Looking ahead . . .

I thought I would add a quick note to let you know what is coming up next on The Reader's Almanac.

I am currently reading Chasing Darkness by Robert Crais.

I recently fell into a pattern of jumping from the last page of a book immediately into the next novel without taking the time to write the review. This is easy to do when you are reading several books in a series and I am guilty of reading six consecutive Michael Connelly tales featuring Harry Bosch, followed by a five-part series on Pattersons' Alex Cross , and most recently getting hooked on Lee Childs' Jack Reacher character. I have my work cut out for me, but here we go.

Coming up I will review about 26 books, including:

Blood Work by Michael Connelly
Deep Lie by Stuart Woods
Guilty as Sin by Tami Hoag
The Overlook by Michael Connelly
Faithful Spy by Alex Berenson
Chasing the Dime by Michael Connelly
You've Been Warned by James Patterson
Rogue Warrior by Richard Marcinko
Wish You Well by David Baldacci
The Narrows by Michael Connelly
Shadow of Power by Steve Martini
Nothing to Lose by Lee Child
Killing Floor by Lee Child
Lost Light by Michael Connelly
City of Bones by Michael Connelly
Four Blind Mice by James Patterson
Absolute Power by David Baldacci
One Shot by Lee Child
The Closers by Michael Connelly
Plague Ship by Clive Cussler
Pirate Lattitudes by Michael Crichton
True Blue by David Baldacci
The Hot Zone (nonfiction) by Richard Preston
One Shot by Lee Child

There are others in my locker at work and my briefcase that I have finished that I will post later, but you get the idea . . . I have a lot of catching up to do.

Thanks to all my friends who have provided me some fabulous new books and new authors to discover. I donate nearly all the books I read to anyone who expresses the desire to take the time to read them.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from you with suggested reading, or general comments on the blog. The traffic is getting better, but the input is still sluggish - come on, don't be shy. And don't forget to look for my reviews on Amazon.com.

Wish You Well by David Baldacci

Synopsis

Wish You Well is the story of Louisa Mae Cardinal, a precocious twelve-year-old girl living in the hectic New York City of 1940 with her acclaimed but sadly underpaid writer father, her compassionate mother, and her timid younger brother, Oz. For Lou, her family's financial struggles are invisible to her. Instead, she is a daughter who idolizes her father and is in love with the art of storytelling.

Then, in a single, terrifying moment, Lou's life is changed forever, and she and Oz are on a train rolling away from New York and down into the mountains of Virginia. There, Lou's mother will begin a long, slow struggle between life and death. And there, Lou and Oz will be raised by their remarkable great-grandmother, Louisa, Lou's namesake.

Suddenly a girl finds herself coming of age in a landscape that could not be more foreign to her. On her great-grandmother's farm, on the land her father loved and wrote about, Lou finds her first true friend; learns lessons in loyalty, tragedy, and redemption; and experiences adventures tragic, comic, and audacious. When a dark, destructive force encroaches on their new home, Lou and her brother are caught up in another struggle - a struggle for justice and survival that will be played out in a crowded Virginia courtroom.

My Two Cents Worth

I was skeptical of one of my favorite authors switching genres because, let's face it - change is difficult. Especially when you are a huge fan of his usual political - action - intrigue fare.

Once again, however, Mr. Baldacci does not disappoint. Wish You Well is a perfect change of pace, proving that a truly talented storyteller could satisfy a reader simply by reciting his breakfast menu.

This is not just a different genre - it is a radical departure from his Oliver Stone series and Last Man Standing novels. Wish You Well is a personal and emotional account that takes the author back to his birthplace of his ancestors and involves some beloved members of his family in a tale of the hardships and day-to-day struggles that come with living off the bounty of the land.

This is a tale of good vs. evil, hope vs. despair, and tragedy vs. triumph. It is also a work of fiction, but the characters are so vivid and the plot so plausible, it is easy to become intimately involved. This is a Laura Ingalls Wilder meets Mark Twain, top-shelf read.

I highly recommend Wish You Well to the legions of Baldacci fans that care to sneak a peak into the character and soul of this prolific and now multi-faceted storyteller.

The Oath by Frank E. Peretti

Synopsis

Under cover of darkness, something evil is at work in Hyde River, an old mining town deep in the mountains. Its latest victim, nature photographer Cliff Benson, was brutally killed while camping -- and his wife Evelyn has been driven nearly mad by what she saw, but she can't remember what it was. The sheriff thinks a rogue bear killed Cliff. But townspeople whisper -- and Cliff's death is just the latest in a long string of bizarre "accidents." Cliff's brother Steve is determined to find out the truth about what's concealed in the old caverns near Hyde River, a mystery that the local folk legends only hint at.

My Two Cents Worth

I dug to the depths of the "read me" box, searching for an author I had never read and found this massive paperback by Frank Peretti - The Oath. I was intrigued when I read the back cover and completely confused by the introduction. The cover promises a sinister tale of murder and mystery involving evil bears, deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, and the intro talks about a monster known as sin. I just had to open it up and see how one related to the other.

I settled in and got started, and when I looked up, I was at page 195 and had to be at work in three hours!

Peretti introduces the reader to some very compelling characters and weaves a wonderful tale that captures the imagination from the beginning. His sense of style is most impressive as he paints vivid scenes of a graphic and grisly murder in a mysterious and isolated little town that is known for it's unspoken secrets; secrets that lead to the disappearance of several people who dare talk to Steve Benson as he investigates the death of his brother.

Peretti masterfully unveils the pure evil that is behind the action of the story as he identifies the real monster as the sin that exists in all of us and how that sin can grow and thrive when we choose to ignore it and keep it a secret. The imagery that develops the climax of the story is exceptional and powerful, as is the dialogue between the characters of good and evil.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-crafted novel and I highly recommend it for all audiences, whether they are Christian or not. It is not a sermon disguised as a novel, but a well-told story with a message. If for no other reason, discover how an entire story can be told without a hint of vulgarity. Stephen King meets Tim LaHaye.

Paperback

550 pages

7 hours

On a personal note . . .

During the past month, I have realized a growing number of interruptions in the book reviews that I actually get posted.

First, we are in the middle of the NFL season - HUGE distraction for this Cowboys fan, and my wife has discovered fantasy football! Go figure!! Eat your heart out, guys. It is great fun to watch her pick out her starting lineup and get so excited about beating some poor man by thirty points.

Second - the holidays. Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, and now Christmas! What's a blogger do? He gets behind, that's what. I don't like the pattern I have fallen into, of reading eight to ten books before posting the reviews, but for the past month, that's the way it has been going.

As I sit here, I have seven books to review from the past three weeks. The good news is, I have finally found some new authors and I am very excited to share them. Frank Peretti, Alex Berenson and Tami Hoag are first reads for me, and I enjoyed them a great deal.

I will try to be more consistent in my postings and resist the urge to finish one book and immediately dive in to the next. In the meantime, let me know if you discover an author I need to know about. Thanks, and tell a friend.

P.S. - My wife got a Kindle for her birthday!! I am so jealous. Life is not fair!

Mission Compromised , The Jericho Sanction, The Assassins by Oliver North

Synopsis

Major Peter Newman, US Marines, was a highly decorated hero, content doing his job – leading his troops into harm's way. He was good at it. But the White House has other plans for him.

When Newman is hand-picked for a dangerous clandestine operation as the head of the White House Special Projects Office, his orders are clear – hunt down and eliminate terrorists before they attack the United States with weapons of mass destruction.

From the corridors of power in Washington to the heart of the Middle East, Newman finds himself on an assignment so sensitive that it's known only to a handful of officials, as he becomes entangled in a nightmarish web of intrigue, revenge and betrayal.

When the mission is compromised, Newman embarks on a personal odyssey that threatens his career, his life and his loyalty to Corps and country.

My Two Cents Worth

I received both Mission Compromised and The Jericho Sanction as a gift from my sister - they were both first prints and Mission Compromised even included an autograph. At the time, I had no idea North wrote fiction. I finished the rather intimidating 656 page book the next day and immediately started reading The Jericho Sanction, finishing it the following day! Honestly, I couldn't put it down. I called my wife and had her stop by a bookstore that evening and get me the third installment, The Assassins.

This is one great story, and it is written by an extremely talented author - much to my surprise. I was captivated by the vivid descriptions of the characters, the mission, and the setting of the book. It was also intriguing because of the fact that there are American soldiers currently stationed in this war zone that are experiencing this scenario. It was very difficult, at times, to differentiate the parts of the story that were truly fiction and those that might not have been - the entire book was plausible.

I read fiction to be entertained. I appreciate, above all else, a talented storyteller, and this book delivered to my complete satisfaction. I did not try to relate this work of fiction to the real events from Colonel North's past and I did not read it with a politically partisan eye or from a particular religious point of view. That would have taken the sheer joy out of the experience and not allowed me to appreciate the story.

It wasn't until months later that I started my readers blog and noticed the horrible reviews from the publishers and a few members of the public, as well, that seemed to delight in trashing Colonel North. I found it a shame they could not separate their personal bias from such a delightful story.

This trilogy rates as one of the most pleasant surprises of the year in fiction, regardless of the genre for me. I would (and I have) highly recommend it. THANKS MEL!


Hardcover
Mission Compromised 656 pages

Jericho Sanction 624 pages

The Assassins 560 pages

Cross by James Patterson

Synopsis

Alex Cross was a rising star in the Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. Alex's need for vengeance was placed on hold as he faced another huge challenge-raising his children without their mother.

Years later Alex is making a bold move in his life. He has left the FBI and set up practice as a psychologist once again. His life with Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and little Alex finally feels like it's in order. He even has a chance at a new love.

Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. He is tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown, one whose brutal modus operandi includes threatening his victims with terrifying photos. Cross and Sampson need the testimonies of these women to stop the predator, but the rape victims refuse to reveal anything about their attacker.

When the case triggers a connection to Maria's death, Alex may have a chance to catch his wife's murderer after all these years. Is this a chance for justice at long last? Or the culminating scene in his own deadly obsession?

My Two Cents Worth

Welcome back Mr. Patterson. I thought Cross was one of your best books in a very long time, and I believe you are much better served by showing us your story-telling talents without a co-author. This story had far more impact and substance than some of your previous releases.

Sullivan the Butcher was probably your best villain to date and provided the reader with a simple and straightforward picture of evil that we can wrap our minds around. Sullivan provided a stark measure of contrast for our beloved Alex Cross and ultimately made it such a personal vendetta that it encouraged the reader to devise their own plans of evil retribution as the book came to a close. I really wanted him to suffer for his crimes against the Cross family and his numerous other victims.

This is a book that set a scorching pace and maintained a sharper focus throughout the entire story than some earlier novels.

Good job, highly entertaining, keep them coming, please.

Hardcover

393 pages

4 hours

Divine Justice by David Baldacci

Synopsis

Oliver Stone is in deep water. The deep, cold salt water of the Chesapeake Bay, to be exact, as we begin this, the fourth installment of the Camel Club series.

After exacting his revenge on a U.S. Senator and the Chief Intelligence Officer at the end of Stone Cold, Stone is now the most wanted man in America and running for his life. His most immediate destination is New Orleans, but his plans are interrupted when he gets involved with a stranger who is attacked on the southbound train and has to make an immediate departure to avoid being identified. Mr. Stone, meet Dr. Richard Kimble.

Stone finds himself in the anonymous little town of Divine, Virginia, trying to keep a low-profile. But Divine, like most small towns where everyone knows everyone else, can't help but notice the mysterious stranger. And, like most small towns, Divine has some secrets that would be best kept from such nefarious transients. Secrets like a series of mysterious murders and a legion of coalminers who can't pass a whiz-test for the oxycodone that is in abundance. Small town - Big secrets.

As fate would have it, Stone sacrifices his personal safety to help a coal-miners widow and her son and uncover the mystery that surrounds the super max prison on the outskirts of town. It turns out that this mystery is one to die for.

My Two Cents Worth

I have never been a big fan of the "series" books to the extent that I couldn't put one down without picking up the next one in the series, but good grief! I assure you that each of the books in the Camel Club series can stand on it's own merits as far as the plot and characters are concerned, but I encourage you to read these novels in the order they are produced; it is a much richer reading experience.

The basic story has been around for forty years: American war hero blackballed by his government, tries to retire and lead a normal life in pursuit of the truth, uncovers government cover-up, threatened as a whistle blower, becomes public enemy number one, hunted to the ends of the earth, and barely surviving each confrontation; all the while trying to do the right thing.

The difference is that Baldacci can tell this modern day version of "The Fugitive" like nobody else. His version of Dr. Richard Kimble is more of a James Bond meets Rambo sort of character with a strong sense of right vs. wrong.

Do yourself a favor and see for yourself why David Baldacci is one of the most successful writers of his time.

Paperback

526 pages

6 hours

Stone Cold by David Baldacci

Synopsis

Oliver Stone, the leader of the mysterious group that calls itself the Camel Club, is both feared and respected by those who've crossed his path. Keeping a vigilant watch over our leaders in Washington, D.C., the Camel Club has won over some allies, but it has also earned formidable enemies - including those in power who will do anything to prevent Stone and his friends from uncovering the hidden, secret work of the government.

Annabelle Conroy, an honorary member of the Camel Club, is also the greatest con artist of her generation. She has swindled forty million dollars from casino king Jerry Bagger, the man who murdered her mother. Now he's hot on her trail with only one goal in mind: Annabelle's death. But as Stone and the Camel Club circle the wagons to protect Annabelle, a new opponent, who makes Bagger's menace pale by comparison, suddenly arises.

One by one, men from Stone's shadowy past are turning up dead. Behind this slaughter stands one man: Harry Finn. To almost all who know him, Finn is a doting father and loving husband who uses his skills behind the scenes to keep our nation safe. But the other face of Harry Finn is that of an unstoppable killer who inevitably sets his lethal bull's-eye on Oliver Stone. And with Finn, Stone may well have met his match.

As Annabelle and the Camel Club fight for their lives, the twists and turns whipsaw, leading to a finale that is as explosive as it is shattering. And when buried secrets are at last violently resurrected, the members of the Camel Club left standing will be changed forever.

My Two Cents Worth

In this, the third installment of The Camel Club Series, Baldacci finds another gear and it is off to the races from page 1. We are introduced to Mr. Harry Finn, smooth-talking killer with a double life as the consummate family man, and we are reacquainted with the quirky members of the Camel Club that includes Stone . . .Oliver Stone.

Baldacci's strength continues to be his characterizations and the ability to weave two or three subplots into a clear and concise tale of action, mystery and drama. The story unfolds effortlessly as he engages the reader page by page and suspends the passage of time. Credit also goes to those who edit his material so that it flows like a movie in the mind of the reader.

Consider giving a copy of a Baldacci to your boss, so he will understand your sleep deprivation.

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

Synopsis

Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is ready to go back to the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.

Enter Harry Bosch. Determined to find Vincent's killer, he is not opposed to using Haller as bait. But as danger mounts and the stakes rise, these two loners realize their only choice is to work together.

My Two Cents Worth

In The Brass Verdict, Connelly brings Mickey Haller, the troubled attorney, and the venerable detective Harry Bosch together again in this sequel to The Lincoln Lawyer.

The story certainly stands on it's own merits, with solid character introductions, and I don't feel it necessary to read all the Bosch prequels to appreciate the relationship, but I highly recommend reading The Lincoln Lawyer first to get up to speed on Mickey Haller.

Connelly asserts himself as one of the most clever and creative writers in the courtroom/thriller genre with The Brass Verdict. He weaves a tight tale of suspense and intrigue that gets off to a torrid pace right from the start, and seems to gain momentum throughout the entire 547 pages. This is one of the most solid and engaging novels I have read in several months and I recommend you schedule some quality time to give it your undivided attention. It is well worth the investment.

The Brass Verdict is begging for a sequel.

Paperback

547 pages

6 hours

The Quickie by James Patterson

Synopsis

When she sees her husband with another woman, Lauren Stillwell's heart nearly stops beating. Her marriage was perfect, she had a great job, and she loved her life. But his betrayal turns her into someone she never imagined she could be–a woman lusting for revenge.

Determined to even the score, Lauren seeks to have her own affair. It was supposed to be a quickie, but Lauren's night of passion takes a shocking turn when she witnesses an unexpected, unbelievable, and deadly crime.

Manipulating the evidence against her husband starts a web of deceit that threatens her career, but she is past the point of no return. Now her horrifying secret threatens to tear her life apart, pitting her need to uncover the truth against her fear that the truth may be too horrible to bear. And whichever choice she makes may cost her dearly - her job, her marriage, or even her life.

My Two Cents Worth

I truly enjoy reading Patterson's Cross series, but wanted to experience something just a little different from him, so I pulled The Quickie from the stack of prospects. I found it to be exactly what I had hoped - fresh and captivating. The action started on page 1 and the story unfolded without a glitch. The character of Lauren was well presented, and it was easy to be sympathetic to her plight.

One of the most surprising revelations came in chapter 17, when Lauren's occupation was revealed. (In true Patterson form, 17 chapters represents only 52 pages). This was a definite turning point in the story that added multiple layers of complication and intrigue.

This is also where a number of twists and turns began that kept me guessing the outcome until the final chapters.

I found The Quickie to be very engaging and satisfying and consider it one of my favorite efforts by Patterson. The writing was tight and focused, and difficult to put down.

Highly recommended reading.

Paperback

357 pages

3 1/4 hours

The Collectors by David Baldacci

Synopsis

The assassination of the U.S. Speaker of the House has shaken the nation. And the Camel Club has found a chilling connection with another death: the body of the director of the Library of Congress' rare books room has been found in a locked vault. The two murders are hurtling the Camel Club into a world of espionage that can bring America to its knees.

The Camel Club's unofficial leader, a man who calls himself Oliver Stone, discovers that someone is selling America to its enemies one classified secret at a time. Then Annabelle Conroy, the greatest con artist of her generation, struts her way into the club and gives it a sexy new edge - one it needs.

My Two Cents Worth

In The Collectors, the second installment of the Camel Club series, Baldacci raises the stakes on the rag-tag characters of the underdog whistle blowers. The spies are more devious and dangerous, the corruption more widespread, and the action is more suspenseful. The author takes us behind the scenes of some ingenious con games and provides some incredible insight into the mind of Annabelle, a high-stakes gambler on a roll.

I particularly appreciate the character development in this series. It is rare I get such a clear and vivid picture of each character as I read that I want to "cast" each role from the Hollywood "A" list, but I would love to be the director of this one and cast Tom Selleck as Stone, Sandra Bullock as Annabelle, David Hyde Pierce as Caleb, and Tommy Lee Jones as Seagraves.

The Collectors did not disappoint - the pace of the action was brisk and the suspense was palpable.

If you are looking for a book that is a no doubt, slam-dunk, satisfaction guaranteed, five-star winner, pick up a Baldacci. He delivers.

The Camel Club by David Baldacci

Synopsis

It exists at the fringes of Washington, D.C., has no power, and consists solely of four eccentric and downtrodden members whom society has forgotten. Their simple goal is to find the “truth” behind their country’s actions.

One man leads this aging, ragtag crew. He has no known past and has taken on the name "Oliver Stone." Day and night, Stone and his friends study wild conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government hoping to discover some truth that will hold America’s leaders accountable to its citizens. But never in Stone’s wildest nightmares could he imagine the conspiracy the Camel Club is about to uncover...

After witnessing a shocking murder, the Club is slammed head first into a plot that threatens the very security of the nation, full of stunning twists, high-stakes intrigue and global gamesmanship rocketing to the Oval Office and beyond. Soon the Club must join forces with veteran Secret Service agent, Alex Ford, who becomes an unwilling participant in one of the most chilling spectacles to ever take place on American soil. It’s an event that may well be the catalyst for the long-threatened Armageddon between two different worlds, and all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

My Two Cents Worth

I am a big Baldacci fan because he always fulfills the basic contract with the reader: to tell a great story. His multiple story lines are complex and he presents a rather large cast of characters, but he is certainly talented enough to keep you in the book and turning pages. I prefer to make appointments to get the most out of his novels - that is to set aside at least an hour of reading at a time to get the most out of the plot. This is surprisingly easy to do as the story unfolds and you lose yourself in the continuous action and brisk pace. This is not one you can follow reading ten minutes at a time.

I have read some reviews that are critical of the characters or the action that occasionally defies reality but I have never found this to be obtrusive at all; it is a well presented work of fiction that is wonderfully entertaining and satisfying.

Hardcover
436 Pages
4 hours

Reckless Abandon by Stuart Woods

Synopsis

In Reckless Abandon, the smooth and charming ex-cop-turned-lawyer, Stone Barrington, returns - this time on the hunt for a killer with the guts to think he can hide out among the crowds of New York City. What this fugitive does not know can definitely hurt him: Stone's partner in this endeavor is none other than Holly Barker, the Orchid Beach, Florida, police chief, and the protagonist of three earlier novels, who is consumed with the idea of putting this man behind bars.

This man, Trini Rodriguez, who Holly thought had been put down in Blood Orchid, has committed audacious and shocking crimes in Florida and is now being protected by none other than the federal government.

Stone and Holly, already in danger from Trini's friends, face their greatest obstacle in the government insiders who profess to have the public's best interests at heart.

My Two Cents Worth

I am a fan of Stuart Woods for the simple fact that he tells a good story. The action is always hot and the pace is turbo-charged to the extent that I don't mind overlooking some of the characters being larger-than-life or the plot taking liberties with reality. I did find it more obvious than in previous Woods novels that according to his web page, Stone Barrington is the author's alter-ego in just about every arrogant and conceivable way. The author's note at the end of the book is getting a little old, as well; we get it, okay? Thank you.

Stone and Holly appear as Superman and Wonderwoman, and their relationship is predictable and leaves little to the imagination. The bottom line, still, is that I enjoyed the book enough to forgive the shortcomings and recommend it as a superhero comic book type of read.

paperback
342 pages
3 hours

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

Synopsis

As a criminal defense lawyer, Mickey Haller has spent his entire professional life in the shadow of his legendary father, known for his brilliant defense of both famous and infamous mobsters and high-society icons. But all that was about to change, when Mickey is hired to defend a wealthy Los Angeles real estate magnate.

Louis Roulet is Mickey's first "franchise client" - willing and able to pay any price for a "not guilty" verdict. Throughout his career, Mickey has not been concerned with the guilt or innocence of his clients, only with presenting the evidence of the crime in a manner which would be in the best interest of whoever was paying the retainer. Manipulating the facts to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury was his stock in trade.

For him, the law is rarely about guilt or innocence — it's about negotiation and manipulation. Sometimes it's even about justice.

A Beverly Hills playboy arrested for attacking a woman he picked up in a bar chooses Haller to defend him, and Mickey has his first high-paying client in years. It is a defense attorney's dream, what they call a "franchise" case. And as the evidence stacks up, Haller comes to believe this may be the easiest case of his career.

Then someone close to him is murdered and Haller discovers that his search for innocence has brought him face-to-face with evil as pure as a flame. To escape without being burned, he must deploy every tactic, feint, and instinct in his arsenal — this time to save his own life.

My Two Cents Worth

It is difficult to believe that this is Connelly's first legal thriller. The courtroom action is as vivid and compelling as any Grisham I have read, and the action is well paced and true to life.

As a reader, it is all you could ask for - a great story told by a consumate professional. It was fresh and original and kept me guessing until the last page. While it's not the most cureent Connelly novel, do yourself a favor and read The Lincoln Lawyer.

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

Synopsis

Private Investigator Sean King and his long-time friend and PI partner Michelle Maxwell are back for a return engagement in Baldacci's Simple Genius. And from the first page it is painfully obvious that Sean has his hands full keeping his partner from self-destructing.

As Michelle attempts to get her life together, Sean is going deep into debt to help her out, when he is hired to investigate a mysterious murder at Camp Peary, a mysterious government facility used by the CIA to train spies. King also visits Babbage Town,a top-secret facility housing an odd collection of quantum physicists and computer scientists working on a very interesting program.

The complicated story lines move along at a rapid pace, making this a top-shelf thriller a great read. Baldacci fans will devour this story from beginning to end.

My Two Cents Worth

I read a novel for much the same reason I watch movies - to be entertained. I want a story that captures my attention and engages my mind, leaving me with a feeling of satisfaction. You get that with a movie by George Lucas or Steven Spielberg, or in a novel by Grisham, Clancy or Baldacci - the masters of storytelling. You can trust them when you spend your money or invest your time with them.

In Simple Genius, Baldacci delivers again. His characters are personable yet complex, and he never "gets in the way" of telling the story. The pace is quick but natural and the twists and turns of the plot are always clever and compelling.

Simple Genius was different from the Baldacci novels I have read to date, but I enjoyed it a great deal, and I think you will, too. There is a reason he is at the top of the international bestseller list. He delivers.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Forgive me, but I am going to break from my normal format of first offering a short Synopsis of the book, followed by My Two Cents Worth.

I feel like I just read the same 500 page book for the third time. Just see the summaries of The DaVinci Code or Angels & Demons - the story lines are nearly identical, but in The Lost Symbol we are in Washington DC discovering the long lost secrets of the Masons instead of the Knights Templar in England, or the Catholic Church in Rome.

"A diabolical madman is threatening to destroy the world's religious orders by exposing the 'truth' through a series of secret codes, paintings, rituals, and ancient symbols. At stake is the most significant treasure the world has ever known. If the treasure falls into the hands of the evil one, chaos will ensue, all of the world's religions will be exposed as fraudulent and cease to exist. It is up to Robert Langdon to solve the cryptic riddles and thwart the evil one and stop the human sacrifices." This could preface any of the three books.

Seriously, I respect an author's right to sell his work and become wealthy doing so, but this is a study in redundancy. His formula for selling a blockbuster is much too shallow and transparent, much like the National Treasure movies. The first one was cutting edge and captured the imagination, but the later installments were written and produced for no other reason than to cash in on the success of the original. We were sold the same story with a different cover.

I can't help but feel like The Lost Symbol was commissioned by Hollywood to support the sequel to The DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons. A screenplay masquerading as a novel.

The most important thing to remember is that all three of these books are works of FICTION. Despite the ingenious marketing campaign that promoted the controversy of Brown's ability to blur the line between Biblical scripture and and conspiracy theory, the entire premise is purely fictional.

I did enjoy the book, as I love the cryptic puzzles; it was a compelling story. However, if you expect The Lost Symbol to be anything other than a repackaging of the first two books, you will surely be disappointed. Save your money.

Hardback
528 pages
6 1/4 hours

Double Cross by James Patterson

Synopsis

In this, the thirteenth installment for super-cop Alex Cross, he finds himself once again returning to the streets to catch a diabolical duo of killers. Pursuing a genius serial killer who thrives on killing his victims in front of the largest crowds he can muster, Cross has his hands full. Known as the "Audience Killer," he delights in murdering famous people in broad daylight and on live television. He posts streaming video on the Internet, all the while taunting and threatening to make Cross his ultimate victim.

As if this is not enough to keep Cross and his partner Bree Stone busy, former colleague and friend, Kyle Craig, performs a dramatic prison break and is bent on exacting his revenge on Cross for putting him in maximum security prison for four long years.

Craig and the "Audience Killer" are destined to team up and make life short and miserable for the retired detective.The action is fast-paced and the suspense is palpable in this high-tech crime thriller.

My Two Cents Worth

After a couple of unremarkable efforts, Patterson is back. Double Cross is probably the best effort in the series of Cross novels.

The plot is complicated and boasts some ingenious twists and turns, but very well developed and engaging. Patterson sets a scorching pace and keeps the reader completely engrossed in the story line. The prose is cohesive and concise and he paints a compelling story.

Cross is still bigger-than-life, but unlike some of the previous books, the action doesn't suffer from lapses in reality. I found it refreshing to be completely consumed in a story for a change.

Double Cross delivered, big-time.

Paperback
432 pages
5 1/2 hours

Outrage by Dick Morris and Eileen Mcgann

Synopsis

We live in a time in American history when our moral values, our convictions, and the safety of our nation is threatened by the law of the politically correct. Everything you see on the news, read in the newspaper and hear on the radio has been filtered in some form or fashion by the "PC" sieve. That is what makes a book like Outrage stand out like a pink elephant at a cocktail party.

Critics have labeled the book a "rant," and for the most part, it is - at least that's the way you would feel if you hold the PC ideology near and dear. The subject of the book is U.S. politics and in it Morris presents a long list of topics sure to touch a nerve and stir a sense of, well, outrage.

The list includes:

• Immigration - the borders are not the primary problem, it is an accountability issue


• The United Nations - a worldwide scandal ignored


• The ACLU - American hypocrisy personified


• The U.S. Congress - we pay, they play


• The Patriot Act - PC vs. Common Sense


• Teachers Unions - Bad teachers getting paid to stay home vs. merit pay for performance


• Pharmaceutical Companies - profits over public health


• Fannie Mae - the Democratic Enron


• The bankruptcy bill - not what it used to be


• Government student loans - robbery without limits


• Insurance scams - the media left town when the floods receded - A little help here?!?


• Tobacco Companies - 21st century shell game


• Crooked politicians - American friends or foes?


• Trade Protection and Special Interests - the public is not smart enough to notice . . .

Morris names the crooks, both Democrat and Republican, and lets the heads fall where they may.

My Two Cents Worth

Dick Morris is not the kind of guy you want living next door. He has a VERY large list of VERY powerful people who would probably prefer that he would quietly just go away.

As a former advisor to Bill Clinton for 20 years, Dick made a living of irritating conservatives. After a public shunning from the Clinton administration, he has turned his attention to irritating the other half of the political nation, the liberals, with equal success. He has remarkable audacity, leading one to believe he must also have a remarkable security detail following him 24/7.

Dick doesn't simply expose the corruption, he names names. Lots of names. Regardless of your political persuasion, he makes you mad. He makes you want to look up the phone number or email address or your congressman or senator and do a little venting of your own.

The thing that keeps this book from being just another political "rant" is the way Morris offers plausible and common sense solutions to each of the atrocities he mentions. Whether his proposed solutions would actually work is subject to debate, but at face value they make sense. That is more than you can say for the convoluted and frustrating solutions we have recently witnessed in the congressional "bailout" legislation.

I am not a big fan of Mr. Morris when he spars with Bill O'Reilly of FOX News fame, but you have to admire his perspective. After all, I have yet to hear any of the people named in this book mount a serious rebuttal to his claims.

I liked the book and I found it refreshing to read copy that isn't at all concerned about being politically correct. Call a liar a liar and a crook a crook - if you are wrong, you will most certainly be contacted by an attorney. I particularly liked the Notes section that corresponds with the chapters of the book as a sort of bibliography. It's almost 50 pages in length and adds to the credibility of the copy.

I can't wait to share this with some selected friends.

Hardback

303 pages

2 1/2 hours

Silent Prey by John Sanford

Synopsis

Silent Prey picks up where Eyes of Prey ends, with Lucas and Bekker squaring off once more. The deranged killer escapes the courthouse and disappears, if only for a moment. Set primarily in New York, Lucas is recruited by his former partner (and love interest) Lily Rothenburg to once again get the murderer off the streets.

The plot thickens considerably as Lucas learns of a secret fraternity of vigilantes, thought to be cops, involved in as many as 40 murders of some of the city's most prolific criminals.

As the two complex story lines merge in the final few chapters, Sanford delivers some of his most ingenious twists and surprises. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

I am a Sanford fan and I appreciate his storytelling skills. He can engage a reader and deliver a satisfying array of characters, clever dialogue, and cohesive plot lines. But let's face it - they can't all be blockbusters.

As I am apt to review the book and not the entire series, I did not read Eyes of Prey prior to picking up the sequel.

I thought the book started well - the first 42 pages presented a compelling courtroom scene and a clever escape plan, which set the story on a fast pace. The following 82 pages, however, slowed to a crawl as the complex subplot was introduced and the relationship between Lucas and Barbara Fell was developed. The dialogue between the cops was convincing, but the pace suffered. At about page 124, the action resumed and the story gained momentum that was maintained throughout the remainder of the book. The final 48 pages were riveting as the plots came together nicely and completely.

I thought the author's descriptions of Bekker's thoughts were very interesting when he was hallucinating through the drugs while enduring his psychotic murder plans.

My biggest complaint with this book was the way Sanford seemed to outsmart himself with the complexities of the plot and subplot. I got lost for a while among the numerous characters and their involvement with the action. The "Robin Hood" story line was a little confusing and not well established throughout the book. I found myself referring to my notes far too often for comfort.

Also of note, I do not mind the colorful language in moderation - it adds to the realism of the characters- but I was offended by the liberal use of the G-D phrase.

I enjoyed the book and did not feel hindered by not having read the sequel - the characters and plot survived on their own merit. The beginning and end were terrific, but the middle chapters were cloudy.

Paperback
358 pages
5 hours

Shadow Prey by John Sanford

Synopsis

In the early sixties, a brutal crime is committed against "a drunk Indian chick" by two small-town cops, while on duty. Retribution is a long time coming - some 20 years pass before a plan is set in place to avenge the young girl's attack, long enough for one of the guilty cops to become the Director of the FBI. Atoning for his sins will surely make the headlines.

A new age Indian uprising is about to take place, well-planned and organized by two aging men and a small band of Indian brothers who have not forgotten what two white men did to an innocent young girl so many years ago. Assassination is the order of the day - death in an acutely Indian way - throats cut by a ceremonial stone knife. A slumlord and a racist probation officer in Minnesota were the first two victims, a welfare officer from Jersey the third.

Lucas Davenport returns as the street-wise police detective assigned to investigate the murders, along with New York City Detective Lily Rosenthal. They have little time to waste, as the body count continues to escalate. A promising young politician and a federal judge fall victim to the cold-blooded murderers.

Shadow Love, a rogue tribal member of the conspirators, is not in the plans for the new-age uprising. He is a violent psychopath who is far too unpredictable to follow the directions of the tribal elders who are dictating the action. Despite their futile efforts, Love steps in and takes it upon himself to contribute to the body count, and nearly kills Lily in the process.

The case suddenly becomes more personal for Lucas, and he acts with extreme prejudice in his revenge, making for an exciting and suspenseful conclusion. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

In Shadow Prey, John Sanford proves himself a very capable storyteller. The plot is clear, concise and proceeds at blinding speed. The Indian characters are presented as a brutal and determined adversary, with an almost noble cause.

The subplot involving the intimate relationship between Lucas and Lily is graphic and aggressive. Lily, with a husband and children back in New York, briefly struggles with her attraction to Lucas, but her guilt is short-lived. Their torrid affair doesn't inhibit the action of the story, and it does provide a brief diversion from the intense drama of the murders. This also presented itself as a major character flaw for Lucas, who has a child by his girlfriend, a fact he is quick to overlook when the opportunity presents itself to be with Lily.

I could hardly put this book down. Even with the early introduction of the identity of the killers, I found it captivating. I normally prefer a little mystery in the crime/thriller genre, but it just worked for me. I look forward to reading other books from the Prey series, but I thought this one stood on its own merits as a novel.

Paperback
342 pages
3 1/4 hours

Proof Positive by Phillip Margolin

Synopsis

Life is good for Bernie Cashman, a respected forensic scientist at the Oregon State Crime Lab. He inadvertently became a hero with his expert testimony that led to the conviction and execution of an apparent murderer of his 72-year-old mother with a hammer. Bernie has a secret, though. He falsified the evidence to cover his butt. He considered himself clever and had not a moment's remorse. Instead, it brought him acclaim and friends and women. It also accounted for some very frustrated defense attorneys.

It was so easy that he did it again to convict a drug dealing gangster accused of murdering one of his rivals. Bernie was a psychopath who believed himself to be judge, jury and executioner, until one of his colleagues starts to notice some of the evidence is tainted. She confronts him and demands an explanation, whereby she ends up dead - with the evidence covering his involvement, of course.

By using the omniscient point of view to tell the story, the reader is privy to the thoughts and actions of every character, so it is clear who the bad guys are and what they are up to. While this style can become redundant, it works very well in this story.

My Two Cents Worth

Given the popularity of television show CSI, this will be a book that will get a lot of notice, and for the most part, readers will find it very well written and technically accurate. The concept of an examiner gone bad will intrigue and entertain, while the solid research and clever dialogue will engage the reader throughout the story.

The plot begins to pick up momentum at about page 65, and gains speed all the way through to the end. There is very little suspense involved, but the action and characters will keep the reader turning pages.

Over all, I liked Proof Positive. It is well-written and straightforward, without excessive twists and false leads, and it tells a compelling tale of how dramatically a single individual can plausibly corrupt our entire judicial system.

Side Bar

The headlines have been full of prisoners who have been executed during the past 20 years and ended up exonerated by the implementation of DNA testing. Over 100 men have been released from prison after serving 20 years or more in the State of Texas alone.

Paperback
433 pages
just over 4 hours

Invisible Prey by John Sanford

Synopsis

Super detective Lucas Davenport is back in action. While he is investigating a politician for sexual impropriety with a teenage girl, Lucas gets sidetracked on a double murder of an elderly lady and her housekeeper who are bludgeoned to death in their St. Paul, Minnesota, mansion.

The mansion is ransacked and contains countless pieces of art and antique furniture. At first it appears to be a robbery for drug money due to the odd items that are missing and the even more odd collection of valuables that are left behind. Either the killers had no clue as to the value of the antiques - just looking for items that would sell quickly - OR they knew exactly what they were looking for and avoided some of the obvious loot in favor of some of the more obscure items.

The killers are identified to the reader very early in the book, allowing the reader to take part in their conniving plot to avoid getting caught. They are a rather pathetic pair who might have committed the perfect crime had they not botched their cover-up. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

Although the characters are shallow, the plot is well-paced and fairly interesting. Overall I found it to be entertaining, but not particularly endearing. Sanford's strong suit is writing a straightforward story without filling it full of distractions that kill the momentum. He does include a few false leads and he changes tack at times, but it doesn't confuse the reader. The plot is far more visceral and may not be suitable for those looking for an intellectual challenge.

I liked the book for what it is, a well-told story. I have not read previous books from the Prey series that I can use to relate to this one, which seems to have all the fans in such a tailspin. My advice - lighten up and try some different authors for a while to broaden your perspective.

Paperback
420 pages
just under 4 hours

Grass Roots by Stuart Woods

Synopsis

Beloved Georgia Senator Ben Carr is an icon on Capitol Hill who wants to serve one more term before using his considerable political clout to get his chief of staff Will Lee elected to take his place. But the plans go awry when the aging Senator suffers a debilitating stroke, making it impossible to speak, let alone campaign.

Lee is eventually thrust into the limelight to face off with Democratic Governor Mack Dean for the party's nomination. The winner will face-off against the evil Reverend Calhoun, the Republican television evangelist for the Presidency. A problem arises, however, when Judge Boggs commits Lee to defend a high-profile murder case that involves a young white male, Larry Moody, standing trial for the rape and murder of a black female. The racially-charged trial threatens to have a disastrous effect on the campaign of the newcomer.

Meanwhile, Stone Barrington pursues a group of white supremacists on a murder spree that targets local adult entertainment purveyors, while in the background, the mysterious Archon is pulling the strings that bring the scenarios together to an exciting finale. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

I have been a Woods fan for some time, but only recently picked up one of his earlier works of fiction, Grass Roots. I enjoyed the first half of the book, as it promised an entertaining and complex story-line, but by the time the trial was to start I grew weary of the persistent political diatribe that was blatantly slanted to the far left. If I want political commentary, it is available 24/7 on the boob tube. I do feel that in his more current works Woods has learned to tell the story and leave politics to the pundits.

I did appreciate the way the three story lines merged, and the trial was well-done and surprising. Woods is a great storyteller, who has obviously honed his craft through the years to the point that most readers can probably forgive his ego. The pace was upbeat and suffered very few lapses in the action. I must admit, too, that I was amused by the statement on the back cover offered by The State (SC), claiming " Stuart Woods is a wonderful storyteller who could teach Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy a thing or two."

Doubt it.

Paperback
604 pages
7 1/2 hours

The Assassin by Andrew Britton

Synopsis

A bomb is detonated in a Baghdad Hotel in an attempt to assassinate the Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq. More than 20 casualties, most of them security personnel and American reporters, are killed but the target survives.

In Washington DC, with the elections about two months away, the White House and the CIA are scrambling to adopt the appropriate political spin on the events and up to their necks in damage control. President Dave Brenneman has promised to withdraw American troops from the war in Iraq and his chances for reelection hinge on this central issue. Meanwhile, he must face not only the popular Governor from California, but members from within his own staff to keep his campaign on track.

The president turns to Ryan Kealy, a highly decorated CIA agent relegated to obscurity behind a desk, to uncover the truth and the ulterior motives behind the assassination attempt.

Kealy uncovers an elaborate plan to attack and assassinate members of the UN, but has a difficult time convincing the powers that be of an improbable scheme that would rival the 9/11 attack on Washington and New York. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

This is a novel that could be taken directly from today's headlines. It is fresh and engaging, and uncovers a multitude of plausible actions and motives that our culture could be faced with. This is my first Britton book and it will not be the last. He never plays loose with the facts and spins a tight and convincing tale that is high-octane entertainment.

He starts with a satisfying core of characters, brought to life with crisp dialogue and a clear stake in the action. He paces the action with a sense of urgency that builds as the elaborate plot is uncovered from destinations around the globe and culminates on the streets of New York City. There is never a lull in the action, prompting the reader to keep this book within arm's reach at all times. It captivates you from the opening chapter and refuses to let you rest.

This is one of those rare books that you will think of the next time you visit your local bookstore, and you will find yourself wanting to buy the hardcover to take its place among the Ludlum, Grisham and Baldacci volumes. I highly recommend Britton's The Assassin.

Paperback
586 pages
6 1/4 hours

The Poet by Michael Connelly

Synopsis

Jack McEnvoy is a journalist who specializes in reporting high profile murder cases and he is good at what he does. When his twin brother, a Denver homicide detective, is found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, Jack investigates the circumstances and refutes the official cause of death as a suicide.

Jack discovers some vague clues that lead him to several other cases involving homicide detectives that are apparently murdered and written off as suicide, thus uncovering a serial killer with a penchant for leaving cryptic clues from the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe.

Jack manages to overcome the volatile relations between himself as a journalist and the police and FBI agency, who harbor a natural contempt for anyone representing the media looking over their shoulders and disputing their work. He gets embedded with the FBI investigation and discovers that the skills that make for a good journalist also make for a pretty good detective, and that he was more like his brother Sean than he had ever thought.

As the body count rises, the plot takes some intriguing twists and turns, with the climax of the story delivering a surprising knock-out punch. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

My first experience with Connelly just happened to a book he wrote twelve years ago, The Poet. It represents a slight change of genre for me, but I find myself to be an instant fan with a long list of novels to be discovered by this clever and imaginative author. He writes this story with a level of skill and experience that leads you to believe that he has considerable real-life experience as a journalist working the homicide beat, much like the main character.

I found the first 107 pages of the book to be compelling and effective at developing the characters and setting the scene. It is from this point that the action shifts into gear and gains momentum that carries through to the various suspects, and hits full speed at the final twist in the story line that reveals the identity of the murderer. A masterful piece of storytelling on its own merits - you don't have to have read previous books to completely understand the characters - it is clear, concise and compelling.

If this is an accurate representation of Michael Connelly's work, he could quite possibly move into the Grisham, Ludlum, Baldacci stratosphere in my mind. Good read.

Paperback
501 pages
4 hours, 45 minutes

Hot Mahogany by Stuart Woods

Synopsis

When a group of US Marines discover a cache of gold coins as they are leaving the battlefields of Korea they become, upon their discharge, very wealthy civilians. Colonel Barton Cabot parlays his wealth into a number of successful ventures, including his passion of collecting extremely valuable pieces of antique furniture. VERY valuable, as in a $25 million secretary desk.

As the story begins, Barton has been robbed of this valuable piece of Americana and suffers from amnesia as to exactly who assaulted him and stole his prized possession. He is also uncertain whether it was the original desk or a replica he had produced that was actually stolen.

Attorney/Detective Stone Barrington is assigned to protect the wealthy gentleman, solve the mystery, and find the missing piece. Easier said than done.

My Two Cents Worth

For me, Mr. Woods passes the ultimate litmus test for an author - the ability to tell an entertaining story. I have been a fan since Reckless Abandon.

Hot Mahogany, however, has a number of fatal flaws that I found disappointing. The story is well-written and fast-paced, but the character of Stone and his actions are too cliche to overlook.
The amnesia of Mr. Cabot originally promised some interesting twists in the plot, but fell flat and went nowhere. The character of Stone, a favorite of mine, seems to have been diluted to the point he has become just another elitist and egotistical playboy, out to see how many beauty queens he can undress and how many rich men he can make a buck from by being a smart alec. He seems to be little more than an advertisement for Knob Creek bourbon and Elaine's diner. At one point, I was reminded of the bar in Cheers, where the characters spent their every waking moment and "everybody knows your name."

I was most annoyed by the lingering questions I was left with at the end of the book. It was unclear if there was a theft of the desk, or if this was just a hoax created by Barton to swindle money from his ole pals. We never learn the truth about the amnesia and the issue was left unresolved. Did Stone and Dino steal the right desk and get conned by Barton?

I did enjoy reading the book, but it was not as polished and professionally constructed as prior works by Mr. Woods. It might be time to retire the character of Stone and turn instead to making Holly a central character.

Paperback
368 pages
3 1/4 hours

Seize the Night by Dean Koontz

Synopsis

Seize the Night is the second book of a series featuring Christopher Snow, who suffers from xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), and his frantic search for the missing child of an ex-girlfriend. XP is a condition that renders Snow extremely sensitive to any form of light, limiting him to a lifetime spent in the dark of night, to which he has adapted and thrives.

The search for the child takes him to Wyvern, an abandoned government R&D facility on the outskirts of town, that rumors link to any number of wild genetic studies and, as we find late in the story, time travel experiments. Snow survives a number of threats, from swarming suicidal birds to rabid and super-intelligent rhesus monkeys and genetic mutants, and in the process loses his best friend Orson, his canine companion, himself a product of the bio-engineering that takes place at the Wyvern facility.

With the help of some friends, Snow later returns to Wyvern to rescue what he deduces to be a group of missing children, only to find a host of new challenges. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

I am an avid reader and most of my friends know that I am always looking for "new" authors, genres, and writing styles. Many of them recommended I give Koontz a try, so I did. Seize the Night was my first Koontz book and I was hindered by the fact that I had no knowledge of the prequel in the series.

That being said, I was initially quite pleased by the author's way with words in the first 42 pages, but it was exactly here that my focus was lost. The clever dialogue, interesting setting, and vivid descriptions of the games that a person's mind plays as they maneuver in a totally darkened environment ended abruptly.

Just as the action promised to race, it became mired in wordy and disjointed paragraphs that completely derailed the story line. By the time Snow leaves Wyvern to gather his friends for the return trip (page 208) I had lost interest.

The following 130 pages - as we meet the friends who are to accompany him back to the lab - was much too long an interlude in the plot for me. The characters were weak, not to mention unnecessarily odd, and the "surfer dude" dialogue made me crazy. I didn't like it at all.

From page 370 to the climax of the story, the wandering and excessive descriptions of the laboratory became a hindrance to the action. Finally, as the mystery is being revealed and the action mercifully hits its peak, Snow stops to read newspaper clippings he finds taped to the walls of the dark hallway through his night vision goggles. I found this to be a very weak way to discover some of the missing clues about the evil kidnappers. I was disappointed and it felt like the author had forgotten to disclose some important details earlier in the plot and threw them in as an afterthought.

Koontz is such an accomplished author but I feel like this was the wrong book for me to start with. I will choose another of his books in the future, but this one didn't do it for me. Sorry guys.

Paperback
443 pages
6 hours!!

Beach Road by James Patterson

Synopsis

East Hampton is an American icon as a playground for the uber-rich and it is here that Beach Road takes place. Three men are brutally murdered on a private beachfront basketball court and all the evidence suggests that Dante Halleyville...a high school basketball superstar thought to be the next Michael Jordan...pulled the trigger.

Tom Dunleavy, a struggling attorney and former NBA journeyman, agrees to represent Dante, even though he is woefully inadequate for such a high profile case that garners national headlines. Tom is quick to seek the assistance of Kate Costello, a former girlfriend and respected New York corporate attorney. With Dante's life hanging in the balance, the mismatched attorneys must overcome volumes of evidence to prove their client's innocence and find the real killer.

My Two Cents Worth

After considerable hype, reviews were mixed from even the most austere Patterson fans for Beach Road. It failed to go from zero to sixty in three pages and accelerate from there through to the end of the book like many of his previous works. Instead, I found that it sputtered in the beginning by introducing seven different characters, three of which are murdered, in the first 20 pages. It was a distraction keeping them straight in my mind.

Adding to the confusion, every chapter (each about 3 pages long in classic Patterson fashion) was written from the perspective of a different character, severely testing your cognitive skills. It took about 61 pages for the story to shift into second gear for me.

The story gains a little momentum through the next 200 pages as new evidence is uncovered and the attorneys prepare their case for trial, which starts on page 281. It is here that the story falls woefully short. This huge "trial of the century" that garnered national attention and defied all the odds against Dante lasted a mere 64 pages, half of which focused on the sexual escapades of Tom and Kate. It was very anticlimactic for me.

The remaining 45 pages were by far the highlight of the book. Readers were promised a shocking ending and Patterson delivered. Big Time.

Although I enjoyed the book a great deal, it was not among my favorite works of Patterson. It was rough and at times confusing. It did, however, entertain; it was a quick read with a memorable ending, and, as I am learning, perfect for traveling or the beach.

Hardcover
390 pages
3 hours

The Whole Truth by David Baldacci

Synopsis

Nicholas Creel is a very powerful man. As CEO of one of the largest government defense contractors in the world, the Ares Corporation, he stands to gain or lose tens of billions of dollars by producing the latest and greatest weapons of war. Although he is wealthy beyond imagination, the end of the Cold War has had a negative effect on the bottom line. After all, a man who owns one of the largest and most spectacular yachts in the world, complete with a private submarine hidden in the belly, has set a higher standard of living than most.

Creel needs a war - one big enough to cause worldwide panic and loosen the old defense spending purse strings of not only the U.S., but the Russians, the Chinese, and other G-8 countries, as well. Since a war doesn't seem to be imminent, Creel takes matters into his own hands and hires a "perception management" firm to manufacture one, creating and launching an elaborate video that takes the Internet by storm. As China and Russia take the bait, political assassinations and terrorist strikes begin to dominate the world headlines.

It is up to the intrepid protagonist, known only as Shaw, to uncover the truth and prevent World War III. As a secret government operative, Shaw proceeds to connect the dots to unravel the complicated global plot before it's too late. Katie James is a disgraced journalist trying to drink her troubles away when she stumbles head-first into the story that could not only rescue her career, but make her a household name - if only she can live through the melee. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

Baldacci is a master in the political terror genre, and he is at his best in this modern day, high tech "Wag the Dog" thriller. He seamlessly introduces each character into the plot while the story unfolds at a head-spinning pace.

As a reader, you can appreciate Baldacci's ability to spin a complex and compelling story in the most efficient and visceral manner. He is clear and concise, allowing the reader to see the action with their mind's eye while at cruising speed, rarely hitting the brakes with confusing prose. In this respect, I equate his skill with that of Ludlum or Grisham.

This is a great book for those who, like myself, simply want to experience a great storyteller at work.

Paperback

516 pages, 6 hours

A Salty Piece of Land by Jimmy Buffett

Synopsis

Tully Mars is back as the alter-ego of our favorite son-of-a-son-of-a-sailor, Jimmy Buffett. Tully is a Wyoming cowboy turned fugitive who runs (along with his horse) to a remote Caribbean island where he settles in as a fishing guide for a small resort. His crime is of no consequence whatsoever, but it doesn't keep him from being the target of a couple of bounty hunters willing to chase him to the ends of the earth.

Tully has a keen sense of adventure and is a hopeless romantic. While learning the local culture, he befriends just about everyone he meets with his laid-back nature and "I'll try anything once" attitude. It seems to be his destiny to meet a salty lady who, at 101 years old, is the owner and Captain of an incredible 142-foot schooner, and whose mission in life is to scour the Caribbean in search of a rare antique lens she needs to restore her personal lighthouse to its original, fully functional glory. Tully takes up her cause, "searching for that lost shaker of salt" to complement the margarita that is his life.

A collection of tales of pirates, pilots, treasure hunters and rock stars, and a wild fling at a spring-break foam party, as told from a rum-soaked vision of a ganja enhanced mind. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

This selection was recommended by my wife - one of those she refers to as "a good summer read." I think this means she read it while A. in the pool or B. on the boat.

You don't have to be a stoned, chilled-out beach bum with a margarita buzz to enjoy this light-hearted story, but it would probably help. If you are even slightly a fan of the parrot-head culture, you will probably enjoy this Buffett original. I did. My expectations were low and were accordingly exceeded.

The story wanders from island to island, character to character, and from romance to adventure, just as you would expect from a singer/songwriter. I found this book to be a refreshing change of pace in the dog-days of our sweltering Texas summer. It makes you feel good, like watching "Ferris Beuhler's Day Off" for the tenth time and still finding it funny.

Just as Buffett's music will never be appreciated by opera aficionados, A Salty Piece of Land will be frowned upon by the literary elite, but who cares? Come Monday it'll be all right.

Hardcover
460 pages
4 1/2 hours

Darker than Night by John Lutz

Synopsis

Frank Quinn returns as the skilled but fatally flawed ex-homicide detective whose career was ended by an elaborate conspiracy involving department politics and cops on the take. His life is a mess; he lives alone within the confines of a bottle, unable to clear his name and unwilling to recover. Eventually, he is coerced into teaming up with two detectives that are just a step ahead of him on the career ladder (meaning still employed, albeit barely) to stop a serial murderer who has New York City in a state of panic.

The third body is being discovered by the time Quinn and associates get involved. The murderer has a distinct modus operandi - stalking his prey, learning their daily patterns, getting intimately involved in their lives and even leaving them gifts that he knows they desire. He then enters their home unnoticed, leaving the gifts and causing conflict between the couple.

In the early morning hours, after entering the homes of the victims and observing them in their sleep, the killer lures his victims into the kitchen and brutally murders them, following a very distinct pattern. As the body count continues to rise, Quinn and company find themselves in the center of the storm, unable to uncover the clues that can stop the murders. * * *

My Two Cents Worth

This was my first read by John Lutz and from the beginning I couldn't help but think of the similarities of Quinn and Tom Selleck's character Jesse Stone in some of the serial movies of late. Talented big-city detective, recently divorced, out of work and suffering from drinking problems, making one last stand to restore his credibility, etc. Not a bad thing - I like them both.
That being said, I thought the relationship between Quinn and Pearl worked well - their similarities brought them together and you feel sure that the very same thing will drive them apart at some point. I thought Lutz developed their characters and their relationship satisfactorily.

I also liked the the story line in general, but found it to be a bit repetitive, with every crime being virtually identical. I thought there was room for some slight variations on the part of the killer to provide measured clues that would move the story along a bit. I had some problems with the fact that the killer could enter the victims residence on several occasions, leave gifts, and loiter for an extended period before violently murdering them without leaving a single clue. The CSI teams that have invaded our television sets have made skeptics of us all.

I expected the killer would eventually face an alarm system as he entered the home in the middle of the night, or that at least one of the victims would have made a call to 911 when they heard someone in their kitchen. This lapse of logic jumped out at me as the fourth and fifth victims were eradicated. I was also surprised that there didn't seem to be more action on the part of the NYPD to get involved in finding the killer. It doesn't make much sense that the entire case was left to these three maligned individuals and the wise-cracking medical examiner.

These lapses of reality aside, I did enjoy the book, primarily because of the lead character, Quinn. Give Lutz a try; a nice easy read from a talented storyteller.

Paperback
541 pages
7 hours