The Perfect Mother by Nina Darnton

						3.0 out of 5 stars -- Sometimes the lies we tell ourselves are even worse than the ones we tell each other... When the call comes in the middle of the night, Jennifer Lewis rushes to Spain to help her daughter, Emma, who has been arrested in connection with a murder. Emma, a foreign exchange student who had previously been attending Princeton University, was ostensibly studying abroad -- while receiving financial support from her parents. This perfect mother cannot imagine how her perfect daughter has been implicated or involved in this case because it is very clear to her that Emma was the victim of a crime, not the perpetrator. Unfortunately, the other witness, Emma's boyfriend, Paco, is missing so can't substantiate Emma's story. Jennifer and her husband, Mark, bring their money and Mark's legal experience to Spain -- sparing no expense trying to clear Emma. Jennifer doesn't waver in her support until little fractures and tiny memories start to crack the facade. For is a daughter the reflection of a mother? If so, then is it the mother's fault if the daughter makes bad choices? Jennifer cannot allow herself to see the real Emma -- who continues to avoid addressing the allegations. The investigation leads to the discovery of evidence that questions Emma's account of the night the murder happened. Jennifer has no insight, and doesn't want any, as she prefers her own storybook tale of life and family. Emma is manipulative and conniving and eventually only her mother is fooled. Jennifer cannot confront her daughter because she doesn't WANT to know the TRUTH. I really hated these characters and felt no empathy for any of them. This book is another work of fiction that is loosely compared to the reality of the Amanda Knox case. It addresses the issues of media spin and how the Americans and the Spanish react when a crime such as this occurs and involves their citizens. I much preferred the book Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois as it had more complex characters and multiple points of view versus this novel which was from that of Jennifer. I think most parents try to have a clear vision of who and what their children are, but love can often be blind. And it is in the nature of parents to accept responsibility for the outcome of their child-raising abilities. This novel explored that concept and again reminds us that it is impossible to ever fully know another person, even a much-loved child. Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Plume for the e-book ARC to review.

Die Again (#11) by Tess Gerritsen

 

3.5 out of 5 stars -- This is a good suspense thriller, however, the Rizzoli and Isles partnership is tired and old and I think the series has extended beyond my loyalty level. If I look at the novel as a standalone, I am able to take away a very unusual story of a safari years old gone terribly wrong and a complicated manhunt that spans time and continents to present day. The shifting point of view narrative that relates the ill-fated Botswana bush trek and connects to the gruesome murders in Boston gives a little bit of pause when suppressing the coincidence that yields disbelief. Despite that tenuous link, and the background and the efforts required to bring the case to a close, I most enjoyed reading about the seven people who made the trip into the delta and about what happened there.

I think Tess Gerritsen is an incredible writer whose prose and description captures the reader whether she is describing the savannah or the morgue. The details are often gruesome, but evoke that rightness that draw the reader into the tale. I have read every book she has written and wish she would return to the medical thriller genre that first caught my eye and pushed her to my "must read" list. As I said earlier, I believe she should retire this series and focus on her storytelling skills that make her an expert in her field. Fortunately, this novel has little really to do with Rizzoli and Isles and more to do with adventure in the wild.

I am sure any fan will want to read this novel, as I did, and enjoy the experience of escaping into the wilds of Africa -- but safely from the couch.

Thank you to LibraryThing First Reads for the ARC and the opportunity to review this book.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

4+ out of 5 stars - Confabulation..."a memory disturbance, defined as the production of fabricated, distorted or misinterpreted memories about oneself or the world."

I think the best way to enjoy this book is to just read it without having too much information about it. I raced through it in a couple of hours because I just could NOT put it down. Fun. Intense. I would suggest it to anyone who likes to be a little bit uncertain about what is actually going on or someone who likes to think they've figured it all out early. I found it unpredictable and suspenseful and I'm recommending it to thriller fans. Loved the character development and the pacing -- it will definitely make you think!!

Rachel takes the same train to and from London every day. As the scenes beyond her window slide by, she looks longingly at the houses from the signal point where the train often stops. She sees the people who live there from her seat and has started to feel like she knows them and their habits; she tells herself stories about the routines of their lives. One day, however, she sees something disturbing and can't keep it to herself.

Megan and Scott Hipwell live in one of the houses along the train tracks and they are Rachel's favorite couple to watch. They seem so in love...

Then there's Anna and Tom Watson almost next door. They have a new baby and Rachel can see they are a happy family.

What happens when an unreliable narrator has information that could help solve a crime -- if only anyone believed her? And, if what she says she saw is actually true? Rachel, Megan and Anna share narrative point of view as events unfold and lead to a shocking conclusion.

Library Book.
PS This is not a new GONE GIRL. And, actually, I liked this one much better.

The Ice Queen (#3) by Nele Neuhaus

4.0 out of 5 stars

This is an excellent German police procedural, and the third book by Neuhaus that I have read. It is also #3 in the series. Unfortunately, because of the order in which the translations have been released in the USA, and also because the release of the series is incomplete, I actually started with Bad Wolf (#6), then read Snow White Must Die (#4), and just now getting this one. REVERSE ORDER. This is quite confusing going backward in time with regard to the growth of the Kirchhoff-Bodenstein partnership and with character development. In addition, the personal lives of the characters, once known from reading out of order, become less important and somewhat annoying as you knew the decisions and choices they were going to make and the outcome. I always enjoy details about the lead detectives and their lives outside of the current major case.

I must credit a friend, Kim M, for the excellent literary detective work she did to identify the titles and order of the series as published in Germany. It's with regret that I realize that I won't likely be able to read them all until translated in whatever order the publisher decrees, and disappointed that I can't read in order as a good series should be read.

So, for interested readers, this is the information needed
Taunus (Oliver von Bodenstein and Pia Kirchhoff) Series

#1 - An Unpopular Woman (pub 2006 as Eine unbeliebte Frau)
#2 - Friends Till Death (pub 2007 as Mordsfreunde)
#3 - The Ice Queen aka Skin Deep (pub 2009 as Tiefe Wunden)
#4 - Snow White Must Die (pub 2010 as Schneewittchen muss sterben)
#5 - Those Who Sow (pub 2011 as Wer Wind sät)
#6 - Bad Wolf (pub 2012 as Böser Wolf)
#7 - The Living & the Dead (pub 2014 as Die Lebenden und die Toten)

With that now clear, I must say that each story is a well-developed and complex investigative novel that could probably stand on its own IF you hadn't already read another, and more importantly, read them at least in order of them being written instead of backwards. From the synopsis provided and without giving away spoilers, this one involves a series of gruesome murders that lead back to the Third Reich and SS officers taking on the identity of dead Jews, greed, and incredible family secrets. There are many characters, lots of red herrings, and a solid conclusion. I did enjoy it. Happy reading!

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the e-book ARC to review.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

3.0 out of 5 stars - "Memories. Wounds heal. Love lasts. We remain."

Two sisters face the horrors of German-occupied France during WWII and find courage and unbelievable resilience in the face of constant danger.

Vianne Mauriac sends her husband off to the front while she maintains their home and cares for their daughter in quiet Carriveau. Her world is torn apart when a German soldier commandeers her home and when she has some difficult decisions to make in order to survive. Things get even worse when the Germans begin to arrest the Jews and take away homes and businesses.

Eighteen-year-old Isabelle has been willful, impetuous, and wild most of her life. She felt unwelcome with both her sister and her father and joins the French Resistance after Gaetan, a man she loves, abandons her. The choices she makes in a world gone mad surprise her most of all.

I've read almost all of Hannah's previous books and this is not my favorite. Although the last few chapters of the book were the most interesting to me as an old woman prepares for an award ceremony in Paris and the dangling ends tie up as we learn the outcome of the sisters' lives, much of the book was repetitive and it seemed to drag on as the point of view shifted from sister to sister in the recounting of the war years. I'm sure Hannah's fans, as well as those who are interested in WWII historical fiction, will not want to miss this.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to review.

Farewell to Freedom by Sara Blaedel

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Another good one, the 4th in the Louise Rick/Camilla Lind series. These are police procedurals and they move slowly as the detectives uncover clues, follow leads, and investigate the crimes. Camilla, a journalist, usually gets involved by interviewing people of interest as they relate to stories she is writing for the newspaper.

I like the characters as I learn more about them with each book. Louise and Camilla are complicated women and they are quite private about their personal feelings and lives even though they are best friends.

This novel focused on sex trafficking trade and the abuse of women and young girls who have been brought to Denmark for the purpose of prostitution by Albanians seeking to profit by their work. When one of the girls is found dead and no witnesses can identify the killer, Louise and her fellow detectives try to unravel the mystery.

I recommend this series to anyone looking for books featuring solid, methodical police work with interesting stories that usually explore an issue of significance to women. I will have to wait until the next books are translated into English to be able to read on in the series. I'm putting #5 and #6 on my TBR (I've already read #7).

Library book.

Only One Life by Sara Blaedel

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Another fast-paced novel by this author of Nordic crime fiction featuring Detective Louise Rick of Copenhagen Police Department and her journalist friend, Camilla Lind. This particular book focuses on the cultural issue of "honor killings" when a young, teenaged, Jordanian, Muslim girl who lives with her family in Holbraek is found murdered. This is the 3rd novel I've read in this series, though not in order, and I'm really enjoying the characters and the setting. I'm eager to learn more about Louise and Camilla's personal lives even as they investigate the cases in standard police procedural form. Although I'm not generally surprised by the whodunit, I do enjoy the process and the way that the author ties all the red herrings and loose ends together. I feel sometimes that the slow reveal and somewhat obtuse writing style works well with this type of story. I like that the translation is complete and that I don't have to learn any Danish in order to thoroughly understand anything in the book (though I don't mind its inclusion as long as it is translated). I'm looking forward to starting #4 later on this evening but then I'll have to wait for more to be published in USA to continue on in the series. Library book. Read January 4, 2015

Call Me Princess by Sara Blaedel

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Thrilling police procedural, the second in a series, featuring Assistant Detective Louise Rick of Copenhagen Police Department. Set in Denmark, this novel focuses on the online dating scene and a serial rapist and murderer. I like the writing and the characters -- Louise is struggling in her personal life and striving to also mange her heavy workload during an intense investigation and manhunt for the rapist. Her friend, Camilla, a reporter, is on the fringe of the story as she writes and publishes a first person account of survival by one of the victims. I am eager to read more in the series to get to know the characters better. I read book #7, THE FORGOTTEN GIRLS, first and am now trying to go back and find all the English translations of the earlier books in the series. Of course it would be better for me to read in order, but this one worked also as a standalone. I have #3 and #4 on hand and will read them next. Library book.  Read January 3, 2015

Method 15/33 by Shannon Kirk

2.5 out of 5 stars -- The ultimate in asset management and "divine coincidence"...

Suspend your disbelief if you can while reading this novel about a kidnapped pregnant girl who, because of almost superhuman skills and brilliance, turns the tables on her captors. The plot centers on escape and revenge scenarios, and this 16-year-old has abilities and, later on, the money to plan and play out the drama to her satisfaction. I was drawn into the story quickly because of the girl's predicament, but further revelations about her personality and said skills just completely turned off my empathy button -- I just could not buy in. I felt the supporting characters in this novel were all very stereotypical and one-dimensional. Toward the last part of the book, I was just shaking my head at the ridiculousness of the tied-up conclusions -- unable to imagine this ending except in a totally alternate reality.

Although it's meant to be a thriller, it is only somewhat suspenseful until the reader sees where this is going and a realistic drama veers off into a revenge fantasy where our heroine creates tools and deadly weapons out of nothing more than a piece of thread or a tack. The author attempts to use science to explain the unusual skills and abilities of her characters -- how convenient that so many of those involved in this story have amazing talents such as these.

If a "payback" and "get even" type of novel interests you, such as SUFFER by E.E. Borton, this might be one you'd enjoy. It wasn't for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oceanview Publishing for the e-book ARC to review.

The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney

3.5 out of 5 stars -- Fascinating nonfiction account of Hatshepsut, who at only age 20, set out to put herself into the highest office in Egypt - as King. As the book points out, she was the ultimate "working mother" whose ambition for a dynasty of her own was foiled only by her own womb. Since she did not bear any sons, her co-regent Thutmose III, was able to systematically obliterate all traces of her kingship after her death and perpetuate his own royal succession. "Her fate was to be erased, expunged, silenced."

The book reads much like a doctoral dissertation and there are footnotes and quite a bit of repetition, not all of it equally interesting. This is no fairy tale royal romance story, but one that any person interested in Egypt's history and rulers will want to read for its accurate portrayal of this incredible woman. The awkward phrasing of the work, with the author using phrases with the words such as "might", "probably", and "could" detracts somewhat from a definitive record of Hatshepsut's life since her personal feelings and reasons are not known. There is a bit of speculation, but these instances come from authoritative points of view and study, not pure conjecture.

I enjoyed it but couldn't help comparing its dry tone to a historical fiction novel about Hapshepsut  by Stephanie Thornton. Oh we all love juicy stories about royalty and the Egyptian Pharaoh's reigns have always provided a glimpse into a dramatic lifestyle during those ancient times.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the e-book ARC to review.

My Year of Books 2014

What a great reading year! I read 156 books in 2014 and most were completely absorbing. I discovered a few new authors and branched out into some fascinating nonfiction. Most of those books were reviewed here on this blog!

I read a wide variety of genres, but usually tend to like historical fiction and the mystery/suspense/thriller types most of all. I intend to reflect on the titles I read and come up with a list of my favorites -- as well as the biggest disappointments -- after some contemplation. I'll post those here later.

Happy reading in 2015 and I look forward to any comments and any recommendations as I challenge myself to read at least 100 books this year!

Tiger Queens by Stephanie Thornton

4.5 out of 5 stars -- I read this while also watching the Netflix series, Marco Polo, and found it absolutely fascinating. Definitely inspired the researcher in me as I spent hours on the internet reading more about this amazing, but definitely bloodthirsty family.

Fueled by greed and lust for power, the family that would rule the largest empire the world has ever known was given to excess in all things. There is no manner of cruelty that wasn't doled out to enemies of the Khan, but loyalty was also rewarded. Though the men had the helm, it was the women of the realm who sacrificed everything to keep fathers, husbands, brothers and other male relatives on the throne. I doubt I would have survived 15 minutes living in the vast Mongol world! Between the harsh climate, the ghastly food, the constant rides into gory battles, and all manner of treachery -- the women of Genghis Khan were very resilient and strong enough to overcome even the worst horrors.

The book focuses on the lives of only a few of the women involved during the ancient days of Genghis Khan's Golden Family, but the reader knows immediately that without them, the Khan could not have ruled as effectively. Despite the barbarian label, there were also many benevolent and sophisticated accomplishments of those who were the great Mongol warriors and rulers of clans. Throughout all, the women behind the great men devoted themselves to their families and worked tirelessly at often unbelievably difficult times to preserve the empire.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in the history of the People of the Felt circa 1171 CE to 1248 CE. It is historical fiction, with a few liberties noted by the author in her endnote, at its finest.

Library book. 

Descent by Tim Johnston

3.6 out of 5 stars -- "People want to believe in some plan, or design, when all around them is the evidence that the whole world is nothing but dumb luck."

In the aftermath of a daughter's abduction, a father and his son -- the girl's younger brother who was injured during the kidnapping -- tentatively explore what it means to live without knowing what happened to her. Guilt and blame are in abundance as each deals with the trauma in his own way.

The cold, the snow, the mountains -- relentless in their remote beauty with miles of isolated areas where a girl could be kept or a body hidden for decades. After 2 years of pestering the local sheriff and his posse to keep searching, Grant lives in a borrowed cabin just to stay close to where Caitlin was taken. His wife has returned to Wisconsin having a series of breakdowns that further fracture their perilous marriage. Sean, having survived being hit by a car during the attack, is aimlessly driving around the country until he returns to his father to salvage what's left of their relationship. This is more a story of emotions and angst than it is a thriller or police procedural. Slow moving at times, the reader will continue to be compelled by the author's prose.

Thank you to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for the e-book ARC to review.

After We Fall by Emma Kavanagh

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Is it only after you fall that you can choose to rise again? Only a moment separates "after" from "before" when events or decisions change the outcome forever.

This is a very intense novel that deals with issues surrounding four people who experience different types of loss in a cataclysmic way. A plane crash. A murder. A woman escaping her son and husband. Secrets, infidelity and lies. The narrative shifts in point of view as each story is slowly revealed showing the pain of realizing that the relationships in life are what make or break you. Can a bad decision be overcome or are you meant to suffer the rest of your life? How well do you communicate with those you love or do you feel that ignoring the problem will allow you to continue on in a sort of purgatory? Illusions -- how well do really know those you love and what will you give up for them?

I enjoyed this although it was a bit confusing initially until all the characters were introduced. I can't say that I felt a lot of empathy for some, but I was definitely sympathetic to others. The universe is uncaring and life is capricious -- choosing to keep on going is very difficult sometimes especially when the direction is not known. I have seen this described as a psychological thriller, and I found it a little depressing, but I'd recommend it to anyone who likes realistic stories about people in unhappy circumstances.

I stayed up late reading this because I had to finish before I could sleep.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the e-book ARC to review.

Five by Ursula Archer

3.5 out of 5 stars - Police procedural set in Salzburg, Austria, features the team of Detective Inspectors Beatrice Kaspary and Florin Wenniger as they try to discover the perpetrator of some very gruesome murders. The uniqueness of this thriller lies in the way that the constabulary are given clues -- the killer is leading them on a scavenger hunt using GPS coordinates and the hobby of geocaching. Referred to as the "owner" because he or she is placing items in the caches, the team tries to stay one step ahead of him as body parts keep turning up and one find leads to another. The victims don't seem to have any connection to each other and Beatrice becomes very frustrated as the police continue their round-the-clock, sometimes tedious, investigation. Meanwhile, Beatrice (of course)has a host of personal problems as is typical of crime fiction -- the messed up policewoman. Although I found this very interesting because of the geocaching element, the thriller moves slowly, but the pacing seems to fit for this case. The revelations were interesting though it did seem to take a long time to get there and some dubious coincidences provide a few moments of eyebrow raising. I enjoyed the novel and would likely read another featuring this pair of detectives. I hope that the author doesn't plan for a romance between Beatrice and Florin and that Beatrice gets her personal act together. TFTH - thanks for the hunt! Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to review.

Suffer by E E Borton

3.0 out of 5 stars -- What's a good friend to do?

Kate Freeman experiences the unimaginable (though it's described in vivid, grisly detail) when an intruder invades her home while she's there alone with her son, Caleb, as her husband Paul is out with his buddies on his boat. Left for dead, her once fantastic life is completely destroyed. When she wakes up in horrible condition, she has but one goal -- the burning desire for retribution and revenge. Kate will do anything she must do to find the perpetrator and she will use everyone to that end. But first, she needs to get stronger, build her fortress, and prepare to take back her life.

Although the premise was good, so much annoyed me. The characters were so unbelievable and predictable. The romance was lame. The scenario was unrealistic and, although I could totally understand the motivation, hard to imagine that all of those involved would act as described. It was an anxiety-provoking read, but again, required a lot of suspension of disbelief though I must admit I nodded my head at the climax. After all, as one of the characters points out -- if criminals saw THIS, crime would go way down.

I'd read another by this author as I like the chiller, thriller genre. Be prepared, it does have a lot of description of torture and other heinous acts.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the e-book to review.

From the Cradle by Louise Voss and Mark Edwards

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Fast-paced suspense thriller focusing on every parent's worst nightmare.

Child abduction. Kidnapping. These words send chills up the spine of any parent. In London, three couples are suffering after their children have been taken from them in very different ways. No ransom notes have been received. Detective Inspector Patrick Lennon catches this very delicate and complicated case. Who is taking these children and why?

Interracial couple Helen and Sean Philips went out to dinner leaving their 15-year-old Alice in charge of her 3 year-old sister, Frankie. When they arrive home, Alice is asleep and Frankie is gone! There are no signs of attempted entry and the couple is nearly crazed with guilt and grief. The other two couples of the missing children are also not faring well and the citizens are scared and anxious for DI Lennon to find the children and bring them home safely.

This was a very suspenseful read and I could not put the book down until I finished it. I've not read anything by this writing team before but definitely will look for other titles now. I hope to see more of DI Lennon in a future book. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who likes psychological thrillers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the e-book to review.

Hanging Hill by Mo Hayder

3.8 out of 5 stars -- Standalone novel by Mo Hayder is complex and intricate with red herrings and multiple plot lines.

Two estranged sisters are drawn into misadventure and a harrowing set of situations when a teenager's body is found beaten and strangled along a canal tow path. Sally is a single mother, divorced, and finding herself desperately in need of money to support herself now that her lifestyle circumstances have changed. Zoe, a detective inspector with the police in Bath Central, is a tough and independent loner who has a hidden past that she is desperate to keep secret.

Lives collide when the investigation into the teenager's murder leads both women along a tangled and perilous path to a shocking revelation.

I love Mo Hayder and this author will be an "always read" for me. This wasn't quite as good as the series featuring Jack McCaffery, but I enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of the thriller suspense genre.

Library

Conversion by Katherine Howe

3 stars -- YA Novel

 Here's the deal -- I know exactly what "conversion" means so I already knew how this would play out, but despite that, I enjoyed the story. I have also read another of Katherine Howe's books (The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane) and Fever by Megan Abbott. I'm pretty familiar with hysteria and teenage girls.

This was my teen book club pick for this month and I'm eager to hear what they have to say about it -- not sure if they're aware of, or have read the other current books, but I know they have all been exposed to The Crucible in sophomore English class. Should be a fun discussion!

Flesh and Blood by Patricia Cornwell

4.0 out of 5 stars - Dr. Kay Scarpetta is on the trail of a serial sniper who kills targets from incredible distance. She and her husband, FBI profiler Benton Wesley, join Pete Marino  and Kay's niece, Lucy, to find this killer in a difficult case that has them perplexed. None of the victims are connected and there's not much evidence at the scene -- except for some copper fragments.

Since 1990, after I'd read her first book -- POSTMORTEM -- I've been a fan of Kay Scarpetta. I must say that the author has had her hits and misses as the series evolved over time and this one, #22, still has the science and forensic investigation that I've come to appreciate through the years. To me, Patricia Cornwell represents the genre -- well before I "knew" Temperance Brennan (BONES), I was in thrall to this type of crime fiction. I wanted to BE Kay and live her life. Then came all the personal drama, much of which I could have done without, because truly I don't really like all that -- I just want the crime(s), the science, and the closure of the case! I don't care about Benton or Lucy (sick to death of Lucy) or all their secretiveness -- just get on with whodunit and why. I like the medical details and all the interesting facts that Cornwell describes (sometimes too much information) in each book. I get impatient with all the relationship and personal issues. I don't care about what Kay is cooking. I understand that facts don't necessarily make a "story" but all Kay's dithering and self examination don't necessarily ramp up the suspense. Her books are full of action, and Kay definitely has lots of talent and skill in MANY areas, and I still tremendously enjoy the descriptions of the job of medical examiner.

I'll keep reading this series as long as Cornwell writes it. I hope future books will focus less on Kay and her messed up personal life and more on the cases. I did hate that this one ended in a cliffhanger...

Amazon Vine ARC

Deadlight Hall by Sarah Rayne

3.0 out of 5 stars -- Mystery surrounding a haunted house in England, the site of a series of unusual events and an old crime.

A paranormal story of Jewish children confined to a very unpleasant old house after being smuggled through the underground to England during World War II. Although they had initially been placed with families, Deadlight Hall became an isolation hospital when an epidemic of meningitis spread through the community just after Christmas one year. The story centers on the disappearance of two twin girls, Sophie and Susanna Reiss, who were thought to be sought by the Angel of Death himself, Dr. Joseph Mengele.

Many years later, Leo Rosendale, one of the children who escaped Germany with the twin girls, brings the story to his Oxford colleague, Michael Flint, when he hears that Deadlight Hall is to be converted to new living spaces. Leo feels the place is haunted by old ghosts who know what happened there, and he wants to know what, if anything, can be found about his twin friends. He has a little golem engraved with their initials and says that the girls had a matching one with his -- they had traded in a pact of reassurance of their friendship and the golem is a sort of relic that is understood to provide safety. Did the girls get taken by agents of Dr. Mengele or were they killed in the house? In a series of letters and other things that Leo and Michael find, tantalizing bits of detail emerge that deepen their concerns about the house and its previous inhabitants.

The narrative shifts back and forth in time and slowly builds suspense as the reader becomes involved in the mystery of what actually happened in that house. The conclusion is satisfying and somber -- a reminder of a time when there were good people in the midst of the horror that was World War II. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys paranormal and stories about that time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the e-book ARC to review.

The Witch of Painted Sorrows by MJ Rose

Here's a perfect example of my reality not meeting my expections with a highly anticipated read. I could NOT wait to get my hands on this book. Received approval for it, and then had to wait until the placeholder file was replaced with the e-book. Set aside a Friday night to devote to devouring it.  The cover is absolutely stunning and tantalizing. Then, I opened it and started reading.

3.0 out of 5 stars - "Destiny is a result of our passion, be that for money, power or love."

Set in Paris in the 1890s, this supernatural Gothic romantic drama centers on a character's obsession with "art, sensuality, and the occult." Sandrine Verlaine Salome, married to an American banker, flees the USA for Paris when her beloved father dies because he discovers that Sandrine's husband, a scoundrel of the worst kind, has ruined him. Sandrine seeks shelter with her grandmother, a well-known courtesan, but soon stirs up a malevolent spirit from their family's past -- the great La Lune -- a legendary witch who seeks to possess Sandrine and commandeer her life.

Rich with details of Belle Epoque Paris and the sights and sounds of that incredible historical period, the story evokes somewhat frightening sensations of mysterious and strong occult phenomenon that require a great suspension of likely reality in the events that happen to Sandrine. The changes in Sandrine and the effects of the possession are quite fantastic and a reader not prepared for the transformative nature from a personality and force beyond the grave may find it all a bit much. The novel, well researched, describes the strange and wild underground that flourished during that time. Sandrine both embraces and fears the spirit that claims her as she falls in love with an architect and reaches for her personal destiny. As La Lune inexorably takes control, Sandrine finds herself achieving success with her newly found passion for painting and fulfillment as a woman in love. Which will prove the stronger and prevail - the woman who is Sandrine or the spirit of La Lune?

I loved 3 of MJ Rose's previous books that featured character Jac L'Etoile and the perfumery business. I was so eager for this upcoming release that I could hardly wait to finally get the book downloaded to read. After only the first few pages, I was disappointed. Sad. I just didn't care for the character of Sandrine and I never really bought into the story or felt any suspense. Anyone who has read my blog or reviews knows that I don't care for a lot of romance and I definitely am not a fan of erotica.

Mostly annoyed, I kept reading -- hoping that the Rose magic would weave its spell and make me believe in the possibility of the paranormal and the idea of a soul waiting for just the right person to come along. That never happened and I listlessly limped through the pages taking several days to finish a book I could have read in a couple of hours. I would guess that fans of Rose's reincarnation themes will still find this compelling and will want to be sure to read it, but my recommendation is ho hum -- this is definitely not my cup of tea (or absinthe) and though glad to have the chance to get a copy of the book, I'd leave a caution that a reader be in the mood for this type of book. I tend to be unable to suspend disbelief and found myself mostly irritated by Sandrine and what all happened with her. I'll definitely read other books by this author in the future, and hope that my reaction was a temporary derailment from my enjoyment of this genre. 


Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the e-book ARC to review.

Someone to Watch Over Me by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

3.5 out of 5 stars -- Set in Iceland, and the 5th in a series, this is the first one I read, completely out of order unfortunately. The series features a lawyer named Thóra Gudmundsdóttir who, aided by her live-in partner Matthew, is hired to find out who started a fire at a care facility for severely disabled young adults. The blaze resulted in the deaths of 5 people (4 patients and one security guard) and the convicted perpetrator, a young man with Down Syndrome who also lived there, was remanded to a Psychiatric Care Unit in lieu of prison. The person who is paying Thóra to investigate to see if Jakob is truly guilty, however, is another inmate at the PCU. What is his interest in this case and what secrets does he dangle to Thóra to get her involved in proving Jakob's innocence and finding the true arsonist/murderer?

In addition, there is a paranormal aspect in what initially seems to be an unrelated situation -- a haunting of a house near where a young woman was killed in a hit and run. How are these two cases connected -- or are they? And, in another twist, it seems that female residents who had lived in the care facility may have been raped -- more horrors wrapped up in another mystery.

This was a very complicated story involving many different people whose actions and motivations were hard to keep straight. I'd recommend reading it in as short of time as possible so you don't forget key points and characters as there is lot going on. The author withholds Thóra's "ah ha" moments at times, and the narrative moves slowly with lots of detail. The plight of the citizens of Iceland and the economic state of the nation is explored and the reader is confounded by the stigma of disability and how poorly they are cared for in Iceland.

Since I am not familiar with Thóra and her backstory, I really wanted to know more about her personal life. The main thing I noticed, however, was that she wasn't the typical damaged personality so common in crime/thriller fiction these days, but seemed a normal, mentally healthy woman, divorced with two children and a grandchild. I'd like to know more about her and I think it would have been better had I started with the first in the series and read to this point.

I am interested enough in Thóra that I will likely go seek out the previous books in this series. The setting and mood was very noir and interesting and I enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-book ARC to review.

NOTE: in this translation, the author uses Down's Syndrome to describe Jakob's disability instead of the more usual accepted label of Down Syndrome.

Underwater by Julia McDermott

3.0 out of 5 stars -- Candace Morgan, wealthy CEO of SlimZ, a company that makes shapewear, is living the dream -- she has a fabulous fiance and is about to reveal her latest development, SwimZ, in the fall shows. Unfortunately, there is a nightmare in her life and it's her brother, Monty. He's trying to extort her over a house she loaned him money to buy and renovate and is making her life miserable with his demands. Not only is Monty spoiled and lazy, he is a lying sociopath who will stop at nothing to get what he wants from his sister. Although Candace has been generous in the past, she's ready to cut him off. Monty gets more desperate to keep his secrets and obtain more money to support himself in the style he feels he deserves. Candace must stop Monty before he destroys her company, her reputation and his own wife and daughter.

This was an engaging read that kept my interest though I didn't really connect with any of the one-dimensional characters. The descriptions and details often read like an episode of the lives of the rich and famous. The dialog often didn't ring true, such as when fiance Rob uses the word "miscreant" several times to describe Monty. Candace is supposedly motivated to help her brother because of guilt, but that is never fully developed and she just ends up seeming a bit weak, instead of giving and generous, for all her business acumen. And definitely, I would never want to work for Candace, certainly too much of a micro-manager and extremely demanding! Regardless, the narrative zings along to a happily ever after conclusion despite some real tragedy that is fairly quickly glossed over. Fans of domestic drama and contemporary women's fiction would probably like this for a beach read, while traveling, or during commute.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the e-book ARC to review.

A Vision of Fire by Gillian Anderson and Jeff Rovin

4.0 out of 5 stars - Science fiction meets metaphysical in this entertaining thriller co-authored by one of the stars of X-Files. The first in a proposed series, I enjoyed it and will definitely read the next one when it is available.

Psychologist Caitlin O’Hara, MD, PhD, is a single mom to a son with hearing problems and a job that requires her to jet off to third world countries or war-torn nations on very short notice. She has a busy practice, but is called to treat Maanik, the daughter of a UN ambassador, when the teen starts exhibiting strange behavior after an assassination attempt on her father as he is negotiating with Pakistan and India over a perilous situation in Kashmir. Maanik is just the first teenager to experience strange visions and Caitlin visits Haiti and Iran to try to figure out what is going on. In addition, animals such as rats and birds also are acting strangely. Does it have something to do with an artifact discovered close to Antarctica? Caitlin enlists the help of her friend, UN interpreter and linguistic expert Ben as they desperately try to save Maanik and perhaps change events that will affect every human on the planet.

Fast-paced and suspenseful, the action builds as the complicated story unfolds. There is sort of an unfinished feeling at the end of this book so readers who enjoy the book will most likely be waiting for the next episode and the conclusion -- which could end up being amazing!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the e-book ARC to review.

The Vines by Christopher Rice

4.0 out of 5 stars - Rage. Revenge. Vengeance.

This was the first of Christopher Rice's novels that I have read but it definitely won't be the last! I was hooked on the first page of this Southern Gothic horror thriller and the suspense continued to build throughout the narrative leading to a complicated and satisfying conclusion. I'll never look at gardens the same way again!

Caitlin Chaisson is the wealthy owner of the renovated mansion, Spring House, a former plantation once complete with cane fields and slave quarters that have now been replaced with sculpted gardens. Its had a rocky history and the blood previously shed there on the land cannot go unremembered. Caitlin is celebrating her birthday with a fabulous party when she discovers her husband cheating on her in the upstairs bathroom. Enraged and feeling the pang of betrayal because her best friend, Blake, had already warned her that her husband was unfaithful, Caitlin flees to the gazebo and cuts herself with a shard of glass -- spilling her blood onto the floorboards. This sets in motion a series of supernatural and monstrous events -- the vines and the bugs and the gruesome results bring the house's past to the present day. For who can control a rage unleashed? Along with other characters in the novel, Blake and Nova, the daughter of the house's caretaker, Willie, experience horrors that will never be believed as they try to explain what happened that night.

I think anyone who enjoys a fast paced horror story would like this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and  Amazon Publishingfor the e-book ARC to review.

Lisa Unger Novellas

This is a novella, the first of three in what is to be the HOLLOWS series. The "whispers" are the voices of the dead, "low and musical, eternal...telling their stories to the sky." Eloise Montgomery starts hearing the sounds and experiencing visions after recovering from a tragic accident that killed her husband and oldest daughter. The visions, which she tries to ignore at first, are of girls in danger. Eloise, still in the throes of horrible grief as she attempts to console her younger daughter who also survived, is initially not willing to act on what she perceives. She denies her inner psychic, but eventually the things she sees lead her to help those girls. Short and somewhat overwrought, this introduction sets the stage for what apparently will be two other novellas featuring Eloise. It was entertaining and a quick read and I intend to go read the second one, THE BURNING GIRL, immediately.

This sequel, the second in a planned trilogy of novellas originally titled the HOLLOWS, was a tremendous disappointment. I read it immediately after finishing THE WHISPERS and thought the story would continue as the reader learned more about Eloise Montgomery and her "gift" of psychic visions of girls in distress. This short piece, however, starts TEN YEARS later. Eloise is established as a working psychic, teamed up with now private investigator Ray Muldane (he was a cop in the first novella) and they work together to solve cases when possible. I use the word cases though most of the narrative involves only Eloise's feelings about having her visions and how hard it is for her, draining her dry and making her look old and haggard. We're introduced to an interesting character, THE BURNING GIRL, but that plot thread goes nowhere by the end. It was all very unsatisfying and now I doubt I even want to bother with the third in the series to see if there's any resolution and to find out who that girl is and what happened. Thank you to NetGalley for both of these e-book ARCs to review

Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo

Was so eager to read this -- interesting premise but it did not live up to my expectations. The book is mainly about the afterlife and it did not keep my interest though I gamely read on until halfway through. It's not the book for me and I'm not going to finish it. I hope Li Lan gets her answers and gets rid of Lim Tian Ching! Too slow moving, too much description, and I really don't care for dream states and spiritual journeys in alternate reality. I'm sure it is tremendously appealing to anyone interested in those topics.

Library book.

Secrets of the Cancer-Slaying Superman by Benjamin Rubenstein

I accepted this book for review from the author and found it fast-paced and full of teen appeal. As a nurse and a high school librarian, I am always looking for high-interest nonfiction. I'm eager to hear what one of my 16-year-old male students has to say about it. The book was easy for me to understand because I am a registered nurse so I am curious as to how he and other teens will react to the clinical details and medical terminology. Some have weaker stomachs for that sort of thing than others!

I think the ability to cope and the style of coping is what makes or breaks a person. The author, diagnosed at age 16 with Ewing's Sarcoma, survived cancer, not once, but twice. Through the diagnostic process, the chemo and the radiation treatments, he found his way and helped himself through the grueling years by using the vision of the cancer slaying Superman and by distancing himself from the "sick kids." Amazingly, the second cancer didn't alter his method of facing everything he went through. What a journey to survival, not to be minimized.

Teens looking for a short and poignant memoir of a personal fight against cancer will enjoy this glimpse into the world of hospitals and sickness as seen through one boy's eyes.

My Sister's Grave by Robert Dugoni

4.0 out of 5 stars -- Fast-paced crime/legal drama kept me hooked.

I enjoyed this story of Seattle homicide detective Tracy Crosswhite who is searching for answers about her sister, Sarah, who disappeared 20 years prior. When Sarah's body is finally discovered in Washington State's Cascade mountains near Tracy's hometown, she knows that the man who was convicted in Sarah's case might not be the one responsible for her murder. She wants to reopen the investigation into the case and hires an old friend, now a lawyer, to look into the legal situation and perhaps get a new trial. There are people in town, however, who want the truth to stay buried and who try to prevent secrets from coming to light.

I could not put this book down once I started. I liked the characters and the setting and would recommend this to any fan of this genre. Pure entertainment! I'll read more titles by this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the e-book ARC to review.

Rooms by Lauren Oliver

3.0 out of 5 stars -- A dysfunctional family and an old country house with a couple of bitter ghosts.

I was disappointed in this slow moving narrative with multiple points of view and shifts back and forth in time. Confusing due to a lack of information and frustrating because the characters were all so unlikeable. It all comes together with the appropriate revelations but the payoff wasn't worth it to me. Nothing scary, didn't feel the "gothic", and must have missed the "mystery" in the story. The reader is introduced to the family and the ghosts in turn and each gives a bit of history in his/her voice in alternating chapters in a somewhat disjointed fashion. Just not the book for me though I had been looking forward to Oliver's adult fiction debut. 

Nov 08, 2014

Living Proof by Kira Peikoff

4.0 out of 5 stars -- I love a fast-paced medical thriller with solid science and one that explores controversial subjects. In this case, the subject is embryonic stem cell research and religion. Set in a not-too-distant future, 2027, the lines between church and state have dissolved making it a crime to destroy an embryo. A special police agency has been set up to track down and prosecute anyone in violation. The US Department of Embryo Preservation (USDEP) is vigilant and inspects all fertility clinics to monitor the doctors and the status of all embryos. In addition, any pregnant woman who so much as has a sip of champagne or skips a prenatal appointment, is fined heavily. It is the ultimate in pro-life protection mandated by law that is not hard to see coming to pass in our own present. Dr. Arianna Drake, OBGYN fertility specialist, is trying to circumvent the system -- she has a personal reason -- rapidly advancing Multiple Sclerosis. She manipulates the numbers at her fertility clinic and is secretly diverting eggs to a private hidden lab where some scientists are working on the outlawed embryonic stem cell research in order to halt the progress of her disease. For, unlike adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells can be made to differentiate into ANY type of cell in the human body. The USDEP is suspicious of Arianna and sends an investigator undercover to gain her trust and expose her crimes. Trent Rowe is completely righteous and totally loyal to the strong christian values with which he was raised. Can he trick Ariana into revealing her illegal activities and put her in prison where she belongs? This novel explores the power of religion and the debate surrounding embryonic stem cell research and the pro-life movement. I would suspect that anyone who has strong convictions regarding these topics would have a reaction to the premise and resolution in this novel. Definitely a hot button topic of a sensitive nature that tends to polarize people and would provide for some great discussion. Library book

Nine Years Gone by Chris Culver

3.0 out of 5 stars -- When the past you thought you'd safely hidden comes back to ruin your present...

Steve Hale is thoroughly enjoying his life with newly pregnant wife Katherine and his niece. Everything looks promising with his little family and career as a novelist when he gets a message from someone he should not be hearing from -- an old girlfriend, Tess. The thing is, Steve, his uncle, and his friends helped this girl out of a serious family problem 9 years ago -- they set up her wealthy stepfather, Dominique Girard, to take the blame for her "murder." Her reappearance could ruin everything if people find out she is still alive. But, in fact, Tess does intend to cause trouble -- in the worst way. She feels that Steve ruined her life and she wants it all back.

Although an intriguing premise, this suspense thriller operated on many implausible levels that defied belief. There were too many co-incidences and improbable behaviors and reactions considering the situation, and it finally all basically annoyed, rather than interested, me. I really didn't grow to like any of the characters who were one-dimensional and had nothing that engaged my empathy or concern. There was no moment when I didn't anticipate the actions of Steve despite that "go it alone against the arch psycho Tess" action that occurred. I'm not sure but I feel the author was trying to come up with some kind of convincing anti-hero in Steve and justifying what he and his cohort had done to "save" Tess earlier. I'm not even sure that Tess was reliable enough that I believe her account of what her stepfather actually did or didn't do. She LIES. It was all a muddle and I was just glad to get to the end.

This is the first book by this author that I have read. I might try another, but there were so many instances and small things in the book that he didn't portray accurately that I am not sure. Much of the narrative was "telling" and would go off on a tangent that wasn't relevant to anything and added none of the "local flavor" to the story. Enjoyable enough, but nothing I'd urge on another mystery thriller fan.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-book ARC to review.

The Forgotten Girls by Sara Blaedel

4.0 out of 5 stars - Crime drama set in Denmark

Note: this is part of the Louise Rick series and is not the first book. I had not read any of the others and the author is new to me. It works fine as a stand alone.

Detective Louise Rick is just starting her new job as head of the newly created Missing Persons Unit when she is called to a scene involving the discovery of a dead girl found in the woods. The problem is that no one has reported this victim missing. When identification procedures reveal that the girl - Lismette - "died" over 30 years ago, and that a death certificate for her was submitted at that time, Louise becomes involved in an investigation that brings her back to her hometown and the people she knew back then and thought she had escaped from. Bad memories.

In addition to tracking this missing girl back to a sanitarium for the mentally handicapped, closed years ago, Louise finds that there was also a twin sister who may also still be alive. She interviews those employees who worked there years ago as well as their relatives trying to find out what happened to these twins who had been put in the home as toddlers and supposedly had died. The revelations are shocking even as  any reader familiar with this genre anticipates and can predict where it is going.

I liked the writing style, it was engaging and fast-paced. Without knowing the history and back-story of the main character, Louise Rick, I did feel a bit lost at times when reading about Louise's personal life. I plan to seek out the other books in the series that have been translated to see what I might have missed. I really like to read books in series order, and I'm not sure even what number in the series this one is, but I believe there are two other titles available in English. Why can't publishers put numbers on the books to help out readers with this? I don't know but snippets about her "son", her best friend, her old boyfriend, her family and fortunately it wasn't that relevant to the action and forward movement of the plot, so that was just a minor annoyance. I'd read another. I liked the setting and the crime investigation and mystery were interesting.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the e-book ARC to review.

The Marriage Game by Alison Weir

3.0 out of 5 stars -- Absolute and sovereign mistress of her people...

History tells us many facts about Elizabeth I so the reader is aware from the start that the Queen of England (1558 to 1603) ascended the throne at age 25 and died at age 69 having never married. Throughout her reign, her Privy Council and closest advisers, varied relatives, and friends urged her to marry and she steadfastly prevaricated, ultimately refused their counsel and presented herself as "The Virgin Queen." Though long the subject of debate regarding Elizabeth I being an actual virgin, it would seem that she believed that of herself if only in the most technical sense of the definition with rumor and speculation from several sources indicating that she had engaged in intimate relations just short of actual intercourse with Robert Dudley. The entirety of this novel focuses on that relationship and Elizabeth I entertaining proposals of marriage from the crowned heads and royalty of other countries arranged through her Privy Council. Defying convention, she ultimately refuses to share her throne while trying to preserve alliances and foster good relationships with Spain and France while fighting off the claims of Mary, Queen of Scots and her supporters.

I suppose that, although I've never been an Elizabeth I fan, I've always been fascinated by the Tudors. Unfortunately, this book does not present her in a favorable light. She is manipulative, capricious, and cruel, especially in her treatment of Lord Robert Dudley (her Robin) who gives up everything for her and to whom she lies again and again rewarding his loyalty and love with money, titles, and properties while continually turning down his suit of marriage. When people refuse to do what she wants, she punishes them. Jealous, mercurial, and vain -- she is a controlling mistress and an imperious Queen though she insists she loves her people more than any monarch ever has. Just not her man. Not enough to release him from a life of bending to her will. Though I know she presided over a time of relative peace and growth in her country, stopped the religious persecution after the bloody reign of her sister, Queen Mary, and forwarded the likes of William Shakespeare (they don't call it the Elizabethan Age for nothing), I am unsympathetic to her self-delusions because of the way she treated others who displeased her, did not meet her expectations, or fulfill her emotional needs. There is also the question of exactly why Elizabeth I seemed to be almost fearful of marital relations and childbearing and a hint of past sexual abuse though it is not substantiated.

I had to force myself to finish this book as the focus on the marriage games wore thin quickly. I find I much prefer reading a biography to historical fiction about such a well known figure. None can know the truth about things that were said to another in total privacy and speculation is only that. Primary source material was included here and it's obvious the author has done meticulous research on Elizabeth I, but this novel did not provide me with any new insight or further understanding of the true motivations behind her choice to live as she did, I would guess this book would appeal to those who like romance and want MORE details about the life of this unusual Queen.

Amazon Vine ARC.