EadieB - 2019 Challenge - 100 Years of Mystery and Suspense

100 Years of Mystery and Suspense - List Moved to Bottom of Page

I just love how organised you are, Eadie. :)

100 Years of Fiction
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

✔☊2018 - Heads You Win by Jeffrey Archer - ★★★★ - 448 pgs. - 1/16/2019
✔☊2018 - The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles - ★★★★★ 1/21/2019
2018 - The English Wife by Lauren Willig

✔☊2017 - The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

2015 - The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley

2013 - The Pieces We Keep by Kristina McMorris

1985 - Here Be Dragons by Sharon K. Penman - 704 pgs. - 1/31/2019
✔1985 - Echoes by Maeve Binchy - 496 pgs. ★★★★★ - 1/29/2019

>1 EadieB: Just wow! 😳

2019 Group Reads

January
1. I Am Death by Chris Carter
2. The Restless Dead by Simon Beckett

February
1. The Merchant’s House by Kate Ellis
2. The Damage Done by James Oswald

March
1. The Last Oracle by James Rollins
2. Where Serpents Sleep by C S Harris

April
1. The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis
2. Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves

May
1. The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
2. Dead Scared by Sharon Bolton

June
1. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths
2. An Unhallowed Grave by Kate Ellis

July
1. Silent Scream by Angela Marsons
2. Camel Club by David Baldacci

August
1. Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison
2. The Black Echo by Michael Connelly

September
1. The Caller by Chris Carter
2. The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis

October
1. The Doomsday Key by James Rollins
2. Written in Bones by James Oswald

November
1. What Remains of Heaven by C S Harris
2. The Bone Garden by Kate Ellis

December
1. The Lost Order by Steve Berry
2. Lost by Sharon Bolton

January 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

1. ✔☊The Cold, Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty - 2012 - 320 pgs. - ★★★★ - 1/3/2019
This book takes place in Belfast Northern Ireland in Spring 1981. It’s a brilliant depiction of Belfast at the height of the Troubles. A serial killer is targeting gay men and Sean McDuffy is the cop caught in the crossfire. It’s fast-paced, evocative and brutal with quality prose. I learned a lot about the IRA and the hunger strikes. Looking forward to the next in the series.

2. ✔Written In Blood by Diane Fanning - 2005 - 416 pgs. - ★★★★ - 1/5/2019
This book shows a rush to judgement against Michael Peterson. I believe he is guilty and prosecution knew he was guilty and got laxed with the evidence. The crime scene was contaminated and the blood spatter expert lied about how many cases he worked giving Peterson a way off from his prison sentence. This is written before the recent events and Peterson has served 8 years but now is out on a plea of guilty manslaughter. Very interesting book!

3. ✔☊Birdman by Mo Hayder - 1999 - 450 pgs. - ★★★★ - 1/5/2019
I found this book to be gritty. The setting is Millennium Dome Site, Greenwich, England. Five corpses are found and they are all young woman with no missing persons reported, hence the sexual serial killer is given the name Birdman. Mo Hyder has refined her craft and used her beguiling imagination. I have found DI Jack Caffery to be very interesting character and look forward to reading more about him in future books. I do recommend this series.

4. ✔I Am Death by Chris Carter - 2015 - 432 pgs. - ★★★ - 1/10/2019
Carter’s books are gritty but this one was over the top. Sanding a victim’s face was too gruesome for me. Child abuse is hard to take too. I enjoy reading but just can’t get enjoyment out of this treatment. Sad to say, his books come from his memory of crimes he worked. Read his books if you have a strong stomach but be forewarned that they are gritty. Love the short chapters as the pages do fly. He doesn’t waste words which is good too!

5.✔The Comforts of Home by Susan Hill - 2018 - 320 pgs. - ★★★★ - 1/12/2019
9th installment of Simon Serrailler series is not as good as others in the series but still enjoyable writing. Simon is recovering from arm amputation injury from last book on Scottish Island Taransay. He solves murder of a woman and goes back to Lafferton to solve cold case of Kimberly Still who has disappeared. Love this series but I think Hill is losing interest as last book was 3 y ago. Hoping for a next book and think you
should give it a try.

6.✔☊An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen - 2019 - ★★★★★ - 384 pgs. - 1/14/2019
"Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt? Have you ever deeply hurt someone you care about? Should a punishment always fit the crime?" These are questions asked by Dr. Shields when Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study about ethics and morality. She is being paid for her answers and becomes Subject 52. As the questions get more and more intense and invasive, Jessica's paranoia grows.
I found this book to be very unique, intriguing and suspenseful. The plot rolls out slowly but keeps the pages turning. The book is well-written and the characters seem like real people. The point of view alternates between Jessica and Dr. Shields. Lots of twists and turns lead this psychological thriller to a very surprise ending. I'm looking forward to reading Hendricks/Pekkanen's first book, The Wife Between Us, as I really enjoyed this one. I would highly recommend this book to those who love to read about obsession and power.
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book for an honest review.

7.✔☊Heads you win by Jeffrey Archer - ★★★★ - 448 pgs. - 1/16/2019
Just finished reading this book. I enjoyed it but the ending was strange. I think Jeffrey Archer is a great storyteller, his characters have substance, his plots are twisty and are a mix of power, politics and profit. I looked to see what others thought of the ending. I also found out that this book may be a retelling of Kane and Able and Where The Crow Flies, two books previously written by Archer. I haven’t read those books but some readers are angry of the book not advertised as such. How would you feel?

8.✔☊The Air You Breathe by Frances de Pontes Peebles - 2018 - 464 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/21/2019
This story takes place in the 1930's and the setting is Brazil and Los Angeles during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Graca, a spoiled daughter of a wealthy sugar baron, and Dores, an orphan kitchen worker at the sugar plantation, begin an intense friendship that is full of affection, jealousy and love. They share their passion for music - Graca as a singer and Dores as a writer. The writing is excellent and captivating and makes the book hard to put down. As you read about their singing and dancing, you can hear the samba music playing. The plot is beautiful and heartwarming in places but also tragically sad. Dores' narration is vivid and unforgettable. I look forward to reading more from this author and I would highly recommend this book to those who love cultural historical fiction.

9.✔☊Lamentation by C.J. Sansom - 2014 - 768 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/18/2019
Summer of 1546 and King Henry VIII is dying. The Queen's manuscript is missing and the King has not seen it yet and would consider it to be heresy. Matthew Shardlake is hired to help her find it. This is my favorite historical mystery series and should not be missed. Excellent plots and unique characters makes for a series that is truly a literary masterpiece.

10.✔The Royal Secret by Lucinda Riley - 2019 - 528 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/19/2019
This book reminds me of the saying, "I could tell you the secret but then I would have to kill you!" Lucinda Riley has written a brilliant story that had me gripped from the very start.
Joanna, a young reporter, is asked to cover the funeral of Sir James Harrison, a famous actor. She stumbles upon a mystery that could devastate the British monarchy. Due to the scandalous nature of a secret written in a letter delivered to the famous actor 70 years ago, Joanna is followed by secret agents who hope to discover the location of the letter before she does. What develops is a fascinating plot with twists and turns that keeps the reader captivated until the very surprising ending. The characters are true to life and very believable. The book is packed with romance, mystery, history and conspiracy. It is an excellent escape novel that you never want to end. I have read a few other books by Lucinda Riley but this is the best so far and does not disappoint. I would highly recommend it to those who love to read about the royal family.
I would like to thank Atria Publishers for supplying me with a copy of the book for an honest review.

11.✔☊A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay - 2014 - 512 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/21/2019
Linwood Barclay's books are always the best. They are fast, easy reads with unique characters that are well-drawn. A fast-paced plot with twists and turns keep you reading until a surprise ending that catches you off guard. Cal Weaver learns that it is not a good idea to give a teenage girl a ride in the night when she taps on your car window and asks for help. The story spins out of control and just when you think it can't get any worse, it does! I highly recommend this book to those who love mystery thrillers and I look forward to my next Barclay book very soon.

12.✔Echoes by Maeve Binchy - 1985 - 752 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/28/2019
This book takes place in the Irish village of Castlebay in the 1950's. The main characters are Clare O'Brien, David Power, Gerry Doyle, Angela O'Hara and Caroline Nolan. Clare and David--divided as children by a rigid social code that branded her as shanty Irish and him as gentry are brought together as adults by a desire that knew no class. Angela O'Hara, Clare's teacher, helps Clare win a scholarship to attend school in Dublin where David is attending med school. David and Clare's relationship begins to crumble when Gerry Doyle, the town charmer and Caroline Nolan, the beautiful, rich girl prey on the couple. Maeve Binchey's storytelling experience make this book a delightful read. I recommend this book to those who love to read about Ireland in the 50's.

13.✔☊The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen - 2018 - 430 pgs. ★★★★ - 1/29/2019
I listened to this on audio and found it to have a slow start but takes off midway. It's a psychological suspense story about marriage and betrayal that keeps you guessing. The plot is a twisty plot with a scary love triangle and you don't know who to trust as the narrators are unreliable. The characters lack depth and you can not assume anything as you will be proven wrong. The novel is a bit confusing and convoluted in parts and it's not until the epilogue that you finally find out what has been going on. I would recommend this novel to those who love psychological suspense.

14.✔The Restless Dead by Simon Beckett - 496 pgs. - 2018 - ★★★★★ - 1/30/2019
This series has got to be one of the best series out there. It's been a long wait since the last book but it was well worth the wait. It's best to read this series in order so you can get the background on David Hunter. You can't help but feel something for the man and everything that has happened to him. I found this book to be very well-written with incredible characters and the most intriguing plot. Simon Beckett describes the area where the bodies are found in a very atmospheric way that you feel like you are there in person. It was hard to put the book down as the pages keep flying and you need to find out what is going to happen next. The killer had me stumped and all the twists and turns had me changing my mind. The cliffhanger ending has really got me on edge and I can't wait until the next installment. I hope it's not going to be a long wait this time. I would highly recommend this series to those who love mystery thrillers.

15.✔☊The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne - 2017 - 592 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/31/2019
Cyril Avery is not a real Avery -- or at least, that's what his adoptive parents tell him. And he never will be. But if he isn't a real Avery, then who is he? John Boyne's story is a sweeping, heartfelt saga of one man's life from the 1940's to today and told through the eyes of Cyril Avery. He has a close relationship with Julian Woodbead and will spend a lifetime coming to know himself and where he came from. I found this book to be entertaining, funny and clever. The epic novel proves that John Boyne is considered one of the best writers in Ireland. I highly recommend this book to those who love to read about Ireland and I look forward to reading more books by Boyne in the near future.

January Total books read - 15
January Total pages read - 7,322

February 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

Finished Reading
✔16.The Burning by Jane Casey - 2010 - 354 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/3/2019
The Burning is a very good debut of the Maeve Kerrigan series. Maeve has the stress of being a female detective in a mostly male police force. Bob Langton develops a personal interest in Maeve as her relationship with Ian is falling apart. Four women have been brutally murdered and set on fire by the Burning Man. 5th victim is Rebecca Haworth and Maeve is determined to bring her murderer to justice even though she doesn't have much evidence. Book is cleverly written with interesting characters told by 2 point of views. Ending was a complete surprise. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series and I highly recommend this book to those who love psychological thrillers.

17.✔☊First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer - 2018 - 432 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/4/2019
This is a story of leaders, liars, counterfeiters, and jailhouse confessors. It's 1776 and some of Washington's bodyguards are part of a treasonous plot along with Gov. of NY William Tryon and Mayor David Mathews. I found this book to be very interesting, entertaining and historical. The plot shows how close we were to have lost the Revolutionary War. It is an interesting look at what was going on at the time of our nation's birth. The plot also lead to our modern day CIA. I would recommend this book to those who love history.

18.✔☊Whiteout by Ken Follett - 2004 - 469 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/6/2019
Ken Follett is an excellent storyteller and Whiteout is a page-turner that does not disappoint. A missing canister containing a deadly virus and a deadly snow storm make up the plot of this bio-terrorism novel. It is a riveting thriller full of romance, family relationships and company security. The characters are well-fleshed and believable. I found Follett's writing to be suspenseful and entertaining. I look forward to reading more Follett in the near future. I highly recommend this book to those who love suspense thrillers.

19.✔☊The English Wife by Lauren Willig - 2018 - 384 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/7/2019
The English Wife is a dark tale of betrayal and secrets. It's Gothic suspense at it's best. This family drama has a twisty plot and intriguing characters that keep the pages turning until the final twist. It's rich in historical detail of high society in New York in 1899. This was my first book by Lauren Willig but I definitely will be reading more of her books in the future. I would highly recommend this book to those who love suspenseful historical novels.

20.✔Suitcase Charlie by John Guzlowski - 2018 - 385 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/9/2019
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Children are discovered in suitcases naked and hacked into pieces. Hank Purcell and Marvin Bondarowicz are assigned to the case and they discover even darker secrets. These two detectives were very interesting characters and humorous at times. The plot is dark as children are being killed and the themes of race, immigration and hatred abound. I found the ending to be a surprise but a very satisfying one. I would recommend this book to those who love noir police procedurals about Chicago 1956.

21.✔The Merchant's House by Kate Ellis - 1998 - 256 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/13/2019
DS Wesley Peterson, newly arrived in the West Country town of Tradmouth, has his hands full when a child goes missing and a young woman is brutally murdered on a lonely cliff path. Then his old friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, unearths the skeletons of a strangled woman and a new born baby in the cellar of an ancient merchant's house nearby. These deaths are linked by age-old motives of jealousy, a sexual obsession and desperate longing. I really enjoyed Ellis' Joe Plantagenet series but this one does not disappoint either. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in the series and I would highly recommend this book to those who love mystery thrillers.

22.✔A Serial Killer's Daughter by Kerri Rawson - 335 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/14/2019
This review was written for NetGalley and Nelson Book. I received a free copy for an honest review.
What is it like to learn that your ordinary, loving father is a serial killer? Kerri Rawson writes an insightful and honest perspective of another side of her father, the BTK killer. She relates her growing up years with her father and shows a couple of traits that could have been clues but also shows a man of master deception. I was happy to see how supportive her husband was and how he helped her to overcome her PTSD and gave her the courage to go on with her life. I found the book hard to put down and I would recommend it to those who love true crime stories.

23.✔☊Help!: The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration by Thomas Brothers - 416 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/15/2019
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
The Beatles and Duke Ellington's Orchestra stand as the two greatest examples of collaboration in music history. Duke University musicologist Thomas Brothers delivers a portrait of the creative process at work, demonstrating that the cooperative method at the foundation of these two artist-groups was the primary reason for their unmatched musical success. I found this book to be very enlightening about the history of the music of Duke Ellington and the Beatles. Ellington's period of history allowed him to take credit for music and lyrics from his band. At the time of the Beatles both Lennon and McCartney shared the collaboration of their songs which worked for them. Lots of info that I never heard about. This is a must read if you love music.

24.✔☊The Golden Tresses by Alan Bradley - 2019 - 360 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/16/2019
Flavia is at her sister's wedding but when Feely cuts into her cake, she finds a severed human finger. Flavia and Arthur Dogger have founded a detective agency and Flavia is delighted to have found their first case at her sister's wedding reception. By studying the skin, the indentation of a ring, and the fingernail, Flavia will be able to determine the identity of the victim and find the killer. I have read all of Bradley's books and find them humorous and unique. I look forward to the next one and recommend them to those who love cozy mysteries.

25.✔Tombland by Sansom, C. J. - 2019 - 881 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/19/2019
It was great to be back with Shardlake again as I always enjoy this series. The book was long (881 pgs.) but was a very interesting read. It's spring, 1549. Two years after the death of Henry VIII and the economy is in collapse, inflation rages and rebellion is stirring among the peasantry. Shardlake has been working as a lawyer in the service of Henry's younger daughter, the Lady Elizabeth. John Boleyn has been arrested for killing his wife. Shardlake is trying to prove his innocence. All these things make for a very interesting historical read. I look forward to the next book and recommend this series to those who love Historical Mysteries.

26.✔☊I Hear the Sirens in the Street by Adrian McKinty - 2013 - 353 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/22/2019
Really enjoying this series which takes place during the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 80's. A body is found in a suitcase and Sean Duffy needs to identify the victim. Soon Duffy is involved with romance, misconduct, the FBI, British Intel and local death squads. I'm now looking forward to the 3rd book and highly recommend this series to those who like to read about the Ireland Troubles in the 80's.

27.✔☊The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene - 272 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/25/2019
Scobie, a police officer serving in a war-time West African state, is distrusted, being scrupulously honest and immune to bribery. But then he falls in love, and in doing so is forced to betray everything he believes in, with tragic consequences. This is a terrifying depiction of a man's inner-struggle and is one of Graham Greene's most tragic novel. It is on the 1001 books list to read before you die. I look forward to reading another of Greene's novels in the near future and recommend this book to those who classics.

28.✔☊Song of Susannah by Stephen King - 2004 - 544 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/26/2019
The next-to-last novel in Stephen King's seven-volume magnum opus, The Dark Tower. In this book we learn that Mia has usurped the body of pregnant Susannah Dean. We also learn about the power of Black 13 in the summer of 1999. In order to save the Tower they need to secure the vacant lot of Calvin Tower. Eddie and Roland are in western Maine in the summer of 1977 and find the author of a novel called 'Salem's Lot, a writer who turns out to be as shocked by them as they are by him. I liked this book the best so far and look forward to the last book.

29.✔The Damage Done by James Oswald - 2016 - 464 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/27/2019
I always enjoy Oswald's Inspector Tony McLean series but I did not like reading about the Sex Unit Crimes. Too explicit for me! But other than that, I really liked the story. The evil twins were the supernatural part of the story and I have a feeling they will be back in the future. I was glad to see that Tony finally heard from Emma after her travels of two years. Looking forward to what happens with their relationship. I love Oswald's writing - he is one talented writer. Can't wait to get to his new Constance Fairchild series. If you haven't read about Inspector Tony McLean - What the hell are you waiting for?

30.✔Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchey - 1991 - 736 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/28/2019
Another great Binchy read and probably the best story in my opinion. The characters were well-developed and some you could love and some you could hate. It's a coming-of-age story that follows the lives of several girls as they grow into young women, navigate romantic relationships, and try to come to terms with who they are as people. I'm looking forward to reading Firefly Summer next and would highly recommend her books to those who love reading about Ireland.

January Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 7,322
February Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 6,641
Total so far 2019 - 30 books and 13,963 pages

March 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

31.✔Hornet Flight by Ken Follett - 592 pgs. - 2002 - ★★★★★ - 3/4/2019
Although this is another WWII story, it is an account of the Nazi occupation of Denmark in 1941 and a group of resistance fighters known as the Nightwatchmen. England is wondering why so many of their bombers are being shot down across the channel. A German radar station is found to be located on Denmark's island of Sande. Harald Olufsen's mission is to take pictures of the radar station and somehow get them to England before the largest aerial assault begins. The story starts out a little slow in the beginning as the main characters are introduced but mid-way takes off and become a very suspenseful read. The characters are well-drawn, the plot has twists and turns and this page-turner becomes unputdownable to the end. Follett is an excellent storyteller and I look forward to reading another of his books soon. I would recommend this book to those who love to read about WWII.

32.✔☊Suspect by Fiona Barton - 2019 - 416 pgs. - 2019 - ★★★★ - 3/7/2019
Two 18 year-old girls go missing in Thailand. Journalist, Kate Waters, wants to be first to the story but she can’t help but think of her own son that left home 2 years ago to travel. Barton’s new book shows that danger can lie closer to home than you might think. I enjoyed Baron’s other books, The Widow and The Child and Suspect does not disappoint. This book is every mother’s nightmare. Recommended to those who like psychological suspense with a twist.

33.✔☊Philo Vance (Old Time Radio) by Original Radio Broadcasts - 550 pgs. - 2010 - ★★★★ - 3/8/2019
Philo Vance, America's most popular fictional detective of the 1920s and 1930s, moved from S. S. Van Dine's novels onto the silver screen and later radio. The aristocratic amateur sleuth was portrayed in more than 100 radio broadcasts by Jackson Beck, the versatile actor who had previously starred as the Cisco Kid and announced The Adventures of Superman. Return to the scene of the crime in eighteen classic whodunits, costarring Joan Alexander (radio's Lois Lane) as Ellen Deering and George Petrie as District Attorney Markham. Once again, these digitally restored and remastered episodes are available from the Radio Spirits Archives Collection, featuring re-releases on CD of some of our most popular long-discontinued cassette collections.
I listened to these radio broadcasts and found them very interesting. Loved the organ music between stories. If you love classic whodunits, these stories are for you!

34.✔Careless Love by Peter Robinson - 301 pgs. - 2019 - ★★★★★ - 3/9/2019
A young local student’s body is found in an abandoned car. The death looks like suicide. A man in his sixties is found dead in a gully up on the wild moorland. Post mortem findings indicate that he died from injuries sustained during a fall. Was it an accident or was he pushed? Mystery surrounds these two cases and are they connected. A source close to Annie reveals an old enemy has returned in a new guise—a nefarious foe who will stop at nothing, not even murder, to get what he wants. The hunt is on but will Banks be able to find the evidence in time? I'm always glad to be back with Banks and catch up what is going on in his life. 25th book and Robinson is still writing and I can't wait for the next one. Highly recommend this series to those who love British mystery.

35.✔Watching You by Lisa Jewel - 496 pgs. - 2018 - ★★★★★ - 3/10/2019
Melville Heights is in Bristol, England. It is the sort of place where everyone has a secret and everyone is watching you. Headmaster, Tom Fitzwilliam, is beloved by one and all. Joey Mullen, his new neighbor, develops an intense infatuation with him. Tom's teenaged son Freddie has witnessed Joey behaving strangely around his father. Twenty years earlier, a schoolgirl writes in her diary, charting her doomed obsession with a handsome young English teacher named Mr. Fitzwilliam. What does the schoolgirl's infatuation have to do with Joey Mullin's? Jewell teases out her twisty plot at just the right pace. You will be kept guessing until the startling revelation on the very last page. Can't wait to read more of her books as each one is masterfully written. Recommended to those who love suspense.

36.✔The Reckoning by Jane Casey - 512 pgs. - 2012 - ★★★★★ - 3/14/2019
Jane Casey is a talented writer and Maeve Kerrigan is an exciting character to follow. She is determined to prove she has what it takes as a female in the London police force. A brutal killer is targeting sex offenders and Maeve soon finds someone targeting her too. Her partner, DC Josh Derwent is sarcastic, egotistical and not easy to work with. The book also focuses on Maeve's personal relationships with her family and DC Rob Langton. It is filled with unique characters with a suspenseful twisting plot and keeps you interested until the very end. Casey's writing makes you want to read the next installment as soon as you finish reading the book. I highly recommend this series to those who love police procedurals.

37.✔☊They Won't Be Hurt by Kevin O'Brien - 544 pgs. - 2018 - ★★★★★ - 3/15/2019
I would like to thank Tantor Audio and LibraryThing for a free audio for an honest review. This was my first Kevin O'Brien book but won't be my last. The story grabs you from the start and does not let go. Five members of the Singleton family are murdered and the caretaker is missing. Laura Gretchell's family is being held hostage by the caretaker and a former student of Laura. Sean Grechell is away in France checking out wineries. I found the plot twisty, suspenseful and fast-paced with very believable characters. My favorite characters were Laura and her daughter, Sophie. I found them both to be very courageous. I loved listening to the audio as the narrator was very energetic and commanding. I would recommend this book to those who love mystery thrillers.

38.✔☊The Last Oracle by James Rollins - 516 - 2008 - ★★★★ - 3/16/2019
Book 5 in Sigma Force series. A group of scientists unleash a project that could bring the extinction of humankind. History that traces back to the Greek Oracle of Delphi. It’s a race against time to solve the mystery but will the past be enough to save the future. A combination of interesting and boring but still a good read. Should be 100 Pgs shorter. Still looking forward to next book in the series. Recommend to history lovers.

39.✔☊The Treatment by Mo Hayder - 499 pgs. - 2001 - ★★★★★ - 3/17/2019
This is 2nd in Jack Cafferty series and is darker and more disturbing than the 1st. Even with the gritty and gruesomeness I will continue this series because Hayder’s writing is excellent. Pedophile and child abuse are hard to read about and the book is definitely not for the feign of heart. Jack learns more about his brother’s death and who killed Rory Peach. Recommended for those who love thrilling serial killer books.

40.✔The Invited by Jennifer McMahon - 384 pgs. - 2019 - ★★★★ - 3/20/2019
Helen and Nate acquired 44 acres in rural Vermont and decide to build a home of their dreams. They soon find out that the land was owned by Hattie Breckenridge who was hung as witch in the early 1900's. Their dream house is now a ghost house and the past is not resting well. The story starts out slowly and picks up in the 2nd half with a very surprising conclusion. Olive is a local teenager whose mother has disappeared. She is also helping them to build the house. The book is well written, very atmospheric and chilling but not creepily overdone. There are several points of view as the past and present come together in the end. The themes in the novel are witches, ghosts, spirits, curses and treasure near the bog. I have read all of McMahon's books and have enjoyed them all. I would highly recommend this one to those who love paranormal ghost stories. I would like to thank Doubleday and NetGalley for a free copy for an honest review.

41.✔☊Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - 359 pgs. - 2016 - ★★★★ - 3/21/2019
"Are you happy with your life?" These are the last words of Jason Dessen, a college physics professor, before he is abducted and knocked unconscious. He wakes to a world where his wife is not his wife and his son was never born. How can Jason make it back to the family he loves? This sci-fi thriller is about choices, paths not taken and how far we'll go to claim the lives we dream of. Even though sci-fi is not my normal genre, this book made me think and was a bit of a mind-bender. It is well written and the characters felt real. I found the theory of quantum mechanics fascinating. I look forward to reading his next book and I would highly recommend this to those who love sci-fi mystery thrillers.

42.✔The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - 339 pgs. - 2019 - ★★★★★ - 3/22
Alex Berenson's life is seemingly perfect until she shoots her husband five times in the face and never speaks another word. Criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber jumps at the opportunity to work with her. This is a spellbinding psychological thriller about violence, obsession, and the dark side of passion. The characters were some that I liked and some that I could not like. I found it hard to put down with a shocking twist at the end. I look forward to reading Michaelides' next book and I would recommend this debut novel to those who love psychological thrillers.

43.✔2019 Three Marys by Glenn Cooper - 288 pgs - ★★★★★ - 3/31
3 impossible births. 3 incredible miracles. 1 deadly secret. 3 Catholic teenage girls, from different corners of the world, have fallen pregnant. All 3 girls are named Mary, and all 3 girls have been proven to be virgins. Are they really all bearing the son of God? Pope Celestine asks Cal Donovan to investigate
2nd book in Cal Donovan series. Glenn Cooper’s Three Mary’s has given us a well-paced and cleverly intricate plot which has believable characters and a very surprising ending. I enjoyed this book very and was happy to receive the 3rd book (The Debt) from NetGalley today for an honest review. I would recommend this series to those who like to read religious conspiracy thrillers.

44.✔☊ 2014In the Morning I'll Be Gone by Adrian McKinty - 337 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/31
1980s, Belfast. Detective Sean Duffy is recruited by MI5 to hunt down Dermot McCann, an IRA master bomber who has escaped from Maze Prison. Sean discovers a woman who may hold the key to Dermot’s whereabouts. Her daughter died in mysterious circumstances in a pub locked from the inside. The clock is ticking down to the Conservative Party Conference in Brighton in 1984, where Mrs. Thatcher is due to give a keynote speech. Will Duffy get there in time before the bomb goes off?
3rd book in the Sean Duffy series and the best so far. The locked pub mystery is a cold case and I liked reading how Duffy reviews the previous investigations and finally comes to the conclusion of how the murderer was able to kill the barmaid. Sean Duffy is a great character and I'm anxious to see what happens in the next book. I found the plot well-paced and packed with history of the IRA bombings. If you haven't read this series yet, I suggest you read them in order. I recommend them to those who like mystery thrillers.

45.✔☊ 2018 Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik - 480 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/31
Beautifully written, Spinning Silver draws readers deeper into a realm of fantasy. A re-telling of Rumpelstiltskin but so much more! Miryem, Irina and Wanda embark on a desperate quest that will take them to the limits of sacrifice, power, and love. Novik weaves a multilayered, magical tapestry that readers will want to return to again and again. There are 6 POV but the 3 strongest are Miryem, Irina and Wanda. Highly recommend this one for all those who love fantasy, mixed with romance.

46.✔2008 Where Serpents Sleep by C S Harris - 343 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/31
The savage murder of eight prostitutes at a London house of refuge provides Sebastian St. Cyr with yet another challenging puzzle. Hero Jarvis, the fearless and independent daughter of his mortal enemy asks St. Cyr's help in tracking down those responsible. The amateur detective finds no shortage of suspects, ranging from the pimp of some of the dead girls to Bow Street magistrate Sir William Hadley, who had patronized them.
There are a lot of action in Harris' books which keeps the plot moving and makes for a fast-paced read. I like how we get a look at all classes of society from the Regency era and how they affect the storyline. I'm interested in reading the next book in the series to find out more about the relationship of Hero and Sebastian. I would recommend this series to those who love historical mystery.

47.✔1988 Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy - 928 pgs. - ★★★★ - 3/31
Kate Ryan and her husband, John, have a pub in the Irish village of Mountfern. In the summer of 1962, American millionaire Patrick O'Neill comes to town with an idea to build a hotel with a bar that could put a dent into Kate and John Ryan's business. It seems everything starts to go downhill as the hotel is being built and the community will never be the same. I enjoy Maeve Binchy's books but I am not happy with the abrupt ending of this one. I felt the same way after reading The Lilac Bus. It seems like we are suppose to make up our own ending or Maeve just ran out of steam. I will, however, continue to read her books because I find the characters very entertaining. Highly recommend her books if you love to read about Ireland.

January Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 7,322
February Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 6,641
March Total books read - 17 - Total pages read - 7,052
Total so far 2019 - 47 books and 21,015 pages

April 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

48.✔1999 - Armada Boy by Kate Ellis - 224 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/10/2019
Norman Openheim is an American veteran of the D Day Landings 50 years ago. Archaeologist, Neil Watson, finds his body in the ruins of an old chantry chapel. DS Wesley Peterson is called in for help. Wes is soon caught up in old accusations, resentments, and romances from fifty years before. Norman's wife, Dorinda, and her friend, Todd, offer a familiar motive for murder.
This book started out slowly and had too many characters who were red herrings for murder. But by the last section of the book, the reveal was presented and everything fell into place. I look forward to the next book in the series and recommend this to those who like procedural mysteries.

49.✔☊ 2000 - Code to Zero by Ken Follett - 480 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/12/2019
A man wakes up to find himself lying on the ground in a railway station, his mind stripped bare of all recollection. He has no idea how he got there. He does not even know his own name. The year is 1958, and America is about to launch its first satellite, in a desperate attempt to match the Soviet Sputnik and regain the lead in the space race. As he relearns the story of his life, he uncovers long-kept secrets about his wife, his best friend and the woman he once loved more than life itself. Follett's writing allows you to immediately delve into the story. His characters seem believable and the plot is fast-paced until the very end. Recommended to those who love riveting suspense.

50.✔☊1929 - Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett - 226 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/12/2019
When the last honest citizen of Poisonville was murdered, the Continental Op stayed on to punish the guilty--even if that meant taking on an entire town. Red Harvest is more than a superb crime novel: it is a classic exploration of corruption and violence in the American grain. I love Dashiell Hammett's crime novels. He is a master of the noir detective crime novel and his characters are definitely unique. Hammett worked for Pinkerton Detectives and his character, The Op, is an example of that era. Dinah Brand is a 'gutsy broad' who was popular in the 1920's. I now look forward to reading The Glass Key and recommend this book to those who love noir crime novels.

51.✔☊1923 - Whose Body? by Dorothy Sayers - 252 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/12/2019
Lord Peter Wimsey is the epitome of the elegant, eccentric sleuth, and one of the great characters of mystery fiction. In Whose Body, Dorothy L. Sayers' first book, Wimsey himself views the stark naked body lying in the tub. And of course, the brilliant detective untangles the ghastly murder in spite of incorrect assumptions by the police. Started slow but kept me guessing until the end. Good mystery with twists and turns, humor and wit. Well plotted with engaging characters. Sayers is a beautiful writer and I would recommend to those who love English mystery.

52.✔☊1924 - The Man In The Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - 381 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/17/2019
Ann Beddingfield saw a stranger fall to death on the rails of the Underground. A doctor in a brown suit pronounced him dead and vanished into a crowd. A link to a famous ballerina murder, a fortune in diamonds and blackmail leads to an attempt on Anne's life. An isolated mansion holds the solution to the bizarre mystery for this young sleuth. Another great classic from the Queen of Crime!

53.✔2015 - House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick - 481 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/17/2019
1662 Oxfordshire - Winter Queen, Elizabeth Stuart, magic powers from mirror and a Pearl. Her secrets unite 3 women across 4 centuries. Lots of intrigue, deceit, destiny and romance. In the present day, Holly Ansell is looking for her missing brother, Ben. Ashdown House has been handed down and has hidden treasure. I need to read more by Nicola Cornick as I have enjoyed this book. Recommended to those who love historical romance.

54.✔2019 - The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths - 384 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/19/2019
Thanks to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishers and NetGalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.
In the 11th installment of the award-winning Ruth Galloway series, Ruth and DCI Nelson are haunted by a ghost from their past, just as their future lands on shaky ground. They have received letters similar to those from the past and Ruth has discovered more human bones during her present archeological dig called The Stone Circle, another henge on the saltmarsh. They are the bones of Margaret Lacey, a 12 year-old girl who went missing 30 years ago. The head archeologist is Leif Anderssen, son of Eric Anderssen, friend of Ruth's from years ago.
This series needs to be read in order as the characters drive the storyline. My favorite part of the series is reading about the complex situation between Nelson and the two loves of his life, his wife Michelle and his mistress Ruth. Nelson and Michelle are happy about their new baby, George, and decide it's time to tell their daughters that Ruth's Kate is also their sister. The secret is not received too well by Laura and Rebecca.
Elly Griffiths is a beautiful writer and I enjoy her descriptions of the Norfolk area and the saltmarsh. Her characters are well-drawn and the plots a mixture of archeology and murder. I'm looking forward to the 12th installment and recommend this series to those who love mystery thrillers from England.

55.✔☊2018 - Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves - 416 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/21/2019
I'm very disappointed that Wild Fire is the last book in the Shetland series. I have enjoyed each and every book of this series. I have found that all of Ann Cleeves' police procedurals hook you from the beginning and don't let you go until the very surprising ending. Her characters are all well-drawn and the plots are always unique. The murderer in her books are always hard to solve. She keeps the clues close to her chest. Jimmy Perez is my favorite character but I was not happy with how he treated Willow about her news of her pregnancy. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to start with book 1, Raven Black. Highly recommended for those who love mystery thrillers.

56.✔2010 - Heresy by S.J. Parrish - 474 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/23/2019
Oxford 1583. Protestant Queen Elizabeth I on throne of England for 25 years but subjects long to return to Catholic faith. Italian Monk Giordano Bruno has been charged with heresy for believing in a heliocentric universe. Plot to assassinate Elizabeth sends Bruno to Oxford which is a hotbed of Catholic rebellion. An Oxford fellow is murdered and Bruno is plunged into a game of cat and mouse as someone has a revenge against faith. But which faith?
The plot started off slow but once the murder happened the storyline took off. The book is based on the real life of Giordano Bruno and S.J. Parris has masterfully researched and written an entertaining whodunit that is hard-to-put-down. I look forward to reading book 2 and recommend this series to those who like historical thrillers. (less)

57.✔1989 - The Silver Wedding by Maeve Binchy - 432 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/27/2019
It’s Desmond and Deirdre Doyle’s 25th wedding anniversary party. Will their daughter who is struggling to become a nun be able to attend? How about their estranged son who lives with Uncle Vincent? Even Father Hurley has a guilty secret! Daughter Anna is drawing them all back together and hopefully they can finally heal their tarnished lives. Another good story from Maeve Binchy kept me interested until the very end. A wonderful family novel!

58.✔2019 - The Debt by Glenn Cooper - 288 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/27/2019
Harvard professor Cal Donovan, while looking through the Vatican libraries, discovers a 200-year-old-loan which the Vatican owes to a Jewish bank. With interest the sum of the debt is now 25 billion Euros. Pope Celestine asks Cal to meet with the Sassoon family, owners of the bank. Cal soon finds himself involved in more than he bargained for.
This is the 3rd book in the Cal Donovan Thriller series. I have read the other two books (Sign of the Cross and Three Marys) and have enjoyed both of them. This one does not disappoint either. I like the character of Cal Donovan and find him a very positive asset to the series. He is a good friend of Pope Celestine and comes to his aid whenever the Pope requests his help. I find the plots of these books to be very unique and full of interesting history. Glenn Cooper is an excellent writer and his books flow nicely and keeps the reader interested until the very surprise ending. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series and I would highly recommend them to those who love historical thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for a copy of this book for an honest review.

59.✔☊2017 - Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - 383 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/29/2019
Eleanor Oliphant is a social misfit. She lives a life of isolation but decides to step out of her comfort zone and makes friends with Raymond. I found this book charming but humorous. There are lots of laugh-out-loud moments. Narrated by Eleanor and author’s debut but very well-written. The ending is heartwarming with lots of hope for Eleanor’s future. Recommended for those who love feel-good books.

60.✔2019 - The Long Call by Ann Cleeves - 400 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/27/2019
This is a brand new series from the creator of Vera and The Shetland Island series featuring Jimmy Perez. I have read all the books to date from these two series and was very happy about The Two Rivers Series featuring Detective Matthew Venn. This series takes place in North Devon where two rivers converge and run into the sea.
While attending his father's funeral, Matthew receives a call which informs him that a body has been found on the beach. Matthew soon finds out that there are lots of secrets involved with this murder and soon even Matthew's past and present collide.
I like the character of Matthew and find him a bit flawed and it will be interesting to watch him grow with this series. Ann Cleeves is an excellent writer and I always find it very difficult to solve her mysteries. She is an author who keeps a lot of clues close to her chest and the reveals are always very surprising. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series and I would highly recommend this book to those who love mystery thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.

61.✔☊2019 - The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley - 400 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/28/2019
A New Year’s reunion for 8 friends in the remote Scottish wilderness and one is a murderer and one won’t make it out alive! Historic blizzard seals the lodge from the outside world. Story is full of suspense, secrets and surprises. Interesting characters that find out how keeping your friends close can be harmful! Reminded me of Agatha Christie’s Orient Express mystery. Kept me guessing all the way thru! Recommended for mystery thriller lovers!

62.✔☊2019 - The Night Visitors by Carol Goodman - 320 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/28/2019
Thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewer for a copy of this book for honest review. Setting is Catskills NY. Alice is fleeing an abusive relationship with 10 year old Oren. Social worker, Mattie, takes them in her house for the night. Mattie has secrets of her own and each woman’s past stirs up threats. Strong characters and gripping suspense. Brings problems about domestic abuse to the the foreground and shows how community can help. Harrowing tale!

January Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 7,322
February Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 6,641
March Total books read - 17 - Total pages read - 7,052
April Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 5,541
Total so far 2019 - 62 books and 26,556 pages

May 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊
63.✔☊1993 - A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett - 596 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 5/2/2019
1866, tragedy strikes at the exclusive Windfield School. A young student drowns in a mysterious accident involving a small circle of boys. The drowning and its aftermath initiates a spiraling circle of treachery that will span three decades and entwine many lives. This book is Follett at his best. English families with power, money, greed and murder at their core. The plot is fast-paced and easy to sink into until the very end. The characters are some you will love and some you will hate. They are realistic and believable. I'm looking forward to my next Follett book and highly recommend this to those who love historical fiction.

64.✔2019 - No Exit by Taylor Adams - 336 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 5/3/2019
A kidnapped little girl locked in a stranger's van. No help for miles. What would you do? Darby Thorne decides she needs to do something about this situation. This book is definitely an edge of your seat thriller. It was a fast-paced read with well-developed characters. Lots of surprise twists kept the pages turning. It would definitely make for an excellent movie. I enjoyed it but it did have a bit of unnecessary gore in a few places. I look forward to reading more from this author and I would recommend this book to those who love suspense thrillers.

65.✔☊2008 - Ritual by Mo Hayder - 428 pgs. - ★★★ - 5/5/2019
Setting is Bristol, UK. Not as riveting as Book 1 and 2. Sgt. Flea Marley finds a human hand while diving. She teams up with Jack Caffery to find out where the hand came from. Both Marley and Caffery are flawed as Marley lost her parents to a dive and Caffery is still mourning his brother, Ewen. The Walking Man is introduced and informs Caffery that there is 'no redemption.' Although Hayder's books are creepy and gritty, this one was boring in parts. Too many sub-plots for me. I will continue the series, however, I hope the next one it better than this one. I would recommend this series to those who love gritty suspense thrillers but they are not for the faint of heart.

66.✔☊2018 - Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman - 384 pgs. - ★ - 5/7/2019
I would like to thank LibraryThing and Ballantine Books for a free copy for an honest review. A shocking discovery on a honeymoon in paradise changes the lives of a picture-perfect couple. I found this book to be somewhat predictable. I didn't like the main protagonist. I thought she was very unlikeable and I didn't care about her at all. Even the plot was a bit unbelievable. The title is the best part of the book because it creates an interest but I was very disappointed when it wasn't something that would be exciting like a body or something you would expect from a thriller. The book also lacked twists that would keep you reading. I guess I should stop there and say that the book was not for me.

67.✔2016 - The 14th Colony by Steve Berry - 480 pgs. - ★★★ - 5/14/2019
I usually like Berry’s books but this one has a problem. Berry predicts major chaos if the President and Vice President elect die before taking the oath of office on January 20th. He claims a flaw in the constitution and presidential succession act would cause nobody available to become president. The Speaker of the House would be in place during Congress’ 1st meeting 1st week of January and he is next in line of succession. We are led astray!

68.✔2019 - Shamed by Linda Castillo - 320 pgs - ★★★★★ - 5/18/2019
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley.
An Amish grandmother is murdered and her 7yo granddaughter is abducted. Kate Burkholder races against time to find the missing girl while a lot of secrets swirl. Characters are very realistic. Lots of plot twists kept me captivated to the end. Shows dark side of Amish life and morals. I have read the whole series and found this equally gripping. Recommended if you like suspenseful police procedurals.

69.✔☊1920 - The Bat by Mary Roberts Rhinehart - 286 pgs. - ★★★ - 5/24/2019
Miss Cornelia Van Gorder hears unearthly sounds but sill will not leave her isolated mansion she shares with her niece, maid, butler and a young man who may be an embezzler. She does get a chance at a deadly game of detection with The Bat, who is a thief. Inspiration for Bob Kane's Batman. Suspenseful with humorous characters. Not her best but worth a read!

70.✔☊2012 - The Last Girl by Jane Casey - 480 pgs. - ★★★★ - 5/26/2019
When Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan arrives at the scene, London defense attorney Philip Kennford's wife and twin daughter have been brutally murdered.Philip and his second favorite daughter, Lydia, both claim to have seen nothing. Maeve soon finds herself entangled in a case with an unhappy family accustomed to keeping secrets. This book seemed a bit long to me and slowed down in parts. The characters feel very real and I'm enjoying the parts about Maeve and Rob's relationship. I found the murderer to be somewhat predictable. Other than that, I found the story engrossing and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. I would recommend this series to those who love police procedurals.

71.✔2014 - Dead Gone by Luca Veste - 417 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 5/27/2019
Serial killer is stalking victims for unethical and deadly experiments. Victims have ties to City of Liverpool University. DI Murphy and DS Rossi are the lead investigators. Luca Veste is an interesting writer. I found the characters unique and the plot kept me guessing to the very end. I'm looking forward to the next book and I would recommend this series to those who love psychological thrillers.

72.✔2013 - Dead Scared by Sharon J. Bolton - 464 pgs. - ★★★★ - 5/28/2019
2nd book in the Lacey Flint series and Lacey has been sent off to Cambridge University to pose as a student because of student suicides. She has been asked not to investigate but just to observe. Lacey meets up with Evi Oliver, student counsellor, and they don't know who to trust. They both begin to deteriorate emotionally similar to the students who committed suicide. Lacey begins to feel as if her mysterious past may be catching up to her. I found Bolton's writing to be very good and the plot was fast-paced. The characters were well-developed although Lacey's relationship with Mark Joesbury is a bit odd as they need to learn how to communicate better. I found the ending left some loose ends and hopefully the next book with tie those up. iI would recommend this series to those who like psychological suspense.

73.✔1991 - When Justice Fails by Carl Karp - 320 pgs.
This is a very depressing tragic real-life crime story. Milgaard was in prison for 22 years and was totally innocent of the rape and murder of Gail Miller. The Canadian politicians and police knew he was innocent when Larry Fisher was arrested for more rapes in the same area. They just didn’t want the public to know that they made a mistake again! He received $10 million since but nothing will bring back all those years he spent in prison! So sad!

74.✔2005 - The Copper Beech by Maeve Binchy - 407 pgs.
Another great Binchy read. Takes place in Schancarrig, a small Irish town. Binchy’s characters are unique and well-developed. Lots of secrets are revealed. Themes are family, friendship and relationships. At the end of Maeve’s books, you always want more about her characters but she just lets you write your own endings! Looking forward to the next book from our beloved Binchy. If you haven’t read any of her books, you need to read them now!

January Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 7,322
February Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 6,641
March Total books read - 17 - Total pages read - 7,052
April Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 5,541
May Total books read - 12 - Total pages read - 4,918
Total so far 2019 - 74 books and 31,474 pages

June 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

75.✔☊2015 - Second Life by S.J. Watson - 432 pgs. - ★★ - 6/4/2019
Julia's sister has been violently murdered. In order to find out who murdered her sister, Julia must become involved with a dangerous stranger online. Her search will jeopardize her marriage, her family and her life. I was a bit disappointed in this book. The main character was very annoying and I did not enjoy the explicit sexual language with the online scenes. It was slow getting started and rather boring. I cannot recommend this book but you may feel different about it because it has mixed reviews.

76.✔2018 - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths - 368 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 6/12/2019
The title of Elly Griffiths 10th novel, The Dark Angel, in the Ruth Galloway Mystery series seems to suggest there is a darkness hovering over Ruth's next archaeological dig. She is contacted by Angelo Morelli, a former friend and lover, to help him identify some bones from the Roman era in Italy. She will be staying in Pompeo’s (Angelo’s grandfather) old apartment in Castello degli Angeli, a small Italian village that has it's own secrets dating back to the German occupation from World War II. Ruth decides to take Kate, Shona and Louis, Shona's son, along with her. Back in Norfolk, Nelson hears about an earthquake in the area of Italy that Ruth and Kate are visiting. He cannot contact her on the phone and shows up the next morning in Castello degli Angeli much to Ruth's surprise. After Ruth discovers a modern-day body in the village church, their holiday turns upside down as the darkness in this little village is brought to surface. This book takes place in two different settings, Norfolk and Italy, and the plot switches back and forth throughout the novel. Elly Griffiths' descriptions and history of each setting gives us a feeling like we are visiting there too. This series should be read in order as the characters and storyline develops throughout and the characters start to feel like friends that you really care about. The plot was paced in such a way that each chapter had a cliffhanger which makes you want to read on and kept the pages turning until the surprising ending. Each book does involve a mystery but it's the characters and their relationships that really drive the story. I look forward to each and every installment in order to see how they are developing. This series is by far one of my favorite and I would have to say that The Dark Angel ranks at the top of the series for me. I would suggest that you pick up the first book, The Crossing Places, and promise you that you cannot just read the first one, as this series is contagious! I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

77.✔2019 - The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware - 384 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 6/13/2019
I would like to thank NetGalley and Galley/Scott Press for a free copy for an honest review. Rowan Caine applies for a live-in nanny post at Heatherbrae House in the Scottish Highlands. She is now writing to her lawyer in prison as the nanny position turned into a nightmare. I have read all of Ruth Ware's books but I think this one is the best so far. I read it in one sitting as I found it unputdownable. The characters are very believable and the plot is ghostly and unsettling. The surprise ending left me speechless. I find Ruth Ware to be an excellent storyteller and the book was well-written. I look forward to reading her next book and I would highly recommend this book to those who love suspenseful mystery thrillers.

78.✔2019 - Ice Cold Heart by P. J. Tracy - 320 pgs. - ★★★★ - 6/16/2019
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free copy for an honest review.
Kelly Ramage was living a very secret and dangerous life. Magozzi and Rolseth find her dead in a friend’s house. They enlist the aid of friends at Monkeewrench Software to help with the case. Can be read as a stand-alone but be sure to read the rest of the series as they are very entertaining books. Characters are very humorous and unique and the plot is fast-paced. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. Recommend for mystery thriller readers.

79.✔1995 - A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett - 580 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 6/17/2019
Master storyteller, Ken Follett, takes us from the Jamisson family coal mines in the Scottish Highlands to the shipping industry in London and onto the Virginia tobacco fields of colonial America with a powerful story of love, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Mack McAsh and Lizzie Hallim are searching for A Place Called Freedom amid a cast of heroes and villains, lovers, and rebels, hypocrites, hell-raisers, and whores. With well-developed characters and a plot with twists and turns, I found the book unputdownable. I look forward to my next Follett book and I would recommend this one to those who love historical adventure.

80.✔☊2009 - Skin by Mo Hayder - 467 pgs. - ★★★ - 6/19/2019
When the decomposing body of a young woman is found near railway tracks just outside Bristol one hot May morning, all indications are that she's committed suicide. But DI Jack Caffery is not so sure. Police diver Flea Marley is working alongside Caffery. There is another subplot of a killer who is collecting skin from victims. I really liked the first 2 books better than the 3rd and 4th. The Walking Man makes another appearance and Flea's brother becomes a bigger problem for her. I will continue with the series and hope Hayder gets back in her groove. You should read Ritual first as this book start only a few days after Ritual ends. Cafferty and Flea are both damaged people and that keeps things interesting. I would recommend this series to those who love mystery thrillers.

81.✔2019 - Night Tiger by Yangsze Choo - 384 pgs. - ★★★★ - 6/21/2019
The setting is 1930's Colonial Malaysia, a world of servants and masters. There is a lot going on in this novel. Men who turn into tigers, age-old superstitions, modern idealism, sibling rivalry and forbidden love. 11 year-old, Ren, must fulfill his dead master's last request of finding his severed finger and bury it with his body. Ji Lin is a dance-hall girl who came upon the gruesome souvenir from one of her dance partner. How the finger finally gets to the grave is one of the plots in this complicated story. I found that I had to suspend my beliefs in order to get through this book. Basically, you just need to read the book and find out in the end what is really going on. The characters were well-developed and the plot was suspenseful. I would love to read the first novel of Yangsze Choo because I find the Chinese authors with all the superstitions fascinating. I would recommend this novel to those who love mystical realism.

82.✔2019 - The Fabulous Flying Mrs Miller by Carol Baxter - 432 pgs. - ★★★★★
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
This is a true story of adventure, danger and romance. Jessie "Chubbie" Miller from Australia was a 1920s housewife who became an aviator, a thriller-seeker and a heartbreaker. During the golden age of aviation she became a record-breaker by winner races, even beating out Amelia Earhart. She also became the world's first female test pilot. This book was a very fascinating read for me as I have read 3 other books about early female aviators. The book was well-researched by the author and very well-written. The characters were believable and I loved reading about all the timed races and records that were broken. I will definitely be checking out some of the other books that Carol Baxter has written. I would highly suggest that you read this book if you are interested in early aviators and their passion for flying.

83.✔2015 - Gun Street Girl by Adrian McKinty - 325 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 6/25/2019
Did Michael Kelly kill his parents and then kill himself? Duffy suspects otherwise. Is an Oxford party where a cabinet member's daughter dies of a heroin overdose involved? This book is set in Northern Ireland in 1985 at the time of the Irish Troubles. It is a fascinating read with dark and witty humor involving gun runners, arms dealers, British government and an American agent. Meanwhile M15 is trying to recruit Duffy.
Adrian McKinty's writing gives you a sense of atmosphere and you feel like you are right there in Northern Ireland. I love his long chapter names and his short one word sentences that move the plot so quickly. If you haven't read any of the Sean Duffy series, you need to rectify that. It's a great series and each book gets better and better. I look forward to reading Rain Dogs and I would recommend this series to those who love mystery thrillers.

84.✔☊2014 - Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson - 368 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 6/26/2019
Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. I enjoyed listening to the audio about Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit and how Bryan Stevenson helped him and others from Alabama. Bryan has a compassion in the pursuit of true justice. I recommend reading this if you are interested in the flaws of our justice system and what needs to be changed.

85.✔☊2019 - Maid by Stephanie Land - 288 pgs. - ★ - 6/28/2019
I listened to this on audio and could not relate to the author. She is an annoying complainer and this book is nothing but a pity party! It‘s very boring and there is a lot more better books out there to read. Poorly written. I cannot recommend this one as it is not worth reading in my opinion!

86.✔2007 - Evening Class by Maeve Binchy - 546 pgs. ★★★★★ - 6/30/2019
Another great Maeve Binchy read! This was my second time reading this book and I enjoyed it even more than the first time. The characters are taking an evening course in Italian given by Signora and a teacher, Aidan, from the local high school. Each characters gets their own chapter. We learned about Aidan, Signora, Kathy, Bill, Connie, Lou, Laddie and Fiona. It was amazing how all the characters connected and how the Italian course brought them all together. Maeve is a master storyteller and her books are so interesting that they are read rather quickly. If you have never read a Binchy book, what are you waiting for? They are all very entertaining and quite humorous. I'm looking forward to my next read and I would highly recommend her books.

87.✔1999 - An Unhallowed Grave by Kate Ellis - 313 pgs. - ★★★★ - 6/30/2019
This was book 3 in the Wesley Peterson series. There are two time lines running through this story. One from 1475 and one from (1969-1999) which tie together in the plot. An archaeological dig finds a body from 1475 who had been hanged from a yew tree and the 1999 body is found hanging from a yew tree. Is the present murder an execution as in the past or murder?
Kate Ellis' books are always unputdownable. Her plots are interesting and always tie into some history. I have also enjoyed her Joe Plantagenet series which contain a bit of the supernatural. Her characters are quite unique and keep you wanting to learn more about them. I look forward to the next book in the series and recommend that you read her books if you have not read them yet.

88.✔2019 - Whisper Man by Alex North - 400 Pgs - ★★★★★ - 6/30/2019
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan publishers. Eerie and creepy with a bit of supernatural. Plot moved slowly as North held things close to his chest. Twists and turns would change my mind until the surprise ending. I liked Jake who was wise beyond his years and Tom, his father, struggled with being a single father. I felt sorry for Pete, the detective, who had trouble forgiving himself. Look forward for more from this author and highly recommend.

January Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 7,322
February Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 6,641
March Total books read - 17 - Total pages read - 7,052
April Total books read - 15 - Total pages read - 5,541
May Total books read - 12 - Total pages read - 4,918
June Total books read - 14 - Total pages read - 5,607
Total so far 2019 - 88 books and 37,081 pages

July 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

89.✔2013 - The Stranger You Know by Jane Casey - 458 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/6/2019
He meets women. He gains their trust. He kills them. That's all London police detective Maeve Kerrigan knows about the man she is hunting. Three women have been strangled in their homes and the evidence starts to point to a shocking suspect: DCI Josh Derwent, Maeve's partner on the police force.
4th book in the Maeve Kerrigan series. My favorite in the series so far. Josh Derwent's back story was so interesting. This book was a real page-turner and hard to put down. The plot was unique and the characters were well-drawn. Casey's writing is excellent and I'm looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended!

90.✔☊2016 - Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty - 336 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/7/2019
Set during Northern Ireland's 'Troubles' in 1987 with car bombs and riots. It is a work of fiction but is based on real historical events. A locked-room mystery kept me guessing throughout. Loved the humor of Sean Duffy and his sidekicks, Crabby and Lawson. I was glad to see that Duffy is finally in a relationship that has a future. This is the 5th book in the series and each book gets better and better. I'm looking forward to reading the 6th book and highly recommend this series to those who love learning about Irish history during the 'Troubles' in the 80's

91.✔2018 - November Road by Lou Berney - 320 Pgs - ★★★★★ - 7/9/2019
Set 1963 - JFK’s assassination. Cat-and-mouse chase across America. New Orleans mob boss, Carlos Marcello, wants Frank Guidry dead as he know too much about JFK’s assassination. On his way to Las Vegas, Guidry means and falls in love with Charlotte and her 2 daughters who are escaping her drunken husband in Oklahoma. Fugitives should not fall in love as it might get them killed. Berney has written an unforgettable American classic. Recommended.

92.✔2019 - Trace: Who Killed Maria James? by Rachael Brown - 305 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/12/2019
June 1980 Maria James, Melbourne Australia Bookstore owner, is murdered. It was Ron Iddles 1st murder case. 38 years later the case is still open. Rachael Brown, journalist, finds out that a crucial witness' evidence has not been heard. She wants to review the case. Rachel finds after a 16 mos. investigation, a new suspect, bungled forensics and possible conspiracies with Catholic Church and Victoria police. They need the coroner to hold a new inquest. Trace is also a podcast and has brought this cold case to life. It has given a voice to the forgotten and abused. Serious implication for 2 of the state's most powerful institutions. It is a riveting story of a shocking murder which is about to blow open with another inquest. Hopefully the murderer will be determined soon with the new evidence brought before the coroner. Read this book in order to find out all the details. Recommended.

93.✔☊2019 - The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs by Katherine Howe - 352 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/13/2019
The tagged book is the sequel to Howe‘s first book. It would be best to read Physick Book of Deliverance Dane first as then Temperance Hobbs would make more sense. I enjoyed both of these books and you will too if you enjoy reading about Salem witches. In this book Connie Goodwin must race against time in order to break a family curse.

94.✔1982 - Man From St. Petersburg by Ken Follett - 464 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/15/2019
1914 - this book is about England and France right before the war wanting Russia’s support against Germany. The Earl of Walden and Churchill await a Romanov envoy, Prince Orlov. Felix, son of a Russian priest, wants to kill Orlov. Full of action, deadly suspense and haunting romance, this book will not let you go until the very intense ending. Follett is an excellent writer and does not disappoint. Highly recommended!

95.✔☊2010 - Gone by Mo Hayder - 416 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/16/2019
Mo Hayder takes you to the edge! Stolen car with 11 year-old in the backseat. Is it a carjacking or a kidnapping? Jack Cafferty and Flea Marley race to put the pieces together. Chilling and captivating. Fast-paced plot. Fascinating characters. Shocking ending. 5th book in series. Can‘t wait to read next one. Recommended.

96.✔☊2019 - The Chain by Adrian McKinty - 357 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/20/2019
Would you be able to kidnap a child if your child's life depended on it? The Chain is a terrifying scheme that turns parents from victims into criminals and is making someone rich. Adrian McKintry has written an action-packed thriller that will keep the pages turning until the very end. When Rachel decides that she needs to break The Chain, the tension increases and an unexpected twist throws Rachel's life into chaos. Will she ever be able to get out of this mess? Read this book and ask yourself how would you react to the demands of The Chain. Be sure to check out McKinty's Sean Duffy series as they will not disappoint. Looking forward for more from this talented author and I highly recommend all of his books.

97.✔2019 - Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell - 320 pgs. ★★★ - 7/20/2019
I would like to thank NetGalley and Profile Books for a free copy for an honest review.
I was excited to read this book as I love books about books and bookstores. I enjoyed the first part of the book and all the interesting characters and the books that were mentioned. Then I found it very redundant and started to feel bored. I think the author needed something more to be happening in order to make the book more exciting. I finished the book but it seemed more like a chore. I did not read the author's first book so I didn't know what to expect. All in all, I would have to say that this book is just not for me.

98.✔2005 - The Camel Club by David Baldacci - 606 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/21/2019
Washington DC. 4 eccentric members make up The Camel Club. Oliver Stone is the leader. They study conspiracy theories, current events and the workings of government to find the truth behind their actions. They witness a shocking murder. They join forces with secret service agent to confront a chilling spectacle on American soil which may trigger war between 2 worlds. A slow start but the 2nd half made up for it. Interesting characters and unique plot. Love Baldacci's Maxwell and King, Will Robie and Amos Decker series. Recommended if you love history and political intrigue.

99.✔2019 - Now You See Them by Elly Griffiths - 384 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/22/2019
The fifth book in the Magic Men series, Now You See Them, takes place in the 60's, 10 years later than the last book. Superintendent Edgar Stephens and the magician Max Mephisto are involved in a case of missing girls in Brighton UK. DS Emma Holmes is now married to Edgar and is a frustrated wife and mother who misses being out there solving crime along with Edgar. She begins her own hunt along with Sam Collins, a woman reporter. When two more girls go missing, both with ties to the group, the stakes climb ever higher, and Max finds himself drawn into his own search. Who will find the girls first? And will they get there in time?
I think this is the best book of the series so far. There is less magic and more detective work going on. I like the 60's timeframe of the book as I think is was a very interesting period. The characters are well-developed and the plot is fast-paced and makes the book hard to put down. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and watch how these relationships move forward. I would recommend this series to those who love historical fiction and British police procedurals.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for a free copy for an honest review.

100.✔☊1951 - Murder in the Marais by Cara Black - 370 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/23/2019
Paris. Aimée Leduc takes on a top-secret decoding job. She finds the woman strangled, a swastika carved on her forehead. With the help of her partner, René, they set out to solve this murder, but find themself in a dangerous web of ancient secrets and buried war crimes. I like the character of Leduc but the secondary characters need to be fleshed out more. Some of the action scenes are unbelievable but make for a very interesting read. For a debut novel her writing is weak in some areas but hopefully the next book will only get better. She takes us places in Paris that the average traveler would never visit. I am looking forward to the next book and recommend this book to those who love the history of Paris and WWII.

101.✔☊2017 - Lightning Men by Thomas Mullen - 384 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/24/2019
With echoes of Walter Mosley and Dennis Lehane, Mullen “expands the boundaries of crime fiction, weaving in eye-opening details from our checkered history” (Chicago Tribune). Explores race, law enforcement, and justice in mid-century Atlanta. 1950 and racial tensions are simmering as black families begin moving into formerly all-white neighborhoods. Battling corrupt cops and ex-cons, Nazi brown shirts and rogue Klansmen, Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith are drawn closer to the fires that threaten to consume the city once again. Officer Denny Rakestraw is forced to choose between loyalty to family or the law.
This is a follow up to Darktown - a good idea would be to read Darktown first. Excellent writing with a worthwhile story. Characters are well-developed and unique. A real eye-opener to the racial problems in the United States. Recommended to those who love historical fiction and mystery thrillers.

102.✔1933 Dead Mrs. Stratton by Anthony Berkeley - 296 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/25/2019
Published 1933 as Jumping Jenny. Berkeley created Detective Roger Sheringham. A fancy-dress party with Murderers and Victims and a mock gallows. A real victim is found. Sheringham is the chief suspect. He must save his own neck from the hangman‘s rope. Typical wit and irony. Berkeley is one of the most original crime novelists. Exciting and entertaining book. I read this book for my Century of Published Mystery Books Challenge. Recommended for mystery lovers.

103.✔☊2019 - Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff - 384 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/25/2019
1946 Manhattan. About friendship and courage centered around 3 women and a ring of female secret agents during WWII. Grace Healy finds an abandoned suitcase at Grand Central Terminal with photos of woman who never returned home from the war. Grace is determined to find out what happened to them. Inspired by true events. Thought-provoking and captivating. Told from 3 POV. Jenoff shows how government barters with individual‘s lives. Recommended.

104.✔☊2015 - Woof by Spencer Quinn - 304 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/26/2019
I listened to the audio which was a pleasant experience. Louisiana swamp setting. Bowser and Birdie (11 yo) are trying to solve the problem of Birdie‘s grammy‘s stuffed prize marlin which has been stolen. Browser is going to use his powerful sniffer to find the burglar. He does a great job of narrating this book. Great book for any age. Charming and amusing. Recommended for dog-loving children and adults.

105.✔1934 - The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain - 128 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/26/2019
Published 1934. A young vagrant and the sexy bored wife of a restaurant owner plan to murder her husband. Excellent characters, plot and writing. Cain‘s first book was an instant success and made into a movie. I watched the movie for a #booktomovie challenge. #CenturyofMysteryChallenge too! Recommended for mystery lovers.
“No one has ever stopped in the middle of one of Cain‘s books.” - Saturday Review

106.✔1955 - Gideon's Day by J.J. Marric, John Creasey - 216 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/27/2019
Published 1955. One day in the exciting life of Scotland Yard‘s Inspector George Gideon. Within 15 hrs, he matches wits with hoodlums, dope pushers and other criminals. Gideon is a most believable and well-drawn character. I would love to read more about Gideon. Read for my #CenturyofMysteryChallenge Recommended for mystery lovers. Full of nostalgia of 50/60 era. Also a popular TV series staring John Gregson.

107.✔1972 - Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain - 152 pgs. - ★★★★ - 7/28/2019
Published 1972. The killer has confessed. Clear fingerprints and a witness but Detective Steve Carella cannot forget Gerald Fletcher announcing that he was glad someone stabbed his wife, Sadie. Sadie‘s black book shows up and Carella wants to find out why everyone was calling Sadie. Classic McBain! Recommended.
“McBain is a Master ... He hooks you ... He holds you ...” Chicago Sun Times

108.✔2002 - The Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy - 566 pgs. ★★★★★ - 7/31/2019
Dublin Ireland: Cathy Scarlet & Tom Feather start a catering business that transforms their lives. Maeve Binchy has brought us another great story filled with warmth, wit and drama. Her characters are very believable and seem like your friends by the end of the book. Some make you laugh, others make you cry and you will miss them after the last chapter. Look forward to my next Binchy book. Highly recommend this one!

109.✔2015 - Silent Scream by Angela Marsons - 390 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 7/31/2019
This is an excellent debut by Angela Marsons. The characters are all very interesting. I especially enjoyed the characters of D.I. Kim Stone and D.S. Bryant. They make a great team. The plot was intricate with many twists and turns which made it a real page-turner. The book took off from the very beginning and held my attention until the very surprising ending. I look forward to reading the 2nd book in the series very soon and highly recommend this book to those who love mystery thrillers.

August 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

110.✔2017 - Police at the Station And They Don't Look Friendly by Adrian McKinty - 319 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/5/2019
Belfast 1988: A man found dead in front of his house killed from a crossbow. Duffy investigates and ends up with 3 masked gunmen forcing him to dig his own grave. Will he get out of this situation in one piece? This is the last book in the fabulous Sean Duffy series. Hopefully, McKinty will allow us to peek back into Sean’s life in the near future. If you haven’t read this series, why not? All 6 books were 5 star reads for me! Excellent writing, unique characters and interesting plots. Highly recommended!

111.✔☊2019 The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead - 224 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/6/2019
Based on a real story of a reform school in Florida that operated for 111 years and warped the lives of thousands of children. Colson Whitehead brings us another part of American history about 2 boys sentenced to a reform school that is a chamber of horrors. Read about Elwood and Turner and how their lives were affected by attending The Nickel Academy. Enjoyed 4 other books by Whitehead and recommend this one too!

112.✔☊2017 I Found You by Liza Jewell - 464 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/7/2019
East Yorkshire: Alice Lake finds a man on the beach outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, no idea what he is doing there. She invites him in to her home. Lily Monrose‘s husband fails to come home. Are these men one and the same? Read Lisa Jewell‘s novel to find out. She brings us another brilliant story which is hard to resist. She had my mind spinning while listening to the audio. Highly recommended!

113.✔☊2019 The First Mistake by Sandie Jones - 416 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/8/2019
This is one you will either love or hate. It‘s slow in the beginning but rather predictable in the end with a major twist that I would consider unbelievable. You just have to read it for yourself and decide what you think. Read carefully as the premise of the story is a bit confusing. For all these reasons, I can only give 3 stars which may be a bit generous from me.

114.✔2001 Jackdaws by Ken Follett - 416 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/12/2019
Follett is a powerful storyteller and this one does not disappoint. His characters are unforgettable and his plots are mixed with authentic detail of historical events. Just before D-day a group of courageous woman led by Felicity (Flick) Clairet from the Special Operations Executive sabotage German's lines of communications in northern France which was a vital part of the success of the D-day mission. Read about the secret mission of Jackdaws!

115.✔2019 The Tiger Catcher by Paullina Simons - 445 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/14/2019
Young and handsome, Julian lives a charmed life in Los Angeles. His world is turned upside down by a love affair with Josephine, a mysterious young woman who takes him by storm. But she is not what she seems, carrying secrets that tear them apart; perhaps forever.
I enjoyed the first part of this book but it slowed down in the middle but picked up again towards the end. This book could fit many genres - magical realism, romance, historical, time travel. So, it has a lot happening and is the first part of a trilogy. I found it interesting and I think the second book will flow better since everything has been explained in the first book. I have read Red Leaves by Simons and I enjoyed the mystery of that book. I look forward to reading her Bronze Horseman Trilogy and I would recommend this book to those who like the genres that I mentioned above. Thanks to LibraryThing and William Morrow Publishers for an advanced copy for an honest review.

116.✔☊2018 Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler, Boyd Morrison - 400 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/14/2019
Description:
Only Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon stand between two warring moguls and global havoc in this thrilling suspense novel in Clive Cussler's #1 New York Times bestselling series. — Nearly two thousand years ago, an Eastern emperor charged a small group with safeguarding a body of knowledge and secrets powerful enough to change the history of mankind. They went down in legend as the Nine Unknown Men--and now two rival factions of the descendants are fighting a mighty battle. Both sides think they are saving the world, but one of them is willing to use horrifying means to accomplish its goals. Now is up to Cabrillo and his team of expert operatives to stop both of them from the destructive path they're on, and save the earth from a dynasty of terror.
This was an enjoyable read but not as exciting as the other books of The Oregon Files. Had interesting characters and unique plot but I love the history in these books more than the information about weapons and equipment. I would like to check out some of the other series by Clive Cussler. I would recommend this book to those who love adventure books.

117.✔☊2019 - Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - 384 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/15/2019
There was so much hype for this book that I had to listen to the audio. It was a pleasant enough experience and the writing did flow well. It is a heartbreaking coming-of-age story and a tale of nature, poetry, love, murder and courtroom drama. Kya is the Marsh Girl from Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. It is 1969 and two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty and Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens. Chase Andrews is found dead and the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark. The courtroom drama follows and we get to see how the town handles a strange girl from the marsh who is tried for murder. Also, if you love nature and poetry then you should read this book.

118.✔☊2013 - Poppet by Mo Hayder - audio available - 503 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/16/2019
Jack Caffery must find a dangerous mental patient on the loose; before he can kill again. Set in a high-security mental hospital where the patients are afraid of a spirit called The Maude. Is Maude a spirit or a homicidal patient who was released back into the public in error?But what Caffery discovers about former patient Isaac Handel is beyond anyone's imagining. Slow start but picks up towards the end. Short chapters make for fast-pace. Dual Points of View, Caffery and A.J. LeGrande, head nurse. Not my favorite Mo Hayder book but still a good one. Looking forward to reading last book, Wolf and recommend this book for those who enjoy mystery/thrillers.

119.✔1988 - A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George - 431 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/17/2019
Yorkshire UK. Village of Kendale. A local farmer is found decapitated and his dog‘s throat has been slashed. Inspector Thomas Lynley and Sgt Barbara Havers are sent to investigate. Liked the interaction between these 2 characters which is a bit touchy at times. Found George to be an excellent writer with great characterizations and plot line. Ending was a bit horrific but still look forward to the next book. Highly recommend this series.

120.✔☊1950 - Farenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - 194 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/19/2019
Sci-fi Classic novel of censorship and defiance in an insane world. Books were for burning along with the houses that hid them. Guy Montag was a fireman and his job was to start the fires. The book was frightening to me as my house is full of books and would definitely be burned if that were the law today! Scary thing is that offensive ideas are still being protested today instead of allowing others to have their own beliefs. Recommended!

121.✔☊2000 - Murder in Belleville by Cara Black - 368 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/22/2019
Paris April 1944. A hunger strike to protest strict immigration laws escalates among the Algerian immigrants. Car bombing and Aimee and her friend, Anais, barely escape. Aimee will investigate Islamic fundamentalists and Algerian nationalists to find out the truth behind the bombing. Aimee and her sidekick Renee, who is a dwarf and a computer expert, have a very good working relationship. The plot is complex and the characters are many to keep track of. I like the French history in these books and Black's writing is very good and interesting. I look forward to the 3rd book in the series and highly recommended this series to those who love French history and the French language.

122.✔☊2019 - Recursion by Blake Crouch - 336 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/23/2019
"Memory makes reality" Recursion is an entertaining science fiction thriller about time, identity and memory with a time-travel aspect. The story is unique and nothing like anything you have read before. The book deals with FMS (False Memory Syndrome), a mysterious disease that drives its victims mad with memories of a life never lived. The disease is contagious.
Helena Smith, neuroscientist, wants to build a device to allow people to preserve their most intense memories. Barry Sutton, NYPD policeman, is investigating FMS as many people are reporting that they have contacted this disease. These two characters become the narrators for the story.
The novel is action-packed and the story is fast-paced which makes for a very interesting read. I have read Dark Matter and enjoyed that book too. I'm not really a science fiction buff but Crouch's writing is excellent and makes for a very easy-to-understand novel. I am now interested in what Crouch comes up with next. I would highly recommend this book to those who love unique science fiction thrillers.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Crown Publishing for a free copy for an honest review.

123.✔2014 - The Kill by Jane Casey - 464 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/25/2019
Detective Maeve Kerrigan DI Josh Derwent, are called back to London while attending a wedding of a colleague. A fellow policeman has been murdered in a public park at night. The dark secret that her boss, Superintendent Godley, has been keeping for years is threatening to blow up in his face, and if that happens, they'll all be caught in the aftermath. Maeve will be forced to decide how much she's willing to risk in the name of justice. Lots of transitions going on in Maeve's life. I need to find out what will happen with Maeve's relationships and with her job. This is the best book of the series, in my opinion, and makes you want to read the next book immediately. Highly recommended!

124.✔☊1992 - The Black Echo by Michael Connelly - 544 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/26/2019
I enjoyed this first Harry Bosch novel very much. It was a well-plotted story with lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the end. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

125.✔2002 - Quentins by Maeve Binchy - 420 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/26/2019
Is it possible to tell the story of a generation and a city through the history of a restaurant? Ella Brady wants to make a documentary that will capture the spirit of Dublin from the 1970s to the present. Maeve Binchy introduces us to new friends and brings back old friends. Ella finds some stories are too sacred to tell and some secrets must be kept. In the end, Ella finally gets to know herself. Interesting characters. Highly recommended!

126✔☊2018 - Say Nothing: A True Story Of Murder and Memory In Northern Ireland
by Patrick Radden Keefe - 529 Pgs. - ★★★★★ - 8/27/2019
In December 1972, Jean McConville, a thirty-eight-year-old mother of ten, was dragged from her Belfast home by masked intruders, her children clinging to her legs. They never saw her again. Her abduction was one of the most notorious episodes of the vicious conflict known as The Troubles. This book captures the intrigue, the drama and the profound human cost of the Troubles. It is a searing chronicle of the lengths that people are willing to go to in order to pursue a political ideal, and the ways in which societies mend – or don’t – in the aftermath of a long and bloody conflict. Say Nothing conjures a world of passion, betrayal, vengeance, and anguish. I found this book most interesting and I learned a lot about the conflict that I never knew. Highly recommended.

127.✔☊2015 - Wolf by Mo Hayder - 529 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/28/2019
The Walking Man finds a dog wandering alone with a scrap of paper with the words; HELP US; attached to its collar. He calls on Detective Inspector Jack Caffery to investigate. Caffery is reluctant to get involved -- until the Walking Man promises in exchange new information regarding the childhood disappearance of Caffery's brother. Meanwhile, the Anchor-Ferrers, a wealthy local family, are fighting for their lives, held hostage in their remote home ten miles away.
Another horrific book from Mo Hayder. Not for the weak or faint of heart! The ending was the best when Caffery got information from The Walking Man about his brother. Very surprising!

128.✔2011 - Locked In by Kerry Wilkinson - 394 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/29/2019
When a body is found in a locked house, Detective Sergeant Jessica Daniel is left to not only find the killer but discover how they got in and out. A second body shows up in identical circumstances to the first. How can a murderer get to victims in seemingly impossible situations and what, if anything, links the bodies? I found this to be a very good debut novel from Kerry Wilkinson. Started slowly but soon I was quickly turning the pages. The story kept me guessing until the very end. I found the book suspenseful and the author very clever. I'm look forward to reading the next book in the series and would highly recommend to those who love mystery thrillers.

129.✔☊2002 - Murder in the Sentier by Cara Black - 352 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/30/2019
Detective Aimee Leduc fears that a group reminiscent of the 1960s Red Terror gang is on the loose -- and her long-lost mother may just be one of them. If Aimee wants to learn the truth about her mother, she is to meet Jutta Hald at a rendezvous point in an ancient tower in the Sentier. But when Aimee arrives, Jutta is dead, shot in the head at close range.
3rd book of series and I have been enjoying them. I like that we learned more about Aimee's mother and her activities. She also attempts to clear the name of her French policeman father. I find her books well-written and fast-paced and the characters are unique. I know these books get better so I will continue to read them. Recommended!

130.✔2006 - A Conspiracy Of Violence by Susanna Gregory - 512 pgs. ★★ - 8/30/2019
17th century. Days of Cromwell are past. Charles II is established at White Hall Palace. Citizens have lost their livelihoods. Thomas Chaloner, a spy for Secretary of State, John Thurloe. John recommends Thomas to Lord Clarendon. He is dispatched to the Tower to unearth gold buried by the last Governor. He discovers not treasure, but evidence that, greed and self-interest are uppermost in the minds of those in power. Chaloner own life has no value to either side.
A lot of attention to detail which gets too tedious and slows the reading down. Characters are not well-drawn and Chaloner is not an interesting character. I think I'll try her Matthew Bartholomew series. I cannot recommend this series. Too wordy!

Total 21 Books 8,644 pgs for August 2019

September 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

131.✔☊1957 - 4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie - 351 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/2/2019
Sensible Elspeth McGillicuddy is not given to hallucinations. Or is she? After she boards the Paddington Station train and becomes a witness to an apparent murder, no one believes her but her friend-the indomitable sleuth Miss Jane Marple.
Christy holds all the information very close to her chest and does not let go of it until the reveal at the end of the book. I still found the story interesting and enjoyed it very much. Her characters were fascinating and the plot was nicely paced. I look forward to reading more of her novels and recommend this book to those who love mysteries.

132.✔☊1993 - Hammer of Eden by Ken Follett - 564 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/3/2019
Nobody can cause an earthquake... can they? This is the question that troubles hotshot young FBI agent Judy Maddox when she has been assigned to investigate an anonymous threat from a group that claims that it can trigger earthquakes. Seismologist, Michael Quercus, tells her it is possible for an earthquake to be caused deliberately. When a tremor in a remote desert area shows signs of being machine-generated, Judy must find out who is responsible before another tremor strikes. Once again Follett does not let us down. He delivers a state-of-the-art suspense thriller that keeps the pages turning with unique characters and an exciting plot. Highly recommended!

133.✔2017 - The Caller by Chris Carter - 496 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 9/10/2019
Tanya Kaitlin gets a video call request from her best friend, Karen Ward. Karen is gagged and bound to a chair. Tanya is told that if she disconnects, if she looks away, he will come after her next. As Hunter and Garcia investigate the threats, they are thrown into a rollercoaster of evil, chasing a predator who scouts the streets and social media networks for victims, taunting them with secret messages and feeding on their fear. The book had short chapters with cliffhangers that made you want to read on. With great pacing, the killer was hard to guess. Mr. J was a very interesting character and a great red herring. Looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

134.✔2019 - What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr - 304 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/14/2019
Is Rose Dennis really a demented, old woman or is someone trying to kill her? Nevada Barr, author of the Anna Pigeon Mystery series, has written this humorous standalone. It starts out slowly with Rose as a drugged crazy person in a Memory Unit of a nursing home. She comes to the conclusion that someone is trying to murder her and then the fun begins. Her older sister, Marion, is a computer hacker recluse and helps Rose with her internet capabilities. Along with her 13 year old granddaughter, Mel, and Royal, Mel's friend, they hide Rose from the police and the orderlies. Rose uses her Buddhist teachings to try to figure out her perpetrator. There is a lot of action as Rose is her own detective. I found the epilogue which tells us what is now going on with all of the characters kind of unique. Some of the escapades are unbelievable but fun and humorous. I would highly recommend this book to those who love quirky mysteries. Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC to read and review.

135.✔☊1940 - Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler - 306 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 9/12/2019
This was a dramatization of the book, Farewell My Lovely by Raymond Chandler. This book is Philip Marlowe 2nd mystery. The setting is California in the 40s. Marlowe has a chance encounter with a not-so-gentle giant outside Florian s nightclub. Just released from prison, Moose Malloy is looking for his old flame, red-haired Velma Valento, who he last saw eight years ago. Malloy has smashed up the club, broken the manager's neck, and headed out of the door. Marlowe knows this mess is none of his business, but he has a hunch that he can find Velma. He just has to hope that curiosity doesn't get him killed. The story is full of wisecracks and colorful characters, and retains all the charm and humor of Chandler's stylish, suspenseful novel. Highly recommended!

136.✔☊2019 - A Better Man by Louise Penny - 448 pgs. - ★★★ - 9/15/2019
Catastrophic spring flooding, blistering attacks in the media, and a mysterious disappearance greet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache in the latest novel by Louise Penny. I found this book a bit disappointing. I am tired of the rehashing of the factory raid. There definitely was not enough about the magical, charming Three Pines that we all love to read about. Penny is an excellent writer and her plots are complex and her characters are unique but there was not much character development in this book. I really enjoy the early books but the last few have been very dark and dreary. Penny needs to get back to Three Pines so we can smell the bread baking and spend time with our characters that we so love from this series.

137.✔☊2019 - Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane - 400 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/17/2019
A profoundly moving novel about two neighboring families in a suburban town, the friendship between their children, a tragedy that reverberates over four decades, and the power of forgiveness. "We repeat what we do not repair." How can we escape the damage done to us in the past? Does the power of love and redemption make us worthy of forgiveness? This is a coming of age book which has addiction and mental health issues. The characters are well-drawn, the plot has depth. It has beautiful writing with a nice pace. I look forward to more from this author and I would recommend this to others.

138.✔2015 - After the Fire by Jane Casey - 496 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/19/2019
When a fire breaks out at Murchison House that consumes the top floors and leaves three dead, Maeve and her colleagues are startled to learn the identity of one of the victims. Geoff Armstrong was a wealthy, notoriously right-wing London politician the last person they'd expect to find in a place like the Maudling Estate. And things get even murkier when evidence surfaces indicating Armstrong was murdered before the fire broke out. Was his death connected to the fire? To the other deaths at Murchison House? And what was he doing there in the first place? What Maeve begins to uncover will lead her on a terrifying journey through all levels of society, putting her very life in danger.
Maeve is a character that comes to life and you feel you know her personally. I missed Rob in this book but I loved Derwent and the interaction between him and Maeve. Jane Casey is a great writer and I'll look forward to her future books. If you like police procedurals, you will enjoy this series.

139.✔☊2017 - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 401 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 9/21/2019
Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself.
This is a unique and incredible story of a very complex character, Evelyn Hugo, from the Golden Age of Hollywood. She somewhat reminded me of Liz Taylor as the book showed the many faces of love with lots of surprises and secrets. Love of husbands, wives, family, friends, same sex, romantic love and love of life. I plan to read more books by Taylor Jenkins Reid as I did enjoy her writing. I would recommend this book to those that love reading about Hollywood.

140.✔2002 - The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis - 240 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/23/2019
When a skeleton is discovered on a small farm, DS Wesley Peterson—a keen amateur archaeologist—is intrigued by the possibility that it is a Viking corpse, buried in keeping with ancient traditions. He also has a more urgent crime to solve, namely the recent disappearance of a Danish tourist. His boss Gerry Heffernan believes that the attractive Dane’s disappearance is linked to a spate of brutal robberies, but is her disappearance linked to far older events?
I loved the tie in of the historical Viking story and the present time story. Murderer was a surprise and hard to guess with lots of suspects. Interesting characters and plot. Looking forward to the next book and recommend this one to those who love history with mystery.

141.✔☊2004 - Nights of Rain and Stars by Maeve Binchy - 400 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/25/2019
In a small Greek island village, local residents and a group of international travelers are brought together by sudden tragedy, in a story of friendship, dreams, fears, and complicated relationships forever altered by their shared experiences. I would think of this book as the best of Binchy so far. I love her characters and how they helped each other with their problems. The story was very engaging. Her descriptions made me feel like I was on the island along with the characters. Looking forward to reading the next Binchy book and I would highly recommend this one to those who love to read about relationships.

142.✔☊2018 - Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl - 336 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/27/2019
Setting is Rhode Island. Beatrice Hartley and her friends were in a collision on a deserted road one year ago. Her boyfriend, Jim, died. A mysterious man tells them that one of them will live and the rest will die. They need to vote on who will live. Decision vote must be unanimous. They are stuck in the Neverworld Wake where the accident is repeating daily just like Groundhog day. The book is a YA book with many genres; magical realism, science fiction, psychological suspense. Unique characters and plot. I loved her book, Night Film, and I own Special Topics and need to read that soon. Recommended for those who love YA.

143.✔☊1994 - The Beekeeper's Apprentice - 405 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 9/28/2019
1st book of the Mary Russell/Sherlock Holmes series. Holmes is a retired beekeeper and meets Mary who is 15 years old. She becomes his female apprentice and partner. Her intelligence is a good match for his. Their 1st case is the kidnapping of a US Senator‘s daughter. Laurie King‘s writing is engrossing. Humorous in parts with lots of twists and turns. Looking forward to book 2 and highly recommend this series to Sherlock Holmes‘ fans!

144.✔2019 - The Words Between Us by Erin Bartels - 374 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 9/29/2019
Robin is sent to live with her grandmother since her parents' scandal and imprisonment. She meets Peter in the cemetery nearby. Peter's mother, an English teacher at the high school, recently died. Peter begins to read his mother's books and then shares them with Robin who in turn writes him poetry as a payment. I love reading books about books so this immediately drew me in. Robin eventually opens a book store as her love of books is quite evident. Robin's relationship with Peter is told in two different timelines entitled Then and Now and allows us to see how this relationship fell apart and how they go back together. Erin Bartels' writing is very beautiful and flows easily making this an enjoyable read. Her characters are believable and the plot engrossing. I would like to thank LibraryThing Early Reviewers and The Baker Publishing Group for allowing me to read this book for an honest review. I would highly recommend to those who love books about books with a touch of romance.

October 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

145.✔☊1947 - The Labours of Hercules by Agatha Christie - 412 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/2/2019
Published in in 1947, The Labours of Hercules comprises an even dozen mysteries starring Christie's most popular sleuth, the ever-dignified Hercule Poirot. At a dinner party, another guest compares the labors of Poirot to those of Hercules, and the little Belgian is not amused.He has already decided to retire, but makes up his mind to take on 12 great cases - each somehow reflecting the labors accomplished by Hercules - as a farewell to crime solving. I am using this book for my 100 years of mystery. I found it very engrossing and enjoyed listening to the 12 short mysteries. I found Poirot to be very clever in solving these mysteries. He will always be one of my favorite detectives. Recommended for those who love mystery.

146.✔☊2000 - Horrible Harry at Halloween by Suzy Kline, Frank Remkiewicz - 64 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/3/2019
This is a very cute Halloween book you can read to your children. I listened to the audio and it was very enjoyable. Here's a description of the book:
Horrible Harry and his classmates all love Halloween. Everyone wears a costume to school-even Miss Mackle. Every Halloween Harry shocks his classmates with his scary costume. In kindergarten he was a bloody Count Dracula, in first grade he was the Loch Ness Monster, and in second grade he was a slithering snake. So everyone in Room 3B can't wait to see what Harry is going to be this year-and they're in for a really big surprise! I would recommend this book to those who love Halloween stories.

147.✔2019 - Playing Dead by Monique Faison Ross with Gary Krebs - 248 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/3/2019
This is truly a very scary story. It shows how verbal abuse can escalate very quickly into a near-deadly attack. Monique, the daughter of San Diego Charger's football player, Earl Faison, married her high school sweetheart and made the biggest mistake of her life. After three children, Monique decided to leave her husband but he stalked and threatened her. Protection injunctions, police warnings and arrests did not even stop him. He finally kidnapped her, beat and raped her unmercifully. She played dead and he finally left. Her survival, her strength, and her wisdom are an inspiration and a lesson to us all.
The book was a real page-turner as the ending of each chapter gave me a need to read on and find out what was going to happen. I found Monique to be a very strong person who just wanted to protect her children. I would highly recommend this to those who are in an abusive relationship or those who love survival stories.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Wild Blue Press for a copy of this book for an honest review.

148.✔2019 - What You Did by Claire McGowan - 282 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/5/2019
After twenty years, six university friends have a reunion. They met at Ali's house where shocking events mar the event forever. Karen accuses Mike of assaulting her and Ali has to decide if her best friend or her husband is lying. The book switches timelines from the present back to 1993 where darker memories from the university days are brought to mind. Would someone be willing to kill in order to protect those memories?
I found this book unputdownable as the plot moved quickly and kept me guessing until the very shocking ending. McGowan is an excellent writer and her characters are well-drawn. I have read most of her Paula Maguire series except for The Killing House and have enjoyed that series immensely. I look forward to reading the rest of her novels and I would highly recommend this book to those who love psychological thrillers. I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishers UK for a copy of this book for an honest review.

149.✔☊Halloween is... by Gail Gibbons - 32 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/5/2019
This was a very interesting audiobook about the history of Halloween. Tells about why and how people celebrate Halloween.

150.✔☊Mortina by Barbara Cantini - 64 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/6/2019
Ghoulia is a very interesting and heartwarming story. Ghoulia is a zoombie and lives in Crumbling Manor with her Auntie Departed. She has an albino greyhound named Tragedy. She really wants a friend but is afraid the other children will be scared of her. On Halloween she joins the other children who are trick or treating and they realize that Ghoulia is (almost) just like them. A book with a good lesson for children that friendship comes in many forms.

151.✔☊Fancy Nancy Halloween... or Bust! by Jane O'Connor - 24 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/6/2019
Fancy Nancy loves to dress up for Halloween. Children will love this book and all the costumes. The audio was a great way to read this book as the narrator made it very interesting.

152.✔Monster School: First Day Frights by Dave Keane - 32 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/10/2019
I read this book for a Halloween reading contest. It's a perfect book for any beginning reader who has ever felt a little bit different.

153.✔☊The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury - 148 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/10/2019
"A fast-moving, eerie...tale set on Halloween night. Eight costumed boys running to meet their friend Pipkin at the haunted house outside town encounter instead the huge and cadaverous Mr. Moundshroud. As Pipkin scrambles to join them, he is swept away by a dark Something, and Moundshroud leads the boys on the tail of a kite through time and space to search the past for their friend and the meaning of Halloween. After witnessing a funeral procession in ancient Egypt, cavemen discovering fire, Druid rites, the persecution of witches in the Dark Ages, and the gargoyles of Notre Dame, they catch up with the elusive Pipkin in the catacombs of Mexico, where each boy gives one year from the end of his life to save Pipkin's. Enhanced by appropriately haunting black-and-white drawings."
Finished listening to this today. I found it to be very interesting and enjoyable. I loved the narrator‘s voice!

154.✔The Right One for Roderic by Violeta Noy - 40 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/10/2019
Read this for a Halloween contest. What happens when one little ghost wants to stand out? All ghosts wear white sheets. That?s just what ghosts do. White sheets are good for haunting people, and they make the ghosts feel like part of one big family. But one little ghost named Roderic wants to wear something different. He tries all sorts of things: a bag, a rug, a boot. Can he find the right one for him? Find out in this colorful picture book from debut author-illustrator Violeta Noy.

155.✔The Evil Pumpkin Pie Fight! by Jaden Kent - 112 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/10/2019
Read this for a Halloween reading contest.
Just in time for Halloween, this new addition to the fun dragon-y series has lots of spooky, scary bits while being filled with non-stop action and silliness.
This early chapter book series has it all--humor, adventure, a dash of some gross-out stuff, and just the right mixture of sibling rivalry/love. Black and white illustrations with dragon details galore on every page add to the enjoyment, making Ella and Owen's world pop on each page.

156.✔Aaron Loves Apples and Pumpkins by P.D. Eastman - 32 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/10/2019
Read this for a Halloween reading contest. Aaron loves fall. He loves apples, pumpkins and Halloween costumes. He dressed up as a ghost and the pumpkin was on his head.

157.✔The Trip to the Pumpkin Farm: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott - 80 pgs.
Read this for a Halloween contest. Eva's class cannot wait for their field trip to the pumpkin farm! On the farm, they pick apples, milk cows, and even make new friends. But then an award-winning pumpkin goes missing! Eva and her friends will have to solve the mystery. Will they find the pumpkin in time for the holiday party... and also help a friend in need?

158.✔☊The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Book & CD by Disney Book Group - 32 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/10/2019
Read this for a Halloween contest. If you were asked to choose the most fabulous character in English literature, who would it be? Perhaps the one and only Ichabod Crane. Just in time for the 70th anniversary of the release of The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad, relive the action of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with this storybook and CD set, featuring word-for-word narration and sound effects!

158.✔2019 - The Showstone by Glenn Cooper - 224 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/11/2019
This is the 4th book in the Cal Donovan series and gives us more information about Cal's background and his relationship with his father. Hiram Donovan died while working an archeology dig in 1989 in Iraq. An eyewitness saw Hiram when he found a black obsidian stone. Hiram decides to send it to his wife in the United States. 30 years later in 2019, Cal receives a phone call that his mother has been murdered. Cal and his friend, Jessica, find the envelope that Hiram sent home with the black stone and a note mentioning John Dee, British Museum/Scrying stone. Cal investigates the note and finds out that John Dee was Queen Elizabeth’s astrologer and alchemist. He also finds out that whoever possesses the black obsidian stone will have the power to scry which is an art of magic that allows communication with the angels.
Glenn Cooper mixes real historical facts with fiction in order to give us a very interesting and unique novel filled with mysticism, angels and evil spirits. He gives us information from 1095 and 1609 in regards to who owned the stone in the past and how it was used for religious and political purposes. The characters, good and evil, are very believable. One character, George Hamid wants the black obsidian stone very badly and chases Cal in order to obtain it. The book ends on a cliffhanger making me look forward to the next book. I would highly recommend this series to those who like history and mystery with a bit of supernatural. Thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for an advanced copy for an honest review.

159.✔☊2019 - Nothing Ventured by Jeffrey Archer - 416 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/12/2019
New series about a detective, William Warwick, who will go from Constable to Police Commissioner. It is not a detective story but the making of a detective. Love Jeffrey Archer‘s writing. Master storyteller keeps pages turning. Stolen Rembrandt must be found. Story ends with cliffhanger. Looking forward to 2nd book in series. Recommended for those who love mix of history with mystery.

160.✔☊2001 - Last Man Standing by David Baldacci - 640 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/15/2019
Web London, member of a Hostage Rescue Team, was the last man standing after a raid on a drug dealer‘s lair. Full of guilt, Web needs to discover why. Vivid characters. Fast-paced. Another spellbinding novel from Baldacci, a great storyteller. Looking forward to reading another Baldacci book. Recommended highly for those who love psychological thrillers.

161.✔☊2006 - Triptych by Karin Slaughter - 512 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/17/2019
Atlanta - Michael Ormewood is searching for the killer of Mary Alice Finney, 15 years old. Her father is Paul Finney, assistant district attorney for DeKalb County. This is a gritty, psychological thriller and Karin Slaughter at her best. Lots of twists and turns make for a story that is hard to put down. Brilliant plotting with lots of suspense. Recommended to those who love mystery thrillers.

161.✔2019 - On the Trail of the Yorkshire Ripper by Richard Charles Cobb - 240 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/18/2019
This is a very interesting but very scary book. Peter Sutcliffe, The Yorkshire Ripper, remains the most infamous serial killer in British criminal history. This book takes another look at the crime scenes and gives us the real story of the Yorkshire Ripper murders. The truth can now be told with the use of DNA, police reports, newspaper accounts and eye witness testimony. In the past a lot of the information was not clear and now the confusion has been set straight. I thoroughly enjoyed Cobb's book and found it very informative. It follows the timeline of the killings and shows us the ruthlessness of Peter Sutcliffe. We learn how and where he was captured, a peek at his trial and what has since happened to him. I would highly recommend this book to those who are a follower of true crime. I would like to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword Publishers for a copy of this book for an honest review.

162.✔2009☊The Doomsday Key by James Rollins - 526 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/20/2019
Sigma Force confronts humankind's greatest threat, world hunger. This was an exciting adventure which took us to the Roman Coliseum to the icy peaks of Norway to the lost tombs of Celtic kings in search of a talisman, the Doomsday Day key, which was buried by a dead saint. Most chapters ended with a cliffhanger which kept the pages turning. This book had it all - history, mystery, prophecy, religion and science with lots of action in between. James Rollins is an excellent writing and I look forward to reading the next book in the Sigma Force series. I would highly recommend this series to adventure lovers.

163.✔2017☊Let the Dead Speak by Jane Casey - 352 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 10/21/2019
18 year old Chloe Emery arrives home and finds her mother missing and the house is covered in blood. But where is the body? Casey grips us from the opening and doesn't let go until the close of the last page. Cleverly paced and full of twists, she has us hooked. Lots of suspects but who is lying and who is not? Maeve Kerrigan must piece things together. If you have never read Casey before, now is the time! A true craftswoman of mystery, she is not to be missed. I must read the next book very soon and I highly recommend this series if you enjoy mystery thrillers.

164.✔2003 ☊ Murder in the Bastille by Cara Black - 304 pgs. - ★★★ - 10/25/2019
Aimee is attacked in the shadowy Passage Boule Blanche. When she regains consciousness, Aimée finds that she is blind. She is determined to identify her attacker. Is he a serial killer or was Aimee his intended target? I find Aimee and her interest in designer clothing to be an interesting person and Rene, her computer genius, rather unique. This book had a very slow pace but was a great way to show us how to deal with disabilities like loss of sight. She needs to get back to some of the history of Paris and it's atmosphere that make these books a great location for a murder mystery. I look forward to reading the next in the series and recommend this books to those who love Paris.

165.✔2019☊The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter - 465 pgs. - ★★★ - 10/26/2019
Sara has been taken prisoner and Will is forced undercover, on a case in which thousands of lives are at stake. This book is too political for me and I think Slaughter needs to get back to the Will Trent and Sara Linton in a Grant County storyline that we all love. Slaughter is a great storyteller but we love to be entertained by by the exploits of Sara and Will's relationship instead of Neo-Nazi’s, domestic terrorism and homebred militia which we get enough of on the nightly news. This is not the direction I was hoping this great series would take and I hope Slaughter can bring the next in the series back home to Grant County. I would recommend this book to those who like to read about political happenings in the world but if you want to read about Will and Sara in Grant County, then you will be as disappointed as I am.

166.✔2017 - Written in Bones by James Oswald - 407 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/27/2019
When a body is found in a tree in The Meadows, Edinburgh's scenic parkland, the forensics suggest the corpse has fallen from a great height. Detective Inspector Tony McLean wonders whether it was an accident, or a murder designed to send a chilling message? This is another great installment from James Oswald. Some of the old characters but some new characters which are an added asset. The supernatural aspect of the book is good and not overdone. His plots are always entertaining and it's fun to watch McLean work through things to solve the crime. His relationship with Emma is getting more and more interesting and I am looking forward to the next book. I would recommend this series to those who love police procedurals but best to start with book one.

167.✔1991 - ☊Loves Music, Loves to Dance by Mary Higgins Clark - 336 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/27/2019
A killer is using the personal ads to lure his victims. Erin Kelley and Darcy Scott help their TV producer friend research the kinds of people who place personal ads but Erin soon disappears. This is a well written story which is told by the murderer's perspective. The suspense keeps the pages turning and the plot keeps you guessing until the very surprising twist at the end. I enjoy Mary Higgins Clark's books and I read this one for my Century of Mystery reads as it was published in 1991. I look forward to reading another Clark book and would recommend this one to those who love mystery.

168.✔2003 - Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty - 384 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/27/2019
This book shows the dark side of New York crime and drugs before Mayor Guiliani cleaned things up. Michael Forsythe is an 19 year old Irish lad who wants to escape the troubles of Northern Ireland by coming to New York. He starts working with Darkey White, Irish mob boss, and falls for Darkey's girl, Bridget. Darkey sends him off to Mexico with 2 others for drugs and they all get imprisoned. Michael is the only one who escapes with his life and comes back to New York to seek revenge. Michael is the narrator of this gritty noir book. His character is well-drawn and he seems so real and vivid to the reader. I have read and enjoyed the Sean Duffy books and decided to read this other series by McKinty. I look forward to continuing with The Dead Yard and I would highly recommend this series to those who love crime noir.

November 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

169.✔2006 - ☊Whitethorn Woods by Maeve Binchy - 362 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 11/4/2019
New highway threatens to bypass Rossmore and Whitethorn Woods where people share their hopes, dreams and prayers at St. Anne‘s Well. The people need to decide between the traditions of the past and the promises of the future. I enjoy all Binchy‘s books as I find her characters and stories fascinating. Binchy is a gifted storyteller and I enjoy visiting all the Irish villages in her novels. Recommended!

170.✔☊1975 - Where Are The Children by Mary Higgins Clark - 304 pgs. - ★★★★ - 11/5/2019
Nancy Harmon fled the heartbreak of her 1st marriage, the deaths of her 2 children, and the shocking charges against her. She changed her name, dyed her hair, and left California for the windswept peace of Cape Cod. She now has 2 more children, the pain has begun to heal -- until she looks in the backyard for her little boy and girl and finds only one red mitten. Read and find out where her children are!

171.✔1996 - The Third Twin by Ken Follett - 640 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 11/6/2019
Jeannie Ferrami has developed a software program to identify identical twins who have been reared apart. Lisa, Jeannie‘s research assistant, is raped. Steve Logan is identified as Lisa‘s attacker but he is innocent. They find out that Steve has a criminal twin brother in jail. When Jeannie is attacked she realizes that there is another twin related to Steve. Read book in order to find out how a third twin is possible.

172.✔2019 - The Lying Room: by Nicci French - 432 pgs. - ★★★★ - 11/7/2019
Neve Connolly was having an affair but now Saul has been murdered. She cleans all traces of her visits after she finds Saul‘s body. Inspector Alastair Hitching is trying to find out why his investigation leads him constantly back to Neve. Are her lies catching up to her or is it something in her past? Read this book to find out all the answers to who killed Saul and why Neve is lying so much. Recommended!

173✔.☊2004 - The Devil of Nanking by Mo Hayder - 484 pgs. - ★★★★ - 11/8/2019
1937 - Nanking Massacre takes place and Grey, a young Englishwoman, comes to Tokyo seeking film footage but Tokyo claims the massacre never took place. Grey finds a survivor of the massacre who is a visiting professor at the university of Tokyo. Grey now needs to gain his trust. Mo Hayder gives us a gritty and harrowing read about a time in history that was very brutal! I also enjoyed a peek at Tokyo. Recommended!

174.✔1991 - Night Over Water by Ken Follett - 660 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 11/10/2019
September 1939. England is at war with Nazi Germany. In Southampton, the world's most luxurious airliner-the legendary Pan Am clipper-takes off for its final flight to neutral America. Aboard are the cream of society and the dregs of humanity, all fleeing the war for reasons of their own...shadowed by a danger they do not know exists...and heading straight into a storm of violence, intrigue, and betrayal... A favorite! Highly recommended!

175.✔2001 - The Bone Garden by Kate Ellis - 240 pgs. - ★★★★ - 11/13/2019
A skeleton of a corpse who has been buried alive is discovered at an excavation of the gardens of Earlsacre Hall. Det Sgt Wesley Peterson is busy trying to solve a murder of a man stabbed to death in a caravan park. Are these murders related? Solicitor Brian Willerby may have the answer. Kate Ellis brings us a mystery that seems to imitate the past. Read this to find out what it is about Earlsacre that leads to murder.

176.✔☊2012 - Safe House by Chris Ewan - 464 pgs. - ★★★★ - 11/14/2019
Isle of Man. Rob Hale wakes up after his motorcycle accident and wonders what happened to Lena who was riding on the back of his bike. The doctors and police tell him he was alone. Rob describes his sister, Laura, when they ask him what Lena looks like. Rob teams up with Rebecca Lewis, a London PI, but finds she has a connection to Laura. Rob finds out that dangerous secrets can not stay safe forever. Recommended!

177.✔2020 - The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica - 384 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 11/10/2019
Mary Kubica has written a dark and disturbing psychological thriller that is hard to put down. Sadie and Will Foust have moved their family from Chicago to a small town in Maine. Morgan Baines, their neighbor is found dead and suspects galore are brought to light as we meet the characters that may be involved in the murder. 3 women give their POV throughout and many secrets manifest that could lead to murder. The plot is well paced and filled with twists that make for a very creepy and suspenseful read. Just when you think you know who the murderer is, the edge-of-your-seat-surprise ending that Kubica is famous for slaps you in the face. I look forward to Kubica's next thriller and highly recommend this one. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Park Row for an ARC for an honest review.

178.✔☊2014 - Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel - 354 pgs. - ★★ - 11/19/2019
Arthur Leander, a famous Hollywood actor, had a heart attack on stage during a production of King Lear. A flu pandemic arrives and civilization as we know it comes to an end. Kirsten Raymonde and The Traveling Sympathy dedicate themselves to keeping the remnants of art and humanity alive. When they arrive in St. Deborah by the Water, they encounter a violent prophet who will threaten the tiny band’s existence. This is a post apocalyptic book and was not really in my comfort zone and there didn't seem to be much point of the story. I don't think I'll be reading any more books by Emily St. John Mandel and I don't think I can even recommend this story.

179.✔☊2005 - Murder in Clichy by Cara Black (2005) ★★★★ - 11/24/2019
A Vietnamese nun, Linh, asks Aimee if she will go Clichy to exchange an envelope for a package. Recipient Barat is shot and dies in Aimee's arms. The RG - the French secret service; a group of veterans of the war in Indochina and some wealthy ex-colonials and international corporations seeking oil rights are all implicated. The nun, Linh, has disappeared. Aimee has promised to avoid danger. But somehow, it continues to seek her out. I find Cara Black's books to be easy reading and atmospheric. I've enjoyed this one the best so far. Paris is definitely a character in her books and Aimee DeLuc and Rene are enjoyable too. Looking forward to reading the next book and recommend if you enjoy reading about Paris.

December 2019
✔ ★ ☞ ☊

180.✔2010 - Skipping Christmas by John Grisham - 256 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 12/1/2019
Read this on the plane yesterday coming home from Mexico. Love this book and the movie, Christmas With Kranks, is even better to watch.

181.✔2015 - A Very New York Christmas by Michael Storrings - 95 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 12/2/2019
Read this book this morning because if you want to see #HolidayLights then New York is the place to go. It‘s a feast for the eyes and captures the festive atmosphere of the city. It will warm the hearts of everyone who loves the Big Apple! This book will definitely leave a big smile on your face!

182.✔☊The Au Pair by Emma Rous - ★★★ - 12/3/2019
Seraphine Mayes and her twin brother Danny were born in the middle of summer at their family's estate on the Norfolk coast. Within hours of their birth, their mother threw herself from the cliffs. Seraphine mourns the recent death of her father. She uncovers a family photograph that raises questions. It was taken on the day the twins were born, and in the photo, their mother is holding just one baby. Who is the child and what really happened that day? I found this book to be a bit unbelievable. I didn't hate it but I couldn't love it either.

183.✔2009 - What Remains of Heaven by C S Harris - ★★★★★ - 12/4/2019
Sebastian is asked by Archbishop of Canterbury to investigate two corpses found in an ancient crpt separated by decades. Many suspects. Page turner and lots of twists and turns keep the plot moving. This series just gets better and better. Keeps me wanting Sebastian and his love, Kat, to get back together. Looking forward to the next in the series and highly recommend to those who love historical mystery.

184.✔2019 - The Noble Path by Peter May - 544 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 12/4/2019
THE EVIL WRATH; Cambodia, 1978: Amid the Khmer Rouge's crazed genocide, soldier-of-fortune Jack Elliott is given the impossible task of rescuing a family from the regime.
THE PAINFUL TRUTH; Eighteen-year-old orphan and budding journalist Lisa Robinson has received the impossible news that her father is, in fact, alive. His name is Jack Elliott.
THE NOBLE PATH; As Jack tracks the hostages and Lisa traces her heritage, each intent on reuniting a family. Yet to succeed, they each must run a dangerous gauntlet of bullets and betrayal.
Peter May is one of my favorite writers. I have read all of his books. I have enjoyed his Lewis Trilogy, Yan/Campbell and Enzo Macleod series and have read many of his standalone novels.The Noble Path was his first novel and is a reissue from 1992. It was a hard book to read as May allows you to feel the inhumane and brutal treatment of the Khmer Rouge genocide. It is well researched even though he was not allowed to enter the area. He interviewed many and found out the raw truth. It is packed with interesting characters and lots of action and adventure. I would highly recommend this book and highly recommend that you check out May's other books. I would like to thank Quercus Books and NetGalley for allowing me to receive an ARC for an honest review.

185.✔2008 - Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy(2008) - ★★★★★ - 12/5/2019
Read for the second time in 2019. Recognize a lot of the characters from her other books. A definite favorite and looking forward to reading Minding Frankie next week.

186✔2018 -The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor - ★★★ - 12/10/2019
This is a book about betrayal, suicide and murder. Joe Thorne's sister, Annie, went missing. She was 8 years old. Joe has returned to his hometown as he got an email that said that things were happening again. Joe seems to know who did it. He needs to confront the shocking and horrifying truth about Arnill, his sister and himself. The worst moment was the day his sister came back. In my opinion, this book fell short. It's a psychological suspense thriller but has supernatural elements. I was let down by the ending. This book reminded me of Pet Sematary by Stephen King. I read the Chalk Man and I liked that one better.

187✔2020 - The Unwilling by John Hart - ★★★★★ - 12/11/2019
This book is set in the south during the Vietnam War. Robert French was killed in the war. His brother, Jason, has just returned home after 3 tours and wants to spend some time with his brother, Gibby, who will be graduating high school soon. Detective Bill French and his wife, Gabrielle, want Jason to stay away from Gibby as Jason is a hardened soldier of violence and heroin. Jason promises his brother a day of sunshine, women and whiskey. They spend the day with two ladies, Tyra and Sara, and Jason is arrested soon afterward when Tyra is found savagely murdered. When the second woman, Sara, is kidnapped, the police suspect Gibby too. Gibby needs to prove Jason's innocence and dives into his brother's hidden life in order to find the killer. The Unwilling is a novel about family bonds and the burdens of the Vietnam War and why Jason is being framed by X, a billionaire who wants Jason in prison.
This was my first novel by John Hart and I found his writing style to be excellent and easy to read and understand. The plot flowed and I found the book to be a page-turner until the very end. The characters were vey interesting and well-developed. The ending was very satisfying and I realized that I need to read more of John Hart's writing. I would like to thank St. Martin's Press for a free copy of the book for a honest review. I would highly recommend to those who love mystery thrillers.

188.✔2019 - The Other Wife by Claire McGowan - 332 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 12/15/2019
Suzi has cheated once on her husband, Nick, and now he is very controlling. She has done it again and now is pregnant and wondering who the father is. Elle is out for revenge as Suzi has cheated with her husband. Nora is Suzi's new neighbor and is keeping an eye on Suzi and Nick. I found these characters all very interesting and well-developed. The plot was well paced and after Part 1 took off gangbusters and made the book unputdownable. I had to keep reading in order to find out what was going to happen in the end. I loved McGowan's Paula Maguire books and her last book, What You Did. I would highly recommend this book and I look forward to her next release. I would like to thank Amazon UK Publisher and NetGalley for a free book for an honest review.

189.✔Walking In a Winter Wonderland by Richard B. Smith ★★★★★ - 12/17/2019

190.✔Candy Cane Lane by Santoro, Scott ★★★★★ - 12/17/2019

192.✔2013 - Lost by Sharon Bolton - LibraryThing - ★★★★★ - 12/18/2019
10 year old boys are being killed by a serial killer. Barney Roberts and Lacey Flint need to step-up their game to find this killer before their lives are on the line. Lacey Flint, on leave from her job as a London police detective, needs to become involve and no chance that she can stay away.
Many twists and turns make the plot fast-paced. Bolton makes you suspect many characters as being the killer and when the killer is revealed in the end, it is more than a surprise. It's unbelievable! One more book left in the series and I am looking forward to it. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy psychological suspense.

193.✔1971 -☊Lay Down My Sword and Shield by James Lee Burke - 400 pgs. - ★★★ - 12/18/2019
Hack Holland is a product of the South, both old and new. Hard drinking ex POW and wealthy, progressive Democrat, he stands in the long shadow cast by his ancestors. When Holland's candidacy for a congressional seat brings him increasingly into conflict with those around him, his almost unwitting involvement with a violent civil rights conflict forces him to reassess his future and his past. This book is the story of the early life of Hack Holland during the time he was married to Verisa. Not James Lee Burke's best book but Burke is an excellent writer. I need to read his Dave Robicheaux series. Read for my Century of Mystery Novels. Published 1971

194.✔2020 - Hid from Our Eyes Julia Spencer-Fleming - 352 pgs.- ★★★★★ - 12/29/2019
This is the 9th book in the Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne Mystery series set in upstate NY. Clare and Russ have both been in the military. Clare is now the pastor of St. Alban's Church and Russ is the police chief of Miller's Kill police department. Russ receives a 911 call that a young woman has been found dead with the same MO as a crime Russ was accused of in the 70s. At that time, Jack Liddle was called to a murder scene that was very similar to one he worked as a trooper in the 50s. Russ found the body while riding his motorcycle after returning from Vietnam and was considered a suspect. Russ is now pressured to solve these three murders 40 years apart before a vote to eliminate his police department and return to state patrol. He has also enlisted the help of Reverend Clare Fergusson, who is already juggling the tasks of being a new mother to her and Russ's baby and running St. Alban's Church, to finally solve these crimes.
It's been 6 years since the last installment of this series as the author was dealing with the death of her husband and I was very happy to return to the lives of Clare and Russ. They are well-developed flawed characters and this plot kept the pages turning until the very surprised ending. You will get much more out of this book if the series is read in order although this one works as a standalone too. Cliffhanger ending makes me look forward to the next book. Highly recommend to mystery readers. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free copy for an honest review.

195.✔2010 - Minding Frankie by Maeve Binchy - 383 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 12/29/2019
This was another fun and entertaining read from Maeve Binchy. It was another visit to so many wonderful characters from her other novels. This book is timeless and a classic that transcends time. I love her books and look forward to reading my next one.

196.✔2019 - Cruel Acts by Jane Casey - 360 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 12/29/2019
Leo Stone was convicted of the murder of two women and sentenced to life in prison. But now he's free due to a mistrial. DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent are determined to review all the evidence prior to his retrial but the more Maeve finds out, the less convinced she is of his guilt. Another woman disappears. Is it a copycat and have they been wrong about Stone from the start?
Maeve is contacted by Rob which complicates her friendship with Derwent. Cliffhanger about a new love interest has me waiting for the next book which comes out in April. Recommend this series but should read these books in order.

197.✔2006 - Murder in Montmartre by Cara Black - 306 pgs. - ★★★.5 - 12/29/2019
Parisian P.I. Aimée Leduc strives to clear the name of a childhood friend, now a policewoman, who's charged with shooting her partner, Jacque. Aimee Leduc encounters many adventures again in this book; terrorists, prostitutes, a painter's stepdaughter and a crooked Corsican bar owner. She learns of "Big Ears" which records electronic communications for security services. Solving Jacques' murder brings her closer to solving her father's death which still haunts her. Read these books if you love Paris. They are full of adventure and the setting is just as interesting as the characters in the book. 3.5

198.✔2020 - The Tenant by Katrine Engberg - 368 pgs. - ★★★★ - 12/31/2019
This book is a Nordic mystery from Denmark. Katrine Engberg's debut introduces us to Jeppe Korner and Anette Werner, two police detectives from Copenhagen. A young woman is brutally murdered in her apartment. Korner and Werner discover a link to Julie Stender's murder which is Esther de Laurenti, her landlord, who is a budding novelist. Julie's murder is described in the unfinished novel Esther is writing. Is Esther the killer or another victim?
Katrina Engberg's writing is very good and translates well. I found the character of Jeppe Korner very interesting and flawed. I would buy book 2 just to find out more about his life. I did love the premise of Esther's book detailing the murder. There were plenty of twists that kept me guessing and the ending was surprising. I would highly recommend this book to those who love Nordic mystery. I would like to thank Gallery Scott Press and NetGalley for a free copy for an honest review.

199.✔2020 - You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen - 352 pages - ★★★★★ - 12/31/2019
Shay Miller has no job, no apartment and no love interest. She is interested in data. She witnesses a young woman's suicide by throwing herself in front of a subway train. Shay is afraid that she may end up just like Amanda Evinger. She joins forces with Amanda's friends, Cassandra and Jane Moore, who seem to have their life together. She soon finds her life getting better and better but at what price?
This book immediately grabbed a hold of me and did not let go until the very surprise ending. I found the characters well-developed and very interesting. The plot was fast-paced with lots of twists that kept me glued. I have read the authors' other two books but this one is so amazing. I loved Shay's data at the beginning of the chapters and I do believe this was her saving factor. I can't wait to read their next book and I highly recommend this book, if you are a fan of psychological thrillers.This was my last 2019 read and I would have to say it is my best read of the year. I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a free copy for an honest review.

200.✔2017 - The Lost Order by Steve Berry - 368 - ★★★★ - 12/31/2019
From the backrooms of the Smithsonian to the deepest woods in rural Arkansas, and finally up into the rugged mountains of northern New Mexico, The Lost Order by Steve Berry is a perilous adventure into our country’s dark past, and a potentially even darker future.
I loved learning about The Knights of the Golden Circle and it's connection to the Smithsonian Institution. We are introduced to Cotton's namesake uncle, Angus 'Cotton' Adams, a confederate spy, and his connection to knights and the lost treasure from 160 years ago during the Civil War. I enjoyed the intrigue of the Speaker of the House wanting to make radical changes to the country. Exciting adventures of Malone, Cassiopeia, Danny Daniels and Stephanie Nelle and threats to their lives. I'm looking forward to the next Cotton Malone book and recommend this one to those who love historical mystery.

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
✔☊2019 - An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks; Sarah Pekkanen - ★★★★★ 1/14
✔ 2019 - The Royal Secret bu Lucinda Riley - 528 pgs. - ★★★★★ 1/19/2019
✔2019 - A Serial Killer's Daughter by Kerri Rawson - 335 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/14/
✔2019 - Tombland by Sansom, C. J. - 881 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/19/2019
✔☊2019 - The Golden Tresses by Alan Bradley - 360 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/16/2019
✔☊2019 - Help!: The Beatles, Duke Ellington, and the Magic of Collaboration by Thomas Brothers - ★★★★★ - 2/15/2019
✔☊ 2019 - Suspect by Fiona Barton - 416 pgs. - ★★★★ - 3/7/2019
✔2019 - Careless Love by Peter Robinson - 301 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/9/2019
✔2019 - The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides - 339 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/22
✔2019 - Three Marys by Glenn Cooper - 288 pgs - ★★★★★ - 3/31
✔2019 - The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths - 384 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/19/2019
✔2019 - No Exit by Taylor Adams - 336 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 5/3/2019
✔2019 - Shamed by Linda Castillo - 320 pgs.

✔ 2018 - The Comforts of Home by Susan Hill - ★★★★ - 1/12/2019
✔☊2018 - The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
✔2018 - First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer - ★★★★ - 2/6/2019
✔☊ 2018 - They Won't Be Hurt by Kevin O'Brien - 544 pgs.- ★★★★★ - 3/15/2019
✔2018 - Suitcase Charlie by John Guzlowski
✔☊2018 - The English Wife by Lauren Willig - 384 pgs. - ★★★★ - 2/7/2019
✔2018 - Watching You by Lisa Jewel - 496 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/10/2019
✔☊ 2018 - Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik - 480 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/31
✔☊2018 - Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves - 416 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/21/2019
✔☊2018 - Something in Water by Catherine Steadman - 384 pgs. - ★ - 5/7/2019
✔2018 - The Dark Angel by Elly Griffiths

✔☊2017 - The Restless Dead by Simon Beckett - ★★★★★ 1/30/2019
✔☊2017 - Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - 383 pgs.

✔2016 - The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
✔2016 - The Damage Done by James Oswald
✔☊2016 - Dark Matter by Blake Crouch - 359 pgs.- ★★★★ - 3/21/2019
✔2016 - Rain Dogs by Adrian McKinty - 336 pgs.

✔2015 - I Am Death by Chris Carter - ★★★ - 1/10/2019
✔2015 - House of Shadows by Nicola Cornick - 481 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/17/2019

✔☊2014 - Lamentation by CJ. Sansom - 664 pgs. - ★★★★★ 1/18/2019
✔☊ 2014 - In the Morning I'll Be Gone Adrian McKinty - 337 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/31

✔☊2013 - A Tap on the Window by Linwood Barclay - 500 pgs. ★★★★★ 1/21/2019
✔2013 - I Hear the Sirens in the Street by Adrian McKinty
✔2013 - The Stranger You Know by Jane Casey - 451 pgs.

✔☊2012 - The Cold, Cold Ground by Adrian McKinty - ★★★★ - 1/3/2019
✔ 2012 - The Reckoning by Jane Casey - 512 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/14/2019

✔2011 - Locked In by Kerry Wilkinson - 389 pgs. - ★★★★ - 8/29/2019

✔☊2010 - Philo Vance (Old Time Radio) by Original Radio Broadcasts - ★★★★ - 3/8/2019
✔2010 - The Burning by Jane Casey - ★★★★★ 2/3/2019

✔ ★ ☞ ☊

✔2009 - Skin by Mo Hayder

✔☊2008 - The Last Oracle by James Rollins - 516 pgs. - ★★★★ - 3/16/2019
✔2008 - Where Serpents Sleep by C S Harris - 343 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/31
✔☊2008 - Ritual by Mo Hayder - 428 pgs. - ★★★ - 5/5/2019

✔2007 - Evening Class by Maeve Binchy - 546 pgs.

✔2006 - Triptych by Karin Slaughter - 512 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/17/2019

✔2005 - Written In Blood by Diane Fanning - ★★★★ - 1/5/2019

✔☊2004 - Whiteout by Ken Follett - ★★★★★ - 2/6/2019
✔2004 - Song of Susannah by Stephen King
2004 - Tonight I Said Goodbye by Michael Koryta

✔2003 - Dead I Well May Be by Adrian McKinty - 307 pgs. ★★★★ - 10/27/2019

✔☊2002 Hornet Flight by Ken Follett - 592 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/4/2019
2002 - Blood on the Tongue by Stephen Booth

✔☊2001 - Last Man Standing by David Baldacci - 640 pgs. - ★★★★ - 10/15/2019
✔2001 - The Treatment by Mo Hayder - 499 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 3/17/2019

✔☊2000 - Code to Zero by Ken Follett - 480 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/12/2019

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
✔☊1999 - Birdman by Mo Hayder - ★★★★ - 1/5/2019
✔1999 - An Unhallowed Grave by Kate Ellis

✔1998 - The Merchant's House by Kate Ellis - 256 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/13/2019

1997 - Déjà Dead (Temperance Brennan, #1) by Kathy Reichs

1996 - Touched by Carolyn Haines

✔1995 - A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett - 580 pgs.

✔1994 - The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell, #1) by Laurie R. King

✔☊1993 - A Dangerous Fortune by Ken Follett - 596 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 5/2/2019

✔☊1992 - The Black Echo by Michael Connelly - ★★★★

✔1991 - Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchey - 736 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 2/28/2019

1990 - The Midnight Examiner by William Kotzwinkle

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
✔1989 - The Silver Wedding by Maeve Binchy - 432 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/27/2019

✔1988 - Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy - 928 pgs. - ★★★★ - 3/31

1987 - New York Trilogy - Paul Auster

1986 - Watchman by Alan Moore

✔1985 - Lay down With Lions by Ken Follett

1984 - The Thin Woman by Dorothy Cannell

✔1983 - On Wings With Eagles by Ken Follett

✔1982 - The Man From St. Petersburg by Ken Follett - ★★★★★ - 7/15/2019

1981 - Death by Sheer Torture by Robert Barnard

1980 - The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
✔1979 - ☊ Triple by Ken Follett - 513 Pgs.

✔1978 - The Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett

1977 - Listen to Danger by Dorothy Eden

1976 - Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter

✔1975 - Where Are The Children by Mary Higgins Clark

1974 - Puzzle for Puppets by Patrick Quentin

1973 - Murder In Waiting by Mignon G. Eberhart

✔1972 - Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain

✔1971 - Lay Down My Sword and Shield by James Lee Burke

1970 - The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
1969 - The Intercom Conspiracy by Eric Ambler

1968 - The Shadow Wife by Dorothy Eden

✔1967 - Farewell, My Lady by Raymond Chandler

1966 - The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers

1965 - The Pretty Ones by Dorothy Eden

1964 - 1964 - Bella aka Ravenscroft by Dorothy Eden

1963 - The Clocks by Agatha Christie

1962 - Cover Her Face by P.D. James

1961 - The Mirror Cracked from Side to Side by Agatha Christie

1960 - Ace of Spades by Dell Shannon

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
1959 - Incident at a Corner by Charlotte Armstrong

1958 - Listen to Danger by Dorothy Eden

✔☊1957 - 4:50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie - 351 pgs. - ★★★★ - 9/2/2019

1956 - Cop Hater by Ed McBain

✔1955 - Gideon's Day by J.J. Marric

1954 - Bride by Candlelight by Dorothy Eden

1953 - The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

1952 - Mrs McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie

1951 - Strangers in the House - Georges Simenon
✔1951 - Murder in the Marais by Cara Black

1950 - A Murder Is Announced by Agatha Christie

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
1949 - The Asphalt Jungle by W.R. Burnett

✔1948 - In the Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene

✔1947 - The Labours of Hercules by Agatha Christie
1947 - I, the Jury by Mickey Spillane

1946 - The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing
1946 - Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham

1945 - The Yellow Room by Mary Roberts Rinehart

1944 - Green For Danger by Christianna Brand

1943 - The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler

1942 - Calamity Town by Ellery Queen
1942 - Laura by Vera Caspary
1942 - Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

1941 - The Black Dog Mystery by Ellery Quee

✔☊1940 - Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler - 306 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 9/12/2019

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
1939 - Death in the Back Seat by Dorothy Cameron Disney
1939 - A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler

1938 - Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie

1937 - Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson

1936 - Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers
1936 - The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White

1935 - They Shoot Horses, Don’t They by Horace McCoy’s
1935 - The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr

✔1934 - The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
1934 - The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers

✔1933 - Dead Mrs. Stratton by Anthony Berkeley

1932 - Hag's Nook by John Dickson Carr
1932 - The Greek Coffin Mystery by Ellery Queen

1931 - The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett

1930 - Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers

✔ ★ ☞ ☊
✔☊1929 - Red Harvest by Dashiell Hammett - 226 pgs. - ★★★★★ - 4/12/2019

1928 - The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie

1927 - The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
1927 - The Canary Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine

1926 - Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers
1926 - Benson Murder Case - S.S. van Dine

1925 - The Red Lamp by Mary Roberts Rhinehart

✔☊1924 - The Man In The Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - 381 pgs.

✔☊1923 - Whose Body? by Dorothy Sayers - 252 pgs. - ★★★★ - 4/12/2019

1922 - The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne

1921 - The Confession & Sight Unseen by Mary Roberts Rinehart

✔1920 - The Bat by Mary Roberts Rinehart

1919 -

1918 -

1917 -

1916 -

1915 -

1914 - The After House by Mary Roberts Rhinehart
1914 - A Prize for Princes by Rex Stout
1914 - The Buckled Bag by Mary Roberts Rhinehart
1914 - Locked Doors by Mary Roberts Rhinehart

1913 - The Case of Jennie Brice by Mary Robert's Rhinehart
1913 - Trent's Last Case by E.C. Bentley
1913 - Her Forbidden Knight by Rex Stout

1912 -

1911 -

1910 -

1909 -

✔️1908 - The Circular Staircase by Mary Roberts Rhinehart

1907 -

1906 -

1905 - The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

1894 - The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle

1887 - A Study in Scarlet (#1 Sherlock Holmes) by Arthur Conan Doyle

1878 - The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katherine Green

1865 - The Notting Hill Mystery by Charles Felix (pseudonym of Charles Warren Adams)

✔️1860 - The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

✔️1868 - The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

✔️1841 - The Murder in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allen Poe

Century Reads

Century Reads
✔1997 - Déjà Dead (Temperance Brennan, #1) by Kathy Reichs
1996 - Touched by Carolyn Haines
1990 - Midnight Examiner by William Kotzwinkle
1980 - The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

Century Reads
1969 - The Intercom Conspiracy by Eric Ambler
1968 - The Shadow Wife by Dorothy Eden
1967 - Farewell, My Lady by Raymond Chandler
1966 - The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers
1965 - The Pretty Ones by Dorothy Eden
1964 - Bella aka Ravenscroft by Dorothy Eden
1963 - The Clocks by Agatha Christie
1962 - Cover Her Face by P.D. James
1961 - The Mirror Cracked from Side to Side by Agatha Christie
1960 - Ace of Spades by Dell Shannon
1979 - ☊ Triple by Ken Follett - 513 Pgs.
✔1978 - ☊ - Eye of The Needle by Ken Follett - 445 Pgs. - ★★★★★ - 1/8/2020
1977 - Listen to Danger by Dorothy Eden
1976 - Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter
1974 - Puzzle for Puppets by Patrick Quentin
1970 - The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake
1990 - The Midnight Examiner by William Kotzwinkle
1987 - New York Trilogy - Paul Auster
1984 - The Thin Woman by Dorothy Cannell
1981 - Death by Sheer Torture by Robert Barnard

1959 - Incident at a Corner by Charlotte Armstrong
1958 - Listen to Danger by Dorothy Eden
1956 - Cop Hater by Ed McBain
1954 - Bride by Candlelight by Dorothy Eden
1953 - The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
1952 - Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie
1951 - Strangers in the House - Georges Simenon

1949 - The Asphalt Jungle by W.R. Burnett
1946 - The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing
1946 - Nightmare Alley by William Lindsay Gresham
1945 - The Yellow Room by Mary Roberts Rinehart
1944 - Green For Danger by Christianna Brand
1943 - The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler
1942 - Calamity Town by Ellery Queen
1942 - Laura by Vera Caspary
1942 - Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie
1941 - The Black Dog Mystery by Ellery Quee
1940 - The Lady Is Afraid (#1 Max Hale) by George Harmon Coxe

1939 - Death in the Back Seat by Dorothy Cameron Disney
1939 - A Coffin for Dimitrios by Eric Ambler
1938 - Hercule Poirot's Christmas by Agatha Christie
1937 - Thieves Like Us by Edward Anderson
1936 - Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers
1936 - The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White
1935 - They Shoot Horses, Don’t They by Horace McCoy’s
1935 - The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr
1932 - Hag's Nook by John Dickson Carr
1932 - The Greek Coffin Mystery by Ellery Queen
1931 - The Glass Key by Dashiell Hammett
1930 - Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers

1928 - The Mystery of the Blue Train by Agatha Christie
1927 - The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
1927 - The Canary Murder Case by S.S. Van Dine
1926 - Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers
1926 - Benson Murder Case - S.S. van Dine
1925 - The Red Lamp by Mary Roberts Rhinehart
1922 - The Red House Mystery by A.A. Milne
1921 - The Confession & Sight Unseen by Mary Roberts Rinehart