The winner of a free pizza from NYPD Pizzeria is Jean with her review of Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks. Jean writes, "Her first book...interesting but 15 years old. Culture and religion collide often and I prefer her novels, but it's a fascinating look behind the veils of Muslim women in the Middle East. Misleading for other Muslims though."
A big "thank you" to all who put in a review this week! They are much appreciated.
The week's book reviews:
Every Crooked Nanny by Kathy HoganTrocheck, reviewed by Gail: “On the job as a house cleaner, formerAtlanta cop Callahan Garrity must return to detective work when her employers discover that their pretty young nanny has disappeared with some important real estate documents. A quick read that will keep you involved form beginning to end.”
One Shot by Lee Child, reviewed by Gail (5 cans): “A sniper attack, killing 5 people in a public plaza in Indiana, brings Jack Reacher to help the police solve the crime. An excellent book.”
Gator A Go Go by Tim Dorsey, reviewed by Alice: “Serge! Coleman! City and County! Our heroes follow spring break back in time from Panama City to Daytona Beach to the birth place of it all, Fort Lauderdale. Coleman becomes a guru to drug-blasted college students and Serge expands on his personal religion as the FBI and the Miami mob tangle with the witness protection program. Serge triumphs - Dorsey remains at the top of his form.”
Whiplash by Catherine Coulter, reviewed by Katie (2 cans): "A drug company suddenly has production problems with a drug used for cancer treatment and a Senator thinks someone is out to get him. Sherlock and Savich are on the case.”
Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson, reviewed by Gail (5 cans): “Two Americans who have a passion for diving, specifically wreck diving, find a German U-boat off the coast of New Jersey and helped solve a mystery that had lingered since WW II. Robert Kurson is a great writer who includes quite a bit of background information for those who know nothing about diving. An extremely interesting book.”
Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich, reviewed by Katie (4 cans): “As usual, great dialogue that makes me laugh! Vinny is kidnapped and he employs Stephanie, Luke and Connie so they must find him! Joe and Ranger help….Lots of fun!”
Bum Steer by Nancy Pickard, reviewed by Katie (4 cans): “I liked it a lot. Jenny visits Kansas, Texas and New Mexico as she tries to figure out why a huge ranch was left in a will to her foundation. Pickard’s characters are fascinating and her plot is intruiguing.”
A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters, reviewed by Joanne (4 cans): “Another entertaining light-weight mystery about archaeology and intuigue in ancient Palestine. No sleuthing skills needed, just entertaining easy listening.”
Tell No Lies by Julie Compton, reviewed by Gail (5 cans): “Very good book about an attorney who finds himself in a bind when another attorney friend that he works with is charged with murder and he is her only alibi. However, he is married with a child, so the situation makes it very difficult because he must make a decision about whether to stay in the marriage and seek forgiveness or confess in court that he was with the attorney on the night of the murder.”
The Devil by Ken Bruen, reviewed by Mr. Kay: “Ken Bruen has a unique voice that places him in the elite of crime fiction In ‘The Devil,’ he adds a little supernatural in the manner of John Connolly. While there is horrific violence at times, he doesn’t rub your nose in it, so you get the impact without wallowing in the gore. I can’t recommend Ken more. This is one of his best.”
The Ask by Sam Liposte, reviewed by Mr. Kay: “Don’t Ask!”
Integrative Medicine by Kathleen Phalen, reviewed by Brian.
Just After Sunset by Stephen King, reviewed by Musarrat.
River’s Edge by Marie Bostwick , reviewed by Barbara.
Masterpiece by Elise , reviewed by Musarrat.
The School of Claybird Cotts by Janis Owens, reviewed by Jean: "Amusing narration by a young boy of his relationships with his family - and especially with his fathers (step and biological) and how he finds out which is which."
61 Hours by Lee Child, reviewed by Barbara.
Heidi by Johna Spyra, reviewed by Marium: “It’s an amazing book which highlights the differences between village and town life.”
NIV: The Authorized Biography of David Niven by Graham Lord, reviewed by Ted: "I have read 2 of David Niven's books: 'The Moon's A Balloon' - hilarious autobiography- and 'Bring On the Empty Horses'- Hollywood memoir- and I give both of these books the 5 watering cans rating. David Niven was one of the wittiest and funniest actors and human beings to grace this Earth. (See page 275 -Oscar Presentation was one of the funniest lines in cinema history). I can visually remember it like yesterday. This book, however, shows behind the charming and elegant man a dark side of tragedy involving his father, stepfather, and first and second wives. Yet through it all Niven had the gift of timing to cheer other people up. Mr. Lord did some extensive research, interviewing people from all over the world. NIV is a fitting tribute to a brave and brilliant man and is very well-written."
The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke, reviewed by Mr. Kay (at least 10 cans): "The Glass Rainbow has been called Burke's best Robicheaux novel. I've read them all over time, so I don't know about best, but I can't remember one where the textures are so multi-layered, the language so elegant, the smells so rich, the light so diffuse, and the air quite so electric. Robicheaux and his friend Clete tirelessly work to bring justice in a chaste society where the plantation society is still a force, as their world crumbles around them from decadence and evil permeates the air. Essentially it is the quintessential buddy story, the Bobsey Twins of Homicide righting the wrongs of a racist and archaic world. As I read the last few paragraphs for the umpteenth time my eyes still tear up and I get a catch in my throat: mortality!"
