in high school, has been contacted by Trish (aka Trash) Gambone, one of the Mean Girls in high school, to help her with an abusive boyfriend. Trish's boyfriend was also someone Mary dated in high school, long before he joined the mob and started beating up women. When Trish disappears, Mary is determined to do everything she can to find her.

I always think that sign of a good book is one that hooks you in on the first page and leaves you sad to be finished. Lady Killer was certainly in that catagory! The characters are lots of fun, even the Mean Girls are a hoot! (Imagine tough hairdressers in leather jackets, smoking cigartettes and hustling police officers!) I thought that the parts about the mob seemed a little contrived but, hey, what do I really know about the mob anyway? The plot is quick and suspenseful. At the end, I wanted to go to Philadelphia and join Mary and her family for some pasta!

Rating scale - 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the best!

Rating for Lady Killer - *****

Hey There

Hi!

I have been intrigued by the idea of having a blog for quite awhile now. I thought it would be so much fun to share with others the books I have read. I am an avid reader. The rest of my life is busy, too, with three kids, a husband, a job, on and on...but the one constant in my life is that I love to read. I am always reading something. Occassionally, I hit a slump where I can't find anything I really want to read but those times are very few and far between.

I freely admit that I read for fun. I often avoid the heavy stuff. Mysteries are my absolute favorite, but I do enjoy some romances, popular chick lit, biographies and non-fiction. If I don't like it, I put it down. Nancy Pearl, the wonderful librarian of the Book Lust series says that if you aren't hooked in the first 50 pages, put it down. Sounds like a good rule to me!

Here are a few of my favorite authors: J.A. Jance, Margaret Truman, James Patterson, Jeffrey Deaver, John Lescroart, Lisa Scottoline, Linda Fairstein, Joanna Fluke, William Bernhardt, James Grippando, and the list goes on and on! I'll add names as I think of them.

I'm always looking for suggestions, so feel free to share your favorites, too!

Have a great day!
jsm