Robert B. Parkers Wonderland by Ace Atkins

NOT A HAPPY FAMILY
BY SHARI LAPENA
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

VERITY
BY COLLEEN HOOVER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

FOX CREEK
BY KENT KRUEGER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

THE THINGS WE CANNOT SAY
BY KELLY RIMMER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

 IT ENDS WITH US
BY COLLEEN HOOVER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

It Ends with Us is a novel about Lily Bloom a young woman who has witnessed domestic abuse from a very early age. Sadly, it was her Father, Andrew Bloom, who regularly abused her Mom.  Andrew was the "adored mayor of a small town in Maine."  Her Father had just passed on and she was asked to deliver his eulogy.  She introduces herself to the people gathered for the memorial service.  She thanks them for coming to mourn his loss. "I wanted to take a moment to honor his life by sharing with you five great things about my Father.  The first thing...  I stood up there for two solid minutes without saying another word."  There wasn't one great thing to say about him.

This is where Lily's story begins when she returns to Boston and meets Ryle Kincaid.  Ryle is "beautiful", dressed perfectly with a two-hundred-dollar haircut. And to make him even more perfect he's a Neurosurgeon! Except he's not since he has an aversion to relationships and is only interested in one night stands.  His only goal in life is to have success.

The story then flashes back to Lily's teenage years and her first love Atlas. He was a homeless boy who was finishing his senior year in high school.  Lily takes him under her wing since the house he stayed in had no water, electricity or food. Their relationship grows into a wonderful friendship and then to young love.  A chance encounter puts them in contact after many years.

In current times, Lily decides to pursue her dream of opening a flower shop since flowers and gardening have always been her passion.  (She laughs that she can capitalize on her name.) Her Mom visits the storefront that has so much potential.  She tells Lily "people will say it was a brave, bold, smart business decision."

Lily continues telling her story of falling in love with that "perfect" man Ryle. And about their passionate loving relationship until she realizes first hand that maybe her Mom wasn't weak at all for staying with her Father.  Maybe she just stayed because she loved him too much.

I hope you'll enjoy this well-told story about loving someone which is wonderful, but being "brave and bold" is much more important.

Happy reading!

 THE CROOKED BRANCH
BY JEANINE CUMMINS
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I don't often say that I love a book, but this is one. It's not that I'm that critical - I hope.  But this historical novel touched me because of the way in which it blended two women's stories of desperation and loss.  As I'm sure I've mentioned before even a fictional novel can teach us so much.

In this case, in 1896, Ginny Doyle is suffering through the Great Hunger often called the potato famine. Then in present day Majella's story is a first time Mother struggling to cope with caring for her baby girl, Emma.  She feels as though she is failing her and might even have mental health problems. When Majella finds a diary that belonged to her great, great Grandmother Ginny Doyle, she is even more worried. Because after reading part of the diary she tells her therapist "There are all different kinds of crazy, but mostly I think it's ancestral."

Ginny's story begins with the start of Ireland's potato famine. Overnight a noxious fog blows into the western shores of Ireland.  Ginny and Raymond look out at their decimated fields.  Everywhere they look there is nothing but rot. Ginny looks back at her four children but she "could never conceive of the kind of suffering that would follow."

Majella's story starts with her first visit to a psychiatrist. She believes her depression is more than post-partum depression.  She tells the doctor that she thinks she is going crazy. For clarification she tells him 'Like actual crazy, not fun-crazy." Majella tells her story in the first person and sometimes adds a bit of humor to lighten the story.

Ginny and her husband Raymond's primary concern is paying the rent.  They decided that their only hope was for Raymond to go to America to find work and send money back to his family.  They sold enough oats and their hog to pay the rent. Because, if you didn't pay the English landlords you would be thrown out of your cottage and they would burn it to the ground!  From this point the hardships they endure are hard to fathom.  Ginny watches as her family and neighbors begin to literally starve to death. Then Ginny hears that an estate nearby needs a chambermaid. She makes the agonizing decision to leave her children and go to work at Spring Hill. So Ginny sets off to see if she can be hired as the new chambermaid.  Leaving her eldest daughter Maire in charge of her three younger siblings.

You might think that Majella's story and unhappiness doesn't compare to Ginny's agonizing problems. But, to Majella it's devastating because she wants so badly to be her old self-assured self and to be the great Mother she dreamed of. She feels isolated from her family and friends.  She reaches out to her Mother who hasn't made any attempt to see Emma and when Majella calls her for support her Mom says, "Listen I don't have long, I'm about to run to water aerobics."

There is so, so much more to this novel that I'm sure you'll find both heartbreaking and believable in both of these two women's lives.  In spite of the huge time difference in their experiences both Mothers are determined to protect their children at any cost.

In closing, I read quite a lot and I’d say this is the best book I’ve read this year!

Happy reading!

 THE LAST FLIGHT
BY JULIE CLARK
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I'm always amazed by the number of wonderful authors out there who I haven't read!  In this case, I found Julie Clark who wrote this novel.  It's not only a superior and suspenseful read, but also a narrative of how women are so often deemed "unreliable and then expendable" which leads to both physical and mental abuse. The story begins with two women who are desperate enough to take the risk of not walking but running away from their former lives.

Claire Cook is the first woman you'll meet.  She has a seemingly perfect life.  She is married to a powerful politician who in the beginning was charismatic and loving until he was not... So now after 10 years of abuse and isolation from her former life, she's carefully orchestrated a plan to leave. Unfortunately, the morning of her escape her husband changes her destination from a trip to Detroit to one to Puerto Rico for a different humanitarian event.  All of the documents and money she has hidden away have already been sent to Detroit! 

While waiting in the airport bar for her flight Claire seemingly, by chance, meets the other woman in the story.  Her name is Eva and she tells Claire she is a grieving widow who just lost her husband to Cancer. She then went on to say that she and David had decided to end his suffering.  But, "now it seems they have questions and there might be consequences." Just as Eva had planned, Claire out of her own desperation suggests they switch tickets. She tells Eva it's her only chance.

Now, I don't want to be a spoiler, but this happens in the beginning. One of the women's planes crashes with no survivors!  The rest of the story continues filling in lots of their backgrounds in the years leading up to this fateful day.

I know I've mentioned before that the best books I've read are those you can't wait to get back to.  This is a suspenseful and fast paced story of two women who have had enough sadness and abuse to take them to desperate measures in order to live a better life.

 Happy reading!

 THE HOME STRETCH
BY DAVE NIMMER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

This is a very different book for me. As you know from previous reviews I usually read fiction. So, this was a enjoyable change mainly because many of us can relate to the inevitable issues that go along with growing older which are told in a light and often sensitive way.

You may remember Dave Nimmer from WCCO television where he was a reporter and assistant news director. But he was mainly a highly respected journalist. He worked as a reporter then a managing editor of the Minneapolis Star. He then taught journalism at the University of St. Thomas for 11 years.

The book is an autobiographical collection of stories about his family, friends and colleagues. All are told with a hint of humor and honesty (it seemed to me). The stories range from his time growing up in Fond du lac, Wisconsin to his hiking and fishing adventures after retirement.

One of my favorite stories, which was told in a beautifully descriptive way, took place along the Rogue River Gorge from the Oregon Coast. The author writes of the beautiful trees and trails, "Shafts of sunlight cut through the forest canopy like a beam from a lighthouse". But the most memorable part of this fishing trip wasn't the natural beauty, but a waitress they met. She told them about her son who was an Marine Corp veteran who came back from Iraq a changed man. Dave and his friends listened with caring and empathy offering suggestions that could become a solution to her estrangement from her Son and his family. To me it's extraordinary that this was the "most memorable part" of their fishing trip!

I think you'll find this a refreshing read that all of us of a certain age will surely enjoy.

Happy reading!

 THE HUMMINGBIRD
BY STEPHEN KIERNAN
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

The Hummingbird is the first novel I've read by this author and it won't be my last.  It was a story within a story involving a seasoned hospice nurse, Deb, and her struggles coping with her husband, Michael, who after returning from his third deployment to Iraq is a changed man.   He is tormented by rage and experiences endless nightmares. It takes all of Deb's patience, compassion and determination to try to restore their marriage to the loving one they once had.

The other story is that of her current hospice patient, Barclay Reed, a retired history professor who is an expert in the Pacific Theater of World War II.  Barclay is a cantankerous patient at best.  In fact, he'd already dismissed two other caregivers.  Fortunately for him, he had met his match since Deb was known for "sticking, for staying and never giving up."

It's at this point Barclay asks Deb to read to him from his final book named the Sword.  I think I've mentioned before that although this is a work of fiction many times novels are also educational.  The Sword is an account of a Japanese pilot's mission to fly off a submarine and into Oregon to create chaos in 1942. "The plan was to set the forests of the Pacific Northwest on fire."  At the time, the Department of War, kept this a secret.  Some of you may remember the expression, "Loose Lips Sink Ships."

The stories continue as Deb earns Barclay's respect and she tries her best to help her husband let go of his anger and forgive himself for his memories of war.  Ironically, it's Barclay who helps her help Michael with his insight that "It is possible for a warrior to become a man of peace."

I hope you enjoy this well-told story of love and a wedding vow not taken lightly. As well as the amazing dedication of a hospice nurse who does such difficult work everyday with empathy and compassion. 

Happy reading!

MIDNIGHT AT THE BLACKBIRD CAFE
BY HEATHER WEBBER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

When deciding which book to review this month, I thought about a mystery or an historical novel by one of the authors I usually write about.  Then, I remembered a novel I read recently with a completely different theme.  Plus, it's nice to introduce a new author.  Ms. Webber has written a number of novels, but this is the first one that is considered women's fiction.  Another thing that I hope you'll enjoy is as the USA Today put it, "a captivating blend of magical realism, heartwarming romance and small-town Southern charm."  Something it seems to me is very appealing in today's world.

The story begins with Anna Kate being abruptly awakened very early one beautiful morning in the sleepy town of Wicklow, Alabama.  She had just arrived in town because her beloved Grandmother Zee had unexpectedly passed away.  It had been an intense week not only planning her Grandmother's funeral, but coming up-to-speed on how to reopen the Blackbird Café which had been willed to her.  Especially because she had never set foot in the Blackbird Cafe. You see, her deceased mom, Eden, had left Wicklow at eighteen years old, "vowing that we would never return." Eden was six weeks' pregnant with Anna Kate at the time.

It had only been through visits to see Anna Kate that her Grandmother had shared the legend of the blackbird pie  Zee told her that as guardians, women of Celtic decent were supposed to bake the pies "to serve those who mourn, those left behind."  And now that Zee was gone, making the pies fell on Anna Kate.

Natalie is the next character who had just moved back to Wicklow out of necessity. Natalie had needed to come home with her daughter Ollie, since her husband had died in a tragic boating accident.  Natalie is headed to the Blackbird Cafe for a piece of pie.  She was hopeful that the pie would give her the answers she needed to find peace and healing for her troubled heart. Just so her Mom, Seelie, didn't catch her since there was a decades long feud between Seelie and Anna Kate's family

As always, there is so much more to tell. Both Natalie and Anna Kate have life changing decisions to make.  Anna Kate is enrolled in medical school in the Fall, so she is determined to fulfill her two month obligation to the cafe and go back to her former life. While Natalie has to reinvent herself for the good of her infant daughter. There are lots of interesting characters in this novel which are beautifully described and brought to life. This is a heartwarming story of life, love, loss and forgiveness and a small Southern town that won't let you go.

Happy reading!

SUMMER ISLAND
BY KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

Since we're in the midst of an early heat wave, I thought it would be appropriate to review a good beach read for you.  As always, the author tells us a story of a family who has their share of "issues" (like most families) and their desire to heal and to love each other again. No one does feelings and emotions better than Kristin Hannah.

The story begins with Nora Bridge, "the newest sensation in talk radio" on the air with her show Spiritual Healing with Nora.  Some reviewers mention the purity of her heart.  But, to Nora it's more the impurity of her heart that makes her successful.  You see, the public doesn't know the real story of her past, the fact that she walked out on her husband and two daughters’ years ago.

Nora's youngest daughter, Ruby, is a struggling comedian who often uses her famous mother as material for her cynical humor.  She has never forgiven her mother for leaving them and hasn't seen Nora in almost a decade. So, when a scandalous secret is discovered about Nora's past, Ruby is offered an opportunity to write a tell-all story about her mother.

When Nora's career blows up from the negative tabloid coverage of her indiscretion, she is involved in a very serious car accident. Since she needs a care taker during her recovery the most unlikely person, Ruby, reluctantly takes on the job and Nora insists they spend the time on Summer Island in the lovely old house where Ruby grew up. What a bitter sweet time filled with memories of love and joy before she was abandoned.

As time passes Ruby discovers that Nora is not the woman she has hated all these years. She is forced to grow up and to understand that there were circumstances she had never known about that caused her mother to leave and that she desperately wanted to reconcile with her daughter.

Summer Island is a lovely novel that is filled with other side stories like Ruby's teenage love who has never found anyone like her, and a young man with terminal cancer who lives on the island and is like a son to Nora for instance. 

The surprising thing to me was the humor that Ms. Hannah includes in these emotional story lines.  It makes the story lighter and not at all like a soap opera of family problems.  I've read many of her books and have always admired her ability to make you feel that you know her characters on a very personal level.

Happy Reading!

FORTUNE'S ROCKS
BY ANITA SHREVE
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

By way of an introduction. I’ll admit that I had a bit of trouble getting “into” this book. (Actually an understatement.) In fact, I started another book but have always finished the books I start. So, I went back to Fortune’s Rocks and I’m really glad I did. You’ll need to be patient with what the author calls “nineteenth century language”. I was thankful I read on a Kindle with a dictionary available with just a touch. Some examples would be: accretion, dismasted barque, unprepossessing, pinched torpor, etc.

The story begins with Olympia a beautiful, fifteen year-old girl arriving at the beach on Fortune’s Rocks on the New England coast with her family for the summer at the turn of the 20th century. Olympia is a privileged and very well-educated young girl on the brink of becoming a young woman.

Everything changes for Olympia when she meets John Haskell a friend of her father. Though Haskell (as she thinks of him) is a 41 year-old, married man with children, they cannot resist the passion they feel. So,they start an illicit affair which they cannot resist in spite of all moral codes both then and now..

As you can imagine, this liaison comes to a catastrophic end with many people deeply hurt and even damaged. The author beautifully tells how Olympia also suffers and is an outcast for many years to come. The journey of her life from this point is far from the pampered existence she was used to, which she accepts as her penance.

I hope you’ll enjoy this passionate, beautifully written historical novel as I did. It not only reveals a disastrous love story but, the huge class differences during this era. Young immigrant children working in textile mills beginning at 10 years of age for example with little to no health care for anyone.

I hope you’ll enjoy this story of love, loss, and ultimately redemption.

Happy reading!

THE SILENT PATIENT
BY ALEX MICHAELIDES
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

This novel is the author's debut novel which usually bodes well, especially when it becomes a New York Times best seller within weeks. So, you know how most murder mysteries give you an inkling of "who dunnit".  Not this skillfully written novel. It's very rare and an excellent read!

The story begins with thirty-three year old Alicia Berenson shooting her husband five times in the face. (a slow start)  She and Gabriel were both artists.  She a painter and Gabriel a fashion photographer.  This was a seemingly devoted couple so from the start - the why of it was the question.  You see, after the killing Alicia cut her own wrists, but survived and never spoke again.

From this point, Theo Faber a criminal psychotherapist narrates the story. He had waited a long time for the chance to try to help Alicia and make her speak and tell her story. He went above and beyond the boundaries that a therapist normally goes.  Often facing the wrath of his co-workers and supervisors.  It had been six years since the killing, so her family and Gabriels were very reluctant to dredge up that painful time.

Another interesting facet of the story is that Theo says, "We are drawn to this profession because we are damaged - we study psychology to heal ourselves." His contention is that our personalities are formed in early childhood.  In his case, his abusive father caused terrible anxiety because he never felt safe.

As always there is so much more to the story.  For example, Theo's devotion to his wife Kathy who was the love of his life.  He says, "Kathy brought me into a magical world of warmth and light."  He had never been truly loved before.  Until she betrayed him...

Well, as usual I'll let you discover the rest of this fascinating mystery.  If you skip to the end - you'll regret it!!

Happy reading!

THE DUTCH HOUSE
BY KRISTIN HARMEL
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

This highly acclaimed novel is one of my favorite books  in a very long time.  It was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, New York Times best seller, one of the best books of the year by NPR, and many more. 

Have you ever read a book where a house (really an amazing mansion) is the central focus of the story?  The Dutch House is the dream of Cyril Conroy.  The unfortunate thing is that his wife does not share his dream so she and his two children Danny and Maeve experience decades of trying to overcome the unhappiness and turmoil that follow their rags to riches story.

The story begins with fifteen year-old Maeve and eight year-old Danny being summoned to meet a friend of their fathers. The friend, Andrea, we're told was the first woman he had brought home since their mother left.  When Maeve asked, "How do you do? Andrea replied she was very well. Of course she was.  It had been her goal for years to get inside the house."

The book continues by  describing the remarkable bond of the two siblings.  It was described by one reviewer as "a dark fairy tale about two smart people who cannot overcome their past." The author has a wonderful way of telling this sad story with just the right amount of humor.

As Danny grows older the first Saturday of every month was a special day.  He gets to ride along with his father to collect the rent from his tenants. It's a learning experience as his father teaches him many of the life and business lessons that made him so successful. After dinner that day, Maeve wanted a detailed account of everything they did.  Because, although she was seven years older and excellent in Math she was never invited to ride along.

As this book spans five decades in the life of this family I can't begin to tell you all the things that transpire.  In a nutshell though, the one most traumatic event is the untimely death of their father.  Since they had been deserted by their mother and their father had married Andrea a couple of years before, they were at the mercy of their truly wicked stepmother!

I hope you'll enjoy this beautifully written story of a family, but mostly about a brother and sister who in spite of their past love and support each other unconditionally.

Happy reading!

THE LIFE INTENDED
BY KRISTEN HARMEL
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

Can you imagine if your dreams could give you a glimpse of what might have been? Or lead you towards things you dreamed about without even realizing it?

This is the main theme of this book.  It's about the forever love of Kate and Patrick which even tragedy can't destroy.

The story begins with Kate and Patrick, newly weds, starting their day making plans for that evening.  But, in only 30 minutes Kate's world comes crashing down. Needless to say, this tragedy changes the course of her life.

The book picks up 12 years later when Kate is rushing to meet her friend for dinner.  Dan surprises her with a restaurant full of their friends and family and a proposal! She thought she would never find love again but Dan says, "I'm going to make you the happiest woman in the world."

It's soon after that Kate begins having difficulty sleeping. She begins having very vivid dreams of Patrick and another life that could have been.  They are so real that when she awakens she's confused and wondering if Patrick is trying to tell her something... Their mantra "I knew before I met you that I was meant to be yours" plays over and over in her mind.

The author tells us "The Life Intended is the story of Kate Waithman finding her way back to the life she was supposed to have all along."  The book delves into details about foster care, cochlear implants, deafness and music therapy. All things I found interesting to learn about.  Although fiction, so many

novels help to educate us in a very entertaining, enjoyable way. I hope you enjoy this lovely story.  Happy reading!

THE BOOK WOMAN

OF TROUBLESOME CREEK
BY KIM MICHELE RICHARDSON
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

Don't you love to read an historical novel and learn a little known fact of our history?  This novel is such a book.  The book covers two subjects I had never heard of.  First, that there was a Pack Horse Library Project that was established in 1935, as part of President Roosevelt's Works Progress Administration. The project was designed to bring books and reading material into Appalachia, the poorest and most isolated areas of eastern Kentucky.  The area had few schools, no libraries and mostly inaccessible roads. These fearless Kentucky librarians

were known as "book women" because there were only a small number of men in their ranks.

The second fascinating subject concerns a family from France who immigrated to Kentucky's remote wilderness named Fugate. This family carried a very rare gene that causes skin to be blue.  It was in Troublesome Creek where it was first discovered.  The disease that causes this is called Methemoglobinemia.

This story is based on these two interesting subjects and the author hoped "to pay tribute to the fearsome Pack Horse librarians - and to write a human story  set in a unique landscape."

The story begins with nineteen-year-old Cussy Mary Carter in a heated discussion with her Pa.  You see, he's preparing a courting candle for her latest suitor. He feels this will not only have her safely married, but forced to quit her job as a pack horse librarian.  Unfortunately, Cussy's prospects for marriage were very limited because she was the "last female of blue mountainfolk". Blues had been ridiculed and discriminated against for decades.

The story continues telling of Cussy's love of her books and serving her patrons who look forward to her visits and the books and reading materials she delivers. She did so much more than deliver books. Her visits gave these terribly impoverished people bits of the outside world they would never have seen otherwise.  You'll get to meet them and learn their stories.

Finally, this is the kind of book that gives you a glimpse into the past and how other generations survived with next to nothing to sustain them.  Children dying of starvation, coal miners working in life threatening conditions and rampant bigotry toward anyone who didn't fit the mold.

On that cheerful note - happy reading!

DANCING ON A SILVER MOON
BY MARGIE ZATS
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I'm excited to share this charming novel with you as it's quite unusual.  (At least to me.) First, it's written by a Minneapolis based author who has been a chef, caterer and culinary instructor.  In addition, her resume includes having graduated from La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris.  Secondly, she wrote her first novel, "Alexandra the Grate" at the age of 82 years young!  Dancing on a Silver Moon is the sequel to that novel.

The story begins with Alex deciding to downsize by selling the beautiful home where she raised her beloved son David and was the dutiful wife to her former husband in a forever: marriage which had ended bitterly.

After her very popular cooking show ends, Alex still needs to support herself and find security and a retirement plan for the future.  As another door opens she is offered exactly what she needs.  A position as a culinary arts teacher at a local community college.  She would be doing what she loved best mentoring young people!

Alex has all levels of students, but her outstanding protégé is a boy called Garrett. He is extremely talented and becomes a valuable asset to her program and she becomes a lifelong inspiration and friend to him.

Just when life falls into a very comfortable routine - she is swept off her feet by a very charming fellow, Charlie Coleman.  Once again Alex is faced with a life changing decision.  Running off to New Orleans with a "lunatic musician" or staying put in her safe, secure life.

I think you'll thoroughly enjoy the rest of this charming story.  Alex again finds herself making tough decisions and reinventing herself in order to be the tenacious, courageous woman she's become.

 Happy reading!

MAGIC HOUR
BY KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

As you may have noticed Ms. Hannah is one of my favorite authors. Mainly because her writing is so beautifully descriptive and she often writes about the struggles of women trying to help others which in turn helps them to heal. This novel is no exception.

The theme of this book is very special and unique.  It centers around two sisters who are very different, but have a common goal.  Trying to help a tiny six-year-old girl who appears one afternoon "hidden high in the autumn-colored leaves of the maple tree." The little child will not speak and holds a snarling wolf pup in her arms.

The story begins with one of the sisters, Julia Cates, a psychiatrist who lives in Los Angeles going to court to respond to a charge that she was partially responsible for the suicide of one her patients who killed three of her friends and then herself. She is exonerated that morning, but unfortunately her reputation and practice are ruined. 

Meanwhile, her sister Ellie Barton, who is the Police Chief in their hometown of Rain Valley in the Pacific Northwest is dealing with the little girl in the Maple tree who won't come down! Ellie had read all kinds of manuals about police procedures and dealing with murder and mayhem, but there was nothing to prepare her for a silent child and a snarling wolf pup. She needs help and that would be her sister Julia.

Julia and Ellie then take on the extremely difficult task of finding this abused and battered child's family.  Alice (the name they give her) is malnourished, dehydrated, and covered with evidence of severe physical abuse including ligature marks on one ankle indicating she'd been tied for a long period of time. 

With infinite patience and love, Julia and Ellie work tirelessly to save this beautiful child and discover her past.  It is a story you will long remember as one of tender healing and recovery as Julia makes remarkable progress with one word at a time - safe.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful story of two sisters saving Alice and themselves as well.

Happy reading!

THE DEEP DEEP SNOW
BY BRIAN FREEMAN
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I think it's always fun to try a new author you haven't read before.  In this case, I was really happy I did.  The interesting thing is that the main character, Shelby Lake who is a female Deputy Sheriff, tells the story in the first person.  A book written by a male author. I don't think that's very common...

Another enjoyable thing is the multiple story lines in this book. It is not only a story about a 10-year-old boy who goes missing and his devastated family, but also Shelby's story which includes her Dad the town's sheriff who is desperately trying to hang on with early onset Alzheimer’s.

The story begins with Shelby telling how her Dad rescued her as a newborn who was left on his doorstep on a freezing night.  His house used to be a church complete with a white steeple and stained glass windows. So, the birth mother assumed she would be found. Shelby was always thankful that a wonderful, caring 30 year old Tom Ginn found her in time.  He was to become her Dad and best friend.

It's a beautiful summer’s day when young Jeremiah disappears with the only clue being his bicycle tipped over on the shoulder of the road. Jeremiah's older brother tells everyone that the reason they didn't stay together that morning was because Jeremiah wanted to go home and he wasn't ready.  Needless to say, this did not make their parents happy that he let his younger brother go alone. It's at this point in the story that the lies begin.. 

As the investigation begins no one wants to admit the awful truth. The child is not just lost in the woods, but really missing. "Hard to believe someone took him.  Not around here."  The next day there was nothing to do but call in the FBI to help with the search. Of course, along with the FBI comes the inevitable media circus.  In spite of all the resources of the FBI no suspect was ever arrested.  Summer turns to fall and fall turns to winter but, "In every investigation where there are simply no more clues and no matter hard you try, you can't create them."

I think I'll leave you to discover the interesting characters and twists in this story that I doubt you'll see coming.  It's Shelby who discovers the clue that no one else had to unlock the final secret. Her Dad tells her, "Do you know what they say about the deep, deep snow?"  "It hides every secret.  It covers every sin."

Happy reading!

MASKED PREY
BY JOHN SANFORD
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

Masked Prey is the 30th Prey novel by this Pulitzer Prize winning author. I have read all 30 primarily because for many years they took place in Mn. where Mr. Sanford called home. In recent times, Lucas Davenport, his main character has become a U.S. Marshall which takes him to Washington, D.C. Davenport is known for his toughness and unorthodox methods which get results, but are often very dangerous. He also adds comic relief at times in a very irreverent way.

The story begins with 17 year old Audrey Coil and a classmate working on a video for her blog when they come across another blog titled 1919. It contains candid photos of children of influential Washington politicians outside their schools including Audrey. Along with the photos are vicious political rants from various extremist and radical groups. It's this discovery that causes Lucas Davenport to be summoned to Washington D.C. to investigate this troubling blog.

From this point Lucas and his team investigate a number of Nazi and other right-wing groups hoping to avoid any violence. Needless to say they encounter some very dangerous and life threatening "interviews". Then the situation gets worse when "a number of people in these alt-rights groups have gotten letters suggesting that the meaning of the 1919 group was to encourage somebody to shoot a kid.."

In closing, while this was definitely a good plot it contained way more information about guns and fringe groups than I needed to know. If this is of interest to you - you'll enjoy this book more than I did. I think I mentioned in another review that my definition of a really good read is one that you can't wait to get back to. I could wait...

Happy reading!!

THIS TENDER LAND
BY WILLIAM KENT KREUGER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

By way of introduction, this book is what I would call a labor of love for the author.  He spent almost three years writing the first manuscript and decided it did not meet his expectations. This Tender Land was to be a companion novel to Ordinary Grace which was published in 2013, and widely acclaimed by readers and critics.  In fact, it won the Edgar Award for the Best Novel that year. I too loved Ordinary Grace.  A beautifully written story.  (You can find a review of that book in the archives.

Mr. Kreuger then made another attempt and he writes "I saw almost immediately the story I should have been writing."  He then spent another three years and writes, "I love this book every bit as I loved Ordinary Grace."

The story begins with an aged Odie O'Banion spinning tales to his great-grandchildren. He tells them to "Open yourself to every possibility, for there is nothing your heart can imagine that is not so."  It's a tale of "killing and kidnapping of courage and cowardice, love and betrayal and of course, there will be hope."

Odie and Albert (Odie's older brother) find themselves in the "quiet room" at the Lincoln Indian Training School in the summer of 1932. A place that had been used for solitary confinement when the facility had been a military outpost. Odie is only eight and Albert is twelve and they were being punished for daring to question Mrs. Brickman about the meaning of story she'd just read the children.

The brothers' father was dead less than a week at this point and their mother had passed away two years earlier.  They had no family in Minnesota so they were sent to live at the Indian Training school.  They were the only white boys in the school and learned quickly that Mrs. Brickman, the school's administrator, richly deserved her nickname the "Black Witch".  The children were beaten, half starved and required to work back breaking work on local farms to help fund the Brickman's lifestyle.

Four years pass and the old, "frightened Odie O'Banion like my mother and father, long dead" finds circumstances even more unbearable and the two brothers, their Native American friend Mose and a little orphan friend Emmy escape from the school in hopes of finding a forever home.

They start out in a canoe on the Gilead River in Minnesota, to the mighty Mississippi with their dream of reaching St. Louis where they have an Aunt. The orphans trip is one filled with a series of terrifying and sometimes heart-warming experiences.

From a drunken farmer who imprisons them to work on his farm, to bootleggers and then to Sister Eve and her healing crusade. They also meet some wonderful people who live in "Hooverville" a shanty village of families with almost nothing, but good hearts who share what little food they have.

I'll leave you to enjoy this beautifully written novel that you will long remember for it's beautiful prose and message of hope, the vagabonds never gave up on. I hope you enjoy this wonderful epic by an outstanding Minnesota author who puts his heart and soul into this story.

Happy reading!

P.S. While this is a work of fiction, places like the Indian Training School actually existed. In Pipestone there was the Pipestone Indian Training School where Native American children were taken from their families to "re-educate" them.

FAST FALLS THE NIGHT
BY JULIA KELLER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

This is a story based on true events which transpired in Huntington, West Virginia which happens to be the author's hometown in a 24-hour period of terrible tragedy.  You see, the overdoses began just after midnight when a young woman locked herself in the bathroom of a gas station and is found a short time later dead from tainted heroin.

This death is just the first that day.  What follows is twenty-eight overdoses of which four deaths occur.  Bell Elkins is the main character in this novel.  She is the county prosecutor in the small town of Ackers Gap, West Virginia.  Actually, you should know that this is the sixth in a series of "Bell Elkins" books. It can be a stand alone story, but there is background information that is helpful in understanding her history.

Bell has done her best in the past eight years to help her hometown but, she considered it a "rescue mission" since the coal mines shut down and drug addiction was rampant.  Because "West Virginia still had the highest rate of drug overdose deaths in the nation."

So, as you can imagine, the book follows the investigation of these overdoses and the Sheriff, Deputies, and Paramedics who are doing what they can to stop the dying.  There are back stories of course, like the relationship that Bell has with her sister Shirley who spent most of her life in prison for killing their abusive Father.

I'll be honest, this book sounds like a "page turner" which is why I started it.  But, to me it was really slow and had way too many characters.  Unless you want to keep a log of who is who, I had to go back and figure it out.  I have read other books by Ms. Keller which I enjoyed.  So, if you are a fan of hers maybe you'll enjoy this one too.

 P.S. I read one customer review on Amazon that said she thought it was excellent...

 Happy reading!

BETWEEN SISTERS
BY KRISTIN HANNAH
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

Between Sisters is another engaging and beautifully written novel about a family with an assortment of troubles and few joys along the way.  Ms. Hannah if you'll remember also wrote two other books worth reading. "The Nightingale" and "The Great Alone" which are vividly descriptive and heartfelt.

This is the story of two sisters who couldn't be more different. Meghann Dontess, the older sister is an high-powered divorce attorney in Seattle with a failed marriage and a distain for intimacy in it's wake. While her younger sister, Claire lives a very different life as a single Mother in a small town in the Pacific Northwest helping her Dad run a low budget resort.

The painful memory that haunts the two sisters goes back to when they were 16 and 9 and Meghann had to make the painful choice to leave her sister with Claire's biological father, who they had never met, when they were abandoned by their Mother. "Now all these years later, their lives were connected by the thinnest of strands." It turned them into "polite strangers who shared a blood type and an ugly childhood."

There is also another mysterious and sad side-story about a man, Joe Wyatt, who is on the run from his former life.  You wonder what he has to do with this story until the author brings him home to the same small town in the Pacific Northwest.

As the story progresses Claire and her long-time friends decide on a night on the town.  She's on the dance floor with her friends when Bobby Austin takes the stage. He says, "This song is for The One. The one I've been lookin'for all my life." Claire had never been in love until that minute! She was thirty-five years old and she knew he was The One.

It's at this point that Meg has a life threatening experience which changes the course of her life.  During the same period of time, Claire calls to tell her she's marrying Bobby Jack Austin after knowing him for all of ten days.  Meg says "I need to meet him now. I'll be there tomorrow night."

The rest of the story unfolds as Meg volunteers to plan the wedding and works to make it the most special day of Claire's life in spite of her serious reservations about her choice of husbands. While staying with her sister Meg meets the mysterious stranger, Joe, and the two stories intersect. They have absolutely nothing in common except their loneliness and longing to connect with another human being.

There's so much more to the story, but I always think it's better to discover most of the tale on your own.  As in real life, there are highs like an audition for Bobby in Nashville to perhaps realize his dream. Then lows like Meghann returning to Seattle and her lonely, melancholy thoughts of Joe. Finally, when Claire and Bobby are at there happiest, Meg gets a call from Claire who has just returned from Nashville.  Claire is in her car and screams, "I can't remember how to get home."

As always, I hope you enjoy the story of two sisters who rediscover their love and bond that they shared as children.  Ms. Hannah has such a gift of writing about families and their relationships in a very tender, moving way.

Happy reading!

WHEN WE MEET AGAIN
BY KRISTIN HARMEL
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

This is an historical novel about a time during World War II in which there were POW internment camps around our country for German soldiers. In fact, we had camps right here in MN.  The prisoners were assigned jobs working in the fields to help with the shortage of manpower due to the war. It was a pretty well kept secret since the government didn't want to scare our citizens with the enemy right in our own back yards.

But, it's also the story of a young journalist, Emily Emerson, who is in a very bad place.  She's just been laid off from her job, she's depressed just thinking about her dysfunctional family and most of all she can't shake her guilt over giving her baby daughter up for adoption 18 years ago.

The story begins with Emily receiving a mysterious package from Munich, Germany. The package contains a painting of a beautiful young woman standing at the edge of a sugarcane field in a red dress.  The only message that accompanied the painting was a cryptic note:  Your grandfather never stopped loving her.  Margaret was the love of his life.  Emily is totally shocked because "the man had vanished before my father was even born." Her grandmother would never speak of him.

It's at this point that you go back in time to 1944, when you learn about the POW camp in south FL near Lake Okeechobee and the prisoners who work there. It's where Peter first sees Margaret.  A beautiful young woman with long, brown hair in a red cotton dress.

The novel then weaves the past with the present as Emily trys to discover who her grandmother really was and who was her grandfather? As a journalist, she uses every resource she can think of and at times it seems hopeless. As the Author notes, "when one is living with a broken heart, it's too hard to give voice to the stories that hurt the most."

This is a story of forever love, abandonment both real and imagined, long kept secrets and finally learning to forgive others as well as yourself. 

 Happy reading! 

SUMMER OF '69
BY ELIN HILDERBRAND
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I've not read Ms. Hilderbrand before, but I learned that she is referred to as the "The Queen of Beach Reads" which makes sense since she has lived most of her life on Nantucket writing and raising her three children. This is the story of a family living through the tumultuous Summer of '69.  As she writes, "Nixon was a new president, the war in Vietnam was raging as well as the protests against the war, civil rights and women's lib were hot topics."

The story begins with one of the saddest days of Kate's life.  Her 19 year old son, Tiger, receives his letter from the Selective Service calling him to duty in Vietnam. Ironically, he is to report on Kate's birthday - April 21. She dearly loves all of her four children but "she will say only that she loves him differently."

The book continues from the viewpoint of Kate and her family. Her Mother, Exalta is the matriarch of the family and owns their summer place on Nantucket.  Blair the eldest child is twenty-four and marries that summer and quickly becomes pregnant with twins.  Kirby is the "free spirit" of the family still attending college and as many protests as possible against the war.  Jessie at 13 is the youngest and the closest with her beloved big brother, Tiger. And we shouldn't forget Kate's husband David who works in Boston so is just an occasional visitor on the island.

One of the sad, but important parts of the book are about Kate's first husband - Wilder.  He was a combat veteran in Korea who came back from war a changed man.  He was very depressed and angry.  So, when he died from a gun shot wound while cleaning his Beretta, the insurance company claimed his death was a suicide.  Kate was left with three young children. She hired an attorney to represent her and convince the court the death was accidental. She hired David Levin (her second husband) to handle the case and six months later they started dating.

Throughout the rest of the book each chapter is entitled a different current song. Born to be Wild - a chapter about Kirby.  The wild child.  Fly me to the Moon - a chapter about Blair who is married to a controlling astrophysics professor at MIT who is working with NASA on the first moon landing. Time of the Season - a chapter about Jessie who just turned thirteen and is a typically curious teenager. And finally, Those Were the Days about Kate.  Unfortunately for everyone, Kate's answer to the worry about Tiger is alcohol. She spends a great deal of time in a haze not really noticing her other children.

I'll let you discover for yourself the rest of this families dynamics, secrets, and inspiration too, as Tiger serves his country with courage and valor. In my opinion, this is an fictional account of a Summer in which our country went through a number of historical benchmarks.  Not just a fluffy "beach read".

Happy reading!

ORDINARY GRACE
BY WILLIAM KENT KREUGER
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I read Ordinary Grace a few years ago and thought it was a beautifully written book. This book was a stand alone book unlike Mr. Kreuger's well known Cork O'Connor series which are excellent too. Last year I had the chance to meet him at a book signing and he mentioned he was working on a new novel.  A "companion" story to Ordinary Grace. Since I couldn't remember the whole story and wanted to read this new book - This Tender Land, I did something I don't think I've ever done before.  I read Ordinary Grace again!

And now I have an even greater appreciation of Mr. Kreuger's gift.  His descriptions of places and his character's emotions as they deal with multiple tragedies during the Summer of 1961, in the fictional town of New Bremen, Mn. are truly amazing.

The story begins with this first sentence, "All the dying that summer began with the death of a child, a boy with golden hair and thick glasses, killed on the railroad tracks." This is the first of three deaths 13 year old Frank Drum has to deal with this Summer and the story is told from his perspective looking back four decades.

Frank is somewhat of a rebel who really has his doubts about God which makes having a  Methodist minister for a Dad a little tricky. His Mom on the other hand is an artistic musician who doesn't really enjoy being married to a minister - he was "supposed" to be a rich lawyer! Frank adores his older sister Ariel who is 18 and planning to attend Juilliard.  His younger brother Jake is Frank's best friend who is unfortunately afflicted with a stutter which worsened  when he was nervous or upset.

The beautiful Summer days bring more tragedy to the small usually quiet town and then sadly to Frank's family and the way the author describes these events with compassion and grace is exceptional.  This is so much more that a mystery, it describes how a family and a small town can go from innocence to learning to deal and grieve while things seem to be falling apart all around them.

The Edgar Award winning best novel of the year in 2014, was so richly deserved.

I'm sure you will love this book as I did.

Happy reading!

DEEP GRASS ROOTS
BY MARCIA NEELY
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I have read two other books in recent times, but when I read this book I couldn't wait to get it out to you. It's author has published other essays and books on herbs and cooking, but I believe this is her first novel. It was also interesting to me because she is a Minnesotan who wrote a fictionalized version about two very strong, courageous women with a dream. Can you imagine two 21 year old women leaving their family and comforts of home in Minnesota to go to northwestern North Dakota in 1900?

The story begins with Tillie Melbakken and Bertha Harstad corresponding with a fellow Minnesotan who had already staked a claim in North Dakota in a Norwegian community. He encouraged them to come to the community if they were sure they had the "strength and stamina" to take on the challenge. As Tillie and Bertha board the train to begin their adventure they are both excited, but Bertha admits, ""it's natural to be a bit afraid" as they travel west. Fortunately, Hans and Henry were there as promised to help them get settled. They assured the "girls" as they were referred to, that in just a few days they would put up temporary huts for them for shelter until their shacks were built. The men dumped hay into the tiny hut for them to sleep upon. So, for the remainder of the book they refer to going to bed as "hitting the hay".

As the book continues you meet a wealth of characters who are members of the Norwegian community and become Tillie and Bertha's extended family. The people of the community seem so real that you feel connections with their friends and feel their joy or pain as if you knew them also. From this point on you'll continue the journey through good times and tragedies which the girls encounter as time goes by. Their hard work and strong faith carries them through as they not only work the land, but start a school in their tar paper shacks for the children of the community. Who would guess there was even time for a little romance? One other interesting note from the Author is that Tillie Hagenstad Stoen was the Mother of Ms. Neely's adopted Father.

I think I'll leave you here by saying that I've read many books and rarely have I read one where the characters are so real and the descriptions are so beautifully written that you can picture the people and their surroundings in a very special way.

Thanks Sue for sharing this very special book with me.

Happy reading!

THE RECKONING
BY JOSH GRISHAM
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I think I'll start with an interesting bit of information from the author. In the Author's Note he reveals that many years ago he heard a story about two prominent business men in Mississippi in the 1930's. "One killed the other for no discernible reason" and the killer would never reveal the reason for the murder. "And so, I stole this story" states the author.

If you enjoy a mystery in which you don't know the why or who of the story to the very end. This is the book for you. And, if you are interested in books about World War II and in particular the war in the Philippines including the Bataan Death March. This is the book for you.

The story begins in 1946, when Pete Banning wakes with the reality that "it was time for the killing." Pete you'll learn is a decorated World War II hero with severe leg wounds to prove it. He believes to avoid the killing would be an act of cowardice... So when Pete walked into the Methodist church, he was a soldier on a mission. Who commits a shocking crime.

What follows in Part I is the aftermath of his deed and his refusal to offer any kind of an explanation or justification for his act. He simply states - "I have nothing to say." Sadly, this is what he also tells his beloved family, friends, and his long-time attorney.

Part II goes back in time to 1925, when Pete was twenty-two years old and had just graduated from West Point. He is invited to attend a debutante ball and is a very handsome young man in his formal army dress whites. It's here he meets the most beautiful girl in the room Liza Sweeney. Pete is "thoroughly smitten" and the courtship began. They were married the year they met.

In 1941, when President Roosevelt announced a complete oil embargo on Japan, war seemed imminent. Pete as a reservist received his orders in September of 1941. Pete's assignment sent him to the Philippines and the "timing couldn't have been worse."

It's from this point the author goes into a lengthy description of General MacArthur's handling of the American forces who were confined to the peninsula. During The Battle of Bataan the Americans and Filipinos fought valiantly with little food and non-existant reinforcements, while the Japanese had an endless supply of men, armaments and provisions.

I learned so much about the incredible bravery and sacrifice that thousands of American and Filipino soldiers endured not only on the Bataan Death March, but in the prisoner of war camps "where the worst was yet to come." The cruelty inflicted on these men is beyond belief. In the final part of the story, Pete's children are left to deal with many legal issues as well as trying to help their Mother recover from her bouts of severe depression. They have more questions then answers about their Father's crime. When at the very end of the book they finally learn the "truth". Joel (Pete's son) wishes he was "blissfully ignorant" since one lie changed the course of so many lives with terrible consequences.

Though this is a fictional story, "the suffering and heroism of those soldiers is difficult to imagine." A quote from John Grisham.

Happy reading!

BEFORE WE WERE YOURS
BY LISA WINGATE
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

This is a story based on the unbelievable true events that transpired in this country from the 1920's through 1950. The story of babies and older children who were either kidnapped or taken from their parents under false pretenses. This book tells how the Tennessee Children's Home Society and Georgia Tann, it's director, sold these children for profit and her own greed. Blond children in particular were popular and at greater risk if born to poor families, single mothers, or those needing help from the welfare services. The fictional Foss children, were such a poor family who dearly loved their children, but were taken from their parents by "authorities" who were on her payroll. Ms. Tann had a high-profile list of people who illegally adopted these children including politicians, Hollywood celebrities and other wealthy individuals.

The story is told from two perspectives - the first from present day and the character's name is Avery Stafford. She is from a prominent family in Aiken, South Carolina. Avery has returned home from Washington, D.C. to help with her father's re-election campaign. Her father is not well and going through cancer treatment while trying to appear in public as strong and capable as before his diagnosis.

While in Aiken, Avery meets an elderly woman named May Crandall, who is drawn to her and who seems to have a connection to her grandmother and causes her to look into her grandmother's past which seems somewhat mysterious and leads to long kept secrets.

The other perspective is from twelve year old Rill Foss. The year is 1939, and she lives on a river boat with her parents. Rill is the oldest of five children and she helps care for her four younger siblings. They are known as Shanty boat kids and their entertainment comes from the river and the woods that surround them. When Rill's mother and father need to leave the boat for the hospital, the "authorities" swoop in and take the children away.

The book then has alternating chapters telling the story of Avery's family and Rill's which the author beautifully weaves into one tale of finding the truth of her grandmother's past and for Rill trying to survive, while holding onto her family.

When Avery is told that her bracelet, a family heirloom from her grandmother, was found with May at the care facility, she returns to visit May and retrieve her bracelet. She's told that May is having a difficult time adjusting to leaving her home and is a bit "confused". It's during this visit that Avery becomes even more curious. A very old photograph of a young handsome couple sits on May's night stand and the woman in the photo has a striking resemblance to her grandmother. Is she imagining this connection to her family?

The other story line, as I mentioned is about Rill Foss and her siblings who have been taken from their home on the river by officers claiming their Mamma and Daddy are waiting for them. They hope if they cooperate things will be alright... A quote from the book tells us why this is considered by at least by one other reviewer as one of the best books you'll read this year. "The abduction of the five little river gypsies who suffered at the hands of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society deserve to have their stories carried forward." At the end of this book there's a note from the author. Ms. Wingate gives us many references that verify the abuse and cruelty that actually happened in our country "that in this land of the free and home of the brave there is a great baby market?". A quote from the Saturday Evening Post, February 1, 1930.

I hope you enjoy this story of a family who are separated as children, but by mere chance are able to find their way back together.

Happy reading!

THE OLD MAN
BY THOMAS PERRY
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

I've never read Thomas Perry before, but I found this spy story one that moves along nicely and relevant to many stories you see on the news about monies given to foreign countries to help them in many different ways.  This is the story of a military intelligence officer who has been hunted for 35 years, for trying to do the right thing.

The story begins with Dan Chase taking his two big mutts, Dave and Carol, for their daily four to five mile walk in Northern, New England. Dan wore a pair of short leashes hanging around his neck.  His belief was "that all dogs wanted to be good dogs" so if he saw a stranger, he could snap the leashes to their collars. It's at this point that his instincts kick in and he senses that he is being followed. When he returns home there  are no signs that whoever was following him had broken in. But as a cautious man, he sets up some old fashioned security - tin cans connected to invisible fishing line around the entry ways.

I'll leave you hanging right there, but it gets pretty exciting at this point... He collects his escape kit loaded with two guns, spare magazines, three wallets with different identities as well as American and Canadian passports and lots of cash.

As you will find out, as a young man he was discharged from the Army and moved into a civilian special ops status that left no records. His first assignment was to deliver a huge amount of money to Libya to a middle-man named Faris Hamzah. Dan stayed there for two months waiting for the money to do it's work. The insurgents were short of food,  weapons, and fuel. Meanwhile, Faris Hamzah, was driving a new car, a Rolls-Royce and his body guards were driving two new Range Rovers. When he reported this to his handler, his reply was "you only gave him twenty million". It was then that he made the decision that changed the course of his life.  To try to do the right thing.

Throughout the book Dan takes on several identities and moves several times.  There was even time for a little romance.

 The sad part is that it's not only the Libyan assassins that have him running, but our own government who have falsely labeled him a traitor and a thief as part of a cover-up. I'm sure you've gotten the gist of this story by now.  There is lots of action and exciting parts that have you wondering if he will come out alive.  He's been living on the edge for so many years he's not afraid of death, but would rather be alive enjoying his long walks with his two dogs and maintaining a long-distance relationship with his daughter and two grandsons.

'til next time, happy reading!!!

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE
BY ANTHONY DOERR
REVIEWED BY LINDA WICKLUND

Linda's Featured Review: 
The Space Between Us
By Dete Meserve

Happy New Year everyone.  Sorry I haven’t written for a while.

Anyway, this is a book I read back in November and really enjoyed.  It’s unique in that the main character, Sarah is a scientist and astronomer so there is a back story with information on our planet, solar system, constellations and the like.

The story begins with Sarah returning from making a presentation in Washington, D.C. to high level NASA people on a major discovery called a Trojan asteroid.  When she returns to L.A. her excitement quickly turns to concern. It’s 1 o’clock a.m. and her husband isn’t home and all her teenage son tells her is that her husband’s last words to him were: keep the doors locked and set the alarm… Next she finds a loaded Glock in their night stand.  They had never owned a gun.

As the days pass and Ben (her husband) is still missing she tries to piece together the puzzle of his disappearance. The space between their fond memories and the mystery of current clues and accusations against him.

If you enjoy a good who dunit and why, I think you will enjoy this read.  Happy reading until next time.

Linda's Featured Review: 
Angel Falls
By Kristin Hannah

Angel Falls is a story of a family who seemingly have it all. A small beautiful community, a lovely log home, 2 beautiful children, a loving Dad and a "perfect" Mom.  Until, Halloween morning when their lives are turned upside down...

Precious nine year old Bret is up by 5:30 a.m. dressing in his new outfit for Halloween.  He's a young cowboy from head to foot.  He's on a mission to prove to his horse savvy Mom that he is old enough for the Angel Falls overnight trail ride.  When Mom joins him in the barn is when things begin to go awry.  Mikaela (Mom) has a terrible fall that morning and falls into a coma...

With no guarantee she will wake up, the family spends day and night at her beside, hoping their love and devotion will bring her back.  Sadly, it's a long kept secret about Mikaela that is seemly her only hope...

The author has a beautiful, descriptive way of writing about a family in crisis.  Will their love and devotion to remain a family be enough?  I hope you enjoy this poignant novel.  Happy reading.

Linda's Featured Review: 
Something in the Water
By Catherine Steadman

I usually say I hate books that start with the ending.  But, in this instance I enjoyed this debut novel by Catherine Steadman so much because she definitely keeps you guessing!  Just as a footnote she also had a role on the popular series "Downton Abbey".  Lots of talents.

As I mentioned, the books begins with Erin digging a grave...That's on the first page - so not a spoiler.  The story is about a  young British couple, Erin and Mark, who are planning their wedding. Everything is going along well but, before the nuptials, Mark loses his job which leads to some tension and downsizing of the wedding.

They decide to splurge and fly first class to Bora Bora where things get really interesting when they go scuba diving and "find something in the water"...  It changes the course of their lives and nothing turns out as you would expect.

My definition of a good book is one that you CANNOT wait to get back to.  This is one of those books.  I hope you enjoy this novel.  Happy reading. 

Dick's Featured Review: 
Notorious Nineteen by Janet Evanovich

Plum’s the name, and fugitive apprehension is the game.  Some call it skip tracing or even bounty hunting.  Regardless of the name; Janet Evanovich has written twenty or more Stephanie Plum novels, so has pretty much covered the field.

 “Notorious Nineteen” is a fun and funny book.  Questionably funny, considering the dark nature of the material.  But what’s not funny about a grandma with an evil eye?  Or how about a giant albino partnered with a gutsy dwarf?  Anyway, things didn’t really get going until one of the skippers landed in the hospital for surgery and then disappeared.  Wait---two more did the same?? OK---what does it mean?  Perhaps it has something to do with some embezzled millions in gold??  Or, something much more sinister?  Think dead bodies, and grave digging.  And other options present themselves also, so read the book, and enjoy!! 

 Janet Evanovich is a number one New York Times bestseller, with numerous awards, including the prestigious John Creasey Memorial.

Dick's Featured Review: 
The Late Show by Michael Connelly

“The Late Show” by best selling author Michael Connelly is our introduction to spirited young crime fighter, Renee’ Ballard.  Ballard works “The Late Show” (midnight shift), the worst of the worst because she had the tenacity to accuse a supervisor of sexual harassment.  But, if she has to do the job, she does it right.  And doing it right calls for putting her job and life on the line. 

Two cases come together in a single night and gives Ballard the opportunity to bring her skills into play for something more important than late night drunks.  First she finds a badly beaten prostitutes.  Then she is called in for a case of mass murder.  Five people have been cut down in a night club.  Thus begins a tense investigation that leads Ballard to a fight for her life. 

A great ending rounds out a winner of a story and one of the best surprise endings in a long time.  Read it and enjoy. 

Connelly has written 29 other novels and has sold over 60 million copies. 

Dick's Featured Review: 
The Ferguson Rifle by Louis L'Amour

Considered by many to be the greatest western writer of them all, Louis L’Amour has written more than 400 short stories and novels, with millions in print at any time.  Many of these works have been made into movies, such as “Hondo” starring John Wayne.

L’Amour has used his study and personal experience as the basis for many of his characters.  He was a longshoreman, lumberjack, elephant handler, flume builder, fruit picker and an officer in a tank destroyer during WWII as well as a professional boxer, winning 51 of 59 bouts.

“The Ferguson Rifle” has all the requirements for a good story.  Good characters, interesting plot and some romantic interest.  Bringing together these factors with the historical and geographical information L’Amour was famous for, we have a pure winner. 

With his wife and son dead from a suspicious home fire, Ronan Chantry heads west to face his destiny.  He heads into the mountains and meets a group of mountain men.  Together they face Indians, both hostile and friendly.  Life is a constant struggle for survival and then they find a lovely girl who seeks help finding a 200 year old treasure, and protection from a dangerous uncle.  And so the story continues.  There’s plenty of action to go around.  Oh, and by the way, we meet a tough old man who lives in a cave.  Etc. Etc., Read it and Enjoy! 

L’Amour died 06/10/88

Dick's Featured Review: 
Back Story by Robert B. Parker

"Back Story" is an original Spenser private eye novel, bringing us the original story characters.  Robert B. Parker died a few years ago, leaving behind a treasure trove of great stories.  New stories are being released quite often, written by various authors who do a spot on job of bringing the original characters back to life.  But this is an original story.  This is a convoluted story of mayhem and murder.  All the regulars are here, Ty-Bop, Vinnie, Susan and of course Spenser's friend, and sometimes partner, Hawke.  Whether helping or protecting, their presence is always welcome. 

A friend of Spenser's refers to him a woman whose mother was killed during a bank robbery 28 years before.  Find who did it please.  Why the delay?  Suspicious?  Local law enforcement and the FBI appear to be discouraging this investigation.  How Come?  Because the robbers were a revolutionary group known as "the Dread Scott Brigade"?  Or is it because a mob boss is in the background??  Regardless, Spenser is in a lot of trouble. 

As usual, enlightening conversation, loaded with humor and irony keeps the reader wide awake and looking for more of the same.  Read it & Enjoy!   

Dick's Featured Review: 
Justice Denied by J.A. Jance

J.A. Jance’s “Justice Denied” is yet another bestselling novel featuring Seattle cop J.P. Beaumont & his partner/lover Mel Soames.  Kicked off with the murder of a recently exonerated young man, this story widens into a search for an apparent vigilante, or vigilantes.  

Ordered to keep details of his investigation hush-hush, Beau soon finds that the case Mel is working on is also being kept quiet.  Sex offenders from all over Washington State are dying under suspicious circumstances.  Questions arise when it is found that DNA evidence has been tampered with.  Friends of friends make it difficult to do their jobs as Beau & Mel realize they are dealing with something much bigger and more dangerous than they had thought.  Did I mention the three nuns??  It’s a good read!  Enjoy! 

J.A. Jance is the New York Times Best Selling Author of the J.P. Beaumont series of novels.  She has also written a series starring Joanna Brady, and 4 stand-alone thrillers. 

Dick's Featured Review: 
NYPD RED 2 by James Patterson
in collaboration with Marshall Karp

“NYPD RED 2” by James Patterson, in collaboration with Marshall Karp, is a satisfying story of vengeance via vigilance.  The victims of the vigilantes have been found garbed in Tyvek coveralls (hazmat-like clothes), thus the tabloids have named him/her the “Hazmat Killer”.  Shortly after the victims are found a video is on the internet showing the victim confessing to some terrible crime of his/her own!  The fourth victim is wealthy, politically connected and famous.  And NYPD RED is just the outfit that handles cases involving such people.  Wealth & politics call for special handling by everyone.  Top detectives Zach Jordan and his partner Kylie MacDonald are called upon to close this case in a hurry, because elections are imminent and jobs are at risk. 

It all began years ago when the son of a mob boss was killed by high school victims of the son’s arrogance and evil.  So we can suspect the WHY of subsequent actions, but the WHO is still up in the air and answering that is the fun in this story. 

Zach & Kylie have a history & Kylie’s husband is an addict and Zach still has feeling for her, but Cheryl loves Zach and Zach is concerned that Matt is getting too close to Cheryl… Oh well, just ignore all this as it has little to do with the big question… WHO?

Despite the political & personal pressure, Zach & Kylie keep eliminating the chaff and finally get to the “Uhha” moment when things come together & they realize who they have been seeking.  By then however, because of a son’s carelessness, and a mother’s thoughtfulness, the vigilantes find themselves as the victims of vigilante justice!

Oh, go ahead and read it, there is a lot more to it and you’ll enjoy it!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Windigo Island by William Kent Kruger

“Windigo Island” is another area winner by William Kent Kruger.  It’s no walk in the park on a summer day kind of book, but rather a hard rainy, stormy weather sort of story, that gets down and dirty on several levels.  It takes all hands on deck for Cork O’Connor.  His friend and mentor, the 100 year old healer, Henry Meloux is on hand with his advice, as is Cork’s obstinate daughter Jenny.  The story involves the lives of missing young girls, and Cork's efforts to not only find them, but to find those responsible for their disappearance.  The tale starts out ugly and goes down hill from there. 

Some kids, doing what kids do, met on a small rock strewn island in lake Superior, for a bit of harmless vandalism.  What they found was the body of teen-ager Carrie Verga. Area residents were convinced that “Windingo” a killer beast of mythical legend had killed again.  Carrie was one of two young girls who went missing the year before.  The family of the other girl, Mariah Arseneaux has requested former sheriff and now private investigator O’Connor to find their missing daughter before it is to late for her too.

Cork soon finds that the sex trade, involving helpless young native American children has a tight hold on the lives of these kids.  Things get more and more dangerous as clues lead to those responsible for this horrendous activity.  A man named “Wolf”, and his brother who has taken the appropriate name “Windingo” take serious exception to Cork’s efforts and things get deadly for family and friends.  The final showdown takes a terrible toll on body and mind. But,…..well read it and enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Robert B. Parkers Lullaby by Ace Atkins

"Robert B. Parker’s Lullaby", written by Ace Atkins is a well-done, fast paced story starring Spenser.  Hero, knight in shinning armor, Don Quixote… Spenser may be any, all, or none of these, depending who is asked.  He may not be liked by everyone, but he is respected by all.  So it is that a 14 year old, street smart, girl asks Spenser to investigate her mother’s murder.  Not wanting to be considered an easy mark, Spenser settles for 2 frosted donuts for his fee.  That includes the services of Spenser’s friend & often partner, Hawk.  And so the tale begins!

Mother may have been a drunken, drug addicted prostitute, but no matter, she was mom.  It soon became clear that getting the full story of mom’s background would entail going to Spenser’s sources; from pickpockets, to company presidents, to mob bosses and of course his friends in law enforcement.  Spencer’s case started to come together.  Oh, there were some trying times like when Hawk was shot-gunned in the chest and Spenser was also taken down.  And the toughest part of the job was keeping Mattie out of the way & safe.  With a sassy attitude, and a big mouth, Mattie was a hindrance, not a help.  But Spenser is Spenser and we’re glad of it, and the action, and wise cracks keep on coming. 

Good story, great characters and thumbs up to Atkins for a job well done.  Enjoy!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Robert B. Parkers Wonderland by Ace Atkins

"Robert. B. Parker’s Wonderland" is another Spenser novel written by Ace Atkins.  Really well drawn characters bring this tale to life.  And those characters are Parker’s characters.  Spenser is the Spenser we have known before.  Everything bespeaks Robert. B. Parker.  The feel is right, the tone is right, the attitude is there & I can say with certainty Spenser is there too!  And the story gives us the chance to see Spenser at his best: tough guy with an unstoppable sense of humor and quick witted, with street smarts & street friends. 

Henry Cimoli is one of those friends, and he needs Spenser’s help.  Three thugs have threatened him if he doesn’t stop causing trouble in the attempted purchase of Cimoli’s condo.  Spenser and his new protégé; “Z”, took care of the trio the next time they visited Henry.  And that was just the start of a lot of serious bodily contact.  There was very serious interest in Cimoli’s condo.  Rumor had it that the condo could be the key-stone in a plan to open a casino in the Boston area.  The interest was from local parties and from as far away as Las Vegas.  Politicians, a beautiful, forceful woman, our ambitions developer (who by the way loses his head over the whole thing) propel this tale.  If you can handle serious violence, with bodily injury and death, this story is for you.  Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
The Keeper by John Lescroart

“The Keeper” by John Lescroart is a good platform for displaying the talents and instincts of premier defense lawyer Dismas Hardy.  And in this case, we are doubly blessed to have the tough, hardworking, Abe Glitsky working for the defense.  This is a rather difficult position for the retired police homicide investigator, but as a long-time friend of Dismas, Abe has come out of retirement to assist.  And the case is a challenge for everyone; a jail guard accused of murdering his wife.

Suspiciously, Hal Chase, hired Dismas when his wife was just missing for a couple days.  But, maybe it was a good idea, since soon after she was found murdered.  And, Hal was arrested on suspicion.  Abe Glitsky offers his services to Dismas, and so begins a wild ride on the way to solution of a very complicated case.  Part of the problem is that suspicious deaths have occurred at the jail where Hal has been a guard for several years.  Oh, the deaths were called suicides, accidents or natural causes, but….??

Abe makes a few fumbles and a couple downright missteps, but a couple good, instinctual actions on Abe’s part brings about truly surprising results.  You know me & surprises – Love ‘em!

Lescroart does a good job of building an interesting story step by step and at the same time making us know the people involved.  This is a good example.  Enjoy!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Wayfaring Stranger by James Lee Burke

"Wayfaring Stranger" by James Lee Burke is not what I had expected.  I have previously read all of Burke's wonderful novels starring detective Dave Robicheaux, and this is not them! I am a feel good reader, and even a tragic, or harsh story can offer up a feeling of satisfaction and completeness without being depressive.  This story is depressive.  Despite Burke's wonderful prose and philosophical asides, the over-all pall of the story is overwhelming. 

In 1934 at age 16 Weldon Holland fired a gunshot into the rear of a stolen 1932 Chevy Confederate automobile carrying the infamous bank robbers Bonnie & Clyde.  Whether in reality or in imagination this incident returns, at significant moments throughout the tale.  And years later in an almost fantastic bit of story telling, the car comes back once again in a starring role in the story finale. 

In 1944, at the age of 26, Weldon and his Sgt. Hershel Pine, fight their way from behind enemy lines at the Battle of the Bulge, and while doing this, Weldon rescues his future wife Rosita from a destroyed extermination camp inside Germany. 

With war over, Weldon and Hershel start a business servicing oil pipelines.  Together with Hershel's new wife Linda Gail, and Rosita, this tale plods on.  Linda Gail manages to fuel the fire of malicious persecution that smothers their lives: "Here's to you Linda Gail.  You've wrecked three cars, struck a behemoth of a Houston policeman in the face with your bare hand, and are on the edge of entering a adulterous affair with a man married to probably one of the most vicious women in Texas, and its not even noon."  And so it goes, deceit follows deceit with every action aimed at destroying them and their company. 

The Epilogue to this story does give one modicum of respite from the interminable downward spiral of the tale - but, its then too late to allow me to call this a feel-good story.  However, there are undoubtedly people out there who will find this story just fine.  To them I say Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Field of Prey by John Sandford

John Sandford has another winner in his latest book “Field of Prey”.  He lays out the story plot step by step and keeps us aware of what it takes to bring together all the parts into a final resolution.  Oh there’s a lot of “by guess and by gosh” mixed with pure luck, but overall there is mostly hard work to bring this case to an end.  Be advised that the story is a hideous one involving torture and murder – and murder – and murder!!  And Norman Bates (“Psycho”) has nothing on the killer (killers?) in this story.  Lucas Davenport, once again, heads up the investigation.

A young couple was searching for a spot in the woods where they could…well, socialize.  However, they were disturbed by a terrible stench.  Searching it out, they found a body in a partially covered cistern.  One body turned in to fifteen by the time Davenport came on the scene.  With identification came the realization that the murders had occurred one a year for numerous years.  With the BCA, local police sheriff’s department and Feds involved, it would seem things should wrap up quickly….not so!  One of Lucas’ people is killed, one of the local investigators is killed and one the sheriff’s people is kidnapped and tortured.  Finally, there is a break, but also an unbelievable surprise.  Who’d have thought that….well, read it, you will find it to be one of Sandford’s best ever stories.  Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Body Movers by Stephanie Bond

“Body Movers” by Stephanie Bond is a look at the life of Carlotta Wren, sales woman for Neiman Marcus.  Ten years ago she was part of a well-to-do family, engaged to a wealthy young up and comer, and generally part of the “in crowd”.  And then her father was indicted for investment fraud.  And to make things worse, mom & dad took off for parts unknown.  Left with a nine year old brother, Wesley, and with no extended family to help, seventeen year old Carlotta had her work cut out for her.  And, oh, her fiancé dropped her, and so called friends became scarce.  Enough yet?!!

Angela Ashford is now married to Peter Ashford, Carlotta’s former fiancé, and believe it when I say she doesn’t like Carlotta!  When Angela is found murdered in her swimming pool, suspicion falls on Carlotta.  Wesley is no help – his gambling addiction has brought him to the attention of a cop who has long hoped to find Carlotta’s parents.  Despite finally getting a job, transporting bodies from accidents and nursing homes, any money Wesley earns goes right to some very ugly “creditors”.  Carlotta suspects Peter is guilty of murder when another body is found.  Oh, and wait until you find out who the killer is!  Believe me, this is one convoluted (don’t you love that word) story.  Don’t worry, it all comes together and I’m sure you will ENJOY!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Tamarack County by William Kent Krueger

"Tamarack County" by William Ken Krueger is yet again a winner for one of my favorite mystery writers.  Suspense?  It's here.  Great Character?  You bet!  And plenty of twists and surprises.  We all know how I love surprises.  So, lets just put it out there ---Winner!!  Cork O'Connor is back in a case that challenges all his talents as a private investigator.  And this one fully envelopes Cork's family as well.  Would-be nun, daughter Anna, brings home an unexpected surprise, and son, Stephan, finds first love can be difficult.  Oh, Cork also finds love has its challenges. 

Just before Christmas Cork is asked to help in the search for the missing wife of a very unlikable retired judge.  The disappearance starts to look like part of an entirely different story, as clues point to a connection with a long-ago murder of a young woman.  A man connected to that case finds his dog slaughtered and decapitated.  Cork was also a part of that earlier case.  Coincidence?  It appears someone may be seeking vengeance - a judge, a witness, the deputy-in-charge???  But the attacks are not directly at them, but those closest to them.  The urgency of solving this case and stopping the assailant is magnified when Stephan is almost killed. 

This is the thirteenth Cork O'Connor novel, and quality writing shows throughout.  It is a pleasure to read and I know you will...Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs

"Just Breathe" by Susan Wiggs follows the life and times of Sarah Moon, cartoonist of the syndicated strip "Just Breath", starring Sarah's alter ego, Shirl.  As with her own life, Shirl's is filled with hope, love, fertility treatments, infidelity and above all, change.  Yes, with the hope of having a child, Sarah & Shirl were having fertility treatments when an early arrival, at home, at an inopportune time, found Sarah's husband being infidelitous (is there such a word?)  Anyway, that's when the change part starts to happen.  What would Shirl do?

Well, Sarah knew what to do!  She closed her separate bank account, sold her husbands GTO automobile, got a new hairdo, and headed to her family in California, in her new Cooper S. Mini convertible. 

Home for Sarah was not a happy carefree place growing up.  Loss of her mother, and a distant father, made for a quiet, moody girl whose only outlet for her feelings were comics she drew lampooning others she felt needed a realty check.  One of her favorite targets was Will Bommer [heart throb extraordinaire].  He also has had drastic changes in his life.  Together something might well....well, you know.  Its at this point Sarah discovers she is pregnant...with her ex's twins!!  What would Shirl do?

I could tell you more - about Will's adopted daughter, about Sarah's husband & his mother, about the arsonist who is plaguing the town, about ....well, read it yourself, you will enjoy it. 

Dick's Featured Review: 
Light of the World by James Lee Burke

With 32 previous novels under his belt, James Lee Burke has brought us another gripping story in “Light of the World”.  I have used the terms murder & mayhem in the past, but in this savage tale, the term must be MURDER & MAYHEM.  This is not just the usual well-written detective story we expect from Burke, but it is also a well-written Horror story.  From the hideous stench surrounding a mountain cave, on the wall of which is written a devilish statement, to the tracks of an upright beast found beneath a bedroom window, the two genres come together for a fascinating joy ride of action & terror. 

Dave Robicheaux, the Louisiana Sherriff’s Detective we’ve met in several earlier stories by Burke, has gone to Montana for vacation with family & friends.  Soon after arriving, daughter Alafair is nearly killed while hiking.  Then the daughter of Dave’s partner is savagely assaulted.  It is about then that Alafair thinks she has seen a horror from the past, in the person of Asa Surrette, convicted sadist and serial killer.  But how can that be so, since this killer was reportedly killed in a fiery car crash just recently?

The adopted daughter of a millionaire oil man is killed, and yet another avenue of murder and mayhem opens up.  Or, is it the same avenue with different characters??  The oil man’s son, a nutcase cowboy, and his frightening girl friend, as well as dishonest cops complete the cast of characters that make this story work.  Not for the feint of heart-but heck, suck it up and …Enjoy!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Miss Invisible by Laura Jensen Walker

“Miss Invisible” by Laura Jensen Walker is a real hoot.  Funny, yet sad to a degree, the story follows the struggle to find one’s place in a world that does not necessarily accept everyone equally.  “One size does not fit all” says Frederika “Freddie” Heinz.  A big woman (not “plus-sized” please), Freddie’s life is one long effort to feel she is not invisible; ignored by waiters, sales clerks & John Doe on the street.  And, disapproving stares when she’s seen trying to enjoy a dessert are certainly no better than being totally ignored.  Something must change!

Instead of imagining wonderful changes and great scenarios, (oh, believe me, Walter Mitty had nothing on Freddie), she starts a blog that encourages change in all women living large.  Hyped by this positive activity, she decides to go all the way…I am woman!!!  And, the fun & funny begins. 

Led into the new life of a free woman (free from the weight of constant concern with appearance) by Deborah, a plus, plus woman friend, new clothes, hair-do and attitude make a good start to the desired change.  Fired from her job as a head baker, she doesn’t miss a step and joins Deborah in her catering business .  She meets a man…then another man, and then…well, give it a read, its worth the time.  Enjoy. 

Dick's Featured Review: 
Bitsy's Bait & BBQ by Pamela Morsi

“Bitsy’s Bait & BBQ” by Pamela Morsi is a fun story about hope and determination; determine a course and hope for the best.  This could very well be the motto for Emma Collins and her sister Katy Dodson, as Emma once again backs Katy’s rash action, in buying a B & B in a small out of the way village in the Ozark Mountains.  Sight unseen, purchased off the internet, the B & B is of course not what Katy had thought it was.  B & B to most people means Bed & Breakfast.  In this small town it means “Bait & BBQ”.  The run-down establishment had once been the center of activity during, and after, vacation season (read: Fishing Season), and townsfolk have hope it will be again. 

Knowing nothing about fishing, disliking grubs & worms, and unable to make decent BBQ, the women and Katy’s 5 year old son Josh begin a life completely foreign to them.  But, everyone in town wants to help them make a success of the venture.  This includes the mailman, who is also the pastor and the bait salesman, who is also the local lawyer (somewhat retired).  Things move along and even the BBQ improves, well a bit anyway.  And then Katy’s former mother-in-law (who felt Katy was unworthy of her son Sean) decides she is the best one to have custody of Josh.  And so begins phase two of the lives & loves of Emma and Katy in Warbler Lake.  Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
The Innocent by David Baldacci

David Baldacci’s “The Innocent” is yet another winner for an author who has a long history of winners such as “Absolute Power”, “The Camel Club” and “Split Second”.  Non-stop, breathtaking action is a key component of Baldacci’s success.  And, it’s all here in a story of murder for hire.  Yes, our protagonist is a killer.  He’s no 007, but he is licensed to kill.  Will Robie is the best because he has never let sentiment interfere with his work.  Until his last job!  His last job was different and the difference started everything. 

Not completing the job left him out in the cold.  While fleeing the scene, after an attempt on his life, Robie meets a young girl running from a foster home following her parent’s murder.  And with this meeting (a coincidence??), a cat and mouse game begins.  At first it appears Robie is marked for death, but too many missed opportunities for his demise make them wonder just who is the target.

Despite his lone-wolf philosophy, Robie realizes he needs help.  He finds that help in the person of FBI agent Nicole Vance.  Was it a mistake?  Deceit follows deceit.  Who can be trusted?  One tantalizing clue after another ends with someone’s death.  And, also, someone doesn’t care about wholesale collateral damage. 

This is a seductive read loaded with suspense, intrigue and a full dose of mayhem & murder.  Baldacci at his best.  Enjoy!

Dick's Featured Review: 
A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

“A Week in Winter” is Maeve Binchy’s last and final novel.  Her death in the last year truly leaves a void in the lives of all who love really good stories; stories that are what I call feel-good stories.  Ok, I like mystery and action, as well as horror stories and westerns, but give me an old-fashioned feel gooder, and I’m really a satisfied reader.  Maeve was the Queen of this genre.  There is romance and inspiration, as well as sadness and fulfillment.  We meet people we really would love to meet; people with all the trials and tribulations that make up human existence.  But, above all else, we finish her books feeling good!

“A Week in Winter” tells the story of Chicky, a young Irish woman, who left her home in Stonybridge, Ireland to be with her lover in New York.  Betrayal follows and after years of a solo existence, she returns home.  Working with Queenie, an elderly spinster, she turns Queenie’s run-down mansion into a seaside B&B.  The rest of this story is a compilation of biographies of the people who are the backbone of the “Week in Winter”; the week when all the characters come together for the opening of the newly renovated Inn.  People like Rigger, the bad boy who becomes indispensible to Chicky.  Like Orla, Chicky’s niece who has tired of London and came home to manage Chicky’s finances.  Then there’s “John” (not his real name) who came to the B&B by accident, but stayed on purpose.  And Anders who came on purpose, and stayed with purpose.  And, of course there is Miss Howe, probably the only person in the world who could find nothing to enjoy at Stoneybridge, and went home. 

These and the others who came that week to help open that wonderful, welcoming Inn brought, with their individuality, all that was necessary to make this a truly rewarding read.  Go ahead, read it & enjoy!!      

Dick's Featured Review: 
Ties That Bind by Phillip Margolin

“Ties That Bind” by Phillip Margolin is the follow-up novel to “Wild Justice”, his widely successful novel featuring Amanda Jaffe, attorney at law.  In that story she was up against a sociopathic doctor, Cardoni.  The experience left Amanda a psychologically damaged individual, afraid for her sanity and her life.  Now, she must pull herself together to take on her most difficult case yet, one that has been turned down by all the top lawyers in town. 

In December 1970 a bloody clash of diparate individuals gave rise to a secret alliance that was to influence even the highest courts in the land.  This alliance was also to influence the life of Amanda Jaffe, when she was appointed to defend the case of Jon Dupre, upscale escort service owner (read: Pimp).  Accused of murdering a US Senator, he claims to have proof of the existence of the secret alliance of now powerful men, whose entry fee is …murder!

Despite Amanda’s fears, and the threats to herself and her family, she determines to forge ahead with a defense that is hindered not only by the threats from outside, but also from the violent and uncooperative defendant.  And, we find that even Amanda can respond with violence.

A tricky ending to this story finishes it off very nicely thank you.  I know you will…Enjoy!        

Dick's Featured Review: 
The Black Box by Michael Connelly

“The Black Box” by Michael Connelly gets off slowly for the 1^st third of the book and then gets up and running with a good story and a smashing ending.  We can say it’s another well written crime novel by a well recognized author.  Connelly’s Harry Bosch character is well drawn as a tough, independent S.O.B. who fights for doing the right thing even if it goes against the grain of those who count, regarding his career.  Politics is not his forte.

In 1992 Los Angels exploded into a city-wide riot that stunned the world.  A young free-lance writer named Anneka Jaspersen flew to the city to cover the riot, and was found dead in a dark alley, by members of the National Guard.  Harry Bosch was the investigating officer for the LA police.  Because of the unreal violence of the riot the police could do no more than a cursory investigation before the basic facts were filed. 

Twenty years later, approaching the riot anniversary, Harry gets the job of following up with an investigation of the still open, unsolved case.  He believed every case had what he compared to an airlines “black box”; a piece of evidence etc. that brought a complete and final understanding of all factors that led to a solutions.  With that in mind, his search begins.  Harry goes his own way despite obstructions from superiors who are trying to foce him to early “Drop” retirement (see my earlier review of “The Drop”).  From LA to Kuwait, the evidence follows the activities and purpose behind Jespersen’s travel to LA.  What was she looking for??  Despite early missteps in direction, it becomes clear that her death was more than just another riot death. 

Good story.  It takes a while to get down to the nitty gritty , but it’s worth every written word.  This is Connelly’s 25^th book.  As with many good authors, he is a former newspaper reporter.  Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review: 
Supreme Justice by Phillip Margolin

Supreme Justice by Phillip Margolin is a convoluted yet fascinating tale of murder and mayhem involving not only the Supreme Court of the United States but also nefarious elements of the CIA, as well as powerful, behind-the-scene influences.  And, Margolin does his usual impressive job of brining together all these disparate influences into a very satisfying, fast-paced novel.  This book is a follow up to his best selling novel “Executive Privilege”.

Investigator Dana Cutler, who was prominent in “Executive Privilege”, has been brought in to quietly investigate an attack on one of the Supreme Court Justices.  Apparently the attack has something to do with an appeal before the court, submitted on behalf of death row prisoner, Sarah Woodruff, convicted of killing her lover John Finley.  Finley was earlier the only survivor of a massacre aboard a ship which was loaded with illicit drugs.  After men identifying themselves to CIA agents took over from the local police, the ship disappeared.  Things get very dangerous for Dana as she is bringing the past to the present and tries to determine what Finley’s death has to do with the attack on the Justice. 

Good story, but stay alert, cause as I said it is rather convoluted.  Also watch for a surprise ending.  Love them, don’t you? (Or have I mentioned that before?)  Enjoy!
                                          

Dick's Featured Review: 
Northwest Angle by William Kent Krueger

"Northwest Angle" by William Kent Krueger is a great example of the kind of exciting work done by this St. Paul author.  An extension of his NY Times best-selling series of Cork O'Connor tales, this one brings Cork and his family into harms way following one of the worst storms ever to strike Minnesota.  As usual, this story starts with an exciting premise and builds with carefully plotted action to a very exciting conclusion.  As usual, surprise is a big part of that conclusion. 

A houseboat vacation with his family goes awry when Cork and his daughter Jenny are marooned on a small island in Lake of the Woods.  Jenny discovers a young woman who has been tortured to death, and exposed by the storm, a weeks-old baby who had obviously been hidden.  Keeping the baby safe is more than just a matter of warmth and substance though, since others are intent on taking him from Jenny, who has pledged her life to protect the child. 

An unstable brother of the murdered woman is the first suspect in the case, but then we find a group of "End of the World" zealots living on the very edge of this water world who cannot be dismissed from the suspect pool.  Oh, it does get confusing, but that's the fun of this story.

Fun, fun, fun!  Read and enjoy 
                                          

Dick's Featured Review: 
Wild Justice by Phillip Morgolin

“Wild Justice”, by Phillip Margolin is one of those books that gives the reader everything that he or she could ask for.  Mystery, mayhem and madness?  Absolutely, and a story full of terror, trials and terrific suspense.  Oh heck, let’s throw in revenge and retribution as well.  Interested?  Okay, let’s start by telling you about Amanda Jaffe, a newbie attorney working for her famous attorney father, Frank Jaffe.  And she is involved in a headline case that can test not only her mettle as a lawyer, but also her ethics and moral judgment as a human being.   

Vincent Cardoni, a surgeon with both professional and personal problems, has been arrested on suspicion of being a serial killer.  Several mutilated bodies have been found on a property owned by Cardoni.  He, of course, claims innocence and conspiracy on the part of his wife, or a known gangster who claims he’s owed money by Cardoni.  A trial begins, but due to the illegal action of the investigating police, all pertinent evidence is disqualified.  This sets Cardoni free but he is still faced with possible future prosecution, or ever worse, retribution by the gangster.  Well, things change for Cardoni when a scene of apparent murder turns up one of Cardoni’s hands, but no body. 

Four years pass, and new bodies are found, and the m.o. is similar to the original murder.  Copycat?  Or has Cardoni returned?  Perhaps the killer was someone else to begin with.  It is really a twisting tale that leads Amanda into personal danger. 

A surprising, but perhaps foreseen ending, rounds out a very good read.  Enjoy!
                                          

Dick's Featured Review: 
Robert B. Parker's "Killing the Blues"
by Michael Brandman

Robert B. Parker’s “Killing the Blues”, a Jesse Stone novel, was written by Michael Brandman.  Parker died in January 2012.  But, this situation is not too unusual, as evidenced by some of the novels with James Patterson’s name on them.  I believe a good job was done here.  I can accept this Jesse Stone as the man I’ve enjoyed in previous Stone novels.  He’s still a stoic, tough, yet caring police chief.  He is still a recovering alcoholic, but he’s gotten over his ex-wife Jenn(?), so maybe there is hope for him.  He no longer has his Irish setter dog, but has replaced it with a cat named Mildred Memory.  Yes, you read right.  But, anyway, what’s the story line? 

Its tourist season in Paradise and of course the town counsel is after Jesse to make sure everything goes smoothly.  And, of course, everything goes in the other direction.  Violence follows a series of car thefts and the violence ends in murder.  Jesse finds that the mob has moved in – and despite his belief in the law – well sometimes, Jesse goes a bit beyond the law.  Enough said!  While this is going on, violence comes from another direction.  At first it’s dog killings, then it hits Jesse close to home when one of his people is killed.  At this point it starts to look like Jesse is the target.  Is that enough?  Well let’s add a 14 year old girl who holds her school principal as hostage threatening to kill her. 

I enjoyed the story, and I hope we will see more Jesse Stone novels.  Michael Brandman collaborated with Robert B. Parker for years on movie projects, the Spencer TV movies and the Jesse Stone series of TV movies.  I believe this background gave Brandman what it took to produce a super story.  Enjoy!!

Dick's Featured Review:  The Brothers by Allen D. Anderson

“The Brothers” by Allen D. Anderson is a fascinating, yet disturbing story of brotherly love and family failure.  Theodore Amonovich returns from World War II a broken man, unable to forget what he saw, and what he did.  His is now a life of terrible anger and violence; anger at himself, and violence towards his wife and son Peter.  Twin son Andrew is not a victim of the physical violence but a victim never the less, of the ever present alcoholic tirades.  This is not a feel-good story but rather a ready subject for the nature or nurture crowd. 

Tragic circumstances have left Peter and Andrew, in the fall of 1948, basically on their own, starting their high school sophomore year at Edison High in Minneapolis.  Peter quickly becomes a football star and Andrew his blocking back.  This is certainly a metaphor for their everyday relationship; Peter doing what he wants, and Andrew running interference.  Peter has no respect for authority and refuses to follow rules.  Finally their high school days end with a choice for Peter of Juvenile Detention or the Army.  Peter joins and of course so does Andrew.  Bad timing, as the “Police Action” in Korea is becoming all-out war.  Nothing really changes for Peter other than the venue.  He goes his way and the rest of the Army goes its way.  Ah, but a comeuppance must be coming… right?  Call out that nature/nurture crowd again for the ending of this rather depressing tale.  With just 2 pages left at the tale-end however, we get a reprieve that is also a relief. 

I personally have a surprising interest in this story because in the fall of 1948 I was also a sophomore at Edison High School in Minneapolis.  I don’t remember Peter and Andrew however.  Enjoy!                                          

Dick's Featured Review:  Stolen Prey by John Sandford

Good, good, good; Good story line, good characters, good suspense!  What more can we look for?  But, of course, with an author like John Sandford, all this is to be expected.  In his book "Stolen Prey" we get it all and a lot more.  As with his other "Prey" books, the main character, Lucas Davenport is faced with "murder most foul".  But his is no Agatha Christie murder scenario, this is a story of horrific butchery and terrible torture.  Not for the weak of heart. 

We start out on a milder note when Lucas is assaulted at an ATM machine and ends up with a broken wrist.  This becomes a running side-story throughout the book.  But the real story starts with the discovery of an entire family, including the family dogs, who have all been tortured and savagely murdered.  The appearance of the scene brings to mind the work of the drug cartels in Mexico and South America.  And, indeed, we soon find a representative Federale and his assistant from Mexico, together with DEA agents competing for a piece of the action. 

We find that a small group of bank programmers have inadvertently been stealing from an account used to launder drug money.  The cartel wants their money back.  More murder and torture ensues when the small group of killers seeks out the thieves.  I've said before that I love surprises and the story has a beaut.  And, it's not at the end of the story, but right in the middle.  Oh Joy!!

The book is a great read, with a lot of action.  And, depending on your definition of justice, we can consider the ending to be pretty satisfying.  Enjoy!!
                                          

 
A St. Paul resident for the past 20 years, William Kent Krueger has written yet another stunning story featuring one of my favorite characters, Cork O'Connor.  This is number 7 in this fascinating series of action packed mysteries. 

 In this one, Cork has left his job as Sheriff in his hometown in Northern  Minnesota and has set up business as a private investigator.  His first job  involves his old friend and mentor, Henry Meloux, the Ojibwe Medicine Man.  In his 90s now, a vision has brought Henry to the belief that he has a son, fathered decades ago who needs his help.  Cork pledges himself to finding the son and thus begins this tale of lost love, resentment, revenge, and murder.

Cork's investigation points to a wealthy industrialist living in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  But getting to see the great man leads to a murder attempt on Henry.  The story behind Henry's long-ago lost love is one of greed and gold.  Cork must hurry to find who and what are behind the efforts to stop further investigation, because not only is Henry in danger, but his own life is also on the line.

Side stories of friends and family round out a really good story!  Krueger has a real talent for weaving family and friends into an otherwise straightforward mystery.  His first book, "Iron Lake" won the 1998 Anthony Award for Best First Novel.  He was also the winner of the 2004 Anthony Award for Best Novel for "Blood Hollow" and also the same award for his 2005 book, "Mercy Falls."

Powerful, terrifying stories are Stephen King's business, and "Duma Key" is no exception.  This tale of one man's struggle is King at his best.  A story that begins with loss, then discovery and hope eventually turns into something more. Something more mysterious.  Something more bizarre.  Something more terrifying.

Edgar Fremantle loses his right arm in a terrible construction accident.  Then he loses his wife, and almost his sanity.  At his doctor's suggestion he moves to a beautiful key off the coast of Florida, and discovers his "gift."  He can paint!  And what paintings he creates!  Guided by his phantom right arm, his paintings have an uncontrolled power of their own, and that power affects everything and everyone around Edgar.  His struggle to control this power and discover its source leads us from a sick old woman with a tragic past of her own, to the ghosts and goblins that haunt that past...and that now haunt the present.

Stephen King has written 40 novels and 200 short stories, many of which have been made into movies.  He lives in Bangor, Maine with his wife, novelist Tabitha King.

In the game of golf, a Mulligan is a "do-over" for a poor first shot.  In the game of life, a Mulligan can be a second chance to find the happiness and fulfillment that was missed the first time around.

In Nathan Jorgenson's "The Mulligan," Joe Mix has lost all hope of finding happiness in his marriage or in his successful business.  Loading up his old pickup truck with very little of his old life, Joe starts his journey of discovery and hope.  And a wonderful journey it is!  It's full of great characters and wonderful, imaginative personalities. 

After finding his traveling companion, Jake, a Labrador pup, he joins a group of Montana cowboys to spend a rejuvenating period of hard work and camaraderie that begins to help him find that which had eluded him in his "first shot." 

Leaving his new found friends to continue his journey, Joe meets Molly, a lovely young woman who works for Marsh, an eccentric old fellow who becomes a friend and confidante.  Slowly the self-doubts disappear and something resembling happiness takes their place, and a great story continues.

This is the second book by Jorgenson, who graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.  He also wrote the highly acclaimed novel, "Waiting For The White Horses."

"From Hell To Midnight" by Richard S. Wheeler is the  humorous tale of  gold, greed and the search for the true owner of the Alice Mine, once one of  the most profitable gold mines in Nevada.  "Lucky" Haggerty left the mine to someone, but who?  His three (or more) widows and one (or more)  mistress have spent seventeen years protecting their rights, but all have  failed to benefit from the fortune believed to lie within the mine.

Enter Hannibal Jones, the eccentric and famous mining geologist who wishes only to find out just what the Alice Mine holds.  One of the people Hannibal interviews is the beautiful Belle, Lucky's mistress of many years.  With this meeting, lust becomes a new and important part of Hannibal's life.  The three widows and their children cause Hannibal no end of trouble, but it's the ghost that haunts the mine that poses the real danger.  Despite several landslides and other mysterious occurrences, Hannibal perseveres.

This is a fun tale, loaded with twists, turns, and lusty humor.  You have to read this novel to understand and appreciate my final word about it -- Woowoo!!

Richard S. Wheeler has authored more than 50 westerns and is Five-Time Winner of the "Golden Spur Award" from the Western Writers of America.

I have previously expressed my opinion that James Patterson's collaborative novels with various other authors have been below par when compared with his solo efforts.  "Sail" by James Patterson and Howard Roughan is an exception.  Interesting characters, interesting plot twists make this a really good read.

Katherine Dunne's husband died four years ago, and her family has drifted apart since then.  Hoping to bring them together once again, a sailing vacation is arranged.  Katherine's new husband, Attorney Peter Carlyle has trial obligations and is unable to join them.  Daughter Carrie, sons Mark and Ernie, and Katherine together with Jake Dunne, her former brother-in-law, acting as captain, set off on the family yacht.  Almost immediately, near disaster hits the family, and with more catastrophe following, it becomes clear that someone doesn't want the family to make it back home.

A mysterious stranger, a dedicated DEA agent, and a philandering husband and his girlfriend make a cast of characters that keeps the story moving at a fast pace...and the sudden plot twists add a good deal of surprise.  This is a novel well worth a night or two of reading.

"Resolution" by Robert B. Parker is another exciting Western by an author  who is usually recognized for his detective stories; specifically his great novels about private eye Spenser.  He does do a sterling job with the Western genre, and "Resolution" is no exception.  Here's a fascinating follow-up story to the blood and gore confrontation in "Appaloosa."  Our heroes? Everett Hitch and Virgil Cole once again find themselves drawing their guns with intent to kill.

"I cocked both barrels, the sound of them cocking was very loud in the room.  Virgil Cole always used to say, 'You gotta kill someone, do it quick.  Don't look like you got pushed into it.  Look like you couldn't wait to do it.  Sometimes you got to kill one person early to save killing four or five later.'"  With this philosophy we know what to expect from this story.  And we get it!!

The theme of cleaning up a rotten town is as old as the Western genre itself.  Here we have the mining king opposing a murderous saloon owner, both fighting to control the town and the surrounding ranches.  It's how Parker tells this story that makes it stand out.  His characterizations are fascinating, and the two protagonists make one wonder where the line is between the law-keeper and law-breaker.

Bostonian Parker has written over 50 well-received novels.

"The Shop On Blossom Street" by Debbie Macomber is another great read by an author who specializes in feel-good stories.  This one brings us four disparate individuals who are brought together by a growing interest in the old craft of knitting.  Each of the four has her own unique story and her own set of interests, desires, and problems.  But in the end they find their commonality of interest in knitting bringing them closer to happiness in their private lives. 

Lydia Hoffman, living with the constant fear of yet another recurrence of cancer, has opened a yarn shop on Blossom Street. A beginner's knitting class brings her three women who have only their interest in this class in common.  Jacqueline Donovan is a bitter, snobbish, society matron who has joined the "How To Make A Baby Blanket" class to make something for her expected grandchild, despite her excessive aversion to her daughter-in-law.  Carol Girard, whose life has been driven by a terrible obsession with giving birth, feels this class is a sign that her last attempt at conception will be successful.  And finally, Alex Townsend, a young woman with a rather checkered past, who has joined the group to pay a court-ordered debt to society. 

Each of these women find their daily lives becoming more and more entwined with each other.  Friendship begets friendship.  This story is one of hope and discovery.  And, as with Macomber's "Dakota" series, this book is followed by two more books that carry on the story: "A Good Yarn" and "Back On Blossom Street."  Enjoy!

In "Heat Lightning" by John Sandford, we meet up once again with Virgil Flowers of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, who was introduced in "Dark Of The Moon."  He is still an interesting character with his very own idiosyncrasies.  As Lucas Davenport's protege, he also has plenty of potential power to back him up.  In this case, Flowers needs all the power he can muster to find the killers of several men whose history together goes back to the Vietnam War period.

It all begins with the discovery of a body at a Vietnam Memorial in Stillwater.  A week before a body was found in New Ulm, also at a Vietnam Memorial.  Both men had been shot twice in the head and each had a lemon in his mouth.  It is a convoluted story involving Indians, Vietnamese, Chinese, the CIA, FBI, and all the other alphabet agencies.  But Virgil persists because as he states, "These things have a rhythm, you get something going -- it's like a plot in a novel.  You start out with an incident, a killing, and then there are millions of possibilities, and you start eliminating the possibilities.  Pretty soon, you can see the line of the story and you can feel the climax coming."  And believe me, the climax to this story is a pip!

Another good read by a really talented writer.  And, of course, he lives in Minnesota.  Enjoy!

"The Escape" by Robert Tanenbaum is another well written, suspenseful novel starring Butch Karp and his wife, Marlene Ciampi.  This is a fast-moving tale of taking us from courtrooms to back alleys and from a cool, collected legal process to fierce, bloodletting terror, while seemingly worlds apart, both situations have much in common.

Karp, a District Attorney for New York, is prosecuting Jessica Campbell, a college professor who killed her three children - claiming that "God told her to send them to Him to save them from Satan."  While Jessica's lawyer wants the jury to believe she was unaware of what she was doing and was influenced by hallucinations, Karp must prove that legally she was aware of the nature and consequences of her actions.

While Karp is fighting his battle in the courtroom, a terrorist called "The Sheik" is planning a massive attack on Wall Street, hoping to destroy the economy of the United States and the world.  With the help of a disparate group of "irregulars," Marlene Ciampi and her daughter Lucy, fight against time and an organized group of terrorists in an effort to stop The Sheik's plan.

Tanenbaum writes fast-paced, action-packed novels that are thought provoking and "present day."  He is a respected and successful trial lawyer and has also been Homicide Bureau Chief for the New York District Attorney's Office.  He has written eighteen best-selling novels.  Well worth reading!  Enjoy!
 

"Wicked Prey" by John Sandford is yet another fascinating story by one of my favorite authors.  His characters are real, with all the faults and failings that that entails.  The story is up-to-date, and what I particularly enjoy, is that the locale is familiar - the Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St. Paul.  The Republican National Convention is the draw for all the action in this tale. Money is the catalyst that binds the characters together.  LOTS of money!

A crew of professional stick-up artists, with a penchant for violence, has been drawn to the Twin Cities by all that money.  Political money men with large amounts of cash, and hotels with vaults stuffed with Conventioners' valuables are the targets.  As if this is not enough, Lucas Davenport finds that something much more personal will demand his attention.

A psychotic pimp in a wheelchair, who feels Lucas is the source of all his misery, wants revenge.  But, just killing Lucas is not enough, he wants him to suffer first.  So he has targeted Lucas' fourteen year old adopted daughter, Letty.  Little does the pimp know how much trouble that decision will cost him.

Full of down to earth dialogue, great characters, plenty of suspense and plot twists, "Wicked Prey" is Sandford at his best. 

John Sandford has written nineteen "Prey" novels, as well as eight other books.

In "Rough Country" by John Sandford,  we are once again given a super tale of murder, mystery, and Virgil Flowers.  Virgil is his usual brilliant self, with great instincts and the ability to draw people out.  And, with 3 (or more?) ex wives, Virgil still has a way with the ladies, even those with "alternate" sexual inclinations.  Sandford brings all of his talents to bear and gives us another suspenseful, well-plotted, action-packed tale that makes for a wonderful read.

Lucas Davenport, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has pulled Virgil away  from a long-awaited fishing tournament in Northern Minnesota to investigate the murder of a woman at a nearby resort.  The resort has, over time, become known as a place for women with "alternate" lifestyles.  This may complicate things fro Virgil, but it certainly doesn't stop him from discovering the connections between the resort, its clients, and the victim.   Soon he discovers that a murder in Iowa two years earlier may actually be tied to the current one...and other murders may well soon follow.

A talented country singer and an obsessed father with a mysterious son are just a couple of the characters that people this story of lust, jealousy, and greed.  It is the brilliant way Sandford brings all these characters and attributed together in a flowing stream of wonderful prose that makes Sandford the number one author that he is.  Enjoy!

In "The Scarecrow" by Michael Connelly, we once again meet journalist and crime writer, Jack McEvoy.  Jack was the protagonist in Connelly's earlier novel, "The Poet."  Despite being the golden boy for several years because of his actions in bringing The Poet to justice and his award winning book which chronicled the story, Jack is now learning that fame can be fleeting.  He is about to join the ranks of the unemployed, as his paper, The Los Angeles Times, is downsizing and he is one of the targets.  Despite the usual practice of immediately removing the chosen subject of removing the chosen subject from the premises, Jack has been given 2 weeks notice and he has decided to make full use of that time to come up with the quintessential murder story.

Jack decides to center his investigation of a young, confessed killer on the societal influences and indifference that were the basis for his action.  But Jack soon discovers that the confession was no confession at all, and he finds evidence that an earlier killing in Las Vegas has all the trademarks of the recent murder.  It's almost as if someone had very explicit requirements for the victims.

Slowly Jack becomes aware that someone knows his every move.  And, indeed, this "someone" is well aware of any move against him.  This is The Scarecrow, who is in a position to monitor movements and activities of almost anyone he wishes, and God help anyone who crosses him!  And now that he's on to Jack's investigation, bad things begin to happen to Jack.

With the help of FBI agent, and former lover, Rachel Walling, Jack seeks out the mysterious Scarecrow.  Murder follows murder, and the ending, though horrific, is certainly appropriate.

Michael Connelly has written a number of #1 best sellers, including "The Brass Verdict" and "The Lincoln Lawyer."  I particularly like his series of Harry Bosch novels.  Connelly is a former journalist himself.  As an aside, his Harry Bosch character is the inspiration for "Dirty Harry" of movie fame.  Enjoy!

If you have read Michael Connelly before, you have probably enjoyed Harry Bosch, his main man, in numerous earlier books.  Harry is back again in "9 Dragons", and he is still the hard-driving, violent, sometimes vicious, upholder of the law that he has shown himself to be in the past.  But, hang on to your hats, because Harry's daughter has been kidnapped, and not even the law can get in the way of Harry's efforts to get her back.  Violence becomes rampant as Harry follows tenaciously a trail of blood leading to his daughter's kidnappers.

It all starts when John Li, a small liquor store owner, know to Harry for years, is murdered.  Harry brings in the Asian gang unit to assist in understanding not only the language of the area, but the influences facing the small business owners by the Hong Kong Triad, a murderous crime ring that holds lethal sway over local immigrants.  But their threat is not just local, as Harry is contacted and informed that his daughter is in their hands, in Hong Kong, and he must stop his investigation or she will be killed.  With time running out Harry travels to a place in Hong Kong known as 9 Dragons, and in a desperate, kill or be killed effort, Harry drives the search into the Triad's territory. 

This is a super tale with plenty of twists, plenty of excitement, a bit too much violence, but a real surprise ending worthy of a great story.  I think you will enjoy!

Yet another brilliant courtroom thriller by one of the very best at the genre.  Precise and compelling prose that offers us the dark side of law and order.  A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart exposes us to the reality of political influence and unethical behavior.  It is a fascinating tale of multiple murder which is resolved only after laying open the many lies and secrets that hide the truth. 

Dylan Vogler, manager of a popular coffee house in San Francisco is killed behind his shop.  The knapsack he is carrying contains a large amount of quality marijuana.  It appears that coffee may not have been the only thing that brought San Francisco's elite to the coffee shop. 

Maya Townshend, the actual owner of the coffee shop comes under suspicion in this murder when yet another past acquaintance of hers is also found murdered soon after.  None but the very best will do to defend the niece of the mayor, so Dismas Hardy is called in for the job.  It soon becomes clear to Dismas that Maya is hiding information critical to her defense.  It's obvious she was fully aware of Vogler's side job as a drug dealer, but did nothing & paid Vogler more than the going rate for a coffee house manager.  Why?? The answer to this question may be the answer to her defense.

Fast moving outside the courtroom, and just as fast and interesting as in the courtroom, this tale keeps up the pace from beginning to end.  Well worth the read, enjoy!