IndieBound Independent Bookstores BRC Facebook Fan Page
Bookreporter.com
Click Here For Librarians Submitting a Book Become a Reviewer FAQ Contact Us About Us
Home Reviews Features Authors Quote Books Into Movies Book Clubs Awards Coming Soon
Search Contests WOM Bestsellers New in Paperback Newsletter Bibliographies Blog


January 20, 2006

This contest period's winners were cali8@verizon.net, DeadlyDee@aol.com, jmmaus@hotmail.com, Pekepooh@aol.com and screamy8@aol.com, who received copies of DEATH DANCE by Linda Fairstein and GOT THE LOOK by James Grippando.


Past Entries:
January 6
December 16
December 2
November 18
November 4
October 21
October 7
September 23
September 9
August 26
August 12
July 29
July 15
June 24
June 10
May 20
May 6
April 22
April 8
March 18
March 4
February 18
February 4
January 21
January 7
December 17
December 3
November 12
October 29
October 15
September 24
September 10
August 27
August 6
July 23
July 1
June 11
May 28
May 14
April 30
April 16
April 2
March 12
February 27
February 13
January 23
January 9
December 19
December 5
November 14
October 24
October 3
September 19
September 5
August 22
August 8
July 25
July 10
June 20
June 6
May 16
May 2
April 17
April 4
March 20
March 7
February 21
February 7
January 24
January 10
December 20
November 27
November 15
November 1
October 18
October 4
September 20
September 6
August 23
August 9
July 26
July 12
June 21
June 7
May 24
May 10
April 26
April 12
March 28
March 15
February 28
February 15
February 1
January 18
January 4
December 14
November 30
November 16
November 2
October 26
October 19th
October 12
October 5
September 21
September 7
August 24
August 10
July 27
July 20
July 13
June 29
June 22
June 15
June 8
June 1
May 25
May 18
May 11
May 4
April 27
April 20
April 13
April 6
March 30
March 23
March 16
March 9
March 2
February 23
February 16
February 9
Februay 2
January 26
January 19
January 12
January 5
December 27
December 15
December 8
December 1
November 24
November 17
November 10
November 3
October 27
October 20
October 13
October 6
September 29
September 22
September 15
September 8
August 25
August 4

Engelberth
The Fortress City by K. G. Childs
Rating: 5 Stars
A very good read

Dorie
The Wrong Kind of Blood by Declan Hughes
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a wonderfully gritty detective story that takes place in Dublin. The characters are meaty, with so much depth, you would swear they were real people. The story brings out the seedier side of life, encompassing crimes for drugs, money and power. It deals with alcoholism, abandonment and poverty. Yet PI Edward Loy is a very likeable guy and recognizes the likable traits even in his enemies. The story is well-crafted, and the descriptions of the surroundings are almost poetic.

Laurie Friesen
4th of July by James Patterson
Rating: 5 Stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK. Patterson can write. I can't wait for the 5th installment, THE 5th HORSEMAN.

Susan Locke (susan122970@yahoo.com)
Brookwater's Curse by Steven Van Patten
Rating: 5 Stars
This book was a wonderful read. The author reels you in with insight, emotion, creativity and an education in history. This includes lifestyles of the Japanese samurai, plantation slaves and the interesting world of vampirism. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who wants to escape into a book that is so well-written that you can vividly imagine the film version and the amazing action sequences that would evolve. I hope that a film version is created so I can visually capture the characters.

Kay Monte (fishsis58@hotmail.com)
Pawleys Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
Rating: 5 Stars
Ms. Frank draws you in with colorful characters and the charm of the south, both old and new. This is a delightful read and is at the top of my list.

Yvonne M. (nicholsyvonne@sbcglobal.net)
Our Lives Are The Rivers by Jaime Manrique
Rating: 4 Stars
I was lucky to get the privilege of reading this book before it hits the shelves in March. The book's focus is on Manuela Saenz, who along with her slaves, played a significant role in the liberation of South America and was the lover of Simon Bolivar for eight years prior to his death. It is a rags to riches, bag to rags tale that is instantly a page turner without the bogged minute details. The story progesses effortlessly through alternating narrative. I was sad to see this one end.

Yvonne M. (nicholsyvonne@sbcglobal.net)
Hunger's Brides by Paul Anderson
Rating: 4 Stars
I continue to work through this massive novel at a leisurely pace about Sor Juana (Sister Juana), a 17th century poet, theologian and playwrite. Her early years were spent growing up as an illegitimate child but favored by maternal grandfather, then spent time as a lady-in-waiting in the court of the Viceroy before finally sequestering herself in the convent that was liberal enough for her to continue her reading and writings. This 1400 page novel is full of information and is best taken in chunks so you can savor the story.

Judy (joswood@msn.com)
Got the Look by James Grippando
Rating: 3 Stars
I have greatly enjoyed this author's other books --- especially THE KING'S RANSOM --- but this one just left me cold. I found parts of it in the middle downright boring, and I found myself skimming. The ending had an interesting twist, but by this time I just didn't care.

kmac
The Smile of a Ghost by Phil Rickman
Rating: 5 Stars
Number 7 in a series of mysteries in which the protagonist is a Diocesan Exorcist in the Anglican Church --- and there usually seems to be something to exorcise. Well-written --- the kind of book that once you pick up can't be put down till the end.

Karen Syed (admin@echelonpress.com)
Bloody Mary by J.A. Konrath
Rating: 5 Stars
I can't say how much I enjoyed this book. Konrath's writing is like a shot of adrenaline straight into your system. Awesome!

Ozarks reader
Marley and Me by John Grogan
Rating: 5 Stars
Fun, fun....if you've ever owned or even been around a lab, this book is for you. We first meet Marley as a pup and continue on throughout his years of mischief and many times destructive foolishness. John Grogan makes the book come alive so that you can actually see as you read about Marley's escapades. I laughed out loud till there were actually tears in my eyes. But beware. Toward the end you have to be brave but you must go on to read Grogan's most inspiring thoughts on life and love and, at last, a happy ending, or I might say, a new beginning. You'll never forget this book.

Amy Crane Johnson
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins
Rating: 4 Stars
An oldie that I never got around to reading until now. Classic Robbins. This one is a treat. Makes you want to go out and buy a pair of red cowgirl boots or finally learn how to ride a horse, at least.

Thomas (tomjac0850@charter.net)
Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, Book 2: City of Night by Dean Koontz
Rating: 5 Stars
This engrossing trilogy continues with Dr. Victor Frankenstein (now called Helios) losing control of the macabre empire he has created. He knows some things have gone wrong with his creations, intended to replace the human race, but he has no idea just how his entire plan is falling apart. Meanwhile, the two detectives who are on to Helios's scheme are simultaneously fleeing for their lives and trying to hunt down Helios's warped creations. The final book in the trilogy can't come soon enough.

Linder55
The Truth (With Jokes) by Al Franken
Rating: 5 Stars
Has the current political climate got you fuming? Does your blood pressure raise every time you watch the news or listen to the pundits on the radio? Read this book! Yes, there is humor in even the most maddening of life's issues.

Janet Martin (jmmaus@hotmail.com)
The Devil of Nanking by Mo Hayder
Rating: 5 Stars
In this rich and compelling novel, Grey, an emotionally damaged young woman, seeks out a Chinese professor in Tokyo in order to find film of the Nanking Massacre of 1937. A second plot line, that of Shi Chongming's survival in Nanking, intertwines with Grey's journey of discover. Tension increases expedentially as the secrets of Shi and Grey are revealed, and Grey's intrusion into the life of an elderly mobster plunges her into deadly peril.

Amy Crane Johnson
The Colorado Kid by Stephen King
Rating: 3 Stars
Not bad, for the genre type. I'm not sure it would have been published if it didn't have the Steven King name attached it it, though. I did enjoy it as a "quick" King read, for a change!

Connie Rutter (consurutte@aol.com)
The Red Hat Club Rides Again by Haywood Smith
Rating: 5 Stars
This is the second in the "Red Hat" series and I thoroughly enjoyed it and it did remind me of the Southern Sisters series by Anne George in a way. The lady reading the book was the same narrator and had the southern accent down perfect. I even recognized some of the places that were described in this book after only being here for a year. If you have not tried this author from Atlanta, I would give it a try. There is humor, a little bit of a mystery but more about the lives of nicer older women.

Donna L.
Adored by Tilly Bagshawe
Rating: 5 Stars
An exciting romantic book filled with movie stars and glamorous characters and locales. I thought it was wonderful and enjoyed it very much.

Melanie House
Double Cross Blind by Joel N. Ross
Rating: 5 Stars
Wow, what an awesome twisted spy thriller. You think you have figured out the truth but yet again the author keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put it down. The characters are so real they are like your neighbors. It's a wonderful read for a cold winter day...

Karen (kkbarash@aol.com)
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Rating: 5 Stars
This is the most powerfully written book I have read this year. Despite the controversy that now surrounds it, I would still recommend it as a great read.

Douglas R. Cobb (goofier1@wmconnect.com)
The Divide by Nicholas Evans
Rating: 4 Stars
THE DIVIDE is a book about the Continental Divide, a resort Rocky Mountain hotel called the Divide, but mostly about the many types of divisions that can occur in our lives.

I haven't read any of Nicholas Evans's other books, though he is perhaps most famous for having written THE HORSE WHISPERER, which was made into a movie by the same name, which I have not seen.

The book focuses on the Cooper family and each of their fractured (divided) lives caused by divorce

Though THE DIVIDE focuses a lot of attention on interpersonal relationships, which would probably appeal more to women readers than to men, there are many moments of action and suspense in it as well, which held my attention and made me want to continue reading to the end.

THE DIVIDE begins with the discovery of the body of a frozen young woman in the Rocky Mountains by a father and son on one of their yearly skiing trips, and goes backwards from there to trace how the person (who we find is Abbie Cooper) winds up there, a hunted ecoterrorist, despite coming from a comfortable upper-middle clas background.

THE DIVIDE catches the readers' attention right away and doesn't let go, and even uses the setting of the World Trade Organization's meetings and the protests that resulted in Seattle, Washington, to add a greater sense of realism to the novel.

I really enjoyed THE DIVIDE and only give it 4 instead of 5 stars because at times it does center more on interpersonal relationships and the gloomy topic of divorce. Still, it's quite a good book and one that I would highly recommend.

TereseRose
Her Mother's Daughter by Linda Carroll
Rating: 5 Stars
This memoir is written by the mother of Courtney Love, but never is it exploitive. The book is well-written, engaging and valuable. I would highly recommend it!

Kenzie Brett
Shoofly Pie to Die: A Granny Hanny Amish Country M by Barbara Workinger
Rating: 5 Stars
A taught mystery with charm and wit!

Paula H
Blessed Is The Busybody by Emilie Richards
Rating: 4 Stars
A very cute cozy. Interesting people and I look forward to the next in the series.

Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net)
Lasher by Anne Rice
Rating: 4 Stars
The 2nd book in the "Mayfair Witches" series. Lasher is born from Rowan and Michael and seeks to reproduce his race with other Mayfair women.

Sharon Davisq (lupinea@aol.com)
Iron Orchid by Stuart Woods
Rating: 3 Stars
A Holly Barker novel, well-written, but pretty mundane. I was able to guess how the mystery came out early in the book.

Pamela White
The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lillian Jackson Braun
Rating: 5 Stars
The wonderful continuing saga of Koko the sleuth cat. It was a good read. Can't wait for her next one.

Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net)
Carnival of Dreams by Josephine Scott
Rating: 2 Stars
The staff at an English Hotel designate Room 101 to be a "Pleasure Room" --- whatever the guest wants in the way of sex they can have. Most of the book is S&M.

Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net)
Blood of the Raven by Anya Bast
Rating: 4 Stars
This is the 2nd book in the "Embraced" series. Fate becomes a Vampir and finds herself in the bed of Gabriel, who has been her "bodyguard" (a fact that was unknown to her).

Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net)
Blood of an Angel by Anya Bast
Rating: 4 Stars
In this 3rd book of the "Embraced" series, Tiya, a faery, with the help of Charlie from both of the previous two books, is out for revenge after rogue vampires killed her family.

Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net)
Taltos by Anne Rice
Rating: 4 Stars
In the third chronicle of the "Mayfair Witches," an ancient Taltos named Ashlar enlists the help of Michael and Rowan in his battle against evil.

Sharon Davis (lupinea@aol.com)
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Rating: 5 Stars
Fact or fiction, this is an excellent book about recovery from drugs and alcohol. How he recovered is described and it has obviously worked as he is clean and sober years later. Don't miss it.

Maithe
Cry No More by Linda Howard
Rating: 5 Stars
This book was definitely a tear-jerker. I never cry, but I did with this book. Linda Howard makes you feel every emotion felt by all her characters, but most especially the mother grieving for her lost child. This is a MUST READ!!!

Gettle (lgettle@iserv.net)
7 Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly
Rating: 2 Stars
I've greatly enjoyed all of Mr. Reilly's past work, but this book was not good. However, this won't prevent me from checking out his future novels.

L. Gettle (lgettle@iserv.net)
Ladies With Options by Cynthia Hartwick
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a charming and delightful tale about the adventures of some middle age ladies who invest in the stock market.

L. Gettle (lgettle@iserv.net)
First Impressions by Jude Deveraux
Rating: 4 Stars
Middle-aged Eden Palmer is suddenly being courted by two handsome eligible bachelors. Why? Her suspicions increase when someone breaks into her home.

China (BlondeFairy1975@aol.com)
The Alchemist's Daughter by Katharine McMahon
Rating: 4 Stars
This is an excellent book.

Mary Schreiner
The Lost Boy by Dave Pelzer
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a wonderful book. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Dave tells his story of growing up unloved and abused. I learned a lot regarding the foster care system in our country. This is a great read.

Cindy (cynderma@aol.com)
The Bought Bride by Juliet Landon
Rating: 4 Stars
Well-written, lots of sexual tension. Strong hero and heroine. Loved it.

Christy Hawkes (hawkes@citlink.net)
Seasons of Pleasure: Summer and Autumn by Anya Bast
Rating: 5 Stars
Books 3 and 4 of the "Seasons" series in one book: THE CAPTIVE with Lilane and Rue and THE UNION with Gregor and Anaisse. Anya Bast is one of my favorite authors and I really enjoy her "Seasons" series.

David (chippermoon@aol.com)
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Rating: 5 Stars
An enticing blend of family saga, history and mystery, with maybe a touch of fantasy. It begins when 10-year-old Daniel is allowed to choose just one book, from the Cemetery of Forgotten Books in Barcelona. Daniel soon realises that some of the characters in this book seem to be appearing in his own life, and day-to-day routine.

From there on, the story unfolds on three levels: the actual story as it occurs in the book; the present-day story that contains some of these characters; and Daniel’s story.

The amazing ending (s), as well as all the puzzles and twists of the story, are resolved, not only in their present day but also in the past events.

Fay
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
Rating: 5 Stars
Evokes the time after WWI, and was an absorbing read.

Fay
Inside Track by John Francome
Rating: 5 Stars
Finally! A replacement for Dick Francis! It's like Francis in that the story is about horses, jockeys and England. Francome is the same but different. Very enjoyable read!

Lorena Hann
Kill the Messenger by Tami Hoag
Rating: 5 Stars
I just have one word for it: EXCELLENT!!!!

Lorena Hann
Dark Horse by Tami Hoag
Rating: 5 Stars
I think this is one of her best books yet. Very suspensful. I had to stay up and finish it. Great look into the horse world.

Jessica Eldred
Shadow of an Indian Star by Bill and Cindy Paul
Rating: 5 Stars
A must-read for 2006! SHADOW OF AN INDIAN STAR is an amazing story that completely captivates the reader. Once started, the book is hard to put down; once finished, there is a certain sorrow there is nothing left to read. The reader is drawn deeply into the story and feels the characters are friends. The experience is more akin to being an eyewitness rather than just a reader.

Connie Rutter (consurutte@aol.com)
Death of a Snob by M C Beaton
Rating: 5 Stars
This is the 6th book in the "Hamish MacBeth" series and I found it delightful. I felt this one had a lot more humor in it than the rest and Hamish was in rare form. It is set at Christmas time and Hamish goes with one of Priscilla's acquaintances to her island health farm because she has been told by a fortune teller that someone is trying to kill her. Hamish needs a place to go for Christmas because his Aunt Hannah is going to be at his parents place and she doesn't like Hamish so Hamish's mum asked that he not come home. I really didn't figure out who did the murder until the end, but that was okay as it was witty and had a good plot. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.

Sandra Furlotte
December 6 by Martin Cruz Smith
Rating: 3 Stars
This book was a good read. The main character is a lovable rogue living in Japan on the eve of the attack on Pearl Harbour. Japan at the brink of war is an excellent background to an exciting story.

Rebekah Crain (littleminx@cox.net)
Somebodies and Nobodies: Overcoming the Abuse of R by Robert W. Fuller
Rating: 3 Stars
This was a very interesting book regarding a new "ism" that we're battling in today's society --- rankism. I would recommend this book, even if it's your usual genre of expertise, simply because I believe the author has made some very valid points and brought some importants facts to light. Though a bit wordy at times, this really was worth the time and effort I spent reading it.

David (chippermoon@aol.com)
In the Moon of Red Ponies by James Lee Burke
Rating: 5 Stars
James Lee Burke’s 25th novel and, imo, his best.

Billy Bob Holland is mortified when Wyatt Dixon is released from prison after only serving one year. Amongst other crimes, Wyatt tried to murder Billy Bob’s wife. But Wyatt acts as if he is now a reformed man. Events soon start to occur that begin to jeopardise the lifestyle of Billy Bob and his family. Into this mix, Billy Bob’s Indian friend, Johnny American Horse, becomes embroiled in a government agency plan involving stolen secrets from the nearby Research facility. Added to the mix, Darrel McComb is the local cop who is obsessed with Johnny American Horse’s wife, Amber.

IN THE MOON OF RED PONIES is a novel that is multi-faceted. Its message (main message) would be to define the meaning of true friendship, and loyalty. Again, it offers a redemption theme and also a cold look at how, even in this modern day, the Indians can still face a form of persecution..

A beautifully written page-turner, with excellent character portrayals.

Claire Laskowski
Let It Bleed by Ian Rankin
Rating: 5 Stars
I've been reading "old" John Rebus novels, some of them for the second time. This one is stellar. The characters, no matter how small, and story development are excellent.

Trixsie (abc@yahoo.com)
Chill Factor by Sandra Brown
Rating: 3 Stars
Good read.

Barbara
Lucky Man by Michael J. Fox
Rating: 5 Stars
An incredible book by an incredible man.

Diane Steiger
Eye of the Beholder by Merline Lovelace
Rating: 5 Stars
Couldn't put the book down. Very factual and informative. Fast-moving story and unexpective results

Dawn (princesssaurora@aol.com)
Firestorm by Iris Johansen
Rating: 3 Stars
A great, fast-paced read. The hero and heroine are both smart, sassy, sexy and have psychic abilities. Although a little predictable, still a fun book that I would recommend readily.

JKnudson
The Golden Spruce by John Vaillant
Rating: 4 Stars
A great Canadian book about the Queen Charlotte Islands in BC, logging and the story of a man who went mad loving it.

Lora Lee
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan
Rating: 3 Stars
A very good account of the untold stories of the Great American Dust Bowl Days. (Nonfiction)

Heather
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott
Rating: 4 Stars
Beautiful writing. A little too mystical regarding her answers to her prayers, but lovely images and sentiments expressed.

Gerry Durisin (GerryD8784@aol.com)
End of the Spear by Steve Saint
Rating: 4 Stars
Steve Saint’s father, Nate, was murdered by members of the Waodani tribe in 1956, when Steve was just a boy. As an adult, Steve returned to Ecuador to live among the Waodani with his family, and to help this primitive tribe learn to connect with and survive in the modern world.

WISleo
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd
Rating: 3 Stars
Depressing. Hopefully she will complete all the aspects of the story, which she did not do with THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES.

China (BlondeFairy1975@aol.com)
Veronica by Mary Gaitskill
Rating: 3 Stars
Good story but worth waiting for the paperback or checking it out at the library.

Linda H.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a huge novel. I prepared myself for a slow read. It took me two days! She has written a gripping thriller with all the following elements: suspense, mystery, historical fiction, and Dracula. I had heard it was worth reading and the reviewers did not disappoint. Wow!

Janine Groomes (alibrian@excite.com)
Turning Angel by Greg Iles
Rating: 4 Stars
Iles is a master of suspense!

His characters are believable.

The plot is intricate, full of twists and turns. Will keep you turning pages all night.

Judy (joswood@msn.com)
The Color of Law by Mark Gimenez
Rating: 5 Stars
A. Scott Fenney, ESQ has the perfect life. He has an extremely high-paying job in a law firm in Dallas, expensive cars, a gorgeous wife, a daughter, and membership in many prestigious clubs. All that changes when he is ordered to defend a black prostitute who is arrested for the murder of the son of a congressman who hopes to be in the White House at the next election. Before it is all over, he loses everything --- or does he? This is a gripping story of the law and also of greed. Great courtroom scenes.

Ali Kira
One Hundred Million Hearts by Kerri Sakamoto
Rating: 4 Stars
This story chronicles the life-changing discoveries of a disabled Japanese Canadian woman who voyages to Japan to learn of her past, and meet a half-sister who she didn't know she had.

Janine Groomes (alibrian@excite.com)
The Ambler Warning by Robert Ludlum
Rating: 4 Stars
Ludlum always has a cast of interesting characters and a great plot line. This newest book is no exception. Harrison (Hal) Ambler is a former Consular Operations field agent. He is now a "patient" in a top-secret psychiatric facility. A sympathetic nurse helps Ambler clear his mind of the disorientation and haze cause by drugs and helps him escape. Ambler embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about who he really is, why he was buried in the "facility," and who put him there. Who is willing to risk everything to kill Ambler before he can unearth these secrets?

Linda (lslott@opotnline.net)
S is for Silence by Sue Grafton
Rating: 3 Stars
This is one of the better of the most recent Alphabet mysteries. I enjoyed the change of venue for Kinsey, and the mystery was told in alternating voices, so that was a nice change of pace. The only disappointment for me was the ending, but still an enjoyable read.

C C Chadwick
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Rating: 3 Stars
Different and interesting.

Kelly Tamerlano (ktamerlano@yahoo.com)
Fat Girls and Lawn Chairs by Cheryl Peck
Rating: 3 Stars
This was a pretty good book. It is a collection of short stories and poems that are autobiographical about the author's life. The stories surround the themes of her growing up as the oldest child, her life as an overweight lesbian, and her cats. It is a quick read, and has a lot of laugh-out-loud moments. As a cat owner, I especially loved the stories about her cat.

Nancy Schaaf
The O'Malley Series by Dee Henderson
Rating: 4 Stars
Seven orphans adopt each other as family. The series covers their lives 20 years later: a hostage negotiator, a US Marshall, a fireman, a paramedic, a forensic physician, a pediatrician, and a Red Cross psychologist faced challenges in thier personal llives and in their work. This family really looks out for one another.

Wendy Wolverton
Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella
Rating: 4 Stars
Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) is the funniest heroine in years. Her wild adventures keep you wondering what she could possibly "get into" next. This book is a great way to forget your problems and have a good laugh. I recommend the entire Shopaholic series.

Nancy Schaaf
On the Run by Iris Johansen
Rating: 4 Stars
A good suspense thriller from a favorite author. The characters are well-developed and likeable. The plot is suspenseful and a page-turner.

David Norman (chippermoon@aol.com)
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Rating: 5 Stars
The energy pours off the pages in Michael Connolly’s THE LINCOLN LAWYER. This being his sixteenth novel, he may well have been excused for taking a somewhat easier approach. Yet the detail given in this legal thriller is both fascinating and engrossing. At times, it can almost read like a documentary of the US legal system, which in no way detracts from the momentum of the story. It is the forthright manner in which the legal procedures are treated that also adds quality to the story.

We start to learn a little about the main character, Mickey Haller. He has chosen the career of a Legal Defence Lawyer. He is ambitious, ruthless (because this is required in his profession) and regards himself to be only very slightly above the status of the criminals who he so unremittingly defends. He states early on that there is a very fine dividing line between his role as a Defence lawyer and the criminal he is paid to defend. This is pointed out in one scene where Mike defends a local known drug dealer and user. He relates to the money he has taken for his fee as being the same money as the dealer made on the profit from these drugs. Much of his day-to-day defence investigation, financial transactions (similar to the above), and occasional social duties (Mike has a young daughter) are carried out in any one of his personal fleet of Lincoln convertibles. These act as his office. With all of this in mind, there is little room in his world, just at the present, for a private life. This has not always been the case. Mike has been married twice and still keeps a very agreeable arrangement going with both of his ex’s.

There are moments of dry humour. But these are rare. The story itself does not lend to too much humour. It is not bleak, it is not bitter. It is a well-constructed fictional look at a man (Roulet) who has been charged of a crime that he swears he did not commit. But is he innocent? As this part of the story unfolds it would be difficult to think of him as being anything other than guilty. Roulet is found unconscious, and when he wakes up is accused of brutally attacking a prostitute in her home. The fact that he has blood on his hand (her blood) and his knife (his initials are on the handle) is also part of the evidence, leads to the conclusion that he at least SHOULD be guilty. Here the skills of the author (and the vitality of his amazing fictional lawyer Mike Haller --- can the two really be separated?) gradually lead us to start to find our own initial judgment wavering.

So how does the almost squeaky clean Louis Roulet fit into this, together with his possessive mother, Mary Windsor? The story takes another twist when Mike Haller realises he has been set up. That his best friend and colleague has been murdered. And he realises that it is Roulet who has set him up with this murder. With this in mind, Mike Haller agonises through his worst living nightmare. Just suppose that Roulet is innocent of the crime for which he is being paid to defend him against. And that he does not defend him to the best of his own ability. How would that rest on his conscience? Could he live with this knowledge, if and when he does find himself cleared of the murder charge?

The questions posed are cleverly worked out at the end of the story. The surprising action too, towards the end, is again very well-portrayed and is in keeping with the high standard of writing throughout this excellent legal thriller.

Bonnie Margay Burke
Sappho's Leap by Erica Jong
Rating: 4 Stars
A delicious adventure that draws you along the life that might have been Sappho's, the infamous lyricist of Lesbos. Explores all of the ways that hearts are broken and mended, from family betrayals to loves won and lost.

Shanno
The Boy Who Fell Out Of The Sky by Ken Dorstein
Rating: 4 Stars
A well-written book, so moving I could not put it down. You felt Mr. Dorstein's agony about his brother's death. The struggle to find closure in a senseless death caused by a terroristic act. Then finally, the happiness he allowed himself to have.

Janice Kind (KINDLEELF@AOL.COM)
Nop's Trials by Donald McCaig
Rating: 5 Stars
Nop, a wonderful sheep-herding dog, is stolen from Lewis by lowlifes trying to make a buck. Nop goes through a perilous ordeal as he tries to make his way back home. Lewis experiences uncannily similar situations.

Ben Z. Shank Jr.
The Ambler Warning by Robert Ludlum
Rating: 4 Stars
It scares me that our current government may be involved in this thing.

Barb B
Shepherds Abiding by Jan Karon
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful Christmas story with all the characters from the Mitford series. It made me want to go back and read the series again.

Connie Rutter (consurutte@aol.com)
4th of July by James Patterson
Rating: 5 Stars
This was one of the best in the series so far. Number 4 in the "Murder Club" series and I really enjoyed it a lot. This was mostly about Lindsey this time and not too much of Claire and Cindy. There is another new member of the group, so I can't wait for the next one in the series. I think she will be a good addition. I liked Lindsey a lot in this book and I also do like Joe as her love interest. I know they both live on opposite sides of the country but it seems he is still in the picture and I am glad about that. This was the audio version, and while I am not crazy about the narrator, that did not detract from the story. I would highly recommend either reading or listening to this book.

Bonnie Cooper
Trial by Fire by Dudley W. Buffa
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a wonderful book.

Marcy
All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz
Rating: 3 Stars
Ms. Krentz is one of my favorite authors. However, this book is not nearly as interesting as usual. I recommend it for Krentz fans, but if you are new to her, read an older book.

Laurie Blum (laurieblum@hotmail.com)
Small Steps by Louis Sachar
Rating: 4 Stars
The author of HOLES has another winner for all ages!

Diana Sullivan (dpiki@aol.com)
Booty Nomad by Scott Mebus
Rating: 5 Stars
This is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Laugh out loud, a must-read.

Peggy (cali8@verizon.net)
Most Wanted by Michele Martinez
Rating: 4 Stars
Have had this one for quite some time with no time to read, but once started you don't want to put this one down. This debut author knows her business and you are immediately pulled into her world of law and order with a good mix of terror thrown in for good measure.

Peggy (cali8@verizon.net)
7 Deadly Wonders by Matthew Reilly
Rating: 5 Stars
Looking for a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants adventure? This is the book and the author for you. For me Mr. Reilly's books are the new "Clive Cussler" for the 21st century. This book will transport you back to the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World and you will never forget Jack West Jr. and little Lily. This time around the Americans and the Europeans are the bad guys and the Australians and smaller countries are good. It makes for a fast-moving tale of suspense and you won't want to put it down until you've read it all. I almost missed my bus stop, so engrossed was I with the last few pages!

Kathleen Josephson
The Saving Graces by Patricia Gaffney
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a wonderful book about four women who had been close friends for ten years. I laughed with them and I cried and hated to have the book end.

Janet Kent
Camel Club by David Baldacci
Rating: 5 Stars
Great characters, very contemporary plot, and suspense so thick you have to come up for air between chapters.

Pat M.
A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve
Rating: 5 Stars
Made me feel like I was there. Don't we all carry our youthful mistakes with us for the rest of our lives?

Annette Bell
Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan
Rating: 5 Stars
Another winner from Amy Tan, told from an unusual and fascinating perspective.

Bonnie Cooper
Winter Morning Walks by Ted Kooser
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a book of poems --- of postcard length --- written by a fascinating and life-loving author. He is filled with observations of his world, wisdom, and appreciation of life after surviving a serious illness.

Michael Gonzales
The Bartimaeus Trilogy Book One: The Amulet of Sam by Jonathan Stroud
Rating: 5 Stars
A book about the adventures of a 12-year-old magician and a djinn. It is rated for fourth to sixth graders, but it is still a good read for adults. The other two books in the trilogy are available, so you can read the whole series at once.

Soha Molina
Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafsi
Rating: 5 Stars
It's a very moving and well-written book.

Joanne Welch (jkw5124@aol.com)
The Grace That Keeps This World by Tom Bailey
Rating: 4 Stars
Even though the book takes place in upstate New York, it reminds me so much of the way it is in Maine, that it really hit home with me. Though a sad story, it is very realistic and the characters very believable.

Mary Alice Pritchard
Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
Rating: 5 Stars
I love her books because her characters are believable despite their paranormal activities. They are interesting and deep so that you feel you know them or want to know them more. A truly great read!

Heidi Kraemer
The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic read.

Janet Kent
Solomon vs. Lord by Paul Levine
Rating: 5 Stars
Witty romp through the judicial system of Florida. You won't have wasted your time by reading this book.

Pat M.
The Lighthouse by P.D. James
Rating: 5 Stars
My favorite of all her books so far. What a character! What a plot!

Rachael
The Diary of Anne Frank (The Definitive Edition) by Anne Frank
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a great book. I'm not finished yet but it is very interesting, since it is a real diary and real accounts of the Holocaust. As a Jewish girl, I never think twice about being able to walk down the street and go to the store. If I lived in Anne Frank's time in Germany, I would have to wear a yellow star on my jacket (to mark me as Jewish) and I wouldn't be able to wander about the streets freely at any time I'd like. When most people think about slavery and hardships, they usually think of African Americans, not Jews. I am very grateful that I can freely walk around and be Jewish and not be persecuted for my religion. This is a must-read book even if you are not Jewish.

Julie Carter (jccarter25@yahoo.com)
The Darling by Russell Banks
Rating: 5 Stars
Wonderful writing, fascinating story. There's so much going on in this tale of a woman's history: domestic terrorism, relationship issues in an interracial marriage, lots of politics, mostly involving an African regime that is overthrown, and a deep love of chimpanzees. A wonderful novel. (The audiobook version read by Mary Beth Hurt is fabulous.)

Julie Carter (jccarter25@yahoo.com)
Daughter's Keeper by Ayelet Waldman
Rating: 4 Stars
Not a perfect novel, but touches on several subjects that not many people have the guts to talk about: mandatory minimum drug sentences, parental ambivalence, prejudice, second chances. An interesting novel that makes you think about what's important to you and what you believe.

Randi Odierno (rodierno@aol.com)
The Known World by Edward P. Jones
Rating: 3 Stars
I know this is a Pulitzer Prize winner and has gotten cheers from all the experts, but I find this volume a difficult read. I'm halfway through it and find Mr. Jones's characterization weak, which forces me to backtrack to find out who the named character is, or I find that Mr. Jones clarifies it due to his poor character development.

Christine
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Rating: 5 Stars
Even though Paulo Coelho uses simple language and structure, this book is nevertheless one of the greatest books written for adults and youths. The inspirational ideas are woven into a simple plot of a shepherd named Santiago. His journey becomes his destiny, and any reader will surely revel at the power behind the words, of our dreams and hopes.

Connie Rutter (consurutte@aol.com)
True to Form by Elizabeth Berg
Rating: 5 Stars
This is Berg's third book about Katie Nash, and I loved it. The narrator did an excellent job sounding like a 13-year-old would. TRUE TO FORM is about the summer of Katie's 13th year and how her dad makes her get a job. The only jobs she could find were babysitting the Wexlers' boys and then working with an elderly couple. The interaction between the elderly couple and Katie had some very touching moments. I have not been disappointed yet with a book by Elizabeth Berg, and this is a welcome change of pace. It's not as tearful as JOY SCHOOL, but it was a very good book to listen to.

Ellen
A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava
Rating: 3 Stars
Fast-paced and hard to put down.

Janet Best (best3sons@calldialog.net)
Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith
Rating: 5 Stars
A wonderful story and an enjoyable read. A great selection for book club discussion.

Janet Gould
Deal Me In by Alyce Guynn
Rating: 5 Stars
DEAL ME IN is a collection of love poems that make you want to read more. They're sometimes funny, other times heartbreaking. By the end of the book you feel like you know Ms. Guynn inside and out.

Amanda G. (amanda.gillingham@eagles.ewu.edu)
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
Rating: 3 Stars
THE GOLDEN COMPASS is a quick-paced fantasy story about a young girl, Lyra, and her daemon trying to save the world. The characters are lively and memorable. It's good for all ages with easy language and vivid descriptions.

L. Gettle (lgettle@iserv.net)
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn
Rating: 5 Stars
The father of a dead terrorist wants revenge. CONSENT TO KILL is fast-paced, and full of great characters and lots of emotion.

Rita
Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva
Rating: 4 Stars
My bookclub selected this and I expected just another thriller. But it also has a great deal of history in it about the Israeli-Palestinian wars and is quite an interesting tie-in to the current movie, "Munich." Definitely worth reading.

Rita
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Rating: 3 Stars
This was a nice read about the unraveling of a mystery in California. The plot bears resemblance to the new TV series, "Injustice."

Rita
Iron Orchid by Stuart Woods
Rating: 4 Stars
This is one of my very favorite series and this book did not disappoint me. But I recommend starting at the beginning of the series. You need to get to know the characters.

Mary Catherine Jurczyk
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Rating: 4 Stars
This novel is very compelling and full of details. The emotion that fills each page makes it difficult to put down.

Judy
The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory
Rating: 4 Stars
An interesting historical novel about Katherine of Aragon, destined to be Queen of England, who married Prince Arthur. When Arthur dies, Katherine sets out to ensure her destiny as Queen of England --- she sidesteps her father-in-law who wants to wed her, and marries Arthur's brother, Henry, next in line to the throne. Katherine's perspective alongside the historical backdrop makes this a good read. Backdropped against history from the view of Katherine herself, this is a good read.

Judy
Suspect by Michael Robotham
Rating: 4 Stars
A psychiatrist is brought in as a consultant after a woman is brutally slain. But he withholds the information that the murdered woman is a former patient, and he soon becomes the prime suspect. Soon, he begins to think that the killer may be one of his patients. The cat-and-mouse game that follows is fast-paced and fascinating.

Rita
No Graves As Yet by Anne Perry
Rating: 3 Stars
This is a very English novel about World War I. The principal family is one of the upper crust and the murders that take place are intwined political intrigue.

Rita
A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve
Rating: 2 Stars
Don't bother. The plot of this book goes nowhere, or at least, nowhere unexpected. I kept waiting for something interesting or exciting to happen, and I am still waiting.

Cheryl
The Widow's War by Sally Gunning
Rating: 5 Stars
THE WIDOW'S WAR is an excellent novel about women's place in the world in the 1700s. The story chronicles the life of a widow and the struggle she must go through to keep what is rightly hers.

Elizabeth
This Christmas by Jane Green, Jennifer Coburn and Liz Ireland
Rating: 4 Stars
I'm not usually a fan of short stories but I love Jane Green's novels, so I picked this book up. THIS CHRISTMAS is light and fun, and was a perfect holiday read. I couldn't put it down, and for me that's huge because I usually fall asleep while reading.

Mary
Turning Angel by Greg Iles
Rating: 5 Stars
Greg Iles can write! This story was so good from page one to the end. This book has it all --- mystery, a small town setting, the struggle of two best friends. Don't miss out on it!

Connie Rutter (consurutte@aol.com)
Devil's Corner by Lisa Scottoline
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved this book and I hope that Lisa Scottoline makes this one into a series. The interaction between Reheema and Vicki is grand. I didn't figure things out either, the person whom I suspected was not the one, so that made it even more interesting. This book has a lot of wit in it --- sometimes you are lauging out loud and sometimes you are crying because there are tender moments as well as funny ones. If you have not read Lisa Scottoline before, this is the book to start with to get your feet wet. I can't wait for the next one.

Alma Cross
Island Fury by Patria D. Pettingell
Rating: 5 Stars
This book takes you to an island of romance and intrigue. ISLAND FURY belongs in a class all its own. I could not put it down.

Mary
A Wedding in December by Anita Shreve
Rating: 2 Stars
I keep trying to like Anita Shreve but most times I'm disappointed. This was not a great story.

Lea Ann (baxtergr@msn.com)
Journey to Bom Goody by Karen Heuler
Rating: 5 Stars
This book not only follows the quest of a retired, middle-aged salesman to bring the outside world to the natives of the Amazon Jungle, but also leads the reader on an internal quest to enjoy the adventure, all the while questioning its validity. This book is a jewel; an enjoyable "make-you-think" kind of a book that most readers will enjoy. I certainly was captivated by it and I recommend it to others. It's a good book for discussion groups also.

Katherine from NC (kzstephens@hotmail.com)
The Other Side of Me by Sidney Sheldon
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a one-of-a-kind autobiography that reads like one of Sheldon's novels. It focuses on his early start in writing for movies and television.

Mary
Leap of Faith: Memoirs of an Unexpected Life by Queen Noor
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a beautifully written story by an American woman who became the wife of an Arab monarch. She writes of her love for her husband and family and how she grew to love a nation. This book is full of interesting facts about King Hussein's struggle for peace. Queen Noor did a wonderful job explaining Middle East politics. This book left me wanting to learn more about Jordan and the Arab nation.

Katherine from NC (kzstephens@hotmail.com)
The Bad Behavior of Belle Cantrell by Loraine Despres
Rating: 4 Stars
What a ride! Set in the 1920s, this is the story of a woman refusing to be left in the shadows of men. Belle will definitely be one of my favorite characters!

BK
The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans
Rating: 4 Stars
THE SUNFLOWER is a light read about a young woman who is ditched at the altar. To get over it, she goes with a friend to the jungles of Peru on a mission trip to help an orphanage. Along the way there is adventure, misadventure, romance, and a travelogue of the ruins and beauty of Peru. Peru is one of my favorite destinations. I thoroughly enjoyed the book because it took me back to places I have visited in there. The author also wrote THE CHRISTMAS BOX in the same style of writing. THE SUNFLOWER is a sweet book and nice change from thriller-killer books.

Thomas (tomjac0850@charter.net)
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
Rating: 5 Stars
Once again our heroine, Stephanie Plum, is on the trail of the bad guys. Only this time, she has the typical bad luck to become the enemy of one of Trenton's baddest street gangs, the Slayers. They have even brought in a hit man to take her out. And once again, it's Ranger and Morelli to the rescue.

Connie Rutter (consurutte@aol.com)
Violets Are Blue by James Patterson
Rating: 3 Stars
I didn't enjoy this one as much as some of the others in the Alex Cross series. I felt like the vampire story was just hanging and then we went right to the mastermind subject. It could have been the narrator too, as I just didn't quite picture him as Alex for some reason. I did wonder about who the mastermind was but didn't really think that Patterson would do what he did. I am trying to catch up in my reading of this series so I have put the next one on hold on audio and I am hoping it will be better.

Mimi Steinschneider (screamy8@aol.com)
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Rating: 4 Stars
The beginning of this book really grips you. It's warm and funny. I thought the middle of the book was boring and dragged on, but the last one hundred pages were great! This family discovers how wonderful even the most destructive dog can be. I am glad I read this book 'til the end.

Renwick Davis
The Heaven-Sent Husband by Devion Huey
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is powerful and an easy read. You would think it is only for men; however, it is also relevant to women.

Nunu in Niagara
Iron Lace by Emilie Richards
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a great tale of family secrets, tangled race relations, and a history of Louisiana. The story unfolds over decades and weaves you into its spell. I am currently reading the book's sequel, called RISING TIDES, which is definitely another 5-star book. These two titles are must-reads. Emilie Richards does not disappoint.

Margarita (mhaury2@aol.com)
What Do You Do All Day? by Amy Scheibe
Rating: 4 Stars
Another contender in the "mommy angst" books wherein a well-to-do mother questions her value in society, but doesn't have to worry about paying the bills. This one, however, has some witty insights and dialogue and is well worth reading. The protagonist, Jennifer, has some especially funny, if not wholly believable, conversations with her daughter Georgia.

Noreen
The Mayor of Lexington Avenue by James Sheehan
Rating: 5 Stars
Fans of legal thrillers like John Grisham's will enjoy this one too. It's full of great dialogue, likeable characters and a plot that keeps moving. It's a great book to kick back with and enjoy.

Carol (mittens0831@aol.com)
Sing Me Home by Jerri Corgiat
Rating: 5 Stars
I've also read the next two books in this series, FOLLOW ME HOME and HOME AT LAST. Each one is about one of the O'Malley sisters. They are strong women who, with the love and support of their family and friends, are able to work out their problems. Reading them in order will make these heartwarming stories even more enjoyable. I can't wait until the next book comes out in the summer of 2006.

Susan (susanbabendure@yahoo.com)
Iron Orchid by Stuart Woods
Rating: 4 Stars
I have read all of Stuart Woods's books and enjoyed them all. The characters are so very flawed and real. I highly recommend this very good read!!

Susan B. Devlin (msmctdev@verizon.net)
S is for Silence by Sue Grafton
Rating: 5 Stars
Sue Grafton continues her saga of Kinsey Millhone by giving her female P.I. a more sophisticated and sexy edge. Kinsey is hired to solve the disappearance of a "woman of questionable morals" that is a classic whodunit. In many ways, Kinsey takes a backseat to the well-devloped characters in this taut mystery. A definite A+ for the continuing Alphabet series.

Peggy Haney
The Broker by John Grisham
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved this book. It's full of action, and I loved its setting in Italy.

Bonnie Cooper (bonnie-c@comcast.net)
Missing Persons by Stephen White
Rating: 4 Stars
Stephen White is a wonderful author and has developed a compelling primary character. This book is worth reading!

Melissa
Immoral by Brian Freeman
Rating: 5 Stars
Excellent. I highly recommend it.

Laura
Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion
Rating: 4 Stars
After reading her latest I had to go back and read her other works. This is a tough, scorching, depressing novel about Hollywood, depression, lassitude --- all of which make this book very absorbing and well-written. It's definitely worth your time.

Doris from NJ
Never Have Your Dog Stuffed by Alan Alda
Rating: 4 Stars
I found this to be a very enjoyable book by an actor I had seen many times. I was surprised to see that he was not a big wiseguy and womanizer. I also appreciated the time frame, as he wrote about many things that I was familiar with.

Nancy Hooyman (nancy@itssimplydivine.com)
Learning to Drive by Mary Hays
Rating: 5 Stars
A charming and endearing story of faith and self-discovery. The story transports you to Vermont where Charlotte and her sons, sisters, and friends engage you in a search for a husband's last moments, healing, love and truth. A tall order, but not overdone.

Reader Dix
A Thin Difference by Frank Turner Hollon
Rating: 5 Stars
Once you start this you'll be hooked because you'll think it's just a run-of-the-mill legal thriller. But you'll get the shock of your life as the story unfolds. Don't miss this one --- it will take your breath away.

L. Hann
The Innocent by Harlan Coben
Rating: 5 Stars
Excellent. I stayed up all night until I finished this book. I think this is his best one yet.

Lisa Clark
Dead Sleep by Greg Isles
Rating: 5 Stars
My sister and I usually have very different tastes when it comes to books, but she recommended DEAD SLEEP to me. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The book combines mystery, suspense, New Orleans culture, and knowledge of the FBI. A great read!

Madeline
The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch
Rating: 5 Stars
Wonderfully written! The prose often feels like poetry, yet its shot through with the humorous and touching thoughts and experiences of 13-year-old Miles O'Malley. Miles, a frequent visitor to the tidal flats of Puget Sound, discovers, over the course of one summer, more than just the average sea life. THE HIGHEST TIDE is a coming-of-age story with faith and marine biology thrown in for good measure. It's one of the best and most moving books I've read in quite a while.

Shirley Younger
Toxic Bachelors by Danielle Steel
Rating: 5 Stars
Another wonderful, wonderful book by Danielle. She explores the perils of dating, relationships and love, and takes you into the infuriating world of three single men.

Barbara Lewis
Sunstroke by Jesse Kellerman
Rating: 2 Stars
To quote a line from the short-lived TV series, "Dr. Vegas" by Rob Lowe, "Let's go talk to Daddy." This is something Jesse Kellerman should do. The book got me lost in character names so much that I needed an outline. The book had an interesting concept though, but it's not up to par with Daddy Jonathan (and maybe even with Mommy Faye).

Linda H.
Secret Passion by Layle Giusto
Rating: 5 Stars
This is one of the first books by Layle that I've purchased, and I am very happy that I did. This was a very excellent book with a twist at the end. I won't say anymore, you'll just have to get yourself a copy, and you won't be disappointed.

Janet Pruett (jmpruett@alltel.net)
The Camel Club by David Baldacci
Rating: 4 Stars
A very good story with interesting characters. Conspiracy theory stories always fascinate me. These characters only want to "find the truth."

Lisa Clark
The Lake of Dead Languages by Carol Goodman
Rating: 5 Stars
Carol Goodman has quickly become one of my favorite authors. This book is a mystery/suspense and includes lots of mythology and literary allusions. Once you start reading you can't put it down!

Doris from NJ
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Rating: 4 Stars
This book would be liked by almost any dog owner, especially by those who have a dog that is not too well behaved. I enjoyed it very much.

Kelley (kelleywalker2000@yahoo.com)
Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught
Rating: 5 Stars
EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE is very exciting --- it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Just when you think the story has come full circle, here comes more! This happens several times throughout the book. This has to be one of Judith's best! I'm ready for the next book, so I hope she's already working on it.

Dianne (Rohde99@aol.com)
S is for Silence by Sue Grafton
Rating: 4 Stars
It's always great to check in with Kinsey Millhone and see what case she is currently involved in. While it was a good little mystery and Grafton has written in a different format, I missed the character involvement of other "regulars" in the series.

Carolyn Swinhart (unicorn91010@msn.com)
S is for Silence by Sue Grafton
Rating: 4 Stars
So far, this is a very good book. Sue's writing keeps me interested. Kinsey is in her element looking for a missing person.

Janet Pruett (jmpruett@alltel.net)
Deviant Way by Richard Montanari
Rating: 5 Stars
This is the first novel by Richard Monanari, who wrote THE ROSARY GIRLS. Jack Paris is a divorced police detective trying to deal with a serial killer.

Debbie
The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan
Rating: 5 Stars
This is even better than the "Lord of the Rings" series.

Nancy Schaaf
Mary, Mary by James Patterson
Rating: 4 Stars
This latest book in the Alex Cross series is one of Patterson's best thrillers. His writing just gets better with each book. The basic plot of this novel revolves around a series of killings in Hollywood, and an editor who receives e-mails with the details of each murder that only the killer would know. There are lots of twists and turns in the story before Cross solves the case.

Lynn Stone
Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin
Rating: 5 Stars
Charles Martin does an outstanding job of weaving a beautiful love story throughout the paths of several intriguing people. The person who brings all of them together is Miss Ella Rain, a childless black woman who helps us realize that love is a risk, but it's a risk worth taking.

Jeanne Sheats (catslady5@aol.com)
To the Brink by Cindy Gerard
Rating: 4 Stars
This is the first of a 3-book series, but each one can also stand alone. This is a romantic suspense with the theme of bodyguards. It kept me intrigued and guessing 'til the end.

Thomas (tomjac0850@charter.net)
The Poet by Michael Connelly
Rating: 5 Stars
In this thriller, reporter Jack McEvoy is working with the FBI to track down a serial killer who has murdered McEvoy's brother.

"The Poet," given that nickname for the messages he leaves behind, kills homicide detectives, making it appear as though the victims committed suicide. The ending is like a carnival ride --- the reader is whipsawed from one direction to another.

J. P. Feingold
Feng Shui for the Rest of Us by Gabrielle Alizay
Rating: 4 Stars
A charming and clear explanation of Feng Shui. Suspend your disbelief that moving or throwing something away can improve your life --- just try it and see what happens.

Deanna Stillings
Strange Brews by Stobie Piel
Rating: 4 Stars
STRANGE BREWS deserves more like 4 and 1/2 stars. Well-written and enjoyable, this is a love story disguised as magic and the fight to protect the protagonists' land. I will look for more by this author.

Louise Keene (lekeene52@msn.com)
The Way the Crow Flies by Ann-Marie MacDonald
Rating: 4 Stars
At times a bit tedious, this book reveals life as it was during the US-Soviet Union space race and further details the disruption of lives during the Bay of Pigs. With two main plots, each terrifying, the reader's attention is well-maintained.

Jenn
The Wishing Game by Patrick Redmond
Rating: 4 Stars
Beginning in the 1940s at an all-boys school in England, this story of terror, friendship and boys' lives will keep you reading well into the night. This is a great story of good and evil.

Sandy Sherwood (jasscs@aol.com)
Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Rating: 4 Stars
It takes time to read this book (880 pages with notes), but it's well worth it. I learned so much about the times as well as the men.

Linda.H.
Aaliyah: More Than A Woman by Christopher John Farley
Rating: 5 Stars
Aaliyah was one of my favorite music artists. I was happy to see this book --- I thought it was very nice that someone decided to write a book about her. Reading this made me realize how much she was loved. AALIYAH: MORE THAN A WOMAN is a very good book, and I highly recommend it if you enjoy reading about musical artists.

CJ
California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker
Rating: 5 Stars
Jeff Parker is one of my favorite mystery writers and this latest book is one of his best.

Debbie Maskus (delphimo@yahoo.com)
The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant
Rating: 4 Stars
THE LAST DAYS OF DOGTOWN is a slow starter, but it seems to work under the surface. I feel compelled to finish reading about life in a small 1800s town near Boston. This book takes a look at life's hardships, which only shows how easy life is now.

Chekita Hernandez (chekita2002@yahoo.com)
Arthur & George by Julian Barnes
Rating: 4 Stars
Barnes tells the tale of Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edalji --- two men born in Victorian England sharing nothing at all, until chance brings them together. This is an impressive tale thst blends fiction with historical record.

Susan Rydell
Mary, Mary by James Patterson
Rating: 4 Stars
A new Alex Cross mystery --- hurray! Cross is asked to aid an investigation into serial murders commited by "Mary Smith" out in California. The victims are prominent women, and "Mary" writes about the murders in emails to an L.A. reporter. Cross mysteries are always good reads.

Deanna Stillings
Most Wanted by Michelle Martinez
Rating: 4 Stars
MOST WANTED should really receive four-and-a-half stars, though I have not quite finished the book. I like it well enough so far to want to read the second in the series, called THE FINISHING SCHOOL. MOST WANTED is the story of a hardworking lawyer who puts herself in the middle of an investigation. The crime is gruesome, but the cop on the case is magnetic as far as Melanie is concerned.

Sandy Sherwood (jasscs@aol.com)
Turning Angel by Greg Iles
Rating: 5 Stars
One of his best! Mr. Iles is a great writer and I could not put this book down. More Penn Cage, please! I enjoyed the story within the story.

Heather Gill
Breaking Point by Suzanne Brockmann
Rating: 5 Stars
A very good thriller all the way through and I recommend that anyone who likes thrillers should read this book.

Barbara Semeraro (frabar2@aol.com)
Until We Meet Again by Christine McGuire
Rating: 4 Stars
I enjoyed this book, but the ending was a little disappointing.

Barbra Semeraro (frabar2@aol.com)
Five in a Row by Jan Coffey
Rating: 5 Stars
The hi-tech age we live in allows for a very believable, suspense-filled story.

Babalu
Total Control by David Baldacci
Rating: 5 Stars
This book grabs you right at the start. I have not read a book like this in a long time; I simply could not put it down. Baldacci has thought of everything in this one.

Heather Gill
Chill of Fear by Kay Hopper
Rating: 4 Stars
CHILL OF FEAR is a great read. You'll be sorry if you miss it.

Randi Odierno (rodierno@aol.com)
The Best People in the World by Justin Tussing
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a great tale of adventures and misadventures for a trio of small-town characters including a high school student, his 25-year-old teacher and an older hippie. Because it takes place in the 70s, the era's ideals --- both the good and the bizarre --- are related with great accuracy and poignancy. THE BEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD is a very good novel!

Randi Odierno (rodierno@aol.com)
Casanova in Bolzano by Sandor Marai
Rating: 3 Stars
CASANOVA IN BOLZANO is a fictional account of Casanova's sojourn in Bolzano, following his dramatic and miraculous escape from The Leads and the Inquisition. This novel pales in comparison to Casanova's HISTORY OF MY LIFE, which were more than incredible volumes!

Heather Gill
Case of Lies by Perri O'Shaughnessy
Rating: 5 Stars
CASE OF LIES is a very good read with an interesting story line that, as always, Perri writes so well.

Betty Vickers (booklady@sunrivertoday.com)
One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash
Rating: 4 Stars
A really great novel set in Appalachia. If you liked GAP CREEK (which I did), you'll find this book equally as satisfying.

Heather Gill (heathergill@dodo.com.au)
Locked Rooms by Laurie King
Rating: 5 Stars
As always, Laurie gives the reader a great read and a "whodunit" all the way through.

Betty Vickers (booklady@sunrivertoday.com)
Ordinary Springs by Lenore Hart
Rating: 4 Stars
An excellent novel set in Florida. You'll never be able to predict what will happen next in these Southerners' lives and town.

Dixie Theriault
Worth More Dead by Ann Rule
Rating: 4 Stars
This is a must for readers who enjoy True Crime. Ms. Rule takes you to the scene with her short insightful essays of the human heart at its darkest.

Linda H.
Straight Talking by Jane Green
Rating: 5 Stars
I must say, I enjoy this book. Jane Green is an excellent author, and I'm a fan of her work. She writes in a way that makes her books seem like they're speaking right to you. If you've read and enjoyed her other books, you'll love this one. I highly recommend STRAIGHT TALKING.

Margaret Nance (mnance3@triad.rr.com)
Dinner With A Perfect Stranger by David Gregory
Rating: 5 Stars
What would you discuss over dinner with Jesus? This is a question asked by a cynical but successful businessman. I found the book fascinating! I gave a copy to each of my three children for Christmas, and have recommended it to all my friends.

Christy Hawkes (oltlfreak@aol.com)
Map of Bones by James Rollins
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved this book! If you like THE DA VINCI CODE, ANGELS & DEMONS, and THE THIRD SECRET, this book is for you. It takes place in Italy, Germany, and a few other places. I just can't tell enough people to go read this. I could see the entire book playing out on the big screen when I read it. I hope his other books are this good.

Christy Hawkes
Color Blind by Jonathan Santlofer
Rating: 4 Stars
This follow-up to THE DEATH ARTIST kept me guessing to the very end, and I only wished it came out sooner after his last book. COLOR BLIND did a good job of reviewing things that happened in the previous book that are tied in to this one, but I still feel the need to reread it.

Laurie Blum (laurieblum@hotmail.com)
Hedgehogging by Barton Biggs
Rating: 4 Stars
A fun step inside the world of Wall Street to learn and find moneymaking opportunities!

Dawn (pdshetz@jps.net)
High Plains Tango by Robert James Waller
Rating: 4 Stars
HIGH PLAINS TANGO is a good, light read with realistic characters and descriptions of locale, as well as a nicely woven love story.

Heather Gill
Blackfly Season by Giles Blunt
Rating: 4 Stars
BLACKFLY SEASON was a great read that was so suspenseful that I could not put it down.

Linda M. (lntmolitor@sbcglobal.net)
All That Matters by Jan Goldstein
Rating: 4 Stars
This is the story of a grandmother who takes in her granddaughter who has tried to commit suicide. The granddaughter is very depressed about the recent things that have happened in her life, and her grandmother helps her out by relating things that she has survived in her lifetime. This is a very touching story.

Karen Gold
Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker
Rating: 5 Stars
This book, published about fifty years ago, is about a girl who grew up on a dry-land wheat ranch (that is, they don't irrigate, just wait for rain) in eastern Montana. She gets in one year of college and gets dumped by a citified boyfriend before bad weather forces her to quit school and teach in a one-room schoolhouse. I first read this in high school in the '60s and I think it was old, then. It's a novel I keep coming back to.

Rachael
The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Rating: 2 Stars
I guess I expected more of this book after hearing all of the hype about it. It wasn't exciting and it wasn't well-written to me. It's a VERY simple read. I find it more fit for a 10-year-old than a grown adult. If you're looking for a children's book for adults that is magical and beautifully written, I suggest INKHEART by Cornelia Funke or the Harry Potter books.

Leah
Bangkok 8 by John Burdett
Rating: 5 Stars
John Burdett does a masterful job exploring the inherent conflicts between Western and Eastern (specifically Thai) cultures as he blends them into a compelling thriller. This book kept me captivated from page 1.

Jenelle (Pekepooh@aol.com)
Marker by Robin Cook
Rating: 5 Stars
I have read many of Robin Cook's books. I think MARKER is his best in quite a while. It's a page-turner with an interesting story line and multidimensional characters. It is about mysterious deaths of healthy people after routine surgical procedures.

Bonnie
The Good Life by Jay McInerney
Rating: 4 Stars
I got an advance reader's copy of this novel, which dissects a group of people before and just after 9/11. It unflinchingly tells how the characters were affected by this event and how it impacted their lives. The author has his finger on the pulse of upscale NYC life and people.

Bonnie
Lysistrata by Aristophanes
Rating: 5 Stars
New Year's resolution: to read more quality books and forego cr*p. Hence, LYSISTRATA: a wonderful play written before the time of Christ that still resonates and is applicable today. And it's funny! The women of Greece decide to withhold sex until their spouses stop making war. Discuss.

Helene Simpson
Honeymoon by James Patterson
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is turning out to be one of James Patterson's best books.

Dawn (pdshertz@jps.net)
Nadia's Song by Soheir Khashoggi
Rating: 4 Stars
NADIA'S SONG is an intriguing and well-written story, with lots of insight into Egypt, and the life and times of stars.

Kathy Kasten (kkasten911@yahoo.com)
Teacher Man by Frank McCourt
Rating: 3 Stars
I enjoyed the book. However, not having read his other books, I felt that he spent an awful amount of time complaining about his youth. The last several chapters were really charming. They consisted of memories of meeting former students who were touched by him or touched him during his years as a teacher.

Heather Gill
Two-Dollar Bill by Stuart Woods
Rating: 5 Stars
A great read, as always. It's so full of suspense that it keeps you interested all the way through to the last page.

Heather Gill
Trace Evidence by Elizabeth Becka
Rating: 5 Stars
A well-written book that had me all the way through to the last page with its suspensful storyline. I would like to read all this author's books in the future.

Heather Gill
Point Blank by Catherine Coulter
Rating: 5 Stars
POINT BLANK is a great read all the way through. Catherine Coulter's FBI series is full of great characters and lots of suspense, with a little romance thrown in for good measure.

Pearl (pearldoug@worldnet.att.net)
Feather Kisses by Kay Moretz
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a story involving the realm of emotions --- it reveals what truly constitues a family. The author's characters come alive for an exciting tale that keeps the reader on edge, waiting to see how it will end.

Diane L.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Rating: 5 Stars
I've had several people recommend this book to me and I finally got around to reading it. I only put it down once; it is an amazing story! It gives you real insight into fathers and sons, and honor among men.

You also learn much about Afghanistan's recent history and get a glimpse into the immigrant experience in the United States. I recommend this book to everyone and I can't wait for Hosseini's new book due out this summer.

Linda H.
Lisa Lopes: The Life of a Supernova by Nancy Krulik
Rating: 5 Stars
When I saw this book I thought to myself, I have to have this; so I bought a copy and I must say, it was worth it. I really enjoyed it, and I got to learn more about the artist. If you like TLC, you would enjoy this book about Lisa Lopes's life.

Linda.H.
The Hole by Guy Burt
Rating: 4 Stars
I enjoy the movie more. Don't get me wrong, this was a good book; I just thought that the beginning that was not that great. It really started to pick up when I reached the middle, however. We all have our own opinions, so if you'd like to read THE HOLE, I suggest you borrow it from the library first. Then, if you decide you like it, buy it.

Kathy Kasten (kkasten911@yahoo.com)
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
Rating: 4 Stars
Being a dog owner and dog lover, I was enthusiastic to read this book and I enjoyed it very much. I, too, wish my dog could speak to me and I hope that I am never in a situation where he is the only witness to my death.

Fancy Reads
Turning Angel by Greg Iles
Rating: 5 Stars
I love the action and information that is relayed through the background in TURNING ANGEL. Isles is on my "must read" list.

Judy
Map of Bones by James Rollins
Rating: 4 Stars
This novel is a DA VINCI CODE-like novel revolving around several factions seeking a secret of the ages. SIGMA force, the Dragon Court, and the Vatican are interconnected after the bones of the Magi are stolen from the Cologne Cathedral (and simultaneously, a massacre of the faithful at the mass). MAP OF BONES is fast-paced, very detailed, and full of historical fiction.

Ricki (rickimc@aol.com)
The Wrong Kind of Blood by Declan Hughes
Rating: 1 Stars
There is just way too much use of drugs and cussing for me.

Linda M.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Rating: 2 Stars
I really had a hard time with this book. I couldn't relate to the people in it, probably because I have never had this kind of a problem. However, I do admire James for overcoming his addictions. I was just uncomfortable with all the foul language, and some of the incidents were very shocking and disturbing to me. This is a book to read for information, not for entertainment.

Dodalodle from Beautiful British Columbia (dglg@telus.net)
The Alphabet Sisters by Monica McInerney
Rating: 4 Stars
A heartwarming story about three sisters who, for the last 3 years, have not spoken or seen each other, but get reunited at a family gathering. It is funny and sad at times, and is a very enjoyable read.

Patti (mdemares@wi.rr.com)
Echoes by Danielle Steel
Rating: 4 Stars
A tale of a family, love, loss, and the enduring war and Holocaust.

Patti
An Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg
Rating: 4 Stars
A wonderful story with rich characters.

Dee (DeadlyDee@aol.com)
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Rating: 5 Stars
After MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, one longs for something as beautiful and stirring. SNOW FLOWER AND THE SECRET FAN is the story of two young Chinese girls whose lives become intertwined. We learn of the philosophy that shaped the women of these times. The book transports us, shows us a world we can never have imagined, and the love and friendship of two women who become very dear to us. This is a wonderful, beautifully written novel, very much in the same vein as MEMOIRS --- a glimpse into another world, a love story that transcends everything else.

Helene Simpson
Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is great; definitely one of her best to date.

Ricki (rickimc@aol.com)
Speak of the Devil by Richard Hawke
Rating: 3 Stars
An interesting suspense novel by a new author. Some plot points needed to be a little more poignant, though.

Gerri Keeble (gmkeeble@prodigy.net)
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Rating: 5 Stars
This book is definitely one I did not want to put down. I was hooked by the third page. I can't imagine the time it took for Kostova to research this book and then to get it all to come together so smoothly.

Cal Girl
Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis
Rating: 3 Stars
It took a while to get into the plot. The first 100 pages set up the main character's life prior to the strange event.

CJ West, Author of SIN AND VENGEANCE
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Rating: 4 Stars
I've only finished about 1/3 of this book. Irving brings a small New England town to life, showing us the struggles of a young boy who grapples with tremendously difficult changes in his life. Through it all, he finds love within himself (or I believe he will) to forgive the person who was caused his life to be forever changed. I am personally struck by the young man's search for understanding of God's plan for this world and what it all means for him. I would heartily recommend this book.

Marsha
The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt
Rating: 4 Stars
Berendt has portrayed the city of Venice through intermingled stories that captivate the magic and mystery of our fascination with a city unlike all others. If you have ever had the privilege of visiting this wonderful city, than this book is a must.

Linda H.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a wonderful story about Geishas in China. The characters are very vivid and real. I loved this book and would read it again.

Pintolinda
Memoirs of a Geisha by Harry Golden
Rating: 4 Stars
I have recently retired, after putting aside books for a while so I could have the pleasure of reading them "when I had time." I find it interesting that an American man is writing MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, but I have enjoyed it.

Alabama Jack (jquick5342@aol.com)
Surface Tension by Christine Kling
Rating: 5 Stars
Tugboat Annie meets Travis McGee in this strong suspense debut. Seychelle Sullivan responds in her salvage tug to a distress call from the Top Ten, a yacht skippered by her former lover, Neal. When she arrives, there is no sign of Neal, just the body of a dead girl, who apparently had made the distress call. Next, her modest cottage is searched and her stash of emergency money is missing, so she figures Neal must be alive, hiding from the police or from the girl's killer. Life gets even more dangerous for Sullivan as she searches for answers to what happened to Neal and The Top Ten.

Alabama Jack (Jquick5342@aol.com)
Sudden Death by David Rosenfelt
Rating: 5 Stars
The missing wide receiver for the New York Jets turns up dead at the home of the star running back for the New York Giants. If that’s not enough of a case for ace lawyer Andy Carpenter in his fourth outing, his canine rescuer partner, his crossword puzzling secretary, and his girlfriend/private investigator each have their own agendas requiring Carpenter’s attention. Although he wants to believe his client is innocent, troubling evidence surfaces of other deaths occurring in locations where his client is present. If the third time out is the charm, this fourth outing by Carpenter is the entire charm bracelet --- and if Andy’s not careful the bracelets (cuffs) may end up on his wrists. As with Rosenfelt’s previous efforts, SUDDEN DEATH is a fast read with more twists than a New Jersey amusement park roller coaster. Andy and her dog Tara are so unlike Parker’s Spenser and Pearl, but just as likable. I look forward to their next adventure.

Marsha
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
Rating: 5 Stars
Set in Bombay, this heartbreaking, elegant tale is an analysis of class and power. Don't miss this wonderful book.

Rachael
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved this book! It was an Oprah book club pick and I decided to give it a try. It's a beautiful story and a very easy read!

Rachael
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved this book. It also has a sequel called THE LANGUAGE OF THREADS. These are beautifully told stories that I will read over and over.

Linda H.
Two For the Dough by Janet Evanovich
Rating: 5 Stars
I highly recommend this 2nd book in the Stephanie Plum series. I liked this book a lot, and it takes place in my hometown in New Jersey.

Shel Friedman (shelfree@att.net)
Consent to Kill by Vince Flynn
Rating: 5 Stars
This is a fast-paced thriller with twists and turns to keep the reader turning pages into the early morning hours. It's a definite winner.

Ray Palen (razorramon@optonline.net)
Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
Rating: 4 Stars
Actually, I liked it better than the first book in this series, ODD THOMAS. The adventures of "Odd" --- a clarivoyant who is guided by the dead and uses his powers to help track down a kidnapped friend --- are effective and well-written, and they provide great characters and thrills.

Ray Palen (razorramon@optonline.net)
The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
Rating: 5 Stars
THE EYRE AFFAIR is the first of Fforde's 4-part series involving Literary Detective Thursday Next. This story involves a mix of comedy, sci-fi, suspense, and classic literature. Reminiscent of Doug Adams's "Hitchiker's Guide" series, the laughs come often mixed with highly intelligent literary storylines that will please all book lovers. It's funny to watch what happens to "Jane Eyre" when some of the characters are kidnapped!

Janet Best (best3sons@calldialog.net)
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigar
Rating: 5 Stars
This is both a story and commentary about class differences in India, and the invisible but very real barriers between them. This kind of life is almost incomprehensible to us as Americans, yet it is a way of life in India and other countries. The novel is beautifully written with the heart and soul of someone who has lived and observed this kind of life. I quickly found myself drawn into the story and honestly found each subplot very interesting and engaging. I was captivated by the story to the very end and found some of the twists surprising. I recommend this one highly.

Stella
Sea Glass by Anita Shreve
Rating: 5 Stars
A wonderful story that just kept getting better with each page.

Lynn; Harrisburg, PA
S is for Silence by Sue Grafton
Rating: 5 Stars
Grafton is one of my favorite authors, and she's given us another great read. I'm looking forward to "T".

Rachael
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
Rating: 4 Stars
This is the first book in Tess Gerritsen's medical thriller series. I highly recommend it.

Amanda Stepro (Mandy41283@yahoo.com)
A Place to Belong by Vonette Bright and Nancy Moser
Rating: 4 Stars
A PLACE TO BELONG is the 4th and final installment in the Sister Circle Series. The reader again meets Evelyn, Mae, Audra, Summer, and all the other past and present women of Peerbaugh Place. This time, Evelyn has let in a whole new lot of women, none of whom can pay her rent! A sister has problems with her children, another sister considers having an affair, and yet another struggles to come to terms with her adoption. The authors finish this wonderful series with their most real and heartwarming story yet. It is always sad to see a great series end, but each sister's story is completed with class and the real life touch that makes the Sister Circle Series unique.

China (Blondefairy1975@aol.com)
A Feast of Crows by George R. R. Martin
Rating: 3 Stars
This is the conclusion of the Songs of Fire and Ice series. The characters are excellent, but the plot gets bogged down.

Debbie M.
The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon
Rating: 4 Stars
In light of her new book in the series, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, I have been rereading all her books. It has refreshed my memory and led me up to the new book with continued interest. Its hard to keep a series fresh when so much time goes by between books. I have found that this is the best way to enjoy the latest while visiting where the story started. I love this series!

Janice Kind (KINDLEELF@AOL.COM)
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas
Rating: 5 Stars
THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO is written in timeless prose, conveying the chilling truth about human reactions to betrayal.

Linda.H.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by JK Rowling
Rating: 5 Stars
I loved this --- it is a lot darker then the previous ones. I can't wait to read the final installment in this series, and I'm dying to see the movie. I highly recommend this book, but read the series in order!

globalsunrise
Trial by Fire by D. W. Buffa
Rating: 5 Stars
While it is often true that a book is a story that must be told by a particular individual --- its author --- it seems as though the first book is often the voice of the author, but the sequels tend to lose its delightful and wondrous infatuated power. This tragic phenomenon doesn't happen with Mr. Buffa's books. When a reader picks up his work, one becomes enchanted by the idea that there is an alternative point of view to common daily struggles. One has a feeling that we, collectively as a nation, can strive for goals of not just pleasurable and comfortable pursuits, but also of those in which life is no longer a mere existence. Buffa uses beautiful and personable prose in clear and direct writing. TRIAL BY FIRE is a delightful legal thriller.

Coral Harrison
Delectable Mountains by Earlene Fowler
Rating: 5 Stars
This was a good book. It's a mystery with Benni Harper and her Gramma Dove. Bennie's husband is chief of Police and she is museum curator. Though this is part of a series, each of the installments can stand alone.

© Copyright 1996-2009, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.

Back to top.