This is Rosenfelt’s first stand-alone book. So, if you were looking for Andy Carpenter, his criminal defense attorney, you will not find him here. NorThis is Rosenfelt’s first stand-alone book. So, if you were looking for Andy Carpenter, his criminal defense attorney, you will not find him here. Nor, will you find the typical snarky humor which is a centerpiece of the author’s writing that makes readers joyfully gravitate to his books. So, what will we find?
A young successful New York businessman, Tim Wallace suddenly finds himself widowed by an explosion that kills his new wife, Maggie on his boat, and a lot of people looking at him as the murderer. Not only that, but a conspiracy that seems to reach beyond this one death, to politics. What?
As pages turn, readers also wonder, why? Who? And, will it all make sense after all the dead bodies have been counted? Also, will Tim Wallace be vindicated when it seems like every turn is pointing to him as the perpetrator? How will this unassuming supposedly innocent “framed” guy get through this tangled mess? And, will readers be grateful for the final conclusion if and when he does?
Seemingly well-written, with short chapters, the story is fast-paced and somewhat inventive, but it fell flat towards the end. Like after all this time of getting readers to know what was finally going on, suddenly we are finding ourselves at an abrupt conclusion. In some ways, this end spoiled the feel of the original pace of the book that started out engaging with a complex mystery. Still, for love of the author, it was a worthwhile read, just not up to the standards that I have grown to love with his Andy Carpenter series.
“A mistake is a lesson, unless you make the same mistake twice.”
It almost feels like a lesson in life when venturing into a Cosby novel. WCatching up…
“A mistake is a lesson, unless you make the same mistake twice.”
It almost feels like a lesson in life when venturing into a Cosby novel. With his rich, fully developed characters and scenic descriptions of life among them, readers can’t help but be emerged in the culture and feel like there is something more than a story about a crime being committed, or the poverty that surrounds them, and how it all affects the actions that will take place.
Bug Montage is an amazing father, devoted husband, and honest mechanic, with a past. A criminal past. Those who know of his past, know that he is one of the best get-away drivers in the business. But Bug has been leading a straight life. Why would he want to stray from it? Well, maybe things aren’t going as well as he would like it to be going. So, when a “job” comes his way, he takes it. The money will be good, and he won’t be caught, and that is what matters.
And, with Cosby’s telling of the story, you can sense he truly knows how money can motivate a person to turn to crime. And, how good people can do bad things even if it seems like it is for all the right reasons. How can we as readers not feel for Bug’s circumstances? He has all the right reasons to do what he is doing, right? (No spoilers from me.)
But there is more to this story. And, that is where the learning comes in for readers. Racial tension lives between these pages. And, that is why books like this should be a part of the conversation. Perhaps this one can be considered for a book group selection? This author understands what racism looks like and feels like, and he writes it in a heartfelt way that readers can feel it, too.
“Listen, when you’re black in America you live with the weight of people’s low expectations on your back every day. They can crush you right down to the goddamn ground. Think about it like it’s a race. Everybody else has a head start and you are dragging those low expectations behind you. Choices give you freedom from those expectations. Allow you to cut ’em loose. Because that’s what freedom is. Being able to let things go. And nothing is more important than freedom.”
This story has violence and grit which adds to the crime narrative, but what makes this novel memorable is that it uses fiction to deliver what we know is true about what is going on around us and it willingly discusses this history openly. Yes, it may be about a jewelry heist, but it is also about family, and the risks one will take to protect it (not that I’m advocating for this behavior – just sharing the essence of what readers will see and feel as they walk through these pages).
“The truth had a strange way of ending an argument.”
Cosby has a lot to say in this novel. Buckle up for this drive. ...more
It took a fellow college faculty member that I worked with at Cypress College in southern California (before relocating to Cuesta College Catching up…
It took a fellow college faculty member that I worked with at Cypress College in southern California (before relocating to Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo) to get me to read this book years ago. He was going to be conducting a faculty reading discussion group, and I thought it would be a wonderful experience to attend. And then, it took a donation to a Little Free Library recently to remind me of that long ago experience, and why I would want to revisit this book.
This book wasn’t published in English until 1983. But it was in the late 1980’s, that we as a faculty group had the opportunity to sit around a very large table to discuss this book. I remember when the lead who facilitated the discussion compared the author to Melville, Dostoevsky, Joyce and Garcia-Marquez. How do I remember this, I honestly don’t know! Could it be that a book like this is hard to forget?
Anyway, when I saw this book in a Little Free Library that I was leaving a book for, all these memories of this long-ago discussion came back to me. Of course, it helped that I was also now revisiting it, in-between my other novels this past month.
There are 538 pages to this story, plus a postscript about “the title and meaning” which brought the pages to 576. And then, with this edition that I found at a local LFL, there is an added “Note” from the author which brings the final pages to 579.
What is this novel about anyway?
Well, it is mostly an intriguing detective story set in 1327. There are a series of gruesome murders at a remote Benedictine monastery in the Italian mountains. This is where our main protagonist, Brother William of Baskerville, and his Assistant Adso of Melk, a Benedictine novice from Austria are headed. Adso, is also the narrator.
This was not supposed to be their reason for their coming to the monastery. They were planning to attend an embassy meeting with the Pope and a group of Minorities. But a young illustrator known for his beautiful illuminated manuscripts, is found dead.
Was it suicide or truly murder?
Because of his “thinking” skills, the abbot asks William to investigate the death, which also allows him access to the library which isn’t allowed to be entered by just anyone. And, as readers, as we watch William and Adso in action, we can’t help but feel we are looking at a familiar rendition of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson for their time period.
Especially when more murders occur.
For this reader, as I mentioned above, I certainly felt the Holmes/Watson connection.
Consider the author’s giving William the name ‘Baskerville.’ William’s character asks questions, he studies clues, and he uses the powers of deduction. Remember, the abbot was impressed with his “thinking” skills. For Holmes fans, it does seem very Holmes like, don’t you think? And of course, then there is Adso. He needs William to explain things to him (which also benefits us, the readers) – and that was very typical of Holmes role with Dr. Watson.
Through the course of their investigations of the abbey’s crimes and its secret heresy, there is a medieval flavor to what is being discovered. We are in the Middle Ages after all, but Eco attempts to give a modern view to that world. He paints a picture of monsters that linger within the characters and their actions.
And, with Adso getting clues through his dreams, it gives William the opportunity to try and translate.
“A dream is a scripture, and many scriptures are nothing but dreams.”
As readers we are left with a story that combines criminal investigation, exploration of theology and the language of the times. A medieval mystery novel, so to speak. It also is quite the study of religious history of Europe of the 14th century, which may be too much for some, or fascinating for others.
But for this reader, the descriptions of monastery life, the library scenes, and the characters of William and Adso were worth reading and discussing with others.
But what truly makes this story work, once you get over the length of it, is that Eco’s characters, even if they may appear dry (other than William and Adso), the plot feels very much like walking through a Conan Doyle and Christie novel. And, if you are fans of those authors, this book works.
And, for those who may consider this book for a discussion group, the author’s postscript helps. And, I know I referred to that a lot as we launched into our group discussion all those years ago. The postscript provided so many useful tips on: the reasons for the author’s title, why and how he wrote the book, his reasons for choosing the Middle Ages as the time period, how he would create his narrator, constructing the world his characters would live in, reasons for his long didactic passages (those really brought out quite the discussion!), and most importantly, how he was going to attract us, the reader.
Patience will be needed because of the length of the book. But it is a captivating detective story. And, so quotable throughout the story. Eco shares…
“…Books talk among themselves, and any true detection should prove that we (readers) are the guilty party.”
Think about what he shares in that quote I just mentioned above, as you take a plunge into this historical novel.
“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it....more
This is a first in a potential new series (?) in which readers are introduced to black private investigator, Vandy Myrick who has returned to her homeThis is a first in a potential new series (?) in which readers are introduced to black private investigator, Vandy Myrick who has returned to her hometown Queenstown, New Jersey. She is asked to investigate a double murder for a powerful client, Leo Hannah. But should she pursue the truth, even if it threatens her and her loved ones?
There seems to be some complexities that comes with this town, including some racial inequalities, a corrupt political atmosphere and social issues. There is also an interesting cast of characters, and a lot that goes on for Vandy before justice appears to be served. Vandy seems like a strong female protagonist, which means that if a series is projected, she would be a good one to consider for it. ...more
Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Full disclosure: I only decided to read and review this one because it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed and I loved the Jack Ryan Amazon Prime series. Would I be happy with my decision?
Tom Clancy actually died on October 1, 2013. So, it is very important to note that he obviously no longer writes this series. (This book was published this year, 2024.) However, a lot of Tom Clancy fans, may look at the cover, which has his named emblazoned on it in large letters at the top, and not realize this fact. The marketers don’t hide the other fact that it also says at the very bottom in smaller letters, “By Andrews & Wilson.”
So, who are Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson? They are Navy veterans who happen to be a writing team. Brian is a nuclear engineer and Jeff is a vascular surgeon and jet pilot who conducted combat operations with an East Coast-based SEAL team. Their credentials seem to lend themselves to continuing Clancy’s characters and legacy.
This 548-page novel, is part of the Jack Ryan series. Not to be mistaken for what any of us may have watched on the Amazon Prime series of the same name. This has moved Ryan forward as the now President of the United States. Yet, this storyline gives more “screen time” to Ryan’s daughter Katie who is now a Lieutenant Intelligence Agent.
The easiest way to describe this book is in free flow words. Fast. Intense. Suspenseful. Well-placed plot. Page-turner. Twists and turns. Thriller.
If you loved Clancy’s “The Hunt for Red October,” this one may work for you. Just don’t be intimidated by all the Naval acronyms!...more
“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape o“Like the waters of the river, like the motorists on the highway, and like the yellow trains streaking down the Santa Fe tracks, drama, in the shape of exceptional happenings, had never stopped there.”
Catching up…
I know. This is a book that has been around for a while. But when it became a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I knew it was time to re-visit it and share my thoughts.
This book actually began as a New York Times murder story that transformed itself into spine-tingling suspense. Can you imagine picking up your newspaper and devouring this headline story with your breakfast coffee?
Capote felt he could tell the story of this Midwest killing that featured sinister murderers in a way that would capture readers’ interest.
A 4-member family of a prosperous farming family are viciously murdered at close-range with a shotgun. No apparent motive. Limited clues. A local FBI investigator, Alvin Dewey is shocked at how meaningless and cruel the crime appears. Who would do this and why? And, how could Capote get the details he needed to write his story beyond headline grabbers?
“Imagination, of course, can open any door – turn the key and let terror walk right in.”
He turned to friend and fellow author, Harper Lee, obviously known for “To Kill a Mockingbird.” She had a way of penetrating the silence that seemed to be protecting the remote Kansas community entrenched in the murders.
Once he was in, Capote conducted his own investigation which would encompass the manhunt, arrest and trial of the culprits. Capote shared…
“…the greatest intensity in art in all its shapes and sizes is achieved with a deliberate, hard and cool head.”
It truly is a real-crime drama that captivates as readers turn pages. And, even if we think we know the story already, probably through endless documentaries we have watched, it still is a privilege to read Capote....more
When I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persWhen I first saw this book cover, I thought it was a true story. The way the lone girl was standing on the highway, I wondered, is this a missing persons story that someone felt compelled to write?
“This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.”
Even though the book cover felt a bit misleading, please don’t pass the book by. It is not a true story. It is something more. Just open it. What comes up from page one through the end will keep readers engaged.
And, as readers, we get to hear Nina’s voice first.
What follows is a story told in multiple points of view that is engrossing and intriguing.
Is this story giving us a sense of a parent’s worst nightmare?
As readers we experience, what happened between Nina and Simon. And, how the parents of both Nina and Simon navigate the landscape of what happened when it becomes clear that Nina is missing.
Readers already are given a sense of what could have been with Nina’s opening voice. But what more lies between the pages to get the answers we as readers are so desperate to find? Lots. That is how page-turning, gut-wrenching, soulful interesting this story plays out.
But what kind of story is this truly?
Is this a mystery or a thriller or a character study of personalities, and what anyone would do in these circumstances?
Of course, we can label it a mystery because we are uncertain what really happened to Nina. We can label it a thriller because as readers we are racing to the end to find out what happened. As readers we may want closure and justice, because we believe something terrible could have happened. But mostly we are left with an interesting look at, what would I do in these circumstances if something happened to my daughter or son? How would I behave?
In this way, it becomes a stirring tale, as we as readers, consider and observe where the moral fiber lies. Especially as parents....more
Hazel left town for a reason, but what that reason was, isn’t always clear to readers. Yet.
So, when her father, Perry Holt passes, she returns for hiHazel left town for a reason, but what that reason was, isn’t always clear to readers. Yet.
So, when her father, Perry Holt passes, she returns for his funeral. She would like to return to her simple life just as quickly where she currently lived, then stay in her father’s house. But he left it to her, and some unfinished family business. What is she going to do now?
What readers soon come to discover is that the past involved the disappearance of her mother. And, then when her friend Jamie disappears all these old wounds and now new mystery come in to play. Are they connected?
What could be going on? What has Hazel walked back into? What happened to her mother, and why?
As readers turn pages at a quick pace, they are also being reminded of the drought that has over taken the town. And because of that drought, the water levels are dropping in the lake. What might be discovered there? And, could it have anything to do with Hazel’s missing mother? And, what about Jamie?
Can anybody be trusted in this town?
And, should we as readers pay close attention to the book cover – is there a clue there, perhaps?
Short chapters, with gripping suspense will make this one hard to put down, as readers race to figure out the truth that Hazel wants so desperately to learn.
You know you have read a lot of books when you pick up a book as if you are looking at it for the first time and begin reading it and realize it soundYou know you have read a lot of books when you pick up a book as if you are looking at it for the first time and begin reading it and realize it sounds familiar. I can’t begin to count on my fingers how many times I have done this to myself. Of course, it has to happen with classic Connelly. And, Bosch. I love Bosch.
So, when this book was deposited as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I couldn’t help but think, is this one of his stories I missed? Of course not. It is one, that I forgot I had read. And, now I am reviewing it.
This is where Detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch is now working for the Open-Unsolved Unit, hoping to find a way to find closure for those “chorus of forgotten voices” and certainly justice for the unresolved cases. This is also an opportunity for Bosch to learn about the advances in forensic science that have been made since he retired 3 years earlier.
What I love about Connelly is his beautiful attention to detail. Basics in investigative police work – police procedurals at its best.
As Bosch takes on his first case, the reader gets an inside tour of the streamlined LAPD and all the advanced techniques used in comparative analysis of DNA, ballistics and fingerprints.
As a reader, I am soaking up the methods of modern forensics, and it is obvious that it is revitalizing Bosch, too. But we also get a taste of his old-fashioned police detective work in action, as well. As well as his gut instinct at following the clues. What we appreciate the most is his way of speaking for the dead.
In true Connelly fashion, this will be a page-turning, well-done read for fans. And those new to Bosch, will want to get to know him. But as in all series, it is always best to start at the beginning. The first Harry Bosch book was “The Black Echo.”...more
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, readers just might find themselves attracted to Isaiah Quintabe, better known as IQ, a 26-year-old African AmericIf you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, readers just might find themselves attracted to Isaiah Quintabe, better known as IQ, a 26-year-old African American “private eye.” He takes on cases the police are less likely to involve themselves in. And, he is the star protagonist of this novel, which is this author’s debut.
Isaiah is a bit moralistic, who happened to love his older beloved brother named Marcus. This will be important for readers to understand because what occurred, molds IQ’s character.
We begin, when the author takes readers directly into a crime in progress. There is an obvious creepy guy with nefarious ideals towards an innocent teenage girl. And then there is IQ, a bystander witness. He goes into action with his deductive skills, recognizing that a possible crime is in process. He has interesting ways of processing this scene, and, quite the tools in his “toolchest” to thwart the crime.
Of course, IQ won’t stick around for the hero status, he’s not interested in the credit or the accolades. This is another aspect of IQ’s character that makes him so likable.
So, what happened in IQ’s past that makes him want to right the wrongs for the locals? What happened to Marcus? And what happened in IQ’s past that brought him to become this present kind of Los Angeles private investigator who is gifted like Sherlock Holmes?
While readers contemplate this through their swift turning of pages, a case comes. And it involves someone who needs help, and perhaps some dogs. Is this a take on the Hound of the Baskervilles? If it involves protecting a dog, or any dog, I am all in, and I think readers will agree, as well!
Oh, and IQ has a sidekick that is similar to Dr. Watson, of Sherlock Holmes fame, in Juanell Dodson, a war veteran. Readers should just go with it and appreciate what he and other characters add to the story!
There is action. It is gritty. (A bit of foul language for the sensitive ears.) There is that Los Angeles scenery. The investigations are good. And, it almost feels like it is being written for the screen. Hmmm…wonder who has the rights?
And, Isaiah is a fascinating character to want to follow into a future series. Will the author continue to follow his Sherlock theme – perhaps adding a Moriarty type nemesis presence? I understand his next book is called “Righteous.” Maybe it might be worth checking out, too.
Whatever is decided, I liked that IQ also had his own dog named Ruffin. That makes him worthy and watchable in my eyes!...more
It seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t TemIt seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t Tempe Brennan, our favorite forensic anthropologist a fighter too? For whatever reason, I just feel at home in a Bones book. The characters feel like family, including her cat, Birdie.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end....more
How well do we really know the people we think we love?
Martha’s husband, Alan is a travelling salesman. And, they have a really neat, rather compact How well do we really know the people we think we love?
Martha’s husband, Alan is a travelling salesman. And, they have a really neat, rather compact and comfortable marriage. As a librarian she is content with her life. But when he comes back from one of his trips with blood on one of his shirts, she begins to question what exactly happens at his “selling” conferences, after all.
And, as she begins the painstaking research, to figure out what her husband might be up to, she is uncomfortable enough about what she discovers, that she calls one of her friends from college, Lily Kintner for support.
Now, as I mention Lily Kintner, for those who have not read this series, please understand that this is book #3. It is best if you read the series, to know Lily and Henry from book 1, so you understand their characters fully. You can read this as a stand-alone, but you will appreciate this story better, if you have followed the series.
Back to this story…
Martha and Lily have their own past, in which Lily helped rescue her from an ill-fated relationship with Ethan Saltz back in graduate school.
How can Lily help her discover if her husband could be a potential serial killer? And, will Henry Kimball be able to also help when Lily ventures into dark and deadly territory?
What will readers discover in this twisty, riveting, page-turning tale? And, when all seems to be clear, don’t be so sure. This author has a way of throwing many twists that will keep readers going up to the very last page!
When this one came through as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I was reminded how I felt when I first read it. Have youCatching up…
When this one came through as a donation to my Little Free Library Shed recently, I was reminded how I felt when I first read it. Have you read it or seen the movie?
And, do you recall having that feeling about a book or a movie that you aren’t sure you want to re-visit it because it was that frightening?
And, to be honest I am not a fan of horror, scary or being told “boo” around any dark corners.
So, the question for me was, did I really want to go here again just to submit this review?
Well, obviously I did. So, what was I thinking?
When I tell you that this is that kind of a book that once you decide to place yourself within the pages of it, you are making a commitment to maybe not choose to sleep for a week afterwards, will you believe me?
Please know that, I care enough about you to put this much into words. But I am not going to give you explicit details. Nope. Not because I am not a spoiler revealer kind of a person, but this is the kind of a book that is better to go into blindly. At your own risk. It will be important to know that there will be slow reveals. Tension. Because something is ALWAYS happening. And, it WILL always be about choice. For you as a reader. And, for the characters to make. At the cabin. At the end of the world.
And, as the cover of the book says, “save your family or save humanity. Make the choice.”
But the real choice is whether you as the reader will want to just open the pages of this book.
So, Mel is getting ready to attend her twin brother, James and his fiancé RacheFamilies are complicated.
Especially when it comes to murder and money.
So, Mel is getting ready to attend her twin brother, James and his fiancé Rachel’s wedding. Little did she know that she would be finding herself showing up at her ex-boyfriend David’s place needing help because her supposed date was attempting to murder her.
What?
As more and more becomes known, what will Mel discover about this unknown assassin? And, as readers turn pages, what will they discover about Mel and James past that led to this moment?
Each chapter provides clues to the past as readers get closer to James and Rachel’s wedding. But what do each of these characters reveal that leave readers wondering, when it comes to family who can anybody truly trust?
Pages turn quickly in this riveting, thrilling novel.
I want to thank the author for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I am providing an honest review....more
Oh Alex, you had me at page 4. And, then you did it again. You kept at it with every chapter. What were you doing to me? My pulse couldn’t stop racingOh Alex, you had me at page 4. And, then you did it again. You kept at it with every chapter. What were you doing to me? My pulse couldn’t stop racing. I kept checking my Apple Watch to make sure I wasn’t hyperventilating from all the excitement, as you kept me hanging and wanting more from all the little shocker reveals at the end of each chapter.
Ryan and Ali(son) are so in love. They are at the end of their high school year, and they want to have this instant romantic evening together before they head off to their separate colleges. And, just as they might be able to have that loving teenage moment together at their favorite hang-out secluded spot, a storm hits.
But wait readers, there is more!
As they head for shelter to Ali’s car, did someone knock Ryan out, or are we imaging it?
And then, readers find Ryan waking up, Alison and her car are gone and it is daylight. Chapter ends.
And, thus this is how it is throughout the book. Moments like this with explicit tension.
Something dramatic happens at the end of each chapter where readers are left hanging with a piece of news hoping for some explanation…but not necessarily getting it. Yet!
And, that is where readers feel like they are attending a masterclass in expert plotting.
By chapter 2, readers find themselves fast forwarding 5 years later. What happened? Ryan has changed his last name and although he is evading his past, it seems to be catching up to him. Why?
Readers are still left wondering what happened to Alison that fateful night 5 years earlier. And, what happens when Alison’s car is found 5 years later? And, what happens when some (thing?) is found in Alison’s car that isn’t Alison? And, who is after Ryan now?
Will the past ever be resolved?
And, will Karen ever get some sleep? (That’s me! Spoiler reveal: No.)
So many questions…
I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to keep up with the twists and turns in this fast-paced, riveting story that will have readers guessing what really happened on that night long ago. And, if readers think they know…don’t be so sure of yourself!...more
When I ordered this book from my local library, I didn’t know what kind of book I was going to be reading. I just knew it was a Baldacci book, and thaWhen I ordered this book from my local library, I didn’t know what kind of book I was going to be reading. I just knew it was a Baldacci book, and that is all that mattered to me. And, I can’t believe I didn’t put this in my ‘currently reading’ pile. Oh well. Believe it or not, I have been reading it. It is a book to be reckoned with, in all its 477 pages. But before I get in to discussion of it, back to Baldacci.
I love all his characters. And, who knew if it was going to be someone from the past, or someone new. I just knew I had already developed my relationships with, Atlee Pine, Aloysius Archer, Amos Decker, Alex Jamison, Travis Devine, Will Robie, John Puller, Sean King, Michelle Maxwell and Oliver Stone.
I never expected to be taken into a historical fiction courtroom drama with two new characters to add to my personal “love” list. But here I was. Ready and willing.
And, to be honest, my heart was on fire from page one. And, that even included the ‘Author’s Note.’
“I wish we lived in a world that was just and equal for all, and that lawyers could concentrate on being simply lawyers and not spokespersons for a cause. …and we can all rise high or fall low, but we should all be judged by the same standard. That is the only way we can move forward as a country, as a people.”
This is a stand-alone featuring two new characters in 1968 Freeman County, Virginia, a hotbed county, and area of the state, filled with hate and prejudice. We meet Jack Lee a white lawyer who is given a case to defend a black couple, Jerome and Pearl Washington that have been accused of killing a rich white couple.
And, when we are talking the south, it doesn’t look like they are going to get a very fair chance at trial with a Judge that has Ku Klux Klan leanings, George Wallace poised to run for President and an all-white jury.
To help Jack on the case is Desiree DuBose a Black lawyer from Chicago who is fierce about justice and equality.
What will this team discover? Will they be able to overcome these odds?
As I turned pages and read, I couldn’t help but feel the 60’s past and today’s present merging too closely together. I wanted to cry out in frustration and sadness that something was wrong – that there was a time machine that had made a mistake – that thought that 2024 was 1968 all over again and to please let me blink myself awake to a better more thoughtful, just present. That I must be dreaming.
And then, I got out of my head and reminded myself I was within the pages of a really excellent story with solid character development. It was describing the 1960’s south realistically. The courtroom drama was spectacular and dramatic and real-feeling.
There will be much to digest within these pages. Be patient. It will be worth the journey.
This story is fresh and intense, and thrilling, and showcases the human corruptness. I can only hope that this is just the beginning of Dubose and Lee as future characters and fighters of justice in an upcoming Baldacci series.
Also, I recommend that everyone read the ‘Author’s Note’ at the beginning. It is heart-felt and timely. What he shares at the end of it, which makes even more sense once it is read and digested, I think is worth including…
“I wanted each to learn from the other, and …to eventually find mutual respect and empathy for one another. In the end, what can we strive for that is more vital, for all of us?”...more
Paul is the narrator of this one “perfect” day tale. And, he will be an unreliable narrator because of his cocky, outbursts and justifications for whaPaul is the narrator of this one “perfect” day tale. And, he will be an unreliable narrator because of his cocky, outbursts and justifications for what he believes will create the “best day ever” for his meticulously planned drive with his wife Mia to their vacation home.
But not all will go as planned. What will be truth and what will be lies? How healthy and perfect is this marriage really? What is Mia thinking about what Paul has planned for her?
Readers will feel the suspense and angst and drama and deception and could it possibly be betrayal as pages turn? The drive will be tense as readers wait for the riveting conclusion.
But…about that ending…(no spoilers from me.)...more
This is not the first in the series, which puts readers (like me) at a slight disadvantage, who haven’t started with the first, to get the full back sThis is not the first in the series, which puts readers (like me) at a slight disadvantage, who haven’t started with the first, to get the full back story on our main character, Deputy Ben Packard. It doesn’t mean this story won’t have its own flow, but I think we might have benefited better had we had the opportunity to read the first story to know our protagonist a little more intimately before entering this story. (He is unique and fascinating as a Deputy who is also gay.)
So, why did I read and start with this one? Well, it was a donation to my Little Free Library Shed, and I couldn’t resist it.
In this story, Packard is called to a crime scene in which the husband is found dead by the wife. They slept in separate bedrooms because of his snoring.
Packard’s character is a thorough investigator, which makes this a wonderful police procedural. Also, this is a beautiful location setting, which allows Sandy Lake to serve almost like another character in the story. It may look pleasant on the surface, but there is a darkness that feels chilling underneath the surface.
And, then of course, there is Packard. A complex, outsider character that feels real and capable and interesting that cares about the town he is there to protect....more
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