“A very scary book. Relates actual happenings during the aftermath of Katrina, in which an American citizen – Zeitoun – is held prisoner for 23 days – with no legal rights – on suspicion of looting. He was entirely innocent – a victim of the times. Suspenseful.”
Jennifer won a free large pizza certificate dontated by the Maitland NYPD Pizzeria for her review of Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill. She writes: “A story about a woman stolen in Africa and sold into slavery – so educational, and well-documented sources, even though it is a fictional read. I learned so much – well worth it!”
Congratulations, Jennifer and Doris! Thank you to everyone who participated for continuing to put in reviews as you read this summer.
This week's reviews:
Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, reviewed by Jennifer: “A must-read for every wife and mother of sons. Not to mention every man you know. Fantastic!”
Secrets of Eden by Chris Bahjalean, reviewed by Jean: “A fun read about a double murder – by two different people – that looks at first like a murder/suicide. Told from 4 points of view. Suspense until the very last line.”
The Truth Hurts by Nancy Pickard, reviewed by Katie (rated 4 cans out of 5): “Marie Lightfoot, a true-crime writer, investigates the disappearance of her parents. Left in a hotel when she was a baby, her parents simply disappeared. They were involved in the civil rights movement and she returns to Alabama where she discovers the truth.”
The Politician by Andrew Young, reviewed by Doris: “An insider’s account of John Edwards’ rise and fall from grace, including deception, lust, greed, narcissism, ambition, lies and more. Would make a good Shakespeare tragedy.”
Killer Instinct by Zoee Sharp, reviewed by Mr. Kay: “Charlie Fox is an interesting character who whizzes around on her Japanese motorcycle teaching self-defense, sorting through her baggage and attracting violence. The series started in Daytona Beach in US publications, but started 3 or 4 books earlier in the U.K..Killer Instinct is the first – first. Fast-paced tale with plenty of violence and U.K.weather. Not much meat, but enjoyable if you’re into this kind of thing. Although Lee Child wrote the forward, Charlie is no Reacher – Jack never has any doubts.”
Where the River Ends by Charles Martin, reviewed by Masarrat.
Ring of Truth by Nancy Pickard, reviewed by Katie: “Very good! I like Marie Lightfoot, writer of true crimes. This time she’s investigating a crime filled with sex, violence, evil, and betrayal!”
I Remember Woody by Steve Greenberg and Dale Ratermann, reviewed by Ted: “Being an OSU alum, I can testify that this book tells it like it is about Woody Hayes, legendary football coach at Ohio State University. During my college days through the Woody Hayes era, I have many good memories and nice stories that I treasure. Whether you were pro-Woody or anti-Woody, these recollections are pure Woody, making you feel and see the old coach on the sidelines again - growling, yelling, and winning. Besides being a football genius, he was a legendary leader as well a complex man. I truley hope you fell like you know and understand Woody Hayes after reading this book. Above all else, it sets the record straight! A great read!”
The Whole Truth by Nancy Pickard, reviewed by Katie (rated 3 cans out of 5): “Marie Lightfoot is a true-crime author in Florida covering the trial of a killer. She knows this will be her best book ever because Raymond Raintree has committed a shocking crime. Really good!”
Twilight by Nancy Pickard, reviewed by Katie (3 cans out of 5): “Nancy Pickard writes a really good story - ties up all loose ends. This one is about a nature trail, a festival, and accidents that occur at Twilight.”
The Lion by Nelson DeMille, reviewed by Katie (4 cans): “DeMillle’s novel is about global terrorism. The Lion has returned with a mission of personal revenge as well as an act of terrorism against the U.S.. Fast-paced and entertaining.”
Confession by Nancy Pickard, reviewed by Katie (2 cans): “Written in 1994. (I’m reading all of Pickard’s books and the most recent have been excellent). This one not so much.”
Pray for Silence by Linda Costello, reviewed by Mr. Kay (4 cans): “The author has transitioned from writing romantic adventure to police-centered thrillers that feature a serial killer, mass murder, rape of teenaged girls, and making snuff movies set in the contrasting environment of the pacifist Amish culture
The main protagonist was Amish but excommunicated as a teenager who returns 17 years later with police experience to become Chief of Police in a small rural gap between the Amish culture and the Englisher establishment. However, she is shunned by thhe Amish and never fully accepted by the Englishers.
The author never fully leaves the Romance genre, which leads to some 'flowery' language that I wouldn't expect in a thriller. But more important, the two main characters have so much baggage, (they should open a luggage shop!) that it impacts their abilities to always function effectively and do their jobs.
This is still worth a read, if you can get through the gratuitous gore and pure evil, for a good look at the Amish culture.”
Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Allies by Christie Golden, reviewed by Brian.
Loud and Clear by Karen Berg, reviewed by Brian.
The Bread of Angels by Stephanie Saldana, reviewed by Bob (rated 4 cans out of 5).
Robert Frost: A Life by Jay Parini, reviewed by Bob.
Just After Sunset by Stephen King, reviewed by Minu.
Dawn's Prelude by Stacy Peterson, reviewed by Minu Singh (rated 4 cans).
Caught by Harlan Coben, rated by Anonymous (5 cans out of 5): "A great mystery!"
