Sunday, January 27, 2013

Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

Full Disclosure - Paul Falcon  meets Ann Silver when she brings a file on an accident that she believes relates to one of his cases.  Paul later learns that his friends, the O'Malleys, know her, but knowing he is looking for a wife, and she wishes to remain single, they were never introduced.  As the Midwest homicide investigator (MHI), Ann helps local law enforcers investigate murders.  Falcon, asks the O'Malleys about Ann, he learns that she writes fiction based on the lives of her friends. He also learns that she suffers from insomnia because of frequent nightmares.

The O'Malleys and other characters from Henderson's earlier books play very minor parts and are not really part of the story.


Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

Full Disclosure - Paul Falcon  meets Ann Silver when she brings a file on an accident that she believes relates to one of his cases.  Paul later learns that his friends, the O'Malleys, know her, but knowing he is looking for a wife, and she wishes to remain single, they were never introduced.  As the Midwest homicide investigator (MHI), Ann helps local law enforcers investigate murders.  Falcon, asks the O'Malleys about Ann, he learns that she writes fiction based on the lives of her friends. He also learns that she suffers from insomnia because of frequent nightmares.

The O'Malleys and other characters from Henderson's earlier books play very minor parts and are not really part of the story.


In a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly

Love in a Nutshell - Kate Appleton lost everything; her husband and her job.  Everything that is except her parents summer home, the Nutshell, in Keene's Harbor, Michigan.  She hopes to turn the Nutshell into a bed and breakfast, but first she needs money.  She works at the local bar, but loses that job too.  Blaming the local brewery, she forces her way into the company to get a job.  The owner, Matt Culhane, hires her to spy on his employees because someone has been sabotaging the company.

In a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly

Love in a Nutshell - Kate Appleton lost everything; her husband and her job.  Everything that is except her parents summer home, the Nutshell, in Keene's Harbor, Michigan.  She hopes to turn the Nutshell into a bed and breakfast, but first she needs money.  She works at the local bar, but loses that job too.  Blaming the local brewery, she forces her way into the company to get a job.  The owner, Matt Culhane, hires her to spy on his employees because someone has been sabotaging the company.

The Husband List by Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly

The Husband List - In 1984 New York City, Caroline Maxwell continues to discourage the suitors her mother, Agnes, sets up for her.  Her mother has a list of appropriate men that Caroline may marry, however, Caroline loves her brother's best friend Jack Culhane.  Jack does not fit the qualifications for marriage.  Her current suitor, Lord Bremerton, presents an acceptable front, but really does not meet Agnes' ideal for a husband.

The Husband List by Janet Evanovich & Dorien Kelly

The Husband List - In 1984 New York City, Caroline Maxwell continues to discourage the suitors her mother, Agnes, sets up for her.  Her mother has a list of appropriate men that Caroline may marry, however, Caroline loves her brother's best friend Jack Culhane.  Jack does not fit the qualifications for marriage.  Her current suitor, Lord Bremerton, presents an acceptable front, but really does not meet Agnes' ideal for a husband.

Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel - As usual, Stephanie needs money.  A large bond comes her way because the FTA, Geoffrey Cubbin, escapes the hospital.  The surveillance tapes at the hospital do not show Cubbin leaving his room.  Later, another prisoner escapes the same hospital; it becomes obvious someone at the hospital aides the escapes.  Meanwhile, Stephanie takes a job with Ranger to supplement her income.  The job includes being the maid of honor at the protectee's wedding.

Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

Notorious Nineteen: A Stephanie Plum Novel - As usual, Stephanie needs money.  A large bond comes her way because the FTA, Geoffrey Cubbin, escapes the hospital.  The surveillance tapes at the hospital do not show Cubbin leaving his room.  Later, another prisoner escapes the same hospital; it becomes obvious someone at the hospital aides the escapes.  Meanwhile, Stephanie takes a job with Ranger to supplement her income.  The job includes being the maid of honor at the protectee's wedding.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Sharpe's Story by Bernard Cornwell

Sharpe's Story - Cornell explains how the Sharpe stories began and were continued.  This also includes his essay that recounts his childhood.

Sharpe's Story by Bernard Cornwell

Sharpe's Story - Cornell explains how the Sharpe stories began and were continued.  This also includes his essay that recounts his childhood.

The Ninth Daughter by Barbara Hamilton

The Ninth Daughter (An Abigail Adams Mystery) - 1773: Abigail Adams finds the body of  a woman in the kitchen of her friend Rebecca Malvern.  Rebecca is missing.  The provost marshal has reason to believe John Adams killed the woman.  Abigail sets out to find the real murderer and her friend.

The Ninth Daughter by Barbara Hamilton

The Ninth Daughter (An Abigail Adams Mystery) - 1773: Abigail Adams finds the body of  a woman in the kitchen of her friend Rebecca Malvern.  Rebecca is missing.  The provost marshal has reason to believe John Adams killed the woman.  Abigail sets out to find the real murderer and her friend.

Haven by Kay Hooper

Haven (A Bishop/SCU Novel) - After Emma Rayburn's accident, she began having nightmares of women being tortured and killed.  Her sister, Jessie, works for Haven, a psychic investigator group founded and financed by John and Maggie Garrett.  Jessie, comes back to Baron Hollow to learn why her abilities are being curtailed.

Haven by Kay Hooper

Haven (A Bishop/SCU Novel) - After Emma Rayburn's accident, she began having nightmares of women being tortured and killed.  Her sister, Jessie, works for Haven, a psychic investigator group founded and financed by John and Maggie Garrett.  Jessie, comes back to Baron Hollow to learn why her abilities are being curtailed.

Shadow Woman by Linda Howard

Shadow Woman: A Novel - Lizette Henry woke up one morning not recognizing her face in the mirror.  After suffering a migraine that induced vomiting, she called in sick.  Lizette then learns that she has lost two years of her life.  Meanwhile, a mysterious group keeps her under surveillance to determine whether she needs to be eliminated.  Xavier piggy backs on the group's surveillance to protect Lizette.  However, every time she meets him, she remembers a crime so horrible, that she wonders if she is crazy.

Shadow Woman by Linda Howard

Shadow Woman: A Novel - Lizette Henry woke up one morning not recognizing her face in the mirror.  After suffering a migraine that induced vomiting, she called in sick.  Lizette then learns that she has lost two years of her life.  Meanwhile, a mysterious group keeps her under surveillance to determine whether she needs to be eliminated.  Xavier piggy backs on the group's surveillance to protect Lizette.  However, every time she meets him, she remembers a crime so horrible, that she wonders if she is crazy.

Icebound by Dean Koontz

Icebound - After a group of scientists planted 60 bombs, a tidal wave broke of the part of the glacier on which they stood.  Besides not having enough supplies to ride out the storm, they learn that one of their members is trying to kill another.

Icebound by Dean Koontz

Icebound - After a group of scientists planted 60 bombs, a tidal wave broke of the part of the glacier on which they stood.  Besides not having enough supplies to ride out the storm, they learn that one of their members is trying to kill another.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

The Origin of Evil by Ellery Queen

The Origin of Evil - Laurel Hill hires Ellery Queen to investigate the death of her father, Leander Hill.  Hill, died of a heart attack after receiving a dead dog and a note on his doorstep.  His neighbor and partner, Roger Priam, also received a package, however he won't discuss it with anyone. Subsequent packages are sent to Priam and intercepted by Laurel.  All involved dead animals, but have no one has any idea who is sending them or what they mean.

The Origin of Evil by Ellery Queen

The Origin of Evil - Laurel Hill hires Ellery Queen to investigate the death of her father, Leander Hill.  Hill, died of a heart attack after receiving a dead dog and a note on his doorstep.  His neighbor and partner, Roger Priam, also received a package, however he won't discuss it with anyone. Subsequent packages are sent to Priam and intercepted by Laurel.  All involved dead animals, but have no one has any idea who is sending them or what they mean.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi - Piscine (pronounced pea-seen) Molitar Patel grew up in India.  His father managed the Pondicherry Zoo.  By the time he was 16, Pi developed love for God and expressed it by attending Catholic Mass, the Muslim Mosque, as well as the Hindu Temple.  It was at this time that his family decided to move to Canada.  The ship they were on sank.  Pi was the sole human survivor.  He shared his lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Advertised as a "story to make you believe in God", Life of Pi recounts Pi's adventure on the Pacific and how he survived.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi - Piscine (pronounced pea-seen) Molitar Patel grew up in India.  His father managed the Pondicherry Zoo.  By the time he was 16, Pi developed love for God and expressed it by attending Catholic Mass, the Muslim Mosque, as well as the Hindu Temple.  It was at this time that his family decided to move to Canada.  The ship they were on sank.  Pi was the sole human survivor.  He shared his lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. Advertised as a "story to make you believe in God", Life of Pi recounts Pi's adventure on the Pacific and how he survived.

Wicked Business by Janet Evonovich

Wicked Business: A Lizzy and Diesel Novel - Lizzy Tucker's life is just about normal; she works as a pastry chef in Salem, Massachusetts.  However, Diesel conscripts her to work with him when Harvard professor Gilbert Reedy is murdered, apparently by Diesel's cousin and nemesis, Gerwulf Grimoire (Wulf).  Together, Lizzy and Diesel follow clues to find the Luxuria Stone.  Between their own larcenous doings to decipher puzzles and Wulf's minion, Hachet's attempts to stop them, Lizzy finds herself in several untenable positions.
    Personally, I was disappointed in this book.  It lacks the usual Evanovich humor and sexual tension.

Wicked Business by Janet Evonovich

Wicked Business: A Lizzy and Diesel Novel - Lizzy Tucker's life is just about normal; she works as a pastry chef in Salem, Massachusetts.  However, Diesel conscripts her to work with him when Harvard professor Gilbert Reedy is murdered, apparently by Diesel's cousin and nemesis, Gerwulf Grimoire (Wulf).  Together, Lizzy and Diesel follow clues to find the Luxuria Stone.  Between their own larcenous doings to decipher puzzles and Wulf's minion, Hachet's attempts to stop them, Lizzy finds herself in several untenable positions.
    Personally, I was disappointed in this book.  It lacks the usual Evanovich humor and sexual tension.

Private London by James Patterson and Mark Pearson

Private London. James Patterson & Mark Pearson - In 2003, Jack Morgan, rescued Hannah Shapiro from kidnappers; however, he was too late to save her mother.  Seven years later, Dan Carter, as head of Private's London office, is charged with Hannah's safety while she attends Chancellors University London.  Presently, Hannah and her friends, Chloe, and Laura are out on the town. On the way home, Chloe has been clubbed with a baseball bat while Hannah is kidnapped.

Private London by James Patterson and Mark Pearson

Private London. James Patterson & Mark Pearson - In 2003, Jack Morgan, rescued Hannah Shapiro from kidnappers; however, he was too late to save her mother.  Seven years later, Dan Carter, as head of Private's London office, is charged with Hannah's safety while she attends Chancellors University London.  Presently, Hannah and her friends, Chloe, and Laura are out on the town. On the way home, Chloe has been clubbed with a baseball bat while Hannah is kidnapped.

Empire and Honor by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth

Empire and Honor (Honor Bound) - Its October 1945 and the OSS has been closed down, but Cletus Frade and his associates in Argentina are on special assignment to the President. Their mission is to help certain Germans to immigrate to Argentina to escape the the wrath of the Russians.  They also are detailed to find certain U-boats believed to carry high ranking Nazis, uranium, and money.
     One of the U-boats that the OSS is looking for turns up in Argentina, but Frade and his crew don't know where.
     Because he speaks German fluently, Second Lieutenant James D. Cronley Jr. has been assigned to the Army CIC to help repatriate Germans who have fled Germany during the war.  He happens upon the widow of one of the Germans who have helped the Americans.
 

Empire and Honor by W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth

Empire and Honor (Honor Bound) - Its October 1945 and the OSS has been closed down, but Cletus Frade and his associates in Argentina are on special assignment to the President. Their mission is to help certain Germans to immigrate to Argentina to escape the the wrath of the Russians.  They also are detailed to find certain U-boats believed to carry high ranking Nazis, uranium, and money.
     One of the U-boats that the OSS is looking for turns up in Argentina, but Frade and his crew don't know where.
     Because he speaks German fluently, Second Lieutenant James D. Cronley Jr. has been assigned to the Army CIC to help repatriate Germans who have fled Germany during the war.  He happens upon the widow of one of the Germans who have helped the Americans.
 

The Black Box by Michael Connelly

The Black Box (A Harry Bosch Novel) - During the Los Angeles riots in 1992 (after the officers accused of beating Rodney King were acquitted), Detective Harry Bosch and his partner, Jerry Edgar, are led to the body of Danish Journalist Anneke Jesperen. After the city calmed, the murders of the riots were assigned to a special squad.  Most were never solved.  Twenty years later, Bosch, is assigned the case along with other cases from the riots, this time as the department's attempt to show that the crimes are still being worked and solved.  At first it looks like there is no new leads, but Bosch is relentless and finds a thread and keeps pulling.

The Black Box by Michael Connelly

The Black Box (A Harry Bosch Novel) - During the Los Angeles riots in 1992 (after the officers accused of beating Rodney King were acquitted), Detective Harry Bosch and his partner, Jerry Edgar, are led to the body of Danish Journalist Anneke Jesperen. After the city calmed, the murders of the riots were assigned to a special squad.  Most were never solved.  Twenty years later, Bosch, is assigned the case along with other cases from the riots, this time as the department's attempt to show that the crimes are still being worked and solved.  At first it looks like there is no new leads, but Bosch is relentless and finds a thread and keeps pulling.