From Publishers Weekly
The fifth and finest in Paretsky's praised series returns heroine Victoria (V. I.) Warshawski, lawyer/private detective, to describe mysterious circumstances arising from a seemingly insignificant case. A visit to a childhood friend in South Chicago, Caroline Djiak, ends with Warshawski agreeing to look for the father Caroline never knew and whom neither her mother Louisa, although she's dying, or maternal grandparents will name. Almost at once, however, Caroline begs the detective to stop the search. She is badly frightened when a co-worker in a neighboring recycling plant is murdered, but Warshawski won't quit the investigation now that she suspects criminals have a bigger motive for killing than keeping the father's identify secret. The decision to fight on entangles V. I. with the powerful owner of a chemical company and his minionsa venal doctor who falsifies employee records, South Chicago's corrupt alderman, a gangster profiteer with a stranglehold on the city's trash collectionsand thugs hired to kill "the snoop." It's a gripping, entertaining story, although sobering as a warning against thieving officials who pollute natural resources and rob the public. Mystery Guild dual main selection; Literary Guild and Doubleday Book Club selections.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
For the Love of Pete / Rosalyn Alsobrook
From Literary Times
After several years, Jillian Westworth is returning to Seascape Inn with her son Pete and later, her fiancée, Reynold Johnstone will join them with the Nelson's for a business vacation. As a young girl, Jillian had spent her summers in Maine, and during her last two summers there, she fell in love with Brad Pierce, who wanted to become a doctor, and he did at the expense of their love, which resulted in Pete. Jillian wanted to marry Brad when she found out she was pregnant, but Brad had told Jillian that he was not capable of providing for her or a family, so he broke off their relationship. Brad was told he'd won a weeks vacation at Seascape Inn, and he arrives the day after Jillian and Pete. Fearful that Brad will discover Pete's parentage, Jillian tries to keep the two apart, while Pete and Tony, the ghost of Seascape Inn, conspire to get Brad and Jillian alone so they can clear up the past and admit their feelings for each other. Reynold and the Nelsons arrive and Reynold practically ignores Pete while Brad and Pete become fast friends. Jillian realizes she must tell Brad the truth before Pete's birthday party, but the decision is taken out of her hands when Mrs. Nelson remarks on how much they look 'like father and son.' Brad asks Pete how old he is going to be, does some quick math and bolts from the room with Pete and Jillian running after him. Jillian finds Brad, but Pete is lost and a storm is brewing. They have to find Pete, if they can, before they can come to terms with the past. Is their love for Pete, and each other, strong enough to bridge the gap of the last seven years and unite them as a family? *This is the fourth in the Seascape Series by Victoria Barrett and Rosalyn Alsobrook. I reviewed the first book in this series, Beyond The Misty Shore which I thought inspiring and delightful. This book did not seem quite as enchanting, mystic or 'spiritual,' but still, a good read.Charming and romantic, For the Love of Pete will capture your heart! Well developed characters - you'll cheer for Brad, Jillian and Pete, and you'll love to hate Reynold, the dastardly villian!
After several years, Jillian Westworth is returning to Seascape Inn with her son Pete and later, her fiancée, Reynold Johnstone will join them with the Nelson's for a business vacation. As a young girl, Jillian had spent her summers in Maine, and during her last two summers there, she fell in love with Brad Pierce, who wanted to become a doctor, and he did at the expense of their love, which resulted in Pete. Jillian wanted to marry Brad when she found out she was pregnant, but Brad had told Jillian that he was not capable of providing for her or a family, so he broke off their relationship. Brad was told he'd won a weeks vacation at Seascape Inn, and he arrives the day after Jillian and Pete. Fearful that Brad will discover Pete's parentage, Jillian tries to keep the two apart, while Pete and Tony, the ghost of Seascape Inn, conspire to get Brad and Jillian alone so they can clear up the past and admit their feelings for each other. Reynold and the Nelsons arrive and Reynold practically ignores Pete while Brad and Pete become fast friends. Jillian realizes she must tell Brad the truth before Pete's birthday party, but the decision is taken out of her hands when Mrs. Nelson remarks on how much they look 'like father and son.' Brad asks Pete how old he is going to be, does some quick math and bolts from the room with Pete and Jillian running after him. Jillian finds Brad, but Pete is lost and a storm is brewing. They have to find Pete, if they can, before they can come to terms with the past. Is their love for Pete, and each other, strong enough to bridge the gap of the last seven years and unite them as a family? *This is the fourth in the Seascape Series by Victoria Barrett and Rosalyn Alsobrook. I reviewed the first book in this series, Beyond The Misty Shore which I thought inspiring and delightful. This book did not seem quite as enchanting, mystic or 'spiritual,' but still, a good read.Charming and romantic, For the Love of Pete will capture your heart! Well developed characters - you'll cheer for Brad, Jillian and Pete, and you'll love to hate Reynold, the dastardly villian!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Affair / Amanda Quick
From Library Journal
Enormously popular romance writer Quick scores big again with this delightful, frothy love story featuring Charlotte Arkendale, who is left to fend for herself following her mother's death and her stepfather's subsequent squandering of the family fortune. She creates an intriguing profession of investigating the intentions, honorable or otherwise, of her clients' suitors. Unfortunately, one of her clients winds up dead, and Charlotte is determined to find the killer. Baxter St. Ives, the required love interest, is also investigating the murder. Predictably, the two join forces, struggling with their growing feelings for each other. These two characters are so likable that we can only hope to see them again in a sequel. As always, Quick understands her readers and delivers an entertaining, sensual, albeit paper-thin, plot. Add this one to your "guilty pleasures" list and buy multiple copies.
Enormously popular romance writer Quick scores big again with this delightful, frothy love story featuring Charlotte Arkendale, who is left to fend for herself following her mother's death and her stepfather's subsequent squandering of the family fortune. She creates an intriguing profession of investigating the intentions, honorable or otherwise, of her clients' suitors. Unfortunately, one of her clients winds up dead, and Charlotte is determined to find the killer. Baxter St. Ives, the required love interest, is also investigating the murder. Predictably, the two join forces, struggling with their growing feelings for each other. These two characters are so likable that we can only hope to see them again in a sequel. As always, Quick understands her readers and delivers an entertaining, sensual, albeit paper-thin, plot. Add this one to your "guilty pleasures" list and buy multiple copies.
Yesterday / Fern Michaels
From Publishers Weekly
Coming together for a wedding, four friends share memories of childhood in Michaels's (Vegas Sunrise) unevenly plotted latest romance novel, set in South Carolina. Blonde Southern belle Callie Parker is to wed arrogant Wynfield Archer, with her childhood friends in attendance: Brie Canfield, San Diego cop and prospective FBI agent; Sela Bronson, interior designer and recent divorc?e; and attorney Bode Jessup. Bode became Callie's foster brother when her father brought him home from an orphanage and made him promise to make sure Callie got what she wanted, always. Brie and Sela were "white trash" local girls brought in daily as playmates to form the rest of Callie's adoring court. Mama Pearl, an aging black woman employed at Parker Manor, lovingly cared for the poor waifs, but she also reinforced Callie's princess complex. Now, emotional turmoils rise to the surface when Bode evades attending Callie's wedding. Is Bode in love with Callie? The question fades in the wake of a car crash that leaves Callie comatose, an accident caused and covered up by an inebriated Wyn on the way to their wedding rehearsal. Brie explores her memories and her feelings for Bode, and maudlin nostalgia runs rampant as each character bemoans the perfection of "yesterday," leaving the reader to wonder why someone didn't slap silly Callie years ago. Stereotypes abound: Sela's a tramp with a heart of gold; Callie is a prima donna; and Mama Pearl is Mammy from Gone with the Wind. Michaels stirs up love-drama between the old friends and wangles revelations out of Mama Pearl about Bode and Callie's secret origins and racial heritage. Many disillusionments, impassioned tears and tearful confessions later, the puzzle pieces fall predictably in place.
Coming together for a wedding, four friends share memories of childhood in Michaels's (Vegas Sunrise) unevenly plotted latest romance novel, set in South Carolina. Blonde Southern belle Callie Parker is to wed arrogant Wynfield Archer, with her childhood friends in attendance: Brie Canfield, San Diego cop and prospective FBI agent; Sela Bronson, interior designer and recent divorc?e; and attorney Bode Jessup. Bode became Callie's foster brother when her father brought him home from an orphanage and made him promise to make sure Callie got what she wanted, always. Brie and Sela were "white trash" local girls brought in daily as playmates to form the rest of Callie's adoring court. Mama Pearl, an aging black woman employed at Parker Manor, lovingly cared for the poor waifs, but she also reinforced Callie's princess complex. Now, emotional turmoils rise to the surface when Bode evades attending Callie's wedding. Is Bode in love with Callie? The question fades in the wake of a car crash that leaves Callie comatose, an accident caused and covered up by an inebriated Wyn on the way to their wedding rehearsal. Brie explores her memories and her feelings for Bode, and maudlin nostalgia runs rampant as each character bemoans the perfection of "yesterday," leaving the reader to wonder why someone didn't slap silly Callie years ago. Stereotypes abound: Sela's a tramp with a heart of gold; Callie is a prima donna; and Mama Pearl is Mammy from Gone with the Wind. Michaels stirs up love-drama between the old friends and wangles revelations out of Mama Pearl about Bode and Callie's secret origins and racial heritage. Many disillusionments, impassioned tears and tearful confessions later, the puzzle pieces fall predictably in place.
A Man to Slay Dragons / Meagan McKinney
From Publishers Weekly
In the manner of Nora Roberts, McKinney (The Ground She Walks Upon) makes a successful transition from romance to mystery/suspense. New York attorney Claire Green is in big trouble. The victim support group (ZOE) she started after her twin sister's murder has turned vigilante and now plans to eliminate her sister's killer. When reasoning with the group doesn't work, a desperate Claire tries to scare off their assassin, only to come face-to-face with FBI Special Agent Liam Jameson, who has traced ZOE to Claire. In Mardi Gras-crazed New Orleans, where Claire has gone to find the killer, Liam and Claire-hunter and prey-battle one another and a growing mutual attraction. At last joining forces, the lovers try to catch a psychopath before he can kill again, and before the second assassin can destroy their newfound evidence. Well-paced, with strong characters, this novel works as both thriller and romance, though the publisher is aiming it primarily at the romance market.
In the manner of Nora Roberts, McKinney (The Ground She Walks Upon) makes a successful transition from romance to mystery/suspense. New York attorney Claire Green is in big trouble. The victim support group (ZOE) she started after her twin sister's murder has turned vigilante and now plans to eliminate her sister's killer. When reasoning with the group doesn't work, a desperate Claire tries to scare off their assassin, only to come face-to-face with FBI Special Agent Liam Jameson, who has traced ZOE to Claire. In Mardi Gras-crazed New Orleans, where Claire has gone to find the killer, Liam and Claire-hunter and prey-battle one another and a growing mutual attraction. At last joining forces, the lovers try to catch a psychopath before he can kill again, and before the second assassin can destroy their newfound evidence. Well-paced, with strong characters, this novel works as both thriller and romance, though the publisher is aiming it primarily at the romance market.
The Heir / Johanna Lindsey
From School Library Journal
Young Adult Book - Sabrina Lambert is popular due to her personality and wit, not her looks. Her friend, the beautiful yet heartless and spiteful Ophelia Reid, resents her own arranged engagement to Duncan MacTavish, a "barbaric" highlander. After she insults him at his own party, hoping to end their relationship in front of London's in-crowd, Duncan throws her out, making her the laughing stock of the town. He finds a true friend in Sabrina, who makes him laugh and feel completely at ease. A jealous Ophelia notices all of this and plans her revenge. The story line is satisfying: a nice girl with personality and intellect gets a chance at Prince Charming or "The Heir." Change the dress and time period, and this romance and its characters will hit home with many YAs who get passed over because they are not considered "beautiful."-Lisa Muir, Poe Middle School, Annandale, VA
Young Adult Book - Sabrina Lambert is popular due to her personality and wit, not her looks. Her friend, the beautiful yet heartless and spiteful Ophelia Reid, resents her own arranged engagement to Duncan MacTavish, a "barbaric" highlander. After she insults him at his own party, hoping to end their relationship in front of London's in-crowd, Duncan throws her out, making her the laughing stock of the town. He finds a true friend in Sabrina, who makes him laugh and feel completely at ease. A jealous Ophelia notices all of this and plans her revenge. The story line is satisfying: a nice girl with personality and intellect gets a chance at Prince Charming or "The Heir." Change the dress and time period, and this romance and its characters will hit home with many YAs who get passed over because they are not considered "beautiful."-Lisa Muir, Poe Middle School, Annandale, VA
Prince Charming / Julie Garwood
From Publishers Weekly
The opening line of Garwood's ( Saving Grace ) latest novel, "The vultures were gathering in the vestibule," aptly sets the tone for the machinations to follow. These "vultures" (of 1868 vintage) are the greedy relatives of Lady Esther Stapleton awaiting the death of their wealthy kin. Worst of the lot is Esther's son, Malcolm, a devious and demented gentleman who is unaware that his vigil is useless: his mother has already transferred her wealth from England to a Boston bank in the name of her favorite granddaughter, Taylor. To shield Taylor from Malcolm's wrath, Esther arranges for the girl to marry Lucas Ross, a Montana rancher itching to end his visit to England. The couple readily agree to the plan: Lucas needs the money to bring his younger brother to America, and Taylor knows Lucas's protection is the only way she can safeguard her tiny orphaned nieces from Malcolm, whose sexual appetite runs to the very young. The marriage is to be annulled as soon as they reach the States, but love has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans. Garwood pads her story with pages of intricate detail (bathing, shopping, decor, traveling, etc.) that ultimately slow the pace to a crawl. Readers can enjoy this book for the humor, the sweetness and the sensuality.
The opening line of Garwood's ( Saving Grace ) latest novel, "The vultures were gathering in the vestibule," aptly sets the tone for the machinations to follow. These "vultures" (of 1868 vintage) are the greedy relatives of Lady Esther Stapleton awaiting the death of their wealthy kin. Worst of the lot is Esther's son, Malcolm, a devious and demented gentleman who is unaware that his vigil is useless: his mother has already transferred her wealth from England to a Boston bank in the name of her favorite granddaughter, Taylor. To shield Taylor from Malcolm's wrath, Esther arranges for the girl to marry Lucas Ross, a Montana rancher itching to end his visit to England. The couple readily agree to the plan: Lucas needs the money to bring his younger brother to America, and Taylor knows Lucas's protection is the only way she can safeguard her tiny orphaned nieces from Malcolm, whose sexual appetite runs to the very young. The marriage is to be annulled as soon as they reach the States, but love has a way of upsetting the best-laid plans. Garwood pads her story with pages of intricate detail (bathing, shopping, decor, traveling, etc.) that ultimately slow the pace to a crawl. Readers can enjoy this book for the humor, the sweetness and the sensuality.
Mountain Laurel / Jude Deveraux
From Publishers Weekly
Maddie Worth, blackmailed into carrying letters between abolitionist spies who hold her sister captive, resents the authoritarian presence of Captain Ring Montgomery, who helps her navigate the gold fields of Colorado. "Deveraux fans may find the plot a little thin, but will welcome yet another pair of feisty, independent souls whose conversation crackles with electricity," said PW.
Maddie Worth, blackmailed into carrying letters between abolitionist spies who hold her sister captive, resents the authoritarian presence of Captain Ring Montgomery, who helps her navigate the gold fields of Colorado. "Deveraux fans may find the plot a little thin, but will welcome yet another pair of feisty, independent souls whose conversation crackles with electricity," said PW.
The Valentine Legacy / Catherine Coulter
From Library Journal
Refusing to marry James Wyndham, the man she has loved secretly for years, outspoken, naive Jessie Warfield escapes to England and the estate of James's cousins? and a life as a "nanny." However, when James comes to fetch her, a group of delightful meddlers make certain that they end up neatly married instead. Old secrets, a pirate's legacy, and a cast of wonderful characters are part of this funny, lively, and occasionally mysterious story that provides a satisfactory conclusion to Coulter's "Legacy" trilogy (The Wyndham Legacy, Putnam, 1994, and The Nightingale Legacy, Putnam, 1994.) Readers who enjoy this historical might also find those by Jo Beverley of interest.
Refusing to marry James Wyndham, the man she has loved secretly for years, outspoken, naive Jessie Warfield escapes to England and the estate of James's cousins? and a life as a "nanny." However, when James comes to fetch her, a group of delightful meddlers make certain that they end up neatly married instead. Old secrets, a pirate's legacy, and a cast of wonderful characters are part of this funny, lively, and occasionally mysterious story that provides a satisfactory conclusion to Coulter's "Legacy" trilogy (The Wyndham Legacy, Putnam, 1994, and The Nightingale Legacy, Putnam, 1994.) Readers who enjoy this historical might also find those by Jo Beverley of interest.
Saint Maybe / Anne Tyler
From Publishers Weekly
Although Tyler ( Breathing Lessons ; Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant ) is again writing about families--the way they cleave together in times of trouble and muddle through with stoic courage--her eminently satisfying new novel breaks her familiar mold, giving us ordinary, not eccentric characters who are shaped by disastrous events into quietly heroic behavior. The Bedloes are cheerful and count their blessings, even if they are far from rich and live on a slightly seedy street in Baltimore. But when 17-year-old Ian rashly informs his older brother Dan that the latter's wife was undoubtedly pregnant before their marriage, Dan commits suicide, and Ian is left with profound guilt--especially since Dan's wife dies soon after. Asking God's forgiveness, he receives spiritual guidance at the endearingly shabby Church of the Second Chance. He drops out of college, becomes a carpenter and helps his parents care for the three orphaned children; as the years pass, that burden falls primarily on Ian's shoulders. Wondering when God will signal that his atonement can end, Ian has an epiphany: "You could never call it a penance, to have to care for those three." Ian eventually does construct a life for himself, in one of Tyler's most appealing endings. The narrative also enjoys her whimsical humor (although the group role of the "foreigners" who live in the neighborhood verges on caricature). Since her characters' foibles never overwhelm their homespun simplicity, the reader is emotionally involved and touched as never before.
Although Tyler ( Breathing Lessons ; Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant ) is again writing about families--the way they cleave together in times of trouble and muddle through with stoic courage--her eminently satisfying new novel breaks her familiar mold, giving us ordinary, not eccentric characters who are shaped by disastrous events into quietly heroic behavior. The Bedloes are cheerful and count their blessings, even if they are far from rich and live on a slightly seedy street in Baltimore. But when 17-year-old Ian rashly informs his older brother Dan that the latter's wife was undoubtedly pregnant before their marriage, Dan commits suicide, and Ian is left with profound guilt--especially since Dan's wife dies soon after. Asking God's forgiveness, he receives spiritual guidance at the endearingly shabby Church of the Second Chance. He drops out of college, becomes a carpenter and helps his parents care for the three orphaned children; as the years pass, that burden falls primarily on Ian's shoulders. Wondering when God will signal that his atonement can end, Ian has an epiphany: "You could never call it a penance, to have to care for those three." Ian eventually does construct a life for himself, in one of Tyler's most appealing endings. The narrative also enjoys her whimsical humor (although the group role of the "foreigners" who live in the neighborhood verges on caricature). Since her characters' foibles never overwhelm their homespun simplicity, the reader is emotionally involved and touched as never before.
The Kiss / Danielle Steel
From Publishers Weekly
First kisses are often explosive, but not all are quite as disaster-ridden as the one that propels Steel's latest romance. Isabelle Forrester, elegant and refined wife of cold and indifferent Paris-based banker Gordon Forrester, has spent most of her marriage caring for her desperately ill teenage son, Teddy. Isolated in her Paris home, Isabelle's only comfort is her long-distance friendship with millionaire Washington power broker Bill Robinson, also stuck in an empty marriage. Isabelle and Bill, kindred spirits satisfied with their chaste relationship, agree to meet for a few platonic days in London. Following an enchanting evening on the town, they head back to their hotel in Bill's limousine. As the couple share their first, probing kiss, their car is struck by a speeding, double-decker bus. The horrendous crash kills many and leaves both Isabelle and Bill in critical condition. The long and arduous road to recovery is filled with both physical and emotional pain as Bill must make decisions about his crumbling marriage and the future of his career, and Isabelle must confront bitter truths about her husband. From adjoining hospital beds, they pledge their love to one another, but then Isabelle heads back to Paris to tend her ailing son, and Bill returns to the States for a stay at a rehabilitation center where he hopes to regain use of his legs. Will Isabelle eventually leave her husband and reclaim her freedom? Will Bill ever walk again? Will the two soul mates ever be reunited? Despite the wacky unlikeliness of the bus-crash plot device and the his-and-her IVs, Steel pulls through with skillful plotting, steeping a gentle brew that will once again gratify her legions of fans.
First kisses are often explosive, but not all are quite as disaster-ridden as the one that propels Steel's latest romance. Isabelle Forrester, elegant and refined wife of cold and indifferent Paris-based banker Gordon Forrester, has spent most of her marriage caring for her desperately ill teenage son, Teddy. Isolated in her Paris home, Isabelle's only comfort is her long-distance friendship with millionaire Washington power broker Bill Robinson, also stuck in an empty marriage. Isabelle and Bill, kindred spirits satisfied with their chaste relationship, agree to meet for a few platonic days in London. Following an enchanting evening on the town, they head back to their hotel in Bill's limousine. As the couple share their first, probing kiss, their car is struck by a speeding, double-decker bus. The horrendous crash kills many and leaves both Isabelle and Bill in critical condition. The long and arduous road to recovery is filled with both physical and emotional pain as Bill must make decisions about his crumbling marriage and the future of his career, and Isabelle must confront bitter truths about her husband. From adjoining hospital beds, they pledge their love to one another, but then Isabelle heads back to Paris to tend her ailing son, and Bill returns to the States for a stay at a rehabilitation center where he hopes to regain use of his legs. Will Isabelle eventually leave her husband and reclaim her freedom? Will Bill ever walk again? Will the two soul mates ever be reunited? Despite the wacky unlikeliness of the bus-crash plot device and the his-and-her IVs, Steel pulls through with skillful plotting, steeping a gentle brew that will once again gratify her legions of fans.
Friday, June 1, 2007
"I" is for Innocent / Sue Grafton
From Kirkus Reviews
California's formidable p.i. Kinsey Millhone (``A'' Is for Alibi, etc.), fired from her comfortable berth with Fidelity Insurance, now rents office space from busy Santa Teresa lawyer Lonnie Kingman. His usual outside investigator Morley Shine has died of a heart attack, and he hires Kinsey to take over the case that Morley was working on. It involves the upcoming trial of David Barney, acquitted of the six-year-old murder of his wife, Isabelle, but now being sued for wrongful death in civil court by Isabelle's first husband, Ken Voigt. Voigt, represented by Lonnie Kingman, is sure that Barney killed Isabelle and wants to keep her considerable fortune out of his hands. Lonnie thinks he has a strong case, buoyed by damning new evidence from drifter Curtis McIntyre. But what Kinsey finds as she begins to probe is a surprising number of people with reasons to hate Isabelle--among them Voigt's second wife, Francesca, and Isabelle's business mentor Peter Weidmann and his overprotective wife, Yolanda. She also uncovers curious gaps in Morley's files and begins to question his ``heart attack,'' as Lonnie's seemingly solid case collapses bit by bit, with her own life on the line in the gritty finale. A sober, resolute Kinsey, romanceless at the moment, and a clever, meaty puzzle--for which the publisher plans a 300,000 first printing. Rack up another winner for Grafton.
California's formidable p.i. Kinsey Millhone (``A'' Is for Alibi, etc.), fired from her comfortable berth with Fidelity Insurance, now rents office space from busy Santa Teresa lawyer Lonnie Kingman. His usual outside investigator Morley Shine has died of a heart attack, and he hires Kinsey to take over the case that Morley was working on. It involves the upcoming trial of David Barney, acquitted of the six-year-old murder of his wife, Isabelle, but now being sued for wrongful death in civil court by Isabelle's first husband, Ken Voigt. Voigt, represented by Lonnie Kingman, is sure that Barney killed Isabelle and wants to keep her considerable fortune out of his hands. Lonnie thinks he has a strong case, buoyed by damning new evidence from drifter Curtis McIntyre. But what Kinsey finds as she begins to probe is a surprising number of people with reasons to hate Isabelle--among them Voigt's second wife, Francesca, and Isabelle's business mentor Peter Weidmann and his overprotective wife, Yolanda. She also uncovers curious gaps in Morley's files and begins to question his ``heart attack,'' as Lonnie's seemingly solid case collapses bit by bit, with her own life on the line in the gritty finale. A sober, resolute Kinsey, romanceless at the moment, and a clever, meaty puzzle--for which the publisher plans a 300,000 first printing. Rack up another winner for Grafton.
1st to Die / James Patterson
From Library Journal
Lindsay Boxer is an inspector on the San Francisco Homicide Squad. Her healthy, optimistic outlook is given a jolt when she is diagnosed with aplastic anemia, which is potentially fatal. While dealing with her first treatments, she takes on a new case. Someone has killed a bride and groom during the first hours of their honeymoon. The killer strikes again in Napa Valley and a third time in Cleveland. Lindsay gathers her girlfriends, all of whom work in related areas of the justice system, to circumvent the bureaucracy of police business and solve the crimes. There are a number of loose ends that never get tied up, and a number of actions that don't seem to fit the characters' persona. The unabridged version of the story moves along well but seems contrived and somewhat sloppy, though well read by Suzanne Toren. Lack of detail in the abridgment, which is well read in alternate chapters by Melissa Leo and Dylan Baker, does not significantly hamper the telling of the tale; the loose ends and inconsistent characters are less apparent and bothersome.
Lindsay Boxer is an inspector on the San Francisco Homicide Squad. Her healthy, optimistic outlook is given a jolt when she is diagnosed with aplastic anemia, which is potentially fatal. While dealing with her first treatments, she takes on a new case. Someone has killed a bride and groom during the first hours of their honeymoon. The killer strikes again in Napa Valley and a third time in Cleveland. Lindsay gathers her girlfriends, all of whom work in related areas of the justice system, to circumvent the bureaucracy of police business and solve the crimes. There are a number of loose ends that never get tied up, and a number of actions that don't seem to fit the characters' persona. The unabridged version of the story moves along well but seems contrived and somewhat sloppy, though well read by Suzanne Toren. Lack of detail in the abridgment, which is well read in alternate chapters by Melissa Leo and Dylan Baker, does not significantly hamper the telling of the tale; the loose ends and inconsistent characters are less apparent and bothersome.
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