Goldy is going crazy catering a wedding for the original Bridezilla. Bobbie has changed the menu, the date, and the location of the wedding several times! It's enough to push a caterer over the edge. To add to the stress, dear old Doc Finn is found dead in a car crash. He had become fast friends with Goldy's godfather, Jack. Jack thinks that Doc Finn was doing some investigation that may have had something to do with Gold Gulch Spa, the newest location for Bobbie's wedding. Goldy tries to juggle her catering duties, along with helping Jack, when Jack is suddenly murdered, too.
I had given up on Diane Mott Davidson's series a few years ago. I just got so tired of Goldy's ex-husband and Goldy's ongoing bitterness toward the jerk. This story was a little better than I remembered. Goldy still does some pretty rash things but at least this time, her son wasn't involved and some of the other things that made me upset in previous books. I may see what Ms. Davidson has to offer when another book rolls around.
Rating - 4 stars
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
OPEN SEASON
Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game warden. He's still kind of new to the job and living in the shadow of the warden who had the territory for many years. When a local outfitter is found dead on the woodpile outside of Joe's house, he thinks that something sinister is going on. When he is part of a search party team that finds two more outfitters dead, everyone is happy to pin the blame on a loner found in the camp. The old man gets shot during the search and is unable to tell anyone how the outfitters died. Joe continues to investigate, despite everyone urging him to let it go. Before long, it becomes apparent that Joe's search for the truth may hurt him and his family.
I recently read "Blue Heaven" by C.J. Box and I loved it. I was anxious to start the Joe Pickett series. This book started out kind of slow for me and I almost didn't finish it. As the story went along, I started to really like Joe and his family. I also have always been a fan of westerns and men who live up to old-fashioned ideals. I am certain that I will soon be hunting for the second in this series.
Rating - 4.5 stars
I recently read "Blue Heaven" by C.J. Box and I loved it. I was anxious to start the Joe Pickett series. This book started out kind of slow for me and I almost didn't finish it. As the story went along, I started to really like Joe and his family. I also have always been a fan of westerns and men who live up to old-fashioned ideals. I am certain that I will soon be hunting for the second in this series.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Friday, April 24, 2009
THE SHACK
Mack is a good father but one of his children was kidnapped during a camping trip and is presumed to have been killed by a serial killer of young girls. Mack has lived with a "great sadness" ever since Missy was abducted. He can't help it - he blames God. How could a good and loving God let someone harm little girls. Mack is blessed with a wonderful life and great children, but his life is still bleak with his angry relationship with God. Much to his surprise, he receives a note, asking him to meet Papa (his wife's name for God) at the shack where the killer took his daughter. Mack finally decides to go and the decision changes his life.
This was a beautiful book with a wonderful perspective of God. We are given a special look at Papa, Jesus and the Holy Spirit who appears a lovely spirit named Sarayu. Much to Mack's amazement, Papa is a warm motherly woman. During his time with the Trinity, Mack learns much about God's love for him and a different perspective on God's role in our lives. Much of the theories and theology went above my head - it was too abstract to absorb. Still, the book was lovely in many ways and made my think about my perceptions of God and how wrong they might be. Overall, it was a worthwhile read.
Rating - 4 stars
This was a beautiful book with a wonderful perspective of God. We are given a special look at Papa, Jesus and the Holy Spirit who appears a lovely spirit named Sarayu. Much to Mack's amazement, Papa is a warm motherly woman. During his time with the Trinity, Mack learns much about God's love for him and a different perspective on God's role in our lives. Much of the theories and theology went above my head - it was too abstract to absorb. Still, the book was lovely in many ways and made my think about my perceptions of God and how wrong they might be. Overall, it was a worthwhile read.
Rating - 4 stars
LOOK AGAIN
What would you do if you suddenly believed that the child you had legally adopted had been kidnapped and his birth parents were searching for him? This is the predictament that Ellen Gleeson faces. She gets a postcard in the mail with a picture of a missing child. The child's face is amazingly similar in appearance to her son, Will. Still, Ellen is sure that it can't be true. The picture haunts her and she seeks out her lawyer, only to find out the the woman committed suicide shortly after Will's adoption. The more Ellen digs, the more convinced she is that her son had been abducted in a carjacking and then abandoned in a hospital when he developed a serious heart condition. What can she do and how can she bear to lose him?
Lisa Scottoline has long been one of my favorite authors. I was disappointed to learn that this book was a stand-alone and not when of the books about Bennie and her team of female lawyers. I love all of those stories!!! This book was a slow start for me. I liked Ellen and was sympathetic to her plight but this was more of a thriller than a mystery. I also missed the legal aspects of Scottoline's usual works. Still, it was a good book and I will anxiously wait for Scottoline's next work.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Lisa Scottoline has long been one of my favorite authors. I was disappointed to learn that this book was a stand-alone and not when of the books about Bennie and her team of female lawyers. I love all of those stories!!! This book was a slow start for me. I liked Ellen and was sympathetic to her plight but this was more of a thriller than a mystery. I also missed the legal aspects of Scottoline's usual works. Still, it was a good book and I will anxiously wait for Scottoline's next work.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
STARVATION LAKE
Gus Carpenter was the goalie for the best hockey team his small town, Starvation Lake, had ever seen. When they are defeated in the state tournament, everyone blames the loss on Gus. Gus left town for college and then went to work for a newspaper in Detroit. After some legal problems for not revealing his sources in a huge story, he was forced to leave that paper. He returns to become the editor of his small town paper where no one ever forgets his past mistakes. Things begin to get interesting when the snowmobile of Gus's former coach, Jack Blackburn washes up in the lake. There are signs that maybe Jack's death wasn't an accidental drowning after all. As Gus digs deeper, he soon realizes that there are many secrets in the small town that he thought he knew well.
This is the first novel by Bryan Gruley. I picked it on based on some recommendations from an online reading group. I'm very glad I did. Sometimes it seemed that Gus would never put all of the pieces together. It was even harder for him as he realized that his mother and his deceased father may not have been the people that he believed them to be. Still, he remains a reporter, dedicated to finding the truth, even when it would be easier to let sleeping dogs lie as many of the townspeople have suggested that he do. I will be looking for the next Gruley novel and I sure hope that Gus Carpenter makes a return appearance also.
Rating - 5 stars
This is the first novel by Bryan Gruley. I picked it on based on some recommendations from an online reading group. I'm very glad I did. Sometimes it seemed that Gus would never put all of the pieces together. It was even harder for him as he realized that his mother and his deceased father may not have been the people that he believed them to be. Still, he remains a reporter, dedicated to finding the truth, even when it would be easier to let sleeping dogs lie as many of the townspeople have suggested that he do. I will be looking for the next Gruley novel and I sure hope that Gus Carpenter makes a return appearance also.
Rating - 5 stars
DOG ON IT
Chet is a dog who was trained for police work until he got distracted by a cat on the final exam and had to leave the program. Now, he is partners with a private eye named Bernie Little. Together, they are the Little Detective Agency. Chet and Bernie are hired to find a 15-year-old girl who seems to be missing. Things get complicated when the divorced parents of the missing girl disagree and feel that she may have just run away. Bernie has problems of his own with his ex-wife who hates him and Chet, his six-year-old son, Charlie, and financial problems of his own. Still, Bernie isn't one to let a case go easily, especially when he feels sure that the missing girl is not a runaway.
This book by Spencer Quinn was told entirely from the point of view of Chet, the dog. In ways, this was fairly amusing and funny. At times, though, it got a little old and tiring. It was especially frustrating when Chet knew what was going on and was unable to communicate with humans. Chet is something of a wonder dog, like Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. Still, it was a lighthearted and amusing book.
Rating - 4 stars
This book by Spencer Quinn was told entirely from the point of view of Chet, the dog. In ways, this was fairly amusing and funny. At times, though, it got a little old and tiring. It was especially frustrating when Chet knew what was going on and was unable to communicate with humans. Chet is something of a wonder dog, like Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. Still, it was a lighthearted and amusing book.
Rating - 4 stars
FIT TO DIE
James and the other members of the Flab Five have strayed away from their diets and aren't too proud of it. When a new fitness instructor comes to town and convinces the group to join her fitness and weight loss program, James reluctantly goes along with his friends. He thinks that Ronni is just too perky and perfect for her own good. Still, he is just as surprised as everyone when he and his friends find her dead. Lucy is still trying to get on at the sherrif's department as a deputy and is determined to find the killer. James and the gang join in to help her. At the same time, it seems that James and Lucy may finally have a chance at a romance of their own.
This is the second in the Flab Five series by J.B. Stanley. I inadvertantly read the third one before this one. It was good to fill in the gaps. These books have been enjoyable reads. Quick and fun with characters that are very likeable. I am looking forward to more of James and the gang. This book was fun because James' father was less of a grouch than in the first book.
Rating - 4.5 stars
This is the second in the Flab Five series by J.B. Stanley. I inadvertantly read the third one before this one. It was good to fill in the gaps. These books have been enjoyable reads. Quick and fun with characters that are very likeable. I am looking forward to more of James and the gang. This book was fun because James' father was less of a grouch than in the first book.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Long Lost
Myron Bolitar is back. He has messed things up with his latest girlfriend and she has decided that it is best if she moves to Arizona. Myron gets a call out of the blue from Terese. She tells him that her ex-husband is missing and begs him to come to Paris. The mystery of Terese, along with her beauty, has always intrigued Myron, so he decides to find out what is going on. He finally hears Terese's story, and immediately he and Terese are under the scrutiny of the French police, not mention someone even more sinister. Even with Win's help, things are spinning out of control. Myron needs to protect Terese and see if it is possible that the daughter she believes to be dead might really be alive.
I love Harlan Coben and Myron Bolitar is one of my very favorite characters. I didn't love this book, though. I'm not a huge fan of international intrigue and there was too much confusion in this book. Terese has never been my favorite of Myron's girlfriends. She is always too cold and distant. I liked Myron as much as always but hopefully, Coben's next book will take us to a place where we can enjoy the Myron we know and love.
Rating - 4 stars
I love Harlan Coben and Myron Bolitar is one of my very favorite characters. I didn't love this book, though. I'm not a huge fan of international intrigue and there was too much confusion in this book. Terese has never been my favorite of Myron's girlfriends. She is always too cold and distant. I liked Myron as much as always but hopefully, Coben's next book will take us to a place where we can enjoy the Myron we know and love.
Rating - 4 stars
Cream Puff Murder
It's back to Lake Eden for more of Hannah Swenson and her family and friends. It took awhile to get to the actual murder but it's always fun to catch up with Hannah and her family. Ronni Ward is back in town and she is teaching fitness classes at Heavenly Bodies and also at the sherrif's department. As usual, she is making enemies among the women and cozying up to all of the men. Hannah is on a campaign to lose some weight to fit into a dress for her mother's book signing party and there is nothing to do but to start exercising with Andrea and go on a diet. Leave it to Hannah to stumble upon Ronni's dead body in the Jaccuzzi at Heavenly Bodies. This time she is getting plenty of help - since most of Lake Eden's sherrif's department is taken off the case due to their association with Ronni.
This is the first time that I have listened to a Joanna Fluke book on tape. I didn't like the narrator for Hannah's voice. She sounded too old. I did get used to it, though. As usual, I enjoyed Hannah and her pals as they tried to solve the murder. In this book, there is a definite tipping in the scales as to which man Hannah may choose. I didn't like Mike's voice in this book and he definitely made some mistakes that may help Hannah finally choose Norman. I can't wait till Joanna Fluke's cookbook finally comes out!
Rating - 5 stars
This is the first time that I have listened to a Joanna Fluke book on tape. I didn't like the narrator for Hannah's voice. She sounded too old. I did get used to it, though. As usual, I enjoyed Hannah and her pals as they tried to solve the murder. In this book, there is a definite tipping in the scales as to which man Hannah may choose. I didn't like Mike's voice in this book and he definitely made some mistakes that may help Hannah finally choose Norman. I can't wait till Joanna Fluke's cookbook finally comes out!
Rating - 5 stars
Always Looking Up
Michael J. Fox shares with readers what it is like to live a life with Parkinson's. He tells of his decision to leave "Spin City" and for the most part to leave his acting career behind. He also tells of his choice to become more of an activist for stem cell research. He reveals his own search for faith and how much he appreciates his wife and children. With humor and humility, he shares glimpses into his life, the everyday and the highlights over the past eight years or so.
I am of course touched by Michael J. Fox and his struggle with Parkinson's after watching my own dad struggle for so many years. In ways, it was comforting to read Fox's accounts and to see how truly optomistic he is in spite of the losses and challenges he has faced. I'm not sure that I agree with all of his points about stem cell research but I certainly have a better understanding of the subject. I hope that Fox's eloquent account of his view of life is a reflection of how my dad felt for the most part if he had been able to voice all of his feelings. I wish MJF all the best in facing the days ahead - he seems to have worked through so many things that he doesn't need my wishes but he would probably appreciate knowing that others are cheering for him.
Rating - 4.5 stars
I am of course touched by Michael J. Fox and his struggle with Parkinson's after watching my own dad struggle for so many years. In ways, it was comforting to read Fox's accounts and to see how truly optomistic he is in spite of the losses and challenges he has faced. I'm not sure that I agree with all of his points about stem cell research but I certainly have a better understanding of the subject. I hope that Fox's eloquent account of his view of life is a reflection of how my dad felt for the most part if he had been able to voice all of his feelings. I wish MJF all the best in facing the days ahead - he seems to have worked through so many things that he doesn't need my wishes but he would probably appreciate knowing that others are cheering for him.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Night and Day
Jesse Stone has a couple of unusual cases to deal with. First of all, the junior high principal is checking under the girl's skirts to make sure their underwear is appropriate. Jesse decides she isn't exactly breaking the law - but still, he agrees with the students and parents that her behavior was wrong. Then there is the Peeping Tom who calls himself the Night Stalker. Most Peeping Toms don't escalate their behavior but this one might be. Oh, and their is a swinging club in Paradise, too. As usual, Jesse's own love life is pretty hot and steamy but he is still brooding about Jenn who has gone to New York with her producer for a dream job. It's enough to drive a man to drink and Jesse already has problems in that department.
Robert Parker keeps turning out one good mystery novel after another. Jesse Stone is one of my favorite series. Jesse seems to be struggling with himself through most of this book. As usual, he does a great job as chief of police. In his personal life, though, he is drinking more and still obsessed with Jenn who once again has left him for another man in hopes of advancing her career. While we are rooting for Jesse to get to the bottom of the crimes in Paradise, we are rooting even more that he will win over his own demons. Finally, at the end of the book it seems like Jesse might be starting to make progress.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Robert Parker keeps turning out one good mystery novel after another. Jesse Stone is one of my favorite series. Jesse seems to be struggling with himself through most of this book. As usual, he does a great job as chief of police. In his personal life, though, he is drinking more and still obsessed with Jenn who once again has left him for another man in hopes of advancing her career. While we are rooting for Jesse to get to the bottom of the crimes in Paradise, we are rooting even more that he will win over his own demons. Finally, at the end of the book it seems like Jesse might be starting to make progress.
Rating - 4.5 stars
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)