Book Review: "New Dark" By Brad Thor

Well, Well, Well, what an interesting turn of events ...

You see I've worked like a dog to get a copy of this gem & lady luck was again on my side as Marian Sutherland Kirby Library saved the day with this new release just ten days after publication. So make sure you support your local libraries during these troubling times for curbside pickup reading marathons.

Saved by the bell...now on to the show!

Atria get those ears perked up -no cherry coating here- this was superb!

Sure we have the procedural, tactical, militaristic charm but we also have a new romance and while it's sudden it's just starting to blossom so give this some growing room.

We also have some bad-assery (is that a word?) action that's beyond the mere grenade throwing, sniper shooting, drone flying overhead action.

This was a non stop heart pounding fulfilling read that centers upon a bounty on our main guy of this fab series Scot Harvath- a determined spy-that can't be stopped.

Finding the folks behind this contract is the name of the game and bringing them in -alive- or alive enough till we get answers- is the overall mission.

Teaming up with an unlikely ally proves not only worthy but heated and shows the softer edge of this hardened baller.

Solvi carries her own -just as smart, deadly, with skills that match Harvath's broken past.
Comfort, empathy, nurturing, and communication is key to making this duo indestructible and all powerful.

Staying on top of your game is the ultimate tool for survival as we're all in ..or at least "In for a penny, in for a pound."

Along the way there will be roadblocks, trouble spots, counter intelligence being exchanged with anonymous funding behind the scenes but bitcoin be damned there's more than one way to skin a cat and we all know about Edward Snowden and the spyware being used to easily track anyone, anywhere, anytime.

So watch your damn back, check around corners, keep an eye on those moles (no not those the other ones) and keep your friends close-your enemies closer...

Revenge is sweet...

Believe that!

Thank you Marian Sutherland Kirby Library for this 'New copy' located during pick up of other material at front desk circulation.

SCORE!!

Carry on!

Book Review: "Texas Outlaw" By James Patterson

One to many rangers in Texas...Oh say it ain't so?!
Rory Yates is back in action but not after a few sidesteps of the law.

No worries it's all out in the open now in this small town Rio Lobo location with plenty of crooked individuals, pay to play favors, and secretive goodness.

Enter Rory -hailed as a hero-after girlfriend Willow-sings him a tune.

However, the hero v outlaw theory is coming to a head and someone will pay.

What seems like an easy case with councilwoman Susan's death is anything but and the locals aren't happy with Yates poking around.

Silence is golden and the stakes are high so watch your backs because the shitte's about to hit the fan.
Some of the characters may think their shiite don't stink but you know how the rest of it goes.

Whoever killed Susan may not be down doing the dirty deeds because another body soon turns up and more may be on the horizon.

People are selling each other out for a piece of this pie and Carson is just one fish in this wide pond. This has everything you seek in a lively set up: drug smugglers, crooked authorities, back stabbing characters, jilted lovers, and more.

It wasn't the peanuts folks and it sure as hell didn't end with an anaphylactic shock for poor Susan Snyder.

There's so much more to uncover, thread by thread, piece by piece, gun by gun...
Some of the most crooked individuals are those we place in highest of authority positions..Just sayin'

Those who squawk the loudest and those with the most to gain are often the front runners of the show.

What I never care for with some of James work is the lack of strong female roles as Susan was painted as a loose goose having supposedly been accused by several men of having multiple affairs.

Or the fact that Yates is supposed to be all smitten with girlfriend Willow but things don't play out that way yet that's to be congratulated and appreciated?!

Oh, good grief, ladies you know what I'm talking about...

The one liners "If I don't kiss her now -or soon- I might never be able to." just gives me the creeps.

But sure as rain there shall be another so wait for it and until then hang on to hope.
Thank you Marian Sutherland Kirby Library for this Curbside Pickup Marathon Read with all new novels to satisfy readers everywhere.

Book Review: "Cajun Justice" By James Patterson

Are you ready for this ousted Secret Service Agent of the Presidents duties turned Louisiana loco auto security protector in charge of recovering his kidnapped twin sister?

Well guys-you know me by now..this is another MISS on the bullseye for me as it had no reader appeal at all.

I couldn't get into the 'swing' of things -no pun intended and the backdoor hoochie-coochie scenes are not my thing.

Japanese mafia's are on the prowl, karaoke settings are in the mix, and kidnappings are the flavor or spice of the month here.

However, I'm old school and love a great thriller so if you like fan-flare you'll enjoy this one but if you like substance it might not be a fit.

Thanks to Marian Sutherland Kirby Library for this Curbside Pickup 'New' read during this pandemic to entertain my thoughts for the weekend.

Book Review: "The Wife Upstairs" By Rachel Hawkins

Pure bloody brilliance mixed with a dash of jaw dropping evil genius! Suspenseful, Mysterious, Chilling!!

I've read many thrillers this year but this was a piece of a different pie that left me longing for another slice.

Holy smokes Batman...The Wife Upstairs is not just about measuring up but feeling the heat in the competitive battle to win a man's heart at all costs...NO, Hear Me Out- I Mean AT ALL COSTS...

Ok, we've all been there chasing for love, affection, attention, adulation- admit it...but this is a whole other realm that dare go where nobody else has in terms of vengeance, retaliation, retribution, and a bit of freedom from financial worries for the future.
Jane and Eddie seem to be the perfect couple. She's struggling to make ends meet as a dog walker while he's a wealthy and handsome gentleman widowed from Bea due to a boating accident.

Or so it goes...

Now, truthfully he moves quick, he's a charmer, and has an interesting past with Bea's bestie Blanche.

The author truly drags us into this relationship saga with mind blowing precision & just when you think you know all the players and the pieces the damn chess piece moves again...

Check MATE!

I'm not waving the white flag just yet but folks the twisters are all up in here with triggers like abuse, death, and alcoholism..to name a few.

Bea can't help who here parents were but damn there's no,"Parent of the Year" award going out.

What did ever happen to Bea's mother? She's often drunk but could there be more to this 'trip and fall' idea?

What about this 'girl's bonding weekend' has you all hot and bothered? 
Perhaps we should all just calm down and stop the angst and anxiety...
Geez, now where was that 'Panic Room' again?

I'm horrible with directions but I'll find it ...in the meantime guys this is truly a must read so get on this as soon as you can because I'm still perplexed by it long after completion.

I can't say much beyond the fact that not everyone is as they appear or claim to be...however, that ending was fit for a King or was it a Queen...

Happily Ever After...as I keep seeing dollar signs....

Till we meet again..I'm outta here! 

Thank you to Rachel, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "My Mother's Choice" By Ali Mercer

This is powerful beyond words so make sure you have that big box of Kleenex on stand-by!

It all begins with a young daughter living with her Aunt Carrie who grew up with a distant father while seeking answers to the mysterious death of her mother. 
Why was he so distant to Dani? Was it something deeper and complex of an issue to difficult for explanation?

Dani had no idea what type of Pandora's box she'd open when digging through the family history but she knew in her heart her mom would've never left her behind.

As the story progresses with poise, eloquence, and passion we learn that her mother kept her word and stayed true to her moral compass.

The ending on this is a tear jerker so be warned it will latch on and net let up.
Dani's dad was never guilty of anything other than loving his family and that's good enough!

Oh, I do hope all of you get to read this fascinating new roller coaster of a read by Ali Mercer.

Thank you to Ali, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Sorry I Missed You" By Suzy Krause

A hodge podge scenario that brings together three women and Larry (landlord) for one heck of a renter's nightmare.

Sorry I Missed You starts off with plenty of potential as these three ladies (Mackenzie, Sunna, and Maude) embark on this 'ghosted' reality from the ones they loved only to uncover the place may now be haunted.

Secrets are flying everywhere and I do mean EVERYWHERE so it becomes a little difficult to keep jumping from one to the next and back again with this plot.

Nevertheless, we have one jilted lover at the altar who is framed out as a bitter old crab who can't make new techno work for her; a sibling murder that was treated unfairly with 'anonymous tip' that seemed to just land in your lap; while the latter revolves around a woman unable to overcome failures and appreciate friends successes.

I'm not sure what to make of this other than it left me in the end saying ...WTH? Did that just happen? Why??

Ok, so there you have it ...I've seen reviewers use terminology such as Quirky, Rom-Com, Chick Lit, etc...however, it fell flat for me so for those who know my reviews I try to speak candidly and honestly.

I do hope you give this a chance as variety is the spice of life and perhaps you'll find bits and pieces you can reckon with but I'm going to leave this lovely piece at a good read.

Book Review: "The Nesting" By C.J. Cooke

This has all the expectations of a great thriller with riveting action, mind blowing plots, and dangerous formations and accusations concerning murder, suicide, stolen identities, and a mysterious 'Sad Lady' story that'll send chills up your spine.

In fact right from the start we worry about the life and death of Aurelia and whether or not she truly took her life as everyone claims.

Then we go into another realm of possibility with Lexi our broken, fragile, in need of help -protagonist- who wonders if she has a biological father with Nordic roots, whether she'll write a book, and if she'll obtain employment after being tossed to the curb by her a-hat boyfriend who left her broke and heartbroken.

Now, we enter another twister with Sophie and Lexi and the entire nanny position with stolen identities at the crux of the matter.

Onward we go to the next mess working for the grieving widow Tom and his two kids : Gaia and Coco.

Of course, Lexi should be up to the task as she's empathetic and has built herself up from the bottom but will she endure it all?

As Lexi flies to Norway to take on this monumental new position she encounters Tom's partner Clive and his hyperactive wife Derry along with meeting up with Maren the loyal and devoted employee of the deceased wife.

Did I mention Tom's obsession with completion of a home, lacking in parenting skills, and all work and no play makes him a dull guy?...

Ok, well, there's this another half of the plot that thickens like pea soup and you won't want to miss it.

Hold on...wait---supernatural events at a construction site? Payback is a biotch...Don't F with Mother Nature!

Ok, but what happens during this building of this dream home scenario...?
Glad you asked!

Ever since seeing this "Sad Lady" the characters of this story are having mental 
problems..Gaia with night terrors, Aurelia thought it was hormonal imbalance, Lexi-side effect of depression and ironically even Tom who thinks he's sleep deprived.

As with many thrillers the spouse or significant other is usually the first suspect.

In this case, Tom was accused but could he truly be that cold hearted?
If only we had some concrete proof...

This just in! We have a diary!

OMG!!...Back from the grave we have the mere words of the past and it's horrific and deeply troubling set of consequences that led to Aurelia's death...but is Tom to blame or is there still more?

No doubt in my mind this will be a hit for thriller fans everywhere across the globe, over the pond, and beyond.

Thank you to CJ Cooke, the pub, Netgalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Lost Apothecary" By Sarah Penner

"In this addictive and spectacularly imagined debut, a female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them—setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course."

"Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman."

"Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register."

Well, who am I to judge...Heck -Revenge is Sweet...

Now, this is going to take us all back to deeper, darker, disturbing times to 1791 London's Apothecary Shop where brews like this were created with Nella as the shop's owner.

Nella (ghost) was a well respected healer; who switched programs to help women find more than just comfort in death and that's even moreso, now that a new 12 yo patron named Eliza threatens to expose many women's names on that register.

Turning to present day we find an aspiring historian named Caroline who uncovers the Apothecary vile near the Thames River in London on her 10th anniversary with nothing to celebrate from her marriage after uncovering her spouse is unfaithful.

All three of these women are now connected on a much more disturbing level and not everyone may make it out alive.

Well, you know the old saying,"Hell Have No Fear Like A Woman Scorned...Proceed with Caution!

This was a gem that was nurtured, protected, and loved from start to finish.
A great read for 2020!

Enjoy...

Thank you to Sarah, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "The Island Child" By Molly Aitken

"The Island Child tells two stories: of the child who grew up watching births and betrayals, storms and secrets, and of the adult Oona, desperate to find a second chance, only to discover she can never completely escape. As the strands of Oona’s life come together, in blood and marriage and motherhood, she must accept the price we pay when we love what is never truly ours . . ."

Trust me this premise and the subsequent writings will leave you breathless.

Oona's story is one of passion, intrigue, and raw utter emotions. 

It's told from the basis of a child's viewpoint and expands into her adulthood which left her feeling more than a bit perplexed with rich Irish folklore intertwined.

As the story unfolds we learn Oona left more than just memories behind and now 20 yrs later those secrets are coming to fruition.

An inexplicable crime has occurred that will leave readers enraged, fearful, but also seeking justice for the wrongs.

Oona's daughter Joyce is a huge part of this story that engulfs readers every emotion as she's sadly having to endure struggles associated with the past.

It's such a moving, chilling, powerful story that I hope everyone can enjoy.

Thank you to Molly, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Girl, Serpent Thorn" By Melissa Bashardoust

Come on in, step outside your comfort zone, walk with me to the other side...

Folks, this isn't your typical romance, or YA teen heart throb read but rather a mix of culture, female intuition, sexual orientation, and acceptance.

What appears to take on this mystical feel surrounded by a non-Western spin involving a Persian culture woven into this embrace with enticing fanatical characters that want you to be a part of their worldly action.

To form one's own path, one must love oneself, one must be open to other possibilities, and accept differences and that was evident within this interesting and unique take by Melissa Bashardoust.

I've not read any of her work before and normally don't venture out to YA often, or as often as I wish I had time for, so if one of my sisters in the review world believes this is worthy I run out to partake in the festivities.

Festive it was as well as invigorating to see strong women roles.

The only commentary I can offer up without giving away anything is to touch and or be touched is an excruciating idea...and this plays well on that theme.

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this e-read in exchange for this honest review.

As my mom used to say, Try it ya might like it....Go on now... and don't forget to pick up Girls Made of Snow and Glass as that also looks appealing.

“She had read enough stories to know that the princess and the monster were never the same. She had been alone long enough to know which one she was.”
― Melissa Bashardoust, Girl, Serpent, Thorn

“I was always afraid the poison would make me a monster, but what if trying to get rid of it makes me more of a monster than I was before?”
― Melissa Bashardoust, Girl, Serpent, Thorn

Book Review: "A Good Family" By A.H. Kim

I still can't believe this is a debut novel for this new author A.H. Kim because she has so much talent in directing the story, hitting the marks, and landing those plot twists with precision.

Snitches get stitches as they say so be careful when you're a full fledged career woman trying to earn a living with a side order of fraud thrown in...

Heck, this is the story of family trust, drama, and corporate greed that revolves around a pharma company that Beth works for and has full reign.

Sam seems to be the go along guy and Lise is the Au-Pair along with Hannah-Beth's sis whose single & has given up her career to help raise Beth's children.

The siblings here are catty including Eva and Martin with Beth on the receiving end of some of the meltdowns.

Beth of course is taken down by a whistle blower complaint with Lise dishing it out like candy.

What readers are pondering is whether or not Lise acted alone?

It's a whole lot of mess, hot seats, and drama to the hilt but one thing is certain there's always a price to pay..

The biggest piece if the use of the which family member is the culprit that spilled and why?

As this story progresses it's told from two different and varied interest with Beth and Hannah and the before prison v after scenario which created a whole new bar to reach.

Thank you to Bibliotheca for this e-read copy in exchange for this honest review.
I can't wait to hear what you think...

Book Review: "The Annihilation Protocol" By Michael Laurence

What could be deadlier than a global pandemic? 

Enough lethal nerve gas to wipe everyone off the map!

Well, you've got my attention...Carry on, Michael!

Wait-What?

The only clue is a cryptic message written in blood on a concrete slab ...

Well this stirs those thriller juices guys and let me tell you it's full steam ahead, a real page turner, edge of the seat type of read.

In fact at times I felt like I was slowing down as a speed reader trying to keep up with this intense action on full display before my eyes.

Michael has a knack for capturing the attention, ringing out the truth, and serving it up -execution style! YIKES!!

By the way, one of suspenseful pieces surrounds a sinister agent codenamed,"Scarecrow."

Quite fitting for the situation especially in NYC Subways. 

Hey, I wonder if this Scarecrow is being paid off to orchestrate the subway attacks and Times Square Massacres?

You know, I'm itching to tell you but I'm sworn to secrecy...

Go, run, pre-order this beauty because it truly is a heart pounding masterful piece!

Thank you to Michael, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review. 

Book Review: "The Lantern Men" By Elly Griffiths

Ruth's no longer at Fens but rather Cambridge with her daughter and partner Frank. She's also not convinced that Ivor Marsh stopped at just two killings and she vows to uncover the truth.

Marsh wants to show her where the bodies are but only if she does the digging.
WTH?

Meanwhile, the tale of the Lantern Men is running rampant and several ladies will find out the hard way just how the light leads to danger.

Could Ivor be connected in some way to The Lantern Men?

Are his killings over...

I'll be honest I was not a fan of The Stone Circle from last year's Ruth Galloway Series but I was made to be a believer with this new gem!

The marshes was the perfect dreary, dismal, blanketed fog type of feel that created that creepy -always looking over the shoulder for danger- feel.

It really will excite the senses in many ways as the characters are plentiful and the drama and suspense is constantly on full steam with ever changing twists.

Thank you to Elly, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review. 

Book Review: "The Forgotten Kingdom" By Signe Pike

If your thing is mystical, magical, mysterious historical fiction than you've come to the right place.

Well written, superbly crafted, fab editing, and wonderful plots exist in this newest creation by Signe Pike.

It all begins with Languoreth imprisoned in her own home waiting for battle. The war is against her own twin brother and her husband and son have just gone off to fight like mad dogs similar to the "Dragon Warriors" her son admires.

Chaos ensues as she steps up to be Queen while the epic battle rages on to determine the destination towards moving forward.

New loves are born, lost loves found, bitter rivalries ignited, and the lure of it all captivates readers pure delight.

Thank you to Signe, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "A Convenient Death" By Alana Goodman and Daniel Halper

So much has been thrown in the mix concerning Epstein and his sexual escapades. However, the truth shall come to light. Be patient!

This book was superbly crafted, well written, and fully researched to the hilt in explaining exactly what happened not only with the guards and their lack of abiding by their own rules for checking upon inmates, but also concerning the suicide watch which was cut short, the conspiracies surrounding his sudden death, the lack of  answers for questions that surfaced due to the autopsy, and the final response provided by his own family members which raised more red flags.

All of this power, wealth, prestige seems to have awarded Mr. Epstein with certain unalienable rights and privileges that many of us have never been afforded.

Justice may be slow in coming but I do believe it will be served but there's a high price to pay for breaking this tight inner circle of silence.

The true victims are those who this sick pup had acquaintances with that truly would make any parent want to see this man locked up for life.

There are many unanswered questions and his close connections seem to know those answers. 

We shall see in the days to come whether any of them prove fruitful in the quest for answers and more important justice for these young women who have been abused and victimized and further smeared through the media.

Thank you to Alana, Daniel, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Poland 1939" By Roger Moorhouse

As with much of history, it does seem to repeat itself, and with current affairs, the results are catastrophic and deadly.

In this case Poland was fighting a losing battle but they never gave up. Poland's defensive war of 1939 led to a complex array of issues from the heightened efforts of diplomacy prior to the military campaigns which followed.

Armored trains and cavalry are often simultaneously used to represent the historic past with air raids and the targeting of civilians (including the current USA protests) showing force in the present.

The opening campaign to WWII was met with over 200k lives lost which has been glossed over in the history books using a minute set of paragraphs through enforcement of a more idealized propaganda that the effort was doomed to fail.

This may have fit the narrative for the Russians who claimed they conveniently moved in since Poland was on the verge of collapse, or the French and the British version who were set on fighting a long battle and didn't want to disrupt the plan to help Poland.

The author clearly showed powerful ties not only to that time but through chronological order, with graphic detail and picturesque photography that simply took your breath away.

The horror, the stories about being pulled out of homes & killed in front of your family for your nationality. The detail of the line -ups with a father and son in which the son cried for his father and was killed with him in this manner was so traumatizing to read that I cannot imagine the pain and suffering to see entire cities, towns, and the entire grid wiped off the map.

My word-I pray this violence ends- the unspeakable deaths -the horror-the countless lives that have suffered gravely in silence...

We need to learn from the past as it speaks volumes if only you stopped to listen...

Thank you Roger, the pub, Netgalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "Daughters of the Wild" By Natalka Burian

A bunch of fosters kids tend to a vine of heaven while also being subjected to sexual abuse and neglect and drug abuse.

With this noted, I'm not sure what to think because I couldn't really get into this type of mystical, fantasy, cult format, with numerous religious beliefs that were too overwhelming for my taste.

The whole idea centers upon rituals the girls perform to make the vine grow.

It's a bit odd, strangely bizarre, and too far out.

Thank you to Natalka, the pub, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

Book Review: "If It Bleeds"By Stephen King

“The human brain is finite—no more than a sponge of tissue inside a cage of bone—but the mind within the brain is infinite. Its storage capacity is colossal, its imaginative reach beyond our ability to comprehend. I think when a man or woman dies, a whole world falls to ruin—the world that person knew and believed in. Think of that, kiddo—billions of people on earth, and each one of those billions with a world inside. The earth their minds have conceived.”
― Stephen King, If It Bleeds

I'm not a huge fan of novellas simply because by the time I warm up to them they are over. I'm also not a huge fan of Mr. King but will read them if the premise sounds interesting.

For me this was hit or miss with some of the novellas finding a good path forward while others were not for me.

Thank you to Osterhout Library for this new copy during the mid of this pandemic.

Book Review: "The Red Lotus" By Chris Bohjalian

For better or worse....but oh god please don't talk about the rats...rodents....carriers of the plague...

Set with similar fashion to current trends and events this was a ripe for the picking novel about a beautiful flower, a pathogen, Vietnamese rats, and energy gel packs, and a plague (pandemic) that is terrifying it's nation.

The characters are complex yet lively, the setting takes place in numerous laboratories, hospital settings, and Vietnam.

The original idea and premise centers around a young lady named Alexis who falls in love (or so we think) with Austin while tending to his injuries as an emergency room physician.
As time progresses we learn of this bike tour in which everything changes.

Austin goes ahead, Alexis unable to keep up falls behind, Austin then disappears.
His body turns up with some interesting and yet unexplained injuries such as dart wounds to his hands, bite marks, etc.

What really was this Vietnam trip all about?

Could Austin have been hiding something more deadly and or dangerous?

The Red Lotus challenges the heart, mind, and soul as we race against time to find a vaccine and a cure to this deadly plague carried by animals that infects humans.
Similar to the bats from Wu Tang China and the current pandemonium surrounding our world this was ripe with angst, heartbreak, and drama.

Many will die but only a few know the truth about the real cause, the origin, the deadly nature of it all....

It's a truly fab read that I'm pleased to have read via the Osterhout Library after my original Netgalley request was declined on 9-3-19 for this Top 32 Of All Time Reviewer at Goodreads, 94%feedback, 800k views for 36 blogs, 38k followers on self help site, 9 major pub approvals, and 5 major book awards with over 680 of 1200 books read to date and 1158 books read last year alone. I also currently have over 1017 Twitter Book Post Followers.

Please support our local libraries they also need our business.

Book Review: "The House of Kennedy" By James Patterson and Cynthia Fagen

As JFK once noted,"A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces but also by the men it honors, the men it remembers."

The Kennedy's have always been the 'Legendary Family' full of mystery, intrigue, splendor, chaos, and tragedy.

"To whom much is given, much is expected."
And winning came at a huge price from the Patriarch Joe Kennedy Sr. through his use of Mafia deals for political rise to fame all the way down to John F. Kennedy Jr.

The romantic pairings went well beyond your normal state of affairs with some tragic ends including Marilyn Monroe, Mary Jo Kopechne, Inga, etc. and so the conspiracies swirled around all these lovely ladies.

It's been rumored that Jack, Ted, and several of the Kennedy boys were often unstable, using drugs or alcohol, and womanizers.
Whether this is rumor or fact we may never know as many of those involved have passed on.

This family has seen there fair share of disasters from the fatal WWII mission with Joe Jr, Jack's sister Kick being widowed a month after marrying a Protestant (defying her Catholic parents), then Bobby saves his son from drowning to witness his father shot on live tv five years after JFK's assassination.

Unknowable, Charmed, or Cursed is up to the readers but what we do know may never be enough to satisfy the craving most of us possess for this remarkable family.

Book Review: "The 20th Victim" By James Patterson

Villain or hero -Time to decide!

This is the newest addition by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro in which things happen in three's.

Three murders, three bullets, three locations.

Did I mention Chronicle Reporter, Cindy Thomas is contacted by someone with possible future attacks, which creates quite the appeal here?

By the way, all the victims are connected, as small time drug dealers but could there be more to this story?

Boxer is working closely with SFPD to track down not only the killer but figure out a modus operandi on this whole ordeal.

While this is playing out we have another situation that's unfolding in alarming fashion with a medical facility and a doctor in question.

As you know Patterson's work has been a hit or miss for many reviewers, bloggers, and fans alike.

This one seemed to hit all the marks in terms of sub plots, action, suspense, and intrigue.
The plot worked well and the ending was up to par and the short chapters always make it worth a readers gusto to get in and out quick.

For those who speed read we appreciate the quality, craftsmanship, and expertise in writing and editing.

This duo team that's put the Women's Murder Club on the map has truly hit their target with this newest piece.

Thank you to Osterhout Library for this new copy during this pandemic. I hope readers enjoy this Marathon Weekend Reading event of all James Patterson's newest novels with my readers at #TheSecretBookSleuth online everywhere.

Book Review: "Hush" By James Patterson and Candice Fox

It's another do or die time but this time it's going down while in prison ...well at least part of it is!

James Patterson and Candice Fox bring another great epic thriller with HUSH the newest piece that does more than just stir the senses it creates an atmosphere of excitement like never before.

In this case, are favorite character of the popular Harriet Harry Blue series- Blue-is incarcerated for murder while everything crumbles around her.

When the doctor on the floor of the infirmary is murdered everyone accuses Blue because of her frequent outburst another prisoner becomes the prime suspect, leaving Blue to wonder why especially when they are close friends.

Now comes the action as tension builds not only within these confines walls but on the outskirts as well with the commissioners daughter. Who just so happened to be responsible for putting Blue behind bars in the first place.

A deal is in the works for her to help find his missing daughter Tonya and her young child but things don't seem to go as planned.

It's a terrifying ordeal but with plenty of hands on deck the case seems to unravel at the seams as more and more individuals come into play.

One by one we uncover the truth that Tonya was being used for a professional advantage in the most bizarre ways.

Surely, her work as a prostitute who dealt drugs wasn't all it was cracked up to be but someone is hell bent on gaining the upper hand with it all.

My word...it will have you on edge because this pairing of authors is the best in the biz.
I love when they both get together and while his name sells it's her work that creates the duo magic.

Harry Blue is a character set in Australia who always gets her man. She's got a mouth like the South as my pop would say but she's got courage, strength, and charm too.
She's always in the thick of it chasing down sex crimes and pedophiles but this time she's going for gold with two cases running simultaneously while maintaining a dangerous "cop" persona in the lock up.

It's wonderful to see how the secondary characters came together to unite for the protagonist in this one which we don't often get to see in thrillers.
The spin on this 'prison' setting leads readers to examine the outside looking in approach which heightens the plot to new heights.

Loved it!

Hope you do as well...as I'm off for the next James Patterson Weekend Reads Marathon. 

Thank you to Osterhout Library for this pandemic read. Please support your local libraries during these trying times.

Book Review: The Summer House By James Patterson

Mass Murder! Night Rangers are suspected! Can justice be served?

Talk about a whole bunch of mess this was that and then some with questionable activities that lead many to wonder who is at fault, is this a cover up, will there be time to prove the case before more murders wash up.

We begin at a summer getaway on a rustic lake that has everything one could ever want including now a crime scene attached to the location of the Summer House.

Eyewitnesses place the 4 rangers who recently returned from Afghanistan but what many don't know is that they arrived home early from said trip. Why?

I can't go into too much without giving away the plot but suffice to say a brutal act was committed by someone who is not even on the radar and is led by someone familiar with the Georgia county Sheriffs office.

This was so bad it was good.

In the end Major Cook is sent to investigate but nothing seems to add up and his forces are led on a wild goose chase ...until....

Well, that's all I got but will see you next time -right here-for another James Patterson Thriller Fest Weekend.

Thank you to Osterhout Library for this new edition in the middle of a pandemic- they are amazing people who work hard. Please, support local libraries.

Book Review: Summer Darlings By Brooke Lea

Money can't buy love nor happiness. Act accordingly and follow your dreams and money will follow.

I Love Heddy Winsome! The strong heroine! What a powerhouse of emotions reading this gem!

First and foremost, thank you to Brooke Lea Foster, Gallery Books, and Goodreads Giveaway for this copy.

Summer Darlings how you make me long for the coastline;specifically Martha's Vineyard and the glamorous lifestyles of the rich and famous.

In this lovely novel we have the dark side of privilege that clashes with a gal trying to earn a living the hard way as a nanny for the upper wealthy family of Jean Paul and Ted.
While trying to find her way in life her academic scholarship was revoked as she follows her heart and her passions.

A remarkable journey that includes Ash in a setting fit for the glamorous court.
Perhaps the walls can't talk but when you catch slime in the act you have everything you need for seeking revenge.

I love the way this played out in the end and I love the support that Heddy found among her inner circle.

Truly a win-win for the strong feminine types who enjoy a great historical -fictional read set in the sixties with all the glitz and glam to warm the hearts and souls of readers everywhere.

This was a class act, well written, excellent plot, stunning settings, and it all came together very nicely.

I'm so glad I was provided this opportunity at an early read.

Thank you all who made this possible and for those who haven't read this one-get moving. You don't want to miss it!!