The Baby Thief - L J Sellers - Book 117

The Baby Thief is another bok by L J Sellers, who's been dominating my reading list in the past week. This week the plot seems simple: kidnap a woman to harvest her eggs so that the infertile fertility doctor can have a baby of her own. However, things are never that simple and a journalist boyfriend turned detective and hitherto unknown relationship between the kidnapped woman and the woman who orchestrated the grab, as well as a religious cult where all is not as it seems complicate the plot. The story is a good read and I found myself rooting for the main character Jenna to unravel the mystery and escape from her kidnappers. Recommended.

The Suicide Effect - L J Sellers - Book 116

One day Sula, a PR worker, hears the boss of a pharma firm and one of his scientists in discussion over a new anti-depressant that might be about to make them all rich. The only trouble - it's made some people suicidal. This book follows Sula's attempts to reveal the truth in parallel with Karl Rudker's attempts to hide it. I found Sula an appealing character, though the story did not appeal as much as Sellers' previously reviewed book, The Arranger. Recommended.

The Son of Man - Charles W Johnson - Book 115

What if Jesus could be cloned? And what would happen if a big asteroid were due to obliterate the Earth? These two questions form the basis of The Son of Man. The story follows the people who clone Christ's DNA from the Shroud of Turin, the woman (Maria) who is chosen to be the host of the implanted baby, her husband Todd and many others. As you would imagine, everyone is working towards a goal, though not all the goals are in harmony. The start of the book has a nice pace, but this drops off towards the middle as it becomes evident that this is only book one of a series. I'd have liked to see both questions achieve some resolution instead of just one - which, I'll leave you to find out. It's a decent enough read, though not great.

The Arranger - L J Sellers - Book 114

I couldn't put down The Arranger, by L J Sellers. Here's Amazon's description:

The year is 2023 and ex-detective Lara Evans is working as a freelance paramedic in a bleak new world. She responds to an emergency call and is nearly killed when a shooter flees the home. Inside she finds the federal employment commissioner wounded, but she’s able to save his life. The next day Lara leaves for the Gauntlet—a national competition of intense physical and mental challenges with high stakes for her home state. She spots the assailant lurking at the arena and soon after, she lands in deep trouble. Who is the mysterious killer and what is motivating him? Can Lara stop him, stay alive, and win the Gauntlet?

The book proceeds at a cracking pace, alternating between Lara's perspective and that of a government employee who will go to any lengths to win the favor of the woman he adores. Set in a future which seems eerily familiar, where health care is even more unaffordable and unemployment even higher, it's easy to imagine this sort of world. The main character, Lara, has her own demons to face, making this a gripping read all round. Highly recommended.

Steve Jobs Biography - Book 113

Steve Jobs' biography was a fascinating read. I've always followed part of his story, intrigued by the inventions that shaped part of my working life. I used an early Mac, switched to a PowerMac when that became the norm in business desktop publishing environments and then watched the iMac, iPod, iTunes and iPad phenomena. This book gave the background to those well known successes and a few equally well publicized failures. It reveals a man whose management style left something to be desired while at the same time eliciting brilliance from his team and creating the world's top company while he did it. Although I got the feeling that the editor could have made another pass (there was some unnecessary repetition, in my opinion), I expect the book was rushed to publication when Jobs passed away and it didn't detract from an otherwise enthralling read. Recommended.

Abigail Affair - Book 112

Here's Amazon's description of the Abigail Affair:

Toby Robinson, twenty-two and broke, lands a job as deckhand on a Russian billionaire's yacht. On his first night aboard he is framed for the murder of a guest. And that's just the start of his problems. His attractive crewmate Julia seems to be the only one on his side - but can he trust her? 

I enjoyed this book, though I found many of the characters unbelievable. Still, the plot was interesting. It was a free download for the Kindle. If I'd paid full price for it, I might have been disappointed. As it was, I thought it was a good enough read.
 

The Girl Who Couldn't Say No by Tracy Engelbrecht - Book 111

Something about this book reminded me of Juno - perhaps it was the matter of face attitude of the heroine and her refusal to be bowed down by events some might view as cataclysmic. She is forthright and unashamed to admit mistakes, while keeping a firm handle on what she did right.  Here's Amazon's description:

A sharp, occasionally shocking, memoir that will change how you look at teenage mothers, The Girl Who Couldn’t Say No is told with frank South African humour and refreshingly mature insight. Tracy Engelbrecht tells the story of how she came to find herself pregnant at 15, and how she coped with pregnancy, birth and homework.

This was an easy, fun read and very compelling, leaving you wanting to know more about the character. Recommended.

Only Time Will Tell - Jeffrey Archer - Book 110

I've always liked Jeffrey Archer's books. In the UK, there are a bunch of people who have it in for him (and it's true that he's done some questionable things). What is not in question, though, is that he tells a rattling good yarn. If you loved Kane and Abel and some of his early work, you will love Only Time Will Tell. Told from the perspectives of the people in the main character's life, it's the story of Harry Clifton, a boy whose parentage is mysterious, who has a beautiful soprano voice and who rises from humble beginnings to get a good education. Just when it looks like everything is going right, the secret of his birth is partly revealed, with devastating consequences. The book ends on a cliffhanger, paving the way for book two in the planned trilogy, due March 2012. I can't' wait! Highly recommended!

Percy Jackson Series - Books 104-108

I'm currently reading the Percy Jackson series (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters,The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympians). Intended for young readers, the series is set between the world of the Olympians (and I don't mean athletes) and the human world. If you can believe that the Greek gods are real and so are their children with humans (demi-gods) then you will probably enjoy the series, which charts the face-off between the Olympians and their banished predecessors the Titans who are once again vying for power. The battle (complete with magic, action, adventure and swordplay) centers around Percy Jackson, about whom there's a chilling prophecy. These are easy to read and you'll learn a lot about Greek mythology too (I thought I knew quite a bit till I read these, but there are characters in here I've never heard of before.) Recommended.

The Penal Colony - Book 103

Routledge, a man wrongly convicted of rape and murder, ends up in a penal colony on a remote British island. Except for weekly helicopter supply drops the places is basically forgotten by the law, so the convicts have to make their own. They are divided into 4 groups - the wild ones who roam the woods, two groups of marauders who regularly oppose each other, and those in the Village, an enclave run by the brainy where they grab access to the best of everything and achieve a lot via hard work and discipline. After an intial ordeal, Routledge makes it into this group, where he soon discovers a daring plan to escape. Will he be allowed to join in or is he doomed to live out his days in exile? The story of how the groups organize themselves, fight for territory and plan the escape makes for gripping reading. This book is highly recommended. (Oh, and if you're wondering what happened to book 102. I did read it, but it wasn't worth reviewing.

Book 101 - Calculating God by Robert Sawyer

I think I'm going to hunt down all of Robert Sawyer's books, because Calculating God was every bit as good as Factoring Humanity. Imagine that not just one, but two alien species come calling and they turn out to have the same DNA and cataclysmic planetary events at exactly the same time as those that affected the earth.  Does that mean there's a divine plan. The characters in the book wrestle with this issue and eventually set off for a distant planet to find and confront God. This is a fascinating read which explores humanity, personhood and spirituality through engaging human and alien characters. Highly recommended.

PS. This was my 101st book, which I completed 292 days after starting this challenge. Now that I've got used to book blogging, I plan to continue and see how many I can read within the 1001 days. Wish me luck!

Factoring Humanity by Robert Sawyer - Book 100

I really enjoyed this book by Canada's best known sci-fi author. It's set in the near future where a linguistic professor is working on decoding some messages that have been coming from Alpha Centauri for the last couple of decades. Her computer scientist husband is also working on super-super computers, quantum computers. One day their daughter comes home and accuses her father of sexual abuse, ripping the family apart. As the parents each try to cope, they turn to their work and manage to solve several pressing issues, including what the alien messages mean. Able finally to engage in a kind of mental time travel, people know that they are not alone in the universe, with interesting effects on human behaviour. Recommended (and I'm going to search out lots of his other books too.)

The Wrong Woman and The Right Woman - Books 98-99

It's been a while since I've read any romantic fiction - I burned out on that a couple of decades ago, but these two books by Linda Warren were a refreshing read. Perhaps it's the fact that they deal with twins. Here's Amazon's description of The Wrong Woman:

They say everyone has a double... And according to private investigator Ethan Ramsey, Serena Farrell's double is a stripper working in a Dallas nightclub. Serena doesn't believe it—but she can't help wondering. After all, her mother died when she was an infant and she's been raised by wealthy grandparents who refused to discuss the past. So she knows next to nothing about her parents. Could she possibly have a sister? A twin? She decides to hire Ethan to find out who this other woman is. That fateful decision leads to some shocking revelations about Serena's family—and about her look-alike, Sarah Welch. It also leads Serena into Ethan's arms...and into his heart.

And here's the description of The Right Woman
Sarah Welch didn't know she had a twin until five years ago, when a string of events led her through the seedy underbelly of Dallas to the family she didn't know she had. Sarah has spent those five years trying to forget what she went through—forget the man who was gunned down, the criminal she helped put behind bars and the cop who saved her life. Now Sarah is in danger once again. And while this time she's able to confide her fears to her twin sister, there's only one person who can truly help her—Daniel Garrett, the cop who never stopped loving her. Working by Daniel's side to stop a killer, Sarah begins to accept Daniel as part of her past. And part of her future...

Yes, they are cheesy, Harlequin type romances, but they are saved by some very likeable characters: twins Serena and Sarah,  cop Daniel Garrett and PI Ethan Ramsey. They are an easy and enjoyable read. Recommended (if you like that sort of thing). :)

Diary of Anne Frank - Book 97

I last read this book as a teenager and it made as big an impression on me now as it did then. This tale from the Holocaust of a young Jewish girl who is forced to go into hiding to avoid the soldiers is moving. Imagine the turmoil of your teenage years with all this going on as well. Life is never the same for Anne, but she deals with it by writing in her diary chronicling the daily events. As you read, it's hard not to be impressed by the fortitude of those forced to live a restricted life and the bravery of those who helped them.

The Fear Index by Robert Harris - Book 96

I have to admit that the Fear Index was a bit of a disappointment after Imperium and the other Robert Harris books I have read. While readable enough, I just couldn't get excited about a computer scientist who has created a hedge fund investment algorithm that seems bent on ruining his life and taking over the world. While the concept is great, the story itself was a bit dull. Not recommended.

Imperium by Robert Harris - Book 95

I've read and enjoyed a lot of books by Robert Harris and Imperium is one of the best. As an old Latin scholar, I was fascinated to learn more about the life of Cicero, whom I knew as a famous man of letters. I did not realize how much he was enmeshed in the political life of the time. Harris brings this era of ancient Rome, when it was still the centre of the world's most powerful empire, vividly to life. The characters are richly drawn, especially Cicero and his secretary Tiro, who narrates the tale. An excellent read which is highly recommended.

A Case of Need - Book 94

Here's Amazon's description of A Case of Need.

A Case of Need is Michael Crichton's award-winning debut novel, written shortly after he completed his medical internship. Set against the ever-building pressure and pace of a large Boston medical center, the tensions flare-and explode-when a surgical operation tragically ends in death, raising countless questions. Was it accidental malpractice? A violation of the Hippocratic oath? Or cold-blooded murder?

My take? There's really not much to add to that. The book has many of the hallmarks of Crichton's later thrillers, without being quite as good as some of his bestsellers. Still, if you're a Crichton fan, you might as well add this to the list. Cautiously recommended.

The Oxford Guide to Word Games - Book 93

This book is more than 20 years old, but it's still a refreshing treat for all of us word nerds. It lists word games from centuries ago to the present, showing how they have evolved and how to play them. It's probably better skimmed than read straight through as I did, but I learned some interesting new riddles and revisited palindromes and tongue twisters, as well as finding some word games I'd never heard of. Recommended.

Prophecy by S J Parris - Book 92

The sequel to Heresy, Prophecy reintroduces Giordano Bruno, the Italian heretic turned detective spy. As ever, he's trying to unravel a conspiracy against Elizabeth I while working as a mole in the French ambassador's court. There are multiple twists and turns as well as the sights and sounds of the Tudor court and the book is quite readable. However, S J Parris is no C J Sansom, who does a far better job of bringing that world to light in a more thrilling way. Recommended.

Nightfall by Stephen Leather - Book 91

I've seen Stephen Leather's name all over the shelves - both physical and virtual - so I was intrigued to see what Nightfall would be all about. It wasn't what I expected at all as it turned out to be a thriller which dabbles in the occult - or at least all the main characters do. Retired hostage negotiator Jack Nightingale is now a private detective. One day he gets a call from a lawyer and discovers that he has inherited a mansion full of occult books from the biological father he never knew he had (who, incidentally had sold Jack's soul to minor devil Prosperpine at birth - and she's planning to collect in a couple of weeks on Jack's 33rd birthday). I found it difficult to get into this world and therefore didn't really enjoy the book. Not recommended.

Breath of Scandal - Sandra Brown - Book 90

Sandra Brown isn't my favorite author, but this was a great book, where I was gripped from start to finish. The story of Jade's efforts to survive a shattering incident makes for an enthralling read. Here's Amazon's description:

Jade Sperry's entire professonal life is dedicated to one purpose: revenge. As a pretty and intelligent high school senior she is raped by three classmates, an attack instigated by Neal Patchett, the son of the most powerful man in Palmetto, S.C. No one, not even her own mother, believes Jade's tale, and her boyfriend, led to think she cheated on him, commits suicide. Jade vows to destroy all three boys, especially Neal.

The Reluctant Father's Club - Nick Duerden - Book 89

The story of a dad who takes some time to get used to the idea of fatherhood, this memoir is amusing and touching. Moms, if you have ever wondered what's going on inside the heads of dads who seem less than thrilled with their new status, find out about their state of shock from one who's been there - and come out the other side. As well as the honesty of the feelings revealed, what lends this book its charm is that it's a love story - the story of how a new dad falls in love with his baby daughter. Who could resist that? Recommended.

The Host - Stephenie Meyer - Book 88

Stephenie Meyer's The Host was a pick from one of my book club members. I didn't know what to expect, not being a fan of vampire thrillers. But I loved it - I engaged with the plot and the main characters and enjoyed the story thoroughly, so much so that I went straight to the author's site to check for news of a sequel (alas, not yet). This book has depths - as well as the main story, there are references (for those who care to look) to the morality of the colonial project as well as a long, hard look at what humans have done to the planet. An excellent read, which is highly recommended.

Amazon's description:
A species of altruistic parasites has peacefully assumed control of the minds and bodies of most humans, but feisty Melanie Stryder won't surrender her mind to the alien soul called Wanderer. Overwhelmed by Melanie's memories of fellow resistor Jared, Wanderer yields to her body's longing and sets off into the desert to find him. Likely the first love triangle involving just two bodies, it's unabashedly romantic, and the characters (human and alien) genuinely endearing. Readers intrigued by this familiar-yet-alien world will gleefully note that the story's end leaves the door open for a sequel--or another series. 

Sue Grafton - Kinsey Millhone Series

I love a good mystery and the Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton doesn't disappoint. Kinsey is a private investigator who often ends up enmeshed in crimes. I'd read the first in the series, A is for Alibi, some years ago, so I picked it up again with the next four books (Books 83-87 in my readathon, if you're keeping track). When you read books in a series back to back, it can be hard to separate the details. Each stands on its own, with just enough backstory so you know what's happening, without so much that it's boring for regular readers. These are good books to read on holiday as you don't have to work too hard to follow them, but they still have enough mystery to keep you interested. Descriptions of all the books to date are on Sue Grafton's site or you can find them all on her Amazon author page.

Here are the books I've read so far:


"B" is for Burglar
"C" is for Corpse
"D" is for Deadbeat
"E" is for Evidence
"F" is for Fugitive

And these are still to be read:


"G" is for Gumshoe
"H" is for Homicide
"I" is for Innocent
"J" is for Judgment
"K" is for Killer
"L" is for Lawless
"M" is for Malice
"N" is for Noose
"O" is for Outlaw
"P" is for Peril
"Q" is for Quarry
"R" is for Ricochet
"T" is for Trespass
"U" is for Undertow
"V" is for Vengeance

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton - Book 82

The first time I tried Pirate Latitudes, I didn't get into it, but a few months later I picked it up again. Perhaps it was more interesting because I was on my way to the town in which much of it was set, Port Royal in Jamaica, but whatever the reason, I found it a good airplane read. Set in the Caribbean in 1665, it tells the tale of Captain Charles Hunter who sets out to take some gold from the Spanish, finds himself captured, lost, almost shipwrecked, recovered, betrayed and facing death. Luckily, he's a resourceful fellow, so whenever it looks like the end, he somehow manages to escape. Peopled by a cast of rogues, prostitutes and corrupt politicians - as well as a few people too sanctimonious for anyone's good, the novel rolls along merrily. A good holiday read.

Second Son by Lee Child - Book 81

Second Son is a short story which goes back to Jack Reacher's childhood and previews the man he will become. In it, Reacher exhibits all the characteristics for which he is famous in the series of novels by Lee Child. He has an instinct for what lies behind problems and is willing to use both physical and intellectual levels to solve them. Although I enjoyed the story, I found that Jack Reacher seemed almost too grown up for 13, exhibiting a calm and unhurried approach to everything that seems almost uncanny. Still, the story of Reacher's move to a new base with his family and how he solves issues for himself, his brother and his father, make entertaining reading. Recommended.

Lynda La Plante - Books 78-80

I've always liked Lynda LaPlante's books. She specializes in crime - detective fiction and is most famous as the author of the Prime Suspect television series featuring Helen Mirren as Jane Tennison. So I was pleased to get hold of a bunch of books I hadn't read - and they are next on my list. I started with The Legacy , the story of Freedom Stubbs and Evie. I found the plot involving Evie as a miner's daughter at the turn of the century quite compelling, with the additional plot line of Freedom's murder trial and subsequent rise to the heights of professional boxing less so. All in all, though, it was a good read, which most LaPlante fans will enjoy. Recommended (though she's written better).

Next, I moved onto Blood Line which featured more of my favorite characters, James Langton and Anna Travis and was an excellent read.

From that recent case I stepped back to the start of their work together with  Above Suspicion where they investigated a string of unsolved prostitute murders. The killer plays cat and mouse with them all the way through until, after a dangerous confrontation, his guilt is revealed and he's caught. There's an excellent British drama adaptation of this novel which is also worth watching. Highly recommended.

See more of Lynda LaPlante's novels on Amazon's Lynda LaPlante author page

Dead Simple by Peter James - Book 77

A stag night prank goes horribly wrong when groom-to-be, Michael, is abandoned by his four best friends who subsequently die in a road traffic accident. No-one knows where Michael is, or do they? Fiance Ashley is suspiciously close to best man Mark, who missed the stag do because of a delayed flight. It turns out each of them has an agenda, and time may be running out for Michael. This is an excellent mystery with enough twists and turns to keep any reader entertained. Highly recommended.

The Town by Chuck Hogan - Book 76

It's not often that the film is better than the book, but that's the case with The Town. The novel meanders for more than 600 pages covering the crimes of four criminal partners and the gradual unraveling of the partnership as Doug, the brainy one, falls for Claire, the bank teller he helped to kidnap on a recent bank job. The bones of the story are fine, but I found myself skipping some of the lengthier passages. Not recommended.

Tough Customer by Sandra Brown - Book 75

Tough Customer doesn't lack for suspense. Berry survives a murder attempt by a stalker, while her colleague and former lover gets injured in the incident. Her mother, Caroline, calls in Berry's father, whom she has never met, for help, and the investigation begins. This is a good read, with an unanticipated (at least by me) twist in the end which explains some of the stranger events. Recommended.

The Cure by Geeta Anand - Book 74

The Cure is an inspiring story of two parents' race to save their children, who are affected by Pompe's Disease, a genetic mutation which could prove fatal. They invest everything - both financially and emotionally - in getting their children the help they need, from finding a potential cure to investing in the scientists who will develop it. This story was the inspiration for Extraordinary Measures, and it's good to get more of the background to the story. Recommended.

How Starbucks Saved My Life - Book 73

Michael Gates Gill is the kind of person who, depending on your views, embodies all that is good or all that is wrong with corporate America. He's at the top of the tree, in a highly paid job, with a wife, kids and all the perks to which an Ivy League education, the right connections and the right background entitle him. Then it's all snatched away as he loses his job, his wife, his home, his good health and - almost - his self-respect. His salvation comes in the form of a job at Starbucks and his unlikely savior is an African American woman with a troubled background. The tale of his redemption is highly readable, including both his experiences as a Starbucks employee (doing everything from cleaning to working as a barista) and the contrast with his former life. He is honest about his failings and that, more than anything, makes this a likeable tale. Recommended.

Worth Dying For - Book 72

I said I couldn't wait to read Worth Dying For, the next in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, so I started on it within a few days of finishing 61 Hours. I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I was pleased to find out he'd survived the last book and that despite some injury was on top form as he took on a bunch of small town top dogs, their henchmen and various crime gangs, while solving a decades-old mystery. Classic Reacher action, well told. Highly recommended.

Lady Killer - Book 71

There's not much to say about Lady Killer, other than that I read it. Amazon describes this supposed thriller as 'less than convincing' and I think that's right. It was readable, but not enthralling, and I found myself skipping to the end to see how it turned out so I could put it down.

Launch - Book 70

This was an excellent read, which I'll review in detail on Get Paid to Write Online. Check out my thoughts there .

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks - Book 69

Nicholas Sparks does it again. Safe Haven has a woman (Katie) running from her homicidal ex (who also happens to be a police officer), a single father (Alex) raising 2 children after losing his wife to cancer and a friendly but occasionally elusive neighbor (Jo) who helps Katie to heal. This was a heartwarming story with just enough danger to make it interesting. It was so good that I read it from cover to cover (or whatever the Kindle equivalent is) in a few hours. The characters were lifelike and I got lost in the book, rooting for Katie and Alex all the way through. A great read! 4.5 stars.

Private by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro - Book 68

With three cases going on at once, this is no ordinary thriller. A serial killer, a Mob connection, an evil twin (really!) and a deception by a friend, as well as a cast of well-drawn characters make Private a good read which I didn't want to put down. As usual, Patterson keeps chapters short and focused and there's always something happening. I liked the main character, ex-Marine Jack who runs Private Investigations and his many co-workers who help to solve all the crimes. I was happy to hear that there's another in the series which will be out soon. Highly recommended - 4 stars.

Killing Cupid by Mark Edwards and Louise Voss - Book 67

This is one of the best books I've read recently. Told in the form of the journals of the two main characters, it charts the ever-evolving relationship of Siobhan and Alex. It opens with a bang as one of the characters falls to her death (or was she pushed?) and the pace continues relentlessly throughout. As the novel progresses, the stalkee turns stalker, and both of the main protagonists teeter on the edge of obsession. You'll be surprised by how the relationship turns out - but will the workings of justice put an end to it all? A five star thriller!

Catch Your Death by Louise Voss and Mark Edwards - Book 66

"A secret conspiracy. A killer virus. A race to save the world. " - Amazon's description about sums up this gripping medical thriller about scientific conspiracy and megalomania. Scientist Kate Maddox is in a race against time to find out what happened at a research centre 20 years ago, discover who has kidnapped her son and stop the man responsible from unleashing a deadly virus. This is a pacy thriller which I couldn't put down. 4 stars.

Falling Star by Diana Dempsey - Book 65

Natalie Daniels has bags of experience as a TV anchorwoman, but that doesn't stop her new boss from wanting to get rid of her. Even worse, he wants to replace her with the younger, prettier woman she mentored, but who still doesn't have the necessary skill. Here's Amazon's description:

Meet anchorwoman Natalie Daniels. Her husband just dumped her. Her boss is scheming to replace her. And she's hopelessly in love with a man who's engaged to another. What's a woman like Natalie to do-especially in Los Angeles, a city already known for shaky foundations? Teach all of them a lesson in success and revenge.

I rooted for Natalie all the way through, booed the villains and enjoyed the story. A nice, light read - 3.5 stars.

Promises to Keep series by Shayne Parkinson - books 62-64

I love a good historical novel, and the Promises to Keep series by Shayne Parkinson has a lot going for it. It's set in New Zealand in the 1880s, which is a novelty in itself, among a small farming community in Ruatane. The trilogy follows the life of Amy, from the age of about 12 onwards. And what a turbulent life it is too - from near ruin, to a disastrous marriage, to surprise relatives and more. The supporting characters, including her stepmother Susannah, her cousin Lizzie, her husband and sons and others, are all well drawn and come to life off the page. I was sorry when the trilogy came to an end and will be looking out for more from this writer. Five stars!

The books are:

• Sentence of Marriage
• Mud and Gold
• Settling the Account
• A Second Chance

Find out more on the Shayne Parkinson author page

Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell - Book 61

Leaving behind her forensic pathology practice in South Carolina, Kay Scarpetta takes up an assignment in New York City, where the NYPD has asked her to examine an injured patient in a psychiatric ward. The handcuffed and chained patient, Oscar Bane, has specifically asked for her, and when she literally has her gloved hands on him, he begins to talk and the story he has to tell turns out to be one of the most bizarre she has ever heard. He says his injuries were sustained in the course of a murder ...that he did not commit. Is Bane a criminally insane stalker who has fixed on Scarpetta? Or is his paranoid tale true, and it is he who is being spied on, followed and stalked by the actual killer? The only thing Scarpetta knows for certain is that a woman has been tortured and murdered and that more violent deaths will follow... - Amazon.co.uk

I have to confess to disappointment with recent Patricia Cornwell novels and this one was no exception. Despite a decent plot, the story seems to plod and by half way through I was anxious for it to be over. If you're a series fan (as I was) you'll probably read it anyway, but if not, then start with one of her earlier novels, such as Postmortem or Body of Evidence. 2.5 stars.

61 Hours by Lee Child - Book 60

When a tour bus on which he bummed a ride skids off the road and crashes, Reacher finds himself in Bolton, S.Dak., a tiny burg with big problems. A highly sophisticated methamphetamine lab run by a vicious Mexican drug cartel has begun operating outside town at an abandoned military facility. After figuring out the snow-bound, marooned Reacher's smart, great with weapons, and capable of tapping military intelligence, the helpless local cops enlist his assistance, and, as always, he displays plenty of derring-do, mental acuity, and good old-fashioned decency. While the action is slower than usual, series fans will appreciate some new insights that Child provides into his hero's psyche and background as well as a cliffhanger ending. - Amazon.com

That description only gives a hint of the tension that builds throughout this gripping novel. As usual, Jack Reacher remains calm through a set of strange circumstances, involving prison riots, drug cartels and more. There's a shocking death near the end and the baddie is somewhat unlikely (I didn't see it coming) culminating in a cliffhanger that will only be resolved (I hope) in the next Reacher novel, Worth Dying For.

Fallen by Karin Slaughter - Book 58

I couldn't put down Fallen by Karin Slaughter. Bringing together Will Trent and Sara Linton as well as a few characters from other novels, Fallen provided thrills and chills at a break neck pace. Here's Amazon's product description:

There’s no police training stronger than a cop’s instinct. Faith Mitchell’s mother isn’t answering her phone. Her front door is open. There’s a bloodstain above the knob. Her infant daughter is hidden in a shed behind the house. All that the Georgia Bureau of Investigations taught Faith Mitchell goes out the window when she charges into her mother’s house, gun drawn. She sees a man dead in the laundry room. She sees a hostage situation in the bedroom. What she doesn’t see is her mother. . . .

As usual, Karin Slaughter provides bags of suspense, interesting characters and a rollicking good read. Unlike some authors, she seems to get better with each novel. I highly recommend this as a 4.5 star read.

Foul Play by Janet Evanovich - book 59

While Janet Evanovich is best known now for her Stephanie Plum mystery series, I first read her work when she was primarily a romance writer. Foul Play is from that era. It features a fired TV anchor and handsome vet who find romance. While the story follows the predictable pattern of most romance novels, the characters are delightful and it's a good, light read. Three stars.

Infected, Contagious and Ancestor - books 55-57

Infected, Contagious and Ancestor are three books by Scott Sigler. I found them all unputdownable. Infected deals with a situation where "a number of unlucky humans ... develop some unusual symptoms—itchy, blue triangular growths on their skin—that eventually result in the carriers becoming screaming, homicidal maniacs" (Publishers Weekly).   Contagious is its equally riveting sequel. In contrast, Ancestor is about what happens when scientists try to play God, creating a throwback that could kill them all. Part medical and scientific thriller, part horror story, all three novels grip you from page one. I'm not a big horror fan, but found that in most cases, there was less gore than suspense (though there were some creative ends for some of the characters). Collectively, I give these books 4 stars.

Flashforward by Robert J Sawyer - Book 54

When I caught the first episode of Flash Forward a couple of years ago, I immediately liked the concept. The TV realization did not live up to expectations, but I was excited about reading the book. Written by Robert Sawyer, the book deals with a 21 year flash forward to the future and people's attempts to deal with the aftermath. I found it an interesting read and enjoyed people's attempts to prove, disprove and avoid the future they thought awaited them. In the end, which I won't reveal, the book comes full circle to an incident revealed early on. I'd give this 3.5 stars.

Broken by Karin Slaughter - Book 45

I'm a real Karin Slaughter fan, so it's no surprise that I loved this book. Broken brings together some of her top characters: former coroner Sara Linton, returning to Grant County for the first time since her father's death, Special Agent Will Trent, as well as a cast of others familiar from Slaughter's previous novels. In this book, which follows the twin stories of a young woman's suicide (or murder) and possible police corruption, the interplay of these familiar characters is as interesting as the main plots themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed Broken and can't wait for the next Slaughter novel, Fallen.

Hard Girls by Martina Cole - Book 44

I've always enjoyed Martina Cole's novels of skulduggery in London's East End and this one was no exception. Though slower to start than most of them, the story follows retired copper Kate Burrowes, her ex-villain boyfriend, Pat, who may not be as retired as Kate thinks he is, and Kate's mentee Annie as they try to solve a series of murders among prostitutes.

I found the omniscient narrator a bit distracting and guessed who had done it well before the end. Still, it's a good holiday read that will provide just enough intrigue without taxing the brain too much.

Stephanie Plum Series - Janet Evanovich - books 36-43

Stephanie Plum is a bond enforcement agent - aka bounty hunter. The only trouble is, she's not very good at it. This series of books by Janet Evanovich follows her exploits as she tries to capture a series of people who have jumped bail with varying degrees of success. Read in succession, the books are a bit formulaic, but what keeps them interesting are the diverse characters who people them and the inherent humor of Evanovich's storytelling. There's bad boy Ranger, a fellow bounty hunter and cop Joe Morelli - through the series Stephanie is involved with one or the other of them. There's Grandma Mazur, whose idea of a good evening's entertainment is to see the people laid out at the local funeral parlor. And former prostitute turned file clerk Lula is a hoot. If you're looking for some light entertainment, then you'll enjoy this crime series. Here's what I've read so far:

• One for the Money
• Two for the Dough
• Three to Get Deadly
• Four to Go
• Hi Five
• Hot Six
• Seven Up
• Hard Eight

You can find all of the books on the Janet Evanovich author page

Update: I've now finished the rest of the series (taking me up to book 53!) as well as a novella entitled Visions of Sugar Plums. There are several of these set in a world in which Stephanie interacts with some sort of archangel. I didn't find them as compelling as the main mysteries and opted not to read the others.

The Cellist of Sarajevo - Stephen Galloway - Book 35

Inspired by a true story, this is a moving story of four people in war-torn Sarajevo:

From Amazon: Canadian Galloway (Ascension) delivers a tense and haunting novel following four people trying to survive war-torn Sarajevo. After a mortar attack kills 22 people waiting in line to buy bread, an unnamed cellist vows to play at the point of impact for 22 days. Meanwhile, Arrow, a young woman sniper, picks off soldiers; Kenan makes a dangerous trek to get water for his family; and Dragan, who sent his wife and son out of the city at the start of the war, works at a bakery and trades bread in exchange for shelter. Arrow's assigned to protect the cellist, but when she's eventually ordered to commit a different kind of killing, she must decide who she is and why she kills. Dragan believes he can protect himself through isolation, but that changes when he runs into a friend of his wife's attempting to cross a street targeted by snipers. Kenan is repeatedly challenged by his fear and a cantankerous neighbor. All the while, the cellist continues to play. With wonderfully drawn characters and a stripped-down narrative, Galloway brings to life a distant conflict.

I found this book an easy read and really enjoyed the journey into a completely different, often horrifying world. If you've ever wondered what it's like to live in a war zone, this book brings it home by showing the minutiae of everyday life as well as the seemingly small decisions which may mean life or death. An excellent read.

Trace - Patricia Cornwell - Book 34

Kay Scarpetta returns to Virginia to solve the murder of a teenaged girl - so far, so good, but this is a fary cry from her earlier outings. With the person who called her in out for her blood, and both her boyfriend and niece being strangely distant, it's left to Kay to put the pieces together with the help of Pete Marino. This is readable, certainly, but not great, though as a diehard Cornwell fan, it probably had enough to keep me reading the rest of the series.

Sons of their Fathers by Tom Lewis - book 33

This is the final book in the Pea Island trilogy and I really can't do better than Amazon's description:

"Who are the sons of Horst von Hellenbach and Martin Bormann? What is their ultimate fate? Will the sons follow in the dangerous footsteps of their famous fathers? And, what of the astonishing heroine, Sunday Everette? What role will she play in this final act of the ongoing drama that began on a lonely strip of sand on North Carolina's Outer Banks? How will her only child, a beautiful daughter named Susan, help solve the perplexing mystery of millions of dollars in stolen Nazi gold? Will Sunday's Child and the ghost of Hitler's Judas meet again? Who will win? Will any of them find love and happiness--and all that hidden treasure? How long will it take? All these questions are eventually answered in this final novel of the Pea Island Gold trilogy. Follow all the fantastic twists and incredible turns of the final installment in this book of drama, suspense, betrayal, and love. "

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I have the others, finding the characters interesting and the story riveting. I recommend that you read the whole trilogy, which is available on Kindle.

Chasing the Will by Stephen Hall - Book 32

Book 32 was a bit different, because it hasn't been published yet. I was given the chance to be a first reader for a first novel. It's not a whodunit, as we know pretty much from the start who the culprits are. Instead it's a howdunit. Lara's father dies and his daughter, along with will writer David try to find out how the Ferdinands came to inherit his estate. The interplay between prissy David and vivacious Lara makes for some great moments  of humour - and there's an interesting cast of heroes and villains, including a couple of unlikely golddiggers. A good read.

Books 29, 30 & 31 - The Hunger Games Trilogy

These books were some of Danielle's early reads and she made them sound very appealing, so when two more people recommended them to me, I couldn't wait to read them. I wasn't disappointed. Danielle already has great descriptions of all three books (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and MockingJay), so I'll just concentrate on what I thought.

I was immediately transported into the world of the Hunger Games and found the tale of Katniss and the other characters totally compelling. The same held true for Catching Fire, where, unbelievably, Katniss and Peeta find themselves at the games again. Even though these books are intended for young adults, they are good reads for any age group.

My Word Is My Bond - Roger Moore - Book 28

Roger Moore's self-deprecating humour permeates this autobiography. It's a quick and enjoyable read, which all Bond/Moore fans are sure to enjoy. For me, it was particularly interesting to read it after reading Michael Caine's autobiography a few weeks ago, as their stories occasionally intersect. I give this one 4 stars.

Amazon's description:

One of the most recognizable big-screen stars of the past half century, Sir Roger Moore played the role of James Bond longer than any other actor. Still, Bond was only one in a lifetime of roles stretching back to Hollywood’s studio era. Moore has seen and heard it all. He has hobnobbed with the glamorous and powerful, counting Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Seymour, and Cary Grant among his contemporaries and friends. He has outrageous stories about foulmouthed Milton Berle, surly Richard Burton, and kindhearted Richard Kiel, infamous as Bond enemy Jaws. The stories in My Word Is My Bond are priceless, a treasure trove of Hollywood history. Sir Roger Moore has left nothing out—especially the naughty bits.

From Dust and Ashes - Tricia Goyer - Book 27

This book dealt with the immediate postwar period in Austria. Here's Amazon's description:<

It is 1945 and a group of American soldiers liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Helene is the abandoned wife of an SS guard who has fled to avoid arrest. Overcome by guilt, she begins to help meet the needs of survivors. Throughout the process, she finds her own liberation - from spiritual bondage, sin, and guilt. Readers will be intrigued and touched by this fascinating story of love, faithfulness, and courage amidst one of the darkest chapters of mankind's history.

I found Helene's story compelling and the book served to remind me of a perspective that's often ignored - that of the people terrified into supporting the Nazi regime, even though their real sympathies lay elsewhere. I'd give this book 3.5 stars - while I enjoyed it, I'm not in the least tempted to read the others in the series.

1222 - Anne Holt - Book 26

It's always a pleasure to read a book that's different. This mystery is set in Norway in the aftermath of a train derailment, with the main characters including an ex-police detective in a wheelchair, a little person and a sulky teenaged boy. Somehow they manage to solve the mystery of the people hidden in the upstairs room as well as the series of murders that take place in the hotel where they are marooned. Perhaps it could be pacier, but it's a good read.

Painless - Derek Ciccone - Book 25

Painless is the story of a little girl with CIPA and the secret government plot to kidnap her where she can join others of her kind - and their parents - in a top secret breeding facility. CIPA is a genetic mutation which prevents people from feeling pain. This means that they miss the warning signals that keep them from danger - but it also makes them into great soldiers for dangerous missions - exactly what the breeding program is all about. This is a fast paced thriller, with lots of twists, turns and shady characters, and is a great read.

Amazon's description:

A fast-paced thriller mixed with a heartwarming story of redemption. A series of ominous incidents make Billy Harper realize there is something very different about Carolyn Whitcomb. But when a rogue organization called Operation Anesthesia learns of Carolyn’s 'gifts', Billy must risk everything to save the life of the little girl who taught him to live again.

Freedom Writers' Diary - Book 24

It's hard to know exactly how to describe the Freedom Writers' Diary. I first saw the excellent film (Freedom Writers) starring Hilary Swank, which told the story of a new high school teacher who was giving a failing class and went on to inspire them to achieve great things by keeping diaries. That description doesn't do justice to the stories of deprivation, addiction, hopelessness and, ultimately triumph which make the film - and the book so successful.

The book covers four years of high school, with anonymous diary entries from the students who became known as the Freedom Writers. Each year starts with a diary entry from the teacher, Mrs Gruwell. You won't be able to read this book without being moved by the circumstances which these kids had to triumph over - and the kindness of the people who helped them move from no-hopers to people with a bright future and, in many cases, college scholarships.

Whether you like stories about education, writing or triumphing against the odds, this book will appeal.

Blood Hunt - Ian Rankin - Book 23

I've never been the biggest fan of Ian Rankin's Rebus novels, though I suppose they are ok, but I found Blood Hunt unputdownable. From the minute Gordon Reeve learns of his brother's death to the resolution at the end, this book is a rollicking good read. Reeve is a former member of the SAS who ends up investigating a cast of villains which, rather improbably, includes one of his former squad mates. Every chapter brings a new bit of action and the story zips along nicely. Loved it!

The Gift - James Patterson - Book 22

This is the second book in the Witch and Wizard series. Whit and Wisty are continuing to learn what their magic can do and to save kids and others from the perils of the New Order. The story moves between their perspectives, which can be confusing, but there's plenty of action to keep readers going. Will this ever be my favorite series? No, but I might pick up book three when it arrives just to see how the story turns out.

Witch and Wizard - James Patterson - Book 21

Witch and Wizard is a departure from the James Patterson novels I usually read. Instead of being a crime novel, this is in the science fiction and fantasy genre, set in an alternate world where there are witches and wizards but magic is outlawed. Aimed at younger readers (maybe pre-teens and older?), the book follows the story or Whit and Wisty Allgood who find out about their powers and learn to use them while escaping from The One Who is the One and trying to find their missing parents. There are lots of characters and scenarios to keep track of in this book - it's just as well the chapters are short. That said, it was entertaining enough for me to read part two in the series - The Gift.

Call Me Crazy - Anne Heche - Book 20

Call Me Crazy by Anne Heche is both an easy and a difficult book to read. Easy - because Anne Heche tells her tale in an easily accessible style. Difficult - because the subject matter is sexual abuse. It is a poignant and funny story of Anne Heche's double life as a child and adult in a family who never talked about the things that weren't right, and as a successful actress. We follow Anne's journey as she comes to terms with her past, confronts her demons, goes crazy and comes out the other side, rooting for her all the while. This is an emotional read - and you'll come out the other side with a renewed appreciation for all that's good in your own life, as well as respect for someone who's survived a devastating experience.

Keeping The World Away - Margaret Forster - Book 19

Like many of Margaret Forster's books, Keeping the World Away deals with the lives of women. This time the lives of 6 women are recounted through the device of a picture of an attic room painted by Gwen John, the first woman in the story. Gwen John was a real artist, often overlooked during her lifetime, and the start of her painting career is the launchpad for this story. The strangely haunting picture affects everyone who owns it, giving them a message that helps them to deal with issues in their lives. Along the way we get the feel of major European cities and tiny hamlets at different times over a period of 100 years. The stories intersect, giving us the chance to resolve unanswered questions about each woman who has previously owned the picture - and the novel ends with the knowledge that the painting will continue its journey - and its effect. A good read.

Amazon's description:

An enigmatic painting by Gwen John created as the young English artist pined for her neglectful lover, Rodin, connects the disparate characters in this century-spanning sentimental tale. Forlorn Gwen paints a canvas of a corner of her Paris flat intended to "signify herself—calm, peaceful, content" and gives it to a friend, who misplaces it. So begins the painting's journey as it ends up in the possession of an artistically bankrupt teenager, an impoverished nurse, a downtrodden farmer, a scorned wife, an aging woman returning to Paris after a long absence and, finally, a promising art student, all of whom find either strength or solace in the valuable work. Though the men characters are less than convincing, Forster captures a wide swath of 20th-century European womanhood. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc

The Winter Ghosts - Kate Mosse - Book 18

A belief in the supernatural will help with reading The Winter Ghosts. How else can we immerse ourselves in the world of Freddie Watson who meets several ghosts - and almost falls in love with one - in a trip to France some years after the end of the First World War? Freddie is in mourning for his brother and is, in a sense, already living with ghosts. Perhaps that's why it's so easy for him to tune into the messages from the ghosts of people who died in appalling circumstances some 700 years ago. This is a haunting and mysterious tale, which richly evokes the reserved people of a remote French town as well as the Cathars who lived there centuries before. I enjoyed this book immensely, though the plot is rather obvious.

Amazon's description:

Freddie Watson is a stilted young man who has not gotten over older brother George's disappearance on the Western Front during WWI. It is now 10 years since the Armistice, and Freddie, after a stay in a mental institution, has come to the French Pyrenees to find peace. While motoring through a snowstorm, he crashes his car and ends up in the small village of Nulle, where he meets a beautiful young woman named Fabrissa. In the course of an evening, Fabrissa tells Freddie a story of persecution, resistance, and death, hinting at a long-buried secret.

Crime Zero - Michael Cordy - Book 17

What if you could get rid of crime through genetic manipulation? This 1999 novel is set in 2008, in which such things are possible (the author might be a few years off, but who knows what's happening in labs now?) The story follows the efforts of politicians and others to get rid of the crime problem once and for all. While some scientists work on Project Conscience, a therapy to make criminals reform by enhancing feelings of guilt, others want to go further and get rid of the criminals altogether. It is what you might call the ultimate solution as it involves eliminating those who commit most of the crime. Psychologist Luke Decker and geneticist Kathy Kerr must work together to stop this solution from happening - and it's a thrilling read, as mankind as we know it will change if they fail.

Amazon's description:

Genetics figured in Cordy's debut, The Miracle Strain, so it's hardly surprising to see it surface again here. In the near-future, scientists have found a way to isolate the genes that cause violent behavior in men, and a project to alter the genetic makeup of serious offenders is underway. Then FBI forensics specialist Luke Decker discovers that the men behind the project are up to no good.

The King's Daughter - Barbara Kyle - Book 16

This is the story of the time of Bloody Mary. The novel covers attempts to reinstate Catholicism in the mid 16th century. It has everything - intrigue, murder, a dashing Spanish soldier of fortune - but somehow I just couldn't immerse myself in the world that author Barbara Kyle painted. Perhaps it's because I've been spoiled by the excellent novels of C J Sansom, but although there was nothing wrong with the book, it just never gripped me in the way I would have wanted. For me, this is only a three-star read.

Amazon's description:

Upon the death of her father, Henry VIII, Queen Mary assumes the throne after a long exile. Her first order of business is to wed the devout Prince Philip of Spain, creating a powerful alliance that will transform Mary-s fanatical dream of ridding England of Protestantism into terrifying reality. And so begins the reign of Bloody Mary...
Even as she plans for her own nuptials, Isabel Thornleigh is helping to lay the groundwork to overthrow Mary and bring Elizabeth to power. But none of the secrets Isabel has discovered compares to the truths hidden in her own family. With her beloved father imprisoned by Queen Mary, only Carlos Valverde-a Spanish soldier of fortune-can help Isabel. Now with England-s future at stake, Isabel risks all to change the course of history...

Michael Caine biography - Book 15

For my next book selection, I moved from fiction to non-fiction. Titled The Elephant to Hollywood, Michael Caine's biography is a great read. It's the second biography he's written; the first one dating from when he though his career was over. However, even if you haven't read the previous one, this autobiography fills in all the blanks, covering his development as an actor from childhood to the age of 77.

Having spanned a few generations of Hollywood actors, Michael Caine has worked with or known anyone who is anyone and there's liberal name dropping throughout the book. It's not done in a boastful way, but in a matter of fact manner. Along the way, Michael Caine shares the lessons he learned about acting and his favorite films (both his and those by others).

I really enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Michael Caine's voice was evident throughout, with British humor and an attitude of not taking things too seriously. Highly recommended!

Heresy by S J Parris - Book 14

I stayed with the Tudor period (well, the Elizabethan period, really) for my next book, a novel by S J Parris called Heresy. This book introduces Giordano Bruno (which for some reason kept reminding me of Britain's ex-PM, Gordon Brown), a lapsed Catholic Italian tasked with rooting out seeds of Catholicism in England at the behest of Walsingham. He goes to Oxford in search of conspiracy and finds it in abundance. There are several murders, not to mention petty academic rivalries in these hallowed halls.

S J Parris has been compared to C J Sansom, but although Heresy was a good read, it didn't grip me in quite the same way as the Sansom's Shardlake series. However, I think it's a worthy addition to the ranks of historical detective fiction and am looking forward to reading the next in the Giordano Bruno series - Prophecy.

Heartstone by C J Sansom - Book 13

This is the fifth Matthew Shardlake mystery by C J Sansom. I was introduced to these late last year and have devoured them ever since. Set in one of my favorite historical periods, the time of the Tudors, it sets Shardlake on the trail of two mysteries, putting him in the usual amount of danger as he moves from London to Portsmouth.

From Amazon:

In 1545, times are perilous for London counsel Matthew Shardlake and for his country. While the English, heavily taxed and with their coinage debased by Henry VIII, prepare for a naval attack from the French at Portsmouth, Shardlake takes on a case at the request of Catherine Parr on behalf of her former servant, whose son committed suicide after discovering “monstrous wrongs” against a teenage ward he once tutored. As the 43-year-old, hunchbacked Shardlake seeks to uncover secrets in the ward’s household, he also investigates the past of a presumably sane woman kept for years in Bedlam. Even with the queen’s patronage, the dogged Shardlake is threatened bodily while pursuing answers to both cases, which ultimately pit him against his old court nemesis, Sir Richard Rich.

As usual Sansom captures the period vividly and it's a rollicking good read. Can't wait for the next one!

Catherine of Aragon by Giles Tremlett - Book 12

From Amazon's Booklist:

The daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, Catherine was already one of the most learned women in Europe when, still in her teens, she married Arthur, Prince of Wales. His death a few weeks later left her stranded in England until she married King Henry VIII in 1509. Henry’s disappointment over the lack of a son to inherit the throne and his fascination with one of Catherine’s ladies, Anne Boleyn, are used to explain what went wrong with an initially happy union; but Tudor-era politics are never so simple. Tremlett deftly takes the reader through all the twists and turns, and shows us a woman who, rather than being a passive victim, was fully the equal of her husband in conviction and determination. --Mary Ellen Quinn

I've always been fascinated by the Tudors, and read a lot of fiction on the period, so it was interesting to read a non-fiction portrayal of Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife. Former Guardian journalist Giles Tremlett tells the story well, bringing the known historical facts to life beautifully, and I knew much more about Catherine at the end than I did when I started.  It was a gripping read, every bit as exciting as the fictionalized portraits of that era. One of the best I've read so far in this challenge.

Poke the Box by Seth Godin - Book 11

The sales model for this book was one of the things that interested me most even before I found out what it was about. Seth had the idea of getting as many people as possible to sign up for the pre-release version in order to drop the price - and it worked. When I signed up for my copy, the price was $7.99; by the time I got it, it was 99c.

Poke the Box is all about being an initiator - not just dreaming or planning, but actually doing. It's an inspirational book and an easy read, aimed to get you to do something, and to live with the fact that behind every success is a string of failures.

Here's Amazon's description:

If you're stuck at the starting line, you don't need more time or permission. You don’t need to wait for a boss’s okay or to be told to push the button; you just need to poke.

Poke the Box is a manifesto by bestselling author Seth Godin that just might make you uncomfortable. It’s a call to action about the initiative you’re taking-– in your job or in your life. Godin knows that one of our scarcest resources is the spark of initiative in most organizations (and most careers)-– the person with the guts to say, “I want to start stuff.”


Poke the Box just may be the kick in the pants you need to shake up your life.

I found the book inspiring - and ended it with the feeling that it was time to DO something about all those back burner projects even if they come to nothing; hope you enjoy it too.

Children of God - Mary Doria Russell - Book 10

I could hardly wait to start Children of God, the sequel to Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow. This book was obviously meant to tie up all loose ends from the previous novel and it did so in typical non-linear style. Part of the action begins where the last book left off, showing Emilio's attempts to rebuild his life on Earth. At the same time, we find out that someone we thought had died on Rakhat is actually alive, and follow that story. Just as Emilio is achieving some normalcy he suffers a betrayal that sends him back to Rakhat, and we see how some of the questions raised in The Sparrow are answered. All in all, I found this a satisfying read, reuniting me with some of the most interesting characters from the previous novel and giving a sense of resolution.

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell - Book 9

My latest read is The Sparrow, by Mary Doria Russell. Here's Amazon's description:

In 2019, humanity finally finds proof of extraterrestrial life when a listening post in Puerto Rico picks up exquisite singing from a planet which will come to be known as Rakhat. While United Nations diplomats endlessly debate a possible first contact mission, the Society of Jesus quietly organizes an eight-person scientific expedition of its own. What the Jesuits find is a world so beyond comprehension that it will lead them to question the meaning of being "human." When the lone survivor of the expedition, Emilio Sandoz, returns to Earth in 2059, he will try to explain what went wrong... Words like "provocative" and "compelling" will come to mind as you read this shocking novel about first contact with a race that creates music akin to both poetry and prayer.

The Sparrow is billed as a science fiction book, perhaps because it involves an alien encounter, but it's like no science fiction book I've ever read. It examines the basis for faith, our cultural assumptions and more in an odd but compelling narrative. I wasn't bored while reading this book, though some of the mystical perorations could have been shortened for my taste. Instead, I was fascinated and intrigued. At the start of the novel, you know that something terrible has happened, but it's not till the end that you get the whole story. I won't spoil it by revealing what that is.

The Sparrow is peopled by vivid, richly drawn characters, both human and non-human and an undercurrent of tragedy pervades the narrative. There's a lot of mystery surrounding Emilio Sandoz, the Jesuit priest who's the main character, and it's revealed piece by piece as the story unfolds. Both the best and worst moments of the story revolve around him - the best, when he discovers God as he stands on the soil of a new planet; the worst, when his faith is shattered by a tremendous betrayal.

The test of this book is that I am eager to read its sequel, Children of God. I'll be reviewing that as soon as I can.

The Professional by Robert B Parker - Book 8

It's not often that I get a book as a present by an author I've never heard of, but that's exactly what happened with Robert B Parker's the professional. What's even more surprising is that he's written dozens of books. This book is part of his Spenser series.

Amazon's description: "Spenser agrees to help a quartet of married women fend off extortion demands from stud Gary Eisenhower, with whom each has had an affair. Meanwhile, the husband of one of the women under blackmail threat hires some thugs to deal with the matter. The action takes its time getting to a dead body, but, as usual, the smooth, entertaining prose more than compensates for any deficiencies of plot."

The fact that this is the 37th (!) Spenser novel didn't detract from my enjoyment. The backstory wasn't intrusive and the story clipped along at a decent pace. I liked the characters' occasionally sardonic sense of humor and found the book hard to put down. I plan to add the rest of the series to my wishlist (in case anyone asks) and will definitely be reading more of his books in the future.

Star Trek - Book 7

There have been a lot of Star Trek books but this one is the one relating to the most recent film. I'm a confirmed fan of the franchise and have been since I was a girl, so reading this book was a no-brainer. It's a prequel to the shows we know, covering the time when the ensemble cast first come together, many of them meeting for the first time at Starfleet Academy. As usual Kirk is in trouble but manages to save the day against Romulans hell bent on destroying earth (no change there, right?).

This was an easy read but it held no surprises as I saw the surprisingly good movie only last year. That said, it was nice to reconnect with some of my favorite characters. Are you a Star Trek fan?

House Rules by Jodi Picoult - Book 6

You can probably tell I like Jodi Picoult's novels - after all I'm only on book 6 and this is the second one I've read. House Rules turned up as a birthday present and after Danielle McGaw's great review, I rushed to read it. The book tells the story of a young man, Jacob, with Asperger's Syndrome (which affects the whole family) who finds himself accused of murder.

Here's Amazon's description:

Jacob Hunt is a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome. He's hopeless at reading social cues or expressing himself well to others, and like many kids with AS, Jacob has a special focus on one subject--in his case, forensic analysis. He's always showing up at crime scenes, thanks to the police scanner he keeps in his room, and telling the cops what they need to do...and he's usually right. But then his town is rocked by a terrible murder and, for a change, the police come to Jacob with questions. All of the hallmark behaviors of Asperger's--not looking someone in the eye, stimulatory tics and twitches, flat affect--can look a lot like guilt to law enforcement personnel. Suddenly, Jacob and his family, who only want to fit in, feel the spotlight shining directly on them. For his mother, Emma, it's a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding that always threaten her family. For his brother, Theo, it's another indication of why nothing is normal because of Jacob. And over this small family the soul-searing question looms: Did Jacob commit murder?

I've had a couple of students with Asperger's and it was fascinating to get further insight into some of the hallmarks of the syndrome. The story is told from multiple viewpoints (Jacob's, his mother's, his brother's, his lawyer's and that of the cop who arrests him). It is riveting and the characters are richly drawn. As usual, Jodi Picoult sucks you into her world - and it's a thrilling ride. I could not put the book down, blasting through it in less than two days. I worked out the sequence of events half way through, but that didn't spoil the book - it was just as interesting waiting to see how the other characters would find out. I loved it!

The Venetian Judgement by David Stone - Book 5 (plus 1)

My fifth book was the Venetian Judgment by David Stone. I'd previously read the Orpheus Deception, so I expected an action-packed Robert Ludlum style thriller. Here's Amazon's description:

CIA cleaner Micah Dalton has taken his revenge against the Serbian gang who shot his lover. Then he receives a mysterious jade box containing a stainless steel glasscutter. Someone is sending him a very serious message, a message that will force him back into action against a foe out to unleash chaos upon the world...

This book was a good read, though in my opinion not in the class of the Bourne series by Ludlum. What also makes it strange is the intermittent presence of a dead guy who gives the hero advice. This is explained away by the lingering effects of some substance he was tortured with, but it doesn't quite ring true.  If you like thrillers, you'll probably enjoy this anyway - I give it 3 out 5 stars (because I'm feeling generous).





So, what about the half, you ask? I've also read Clive Cussler's The Wrecker, set in the early 1900s when the US railroad was being built. I count it as a half because I started it before the challenge, though I only read 10 pages.




Here's what Amazon says:

Van Dorn Detective Agency operative Isaac Bell returns, this time to track down a clever saboteur who’s been dubbed the Wrecker. Seems the Wrecker has it in for the Southern Pacific Company, and he will stop at nothing, including murder, to keep the company from putting through a new railway line between San Francisco and northern California.

I found this a good read, though slow to start, The hero, his fiancee and the other main characters are very personable and once you get past the first third, the story moves at a good pace.