CL_kcls
King County Library System
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CL_kcls's rating:
Added Mar 20, 2024
Missing PersonsMissing Persons, eBook
by Patterson, JameseBook - 2024eBook, 2024
All copies in use
Holds: 13 on 2 copies
Holds: 13 on 2 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Mar 16, 2024
Comment:
I was wide awake at 5am. I couldn't pick up the book I'm reading because my husband was asleep beside me. I grabbed my tablet figuring I'd read until my eyes again drifted off to sleep. No dice.
Somehow I received the eBook of 'Private: Missing Persons' before the print (which never happens) and it was the next eBook due soonest. Five hours later I finished the last word of the last chapter.
'Private: Missing Persons' is a non-stop action thriller, with a complicated tale taking place on two continents. There are no squishy characters in 'Private Missing Persons' except for a pompous sheriff and handful of cowardly border agents.
Each and every character is well-defined and real in their emotions. Granted, many are extraordinary in their work and actions. While it wasn't always easy to remember previous cases mentioned it was easy to remember the vivid characters from them.
After having read everything with his name on it in early years, I've abandoned Patterson more often than not in recent years, with few exceptions. I'm very happy 'Private: Missing Persons' was in my queue.
I don't know the division of labor between Patterson and his co-authors, but this one is clearly all Adam Hamdy. He's a terrific writer and similar to Brad Thor and John Gilstrap.
5 Stars for the gripping 'Private: Missing Persons'. I'll sleep those hours tonight.I was wide awake at 5am. I couldn't pick up the book I'm reading because my husband was asleep beside me. I grabbed my tablet figuring I'd read until my eyes again drifted off to sleep. No dice.
Somehow I received the eBook of 'Private: Missing…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2024
Comment:
I'm three for three with three with 'The Deepest Kill'.
I found it difficult to get involved in 'The Deepest Kill' for the first third of the book when the story became marginally less boring.
'The Deepest Kill' is heavy on overwrought melodrama with so many chapters that end like a soap opera "tune in next time" cliffhanger tease.
Quote\ "- Ashley has not officially been the victim of a crime. He couldn't be a suspect because technically there was nothing to suspect him of."
"Yes, but why-"
"And now", she finished “there is". /Quote
Da da da dun
Quote\ "He had reached one of the several laptops and touched its nearby mouse. The screen glowed to life. "Greg isn't just a cheat and a killer. He's also a spy." /Quote
Da da da dun
Quote\ "Kayla's face screwed up and her voice seemed to disintegrate into shards of pain. "He didn't! He couldn't have. I know he couldn't have!"
Michael said, "it's probably best if you don't say anything more, Miss Parker, until-"
She stopped at a red light and let out a sob. "I know he didn't, because he was with me!" /Quote
Da da da dun.
The ending turned in an interesting and exciting way, but finished unsatisfyingly, again with the melodrama of being incomplete.
3 Stars for 'The Deepest Kill'. I much prefer the tight and cohesive writing of the Theresa MacLean series and the Gardiner and Renner series.I'm three for three with three with 'The Deepest Kill'.
I found it difficult to get involved in 'The Deepest Kill' for the first third of the book when the story became marginally less boring.
'The Deepest Kill' is heavy on overwrought melodrama…
The Summer Book ClubThe Summer Book Club, eBook
by Mallery, SusaneBook - 2024eBook, 2024
All copies in use
Holds: 9 on 3 copies
Holds: 9 on 3 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Mar 10, 2024
Comment:
I'm beginning to think that writers believe some readers just pick up and start in the middle of their books, or worse, they think we lack the concentration to remember key facts.
'The Summer Book Club' suffers from this. Every time four of the characters met with each other, every time they ruminated internally, every time they had an opportunity to change their lives, they repeated and dissected the story of their past, which they use as an excuse to close off their lives to new relationships.
The friendship aspect of the female characters in 'The Summer Book Club' is wonderful with love, loyalty, support, and hard truth-telling.
The romance aspects are endearing, and could be more, if only the women can let go of their history, their fears, stop running and learn to trust themselves and let people in.
The men are handsome, in perfect shape, attentive, and great at kissing as well as kind, honorable and patient. Very patient.
Every character has great depth with a solidly written and interesting backstory.
'The Summer Book Club' is not about books or a club but that aspect simply acts as a vehicle to put all the adult characters together.
I wanted to give 'The Summer Book Club' 4 Stars but have settled on 3.5 Stars. The story is a good one, but I can't get past the repetitiveness of not one, but all three main characters and a young teen. I wouldn't mind visiting Los Lobos a few more times though.I'm beginning to think that writers believe some readers just pick up and start in the middle of their books, or worse, they think we lack the concentration to remember key facts.
'The Summer Book Club' suffers from this. Every time four of the…
CrosshairsCrosshairs, eBook
by Patterson, JameseBook - 2024eBook, 2024
All copies in use
Holds: 23 on 3 copies
Holds: 23 on 3 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Mar 06, 2024
Comment:
I've read Patterson books that he's written with 27 different co-authors as well as those he's written alone. With a few recent exceptions I pretty much walked away from him as a must read in 2016. Patterson is too efficient in churning out books and, at some point readers recognize they only have so much time and there are so many great authors and genres awaiting us.
One exception is the Michael Bennett series.
In 'Crosshairs' (or 'The Long Shot Killer') Homicide Detective Michael Bennett is partnered with a former Ranger on loan to NYPD from the FBI to help Bennett think like a sniper who has targeted random people across New York City. His new partner, Rob Trilling, is self-contained, silent and of few words, a talented shooter with PTSD who has a big heart for underdogs, who often goes AWOL when he should be working with Bennett and has garnered the attention of Bennett's daughter Julianna.
You can guess where that leads. Yep, to an interesting case with more interesting turns of events that has Bennett scurrying from multiple places in NYC and beyond, to solve the cases and the mystery of his partner. There’s still an abundance of the mundane in Crosshairs, with the driving and interviews.
Regarding Michael Bennett, if you've read the series, you know he is enthralled with and deeply emotional about his family. However, in 'Crosshairs' that sentimentality is too much. Every time he heads home or has sweet times with his family, he repeatedly reminds us.
4 Stars for 'Crosshairs' and its confusing other title, 'The Long Shot Killer'.I've read Patterson books that he's written with 27 different co-authors as well as those he's written alone. With a few recent exceptions I pretty much walked away from him as a must read in 2016. Patterson is too efficient in churning out books…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2024
Comment:
I enjoyed meeting the characters of 'The Friendship Club'. The histories of the characters are interesting, as is the way they interact with each other. Their very real struggles are relatable.
The problem with 'The Friendship Club' is there is no discernible plot.
Friendship is not a plot.
Deciding one is too old for a relationship is not a plot.
Emotionally crazy during pregnancy is not a plot.
An overbearing boyfriend turned stalker could have been a plot but was more a frightening problem dealt with unsatisfactorily.
Individually each character’s arc makes sense, as does the way their friendship formed and grew but again, there’s no cohesive plot line for the story to be found.
I've only read ten previous Robin Carr books and they’ve been hit and miss for me. Some are five-star winners, some are one-star, or worse DNF, disappointments and some are just stuck in the middle. That's where I find 'The Friendship Club'.
3 stars for 'The Friendship Club'.I enjoyed meeting the characters of 'The Friendship Club'. The histories of the characters are interesting, as is the way they interact with each other. Their very real struggles are relatable.
The problem with 'The Friendship Club' is there is no…
The ExcitementsThe Excitements, eBookA Novel
by Wray, CJeBook - 2024eBook, 2024
All copies in use
Holds: 6 on 1 copy
Holds: 6 on 1 copy
Added Mar 02, 2024
The Ghost OrchidThe Ghost Orchid, eBookAn Alex Delaware Novel
by Kellerman, JonathaneBook - 2024eBook, 2024
All copies in use
Holds: 15 on 4 copies
Holds: 15 on 4 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Feb 28, 2024
Comment:
Quote\ "Nearly getting killed can change your life in interesting ways." /Quote
I must have missed something in the previous book because I sure don't remember Alex being seriously injured by something Milo did, nor do I remember Rick leaving Milo or vice versa.
Quote\ "She reached into her purse, drew a cloth hankie, and dabbed. Milo always keeps a couple in his pocket. Linen, monogrammed set, a gift from the man he'd lived with for years." /Quote
"he'd lived with" sounds past tense.
Both stuck in my mind throughout 'The Ghost Orchid'.
'The Ghost Orchid' is pretty much a boring snooze fest. The now undynamic duo again plod their way through discussions, guesses and wild goose chases trying to figure out which is the intended victim and who wanted both dead. They must not know about DNA and/or fingerprints. Luckily, Robin likes word puzzles.
I'm not even sure Jonathan Kellerman paid attention to his own writing. At one point Milo speaks to a woman about one of the victims,
Quote\ "What'd he do?"
Milo said, "He died."
... "She pitched forward, caught herself. Lowered her hand and said, "No"
..."Such a nice guy. A sweet guy, he was always out to... sweet and nice. Who would do that?" /Quote
Um, Alex, Milo never said he was a victim, only that he had died.
The only genuine characters were the Italians. The rest are one-dimensional.
The plot line about Alex's next child evaluation woven through 'The Ghost Orchid' is awful, with a convenient ending that had nothing to do with Alex. It's unnecessary and dumb.
Robin, Milo, and Blanche all ate less in 'The Ghost Orchid'. Whew. I was worried about their weight. No word on the Koi, though.
2 generous stars for 'The Ghost Orchid'. I wonder how many more books are in Kellerman's contract.Quote\ "Nearly getting killed can change your life in interesting ways." /Quote
I must have missed something in the previous book because I sure don't remember Alex being seriously injured by something Milo did, nor do I remember Rick leaving Milo…
Mrs. Quinn's Rise to FameMrs. Quinn's Rise to Fame, eBookA Novel
by Ford, OliviaeBook - 2024eBook, 2024
All copies in use
Holds: 10 on 2 copies
Holds: 10 on 2 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Feb 25, 2024
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2024
Comment:
'The Bright Spot' is very much like the other Sunrise Cove books in that it has damaged characters afraid to move forward from their past.
All the characters in 'The Bright Spot' are endearing, especially the animals. Many of the humans are quirky, yet insightful. There are some hiding secrets which complicate relationships, but aren't there always?
Characters find it difficult not to hang on to their views of what life was like rather than accepting it could, and probably will, be better. While sex scenes are abundant it's more lust than love. The characters who need to grow in trust and truthfulness do but down a difficult road of fear.
'The Bright Spot' is a pleasure to read. I would very much like to move to Apple Ridge Farm and have all the characters value me as much as they do each other.
5 Stars for 'The Bright Spot'. I look forward to 'The Summer Escape''The Bright Spot' is very much like the other Sunrise Cove books in that it has damaged characters afraid to move forward from their past.
All the characters in 'The Bright Spot' are endearing, especially the animals. Many of the humans are quirky,…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Feb 08, 2024
Comment:
'Jack Frost', a novella coming in at a mere 82 pages, is also very thin on plot.
The prologue description of the Christmas party is nearly identical to the one described a year later. The characters are a private smoldering man and an exceptionally exuberant woman. The rest you can guess.
In her 'Letter to Readers', Debbie Macomber tells us she
Quote\ "lost count the number of times I've had to pause because I was laughing too hard to continue. ... " And, yes I did laugh, which tells me you will as well." /Quote
Nope. Barely even a smile in the short amount of time it took to read 'Jack Frost'.
'Jack Frost' is a pleasant but disappointing way for Debbie Macomber to mark her 40th anniversary of being a published author.
3 generous Stars for 'Jack Frost', a saccharine treat leaving you expecting and wanting for something more substantial.'Jack Frost', a novella coming in at a mere 82 pages, is also very thin on plot.
The prologue description of the Christmas party is nearly identical to the one described a year later. The characters are a private smoldering man and an exceptionally…
A Royal ChristmasA Royal Christmas, eBookA Christmas Novella
by Carlson, MelodyeBook - 2023eBook, 2023
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Feb 02, 2024
Comment:
3.5 Stars for 'A Royal Christmas'.
I used to watch the Hallmark Channel at Christmas while wrapping, writing cards, and sewing.
Unfortunately, I found 'A Royal Christmas' too similar to every movie with a struggling woman who finds herself enmeshed in royalty. That's not to say I didn't finish it or mildly enjoy it, but the plot is thin enough to see the ending from the beginning.
I hate to give mushy in the middle 3 Stars. As a fan of Melody Carlson since the Grace Chapel Inn days I bumped the rating to 3.5 Stars. 'A Royal Christmas' is a short break from real life and should be enjoyed as such.3.5 Stars for 'A Royal Christmas'.
I used to watch the Hallmark Channel at Christmas while wrapping, writing cards, and sewing.
Unfortunately, I found 'A Royal Christmas' too similar to every movie with a struggling woman who finds herself…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 31, 2024
Comment:
'Do No Harm' (Nathan Heller #17) suffered from a true crime whose story lasted too long and ended with a whimper.
Max Allan Collins worked within the confines of a long time period. I was two when Marilyn Sheppard was murdered. I graduated high school in the same year Sam Sheppard died.
Some of 'Do No Harm' makes readers feel as if they are lost in the weeds with minutia and repetitive territory necessitated by the case being revisited a number of times.
While it's an interesting case, what I found most fascinating is how the city of my birth failed the search for truth by dishonest politicians, police, judges and especially the press. There was prejudice against the wealthy and prejudice against Osteopathic medicine.
The highlights and explanations of the city of Cleveland and its history were interesting to me. I confess my rating has much to do with enjoying the Cleveland facts, my memories of being child there, and that I'm an enthusiastic fan of Max Allan Collins and his characters, Heller, and Quarry.
4 Stars for 'Do No Harm'.'Do No Harm' (Nathan Heller #17) suffered from a true crime whose story lasted too long and ended with a whimper.
Max Allan Collins worked within the confines of a long time period. I was two when Marilyn Sheppard was murdered. I graduated high…
A Light Beyond the TrenchesA Light Beyond the Trenches, eBookA Fascinating Historical Novel of WW1
by Hlad, AlaneBook - 2022eBook, 2022
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 19, 2024
Comment:
I cannot disagree more with those (in other venues) who gave 'A Light Beyond the Trenches' low ratings, stating it's too graphic, too sad, too hard to read. War is dirty and ugly and sad and yes, it’s hard to digest the horrors. Closing your eyes (or book) to it doesn't change any of that.
'A Light Beyond the Trenches' is impeccably written to describe some of those horrors of war, some of the lasting good that came out from it and the kindness fostered through it.
I found it interesting that the point of view of 'A Light Beyond the Trenches' was that of the Germans in WW1. We forget that they were still human beings in those wars. That doesn't mean they were right or justified, but that real humans were very much impacted with deadly and life changing consequences by the decisions of their leaders. I also didn't know that they conscripted German Jews into the military and gave them the very worst of jobs.
I don't think 'A Light Beyond the Trenches' could have ended differently, but it was tender and gratifying for the characters who once couldn't see a way forward, which is what I hoped for them.
On a personal note, my family had not one but two opportunities to adopt a "career change dog", one who was trained from puppy to attend Guide Dogs for the Blind school. The first, a black lab who wasn't expected to pass, but did with excellence and went to a blind gentleman in Denver. We cheered for them both. The second, a beautiful white lab, was expected to pass and didn't. She, Finella, became a well-loved and valued member of our family for over 13 years.
If you can't decide on a charity, I thoroughly recommend Guide Dogs for the Blind which is a non-profit, charitable organization.
If you can't decide on a book to read, I highly recommend 'A Light Beyond the Trenches'.
5 Stars for 'A Light Beyond the Trenches' which will both break your heart and open it. I’m just sorry I waited so long to read it.I cannot disagree more with those (in other venues) who gave 'A Light Beyond the Trenches' low ratings, stating it's too graphic, too sad, too hard to read. War is dirty and ugly and sad and yes, it’s hard to digest the horrors. Closing your eyes…
Max Fernsby and the Infinite ToysMax Fernsby and the Infinite Toys, eBook
by Swallow, GerryeBook - 2023eBook, 2023
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2024
The Solid Grounds Coffee CompanyThe Solid Grounds Coffee Company, eBook
by Laureano, CarlaeBook - 2020eBook, 2020
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 15, 2024
Comment:
I read my first Carla Laureano book with 'The Saturday Night Supper Club'. I waited too long to read 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company'.
There's much going on in 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company', but I think the title says much about it. The characters need 'solid grounds' in their lives, in their jobs, in their personal lives, as a result of their pasts and as circumstances change with beloved friends.
Ana is a high-powered PR expert in crisis management. She wears her success publicly but doesn't reveal herself.
Bryon is a ne're-do-well adventurist floating through life and his 30's on sponsorships.
Whereas 'The Saturday Night Supper Club' is about the main character's integrity, the two main characters in 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company' are struggling to repair their past lack of it.
They've met and been attracted to each other years before and now meet again and decide the other is not interested (eye roll).
Through a series of events (about which you need to read) they end up working together. More events tear them apart, one of which I found unnecessary and both based on lies.
Catholicism and Christianity play a smaller part in 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company', as much of it is confessing their failings to God rather than preaching to the readers.
I hate to think 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company' is the last of The Supper Club series despite that I already enjoy the Have Ridge series.
4 Stars for 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company'.I read my first Carla Laureano book with 'The Saturday Night Supper Club'. I waited too long to read 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company'.
There's much going on in 'The Solid Grounds Coffee Company', but I think the title says much about it. The…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 13, 2024
Comment:
'Never After: The Missing Sword' is the continuation Filamena's quest to save her mom. It appears that she must go it alone to find Excalibur.
With the delightful twists in fairy tales we've come to expect, she must get to Camelot to complete her mission. She encounters hard choices that will determine her success, Lance and Gwen, unhappy munchkins, misunderstood witches, giant spiders and, yes, more ogres. Luckily, she finds after a time, she's not alone.
The ending of 'The Missing Sword' takes a weird and unsettling turn, leaving Filamena facing another tough choice that hardly makes sense. You'll have to read the book and wait for the sequel with the rest of us.
I did not like one aspect 'The Missing Sword' but it didn't ruin the story.
I still don't think a nine to twelve-year-old will understand or appreciate the subtlety of the fable flipping and the humor of the Never After series.
4 Stars for 'Never After: The Missing Sword'.'Never After: The Missing Sword' is the continuation Filamena's quest to save her mom. It appears that she must go it alone to find Excalibur.
With the delightful twists in fairy tales we've come to expect, she must get to Camelot to complete her…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 13, 2024
Comment:
I would very much like to move to Blessings, Georgia. Sharon Sala has made Blessings wonderful with just the right amount of quirk, snobbishness and small-town caring. 'Saving Jake' is more proof of that.
Neighbors, Jake and Laurel, are both scarred victims and survivors of the same war but under different circumstances. Jake by having been rescued while others weren't and Laurel by her husband’s suicide after coming home.
She no longer trusts, and he no longer trusts himself, but as neighbors, they help each other with everyday problems.
The tender and uplifting 'Saving Jake' is another episode of Blessing’s GA that will save you from the doldrums on a gloomy day.
5 Stars for 'Saving Jake'.I would very much like to move to Blessings, Georgia. Sharon Sala has made Blessings wonderful with just the right amount of quirk, snobbishness and small-town caring. 'Saving Jake' is more proof of that.
Neighbors, Jake and Laurel, are both…
BetrayalBetrayal, eBook
by Margolin, PhillipeBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
Holds: 0 on 1 copy
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 08, 2024
Comment:
I enjoyed 'Betrayal'.
Despite there being a great many characters and suspects, 'Betrayal' moves quickly, and it wasn't difficult to keep track of the multiple characters and their motivations.
'Betrayal' reminded me of the game of Clue. There are indeed many clues, each pointing to different suspects in a horrendous murder. I had an inkling of the killer early on, but I enjoyed the machinations and thought processes to get to the conclusion.
I fully admit I'm more a fan of the Amanda Jaffee novels, but Robin Lockwood keeps me engaged.
I think 'Betrayal' is a bridge story for Robin in her personal life.
4 Stars for 'Betrayal'. Phillip Margolin has been on my must-read list for almost 30 years.I enjoyed 'Betrayal'.
Despite there being a great many characters and suspects, 'Betrayal' moves quickly, and it wasn't difficult to keep track of the multiple characters and their motivations.
'Betrayal' reminded me of the game of Clue. There are…
The Sunset Years Of Agnes SharpThe Sunset Years Of Agnes Sharp, eBook
by Swann, LeonieeBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 1 on 2 copies
Holds: 1 on 2 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Jan 01, 2024
Comment:
'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp' is both quirky and sharp albeit a bit too long for events that take place over the course of a week.
Agnes Sharp has her big, empty family home. As she's aged, she decides never to set foot in a care home and solicits a group of equally elderly folks, all who have aspects of her former life, to share the house with her. Their age-related deficits complement the strengths of each other . . . almost!
The towns people of Ducks End believe they are hippies with questionable goings on at Sunset Hall.
'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp' revolve around three deaths of nearby elderly women. In as much as one of them was a member of their house share, the remaining members are off to the races, with bad hips, lost teeth, blindness, ringing ears, a wheelchair, memories that come and go, a tortoise, a grey hound dog and a surprise grandson who visits during the chaos.
We find out bits and pieces about their former lives over the course of 'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp', during the worst of the mayhem.
I enjoyed 'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp'. Is it perfect? Nope, but it made me grin as they bumble about trying to stay upright and why.
'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp' reminds me of the movies 'Red' and 'Red 2' with Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren, black-ops agents forced out of retirement by circumstances.
The lines about feeling alive at a good funeral were delicious.
4 Stars for 'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp'. Book two, 'Agnes Sharp and the Trip of a Lifetime', is scheduled for release September 3, 2024.'The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp' is both quirky and sharp albeit a bit too long for events that take place over the course of a week.
Agnes Sharp has her big, empty family home. As she's aged, she decides never to set foot in a care home and…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Dec 24, 2023
Comment:
Sigh. Originally, and through most of her books, Kay Scarpetta immersed herself in her medical examiner, investigative life. She solved crimes through obscure findings in autopsy and labs.
As I've written about the last six Scarpetta novels, in 'Unnatural Death' Kay is now more immersed in her private thoughts and musings while she's peripherally investigating events that end up deeply involving her family's top secret lives, although in this one Kay gives us detailed information of the architecture particular to her beloved home. I had to look up what "pumpkin pine floor". Yep, it's lovely. If I were buying a house, I would be thrilled to have it.
About 'Chaos' five years ago, I wrote,
Quote\ "Patricia Cornwell has gotten into the disturbing habit of making the first 80% of the books obscure stream of conscience thoughts and commentary by Scarpetta with little or no context. Then suddenly everything heats up and everything you didn't know over 300+ pages is resolved and tied with a bow along with a side order of unresolved issues to have a reason for the next Scarpetta. This makes for very unsatisfying reading." /Quote
About 'Autopsy',
Quote\ "What I've noticed and enjoyed of the first 20 books was that Scarpetta was hands on and solved mysteries through hard work. Now, it seems, she solves them through a disjointed internal stream of her own thoughts. It's simply not enjoyable." /Quote
Of 'Livid',
Quote\ "Kay Scarpetta just seems tired. Or perhaps it's that Patricia Cornwell is tired of her." ... "I reviewed my book journal notes and it turns out that every book since The Bone Bed has earned an UGH! 'Livid' has managed to avoid that, but not by much. It's quite disheartening because I still get excited when I see Cornwell has published a new Scarpetta book." /Quote
With all its side roads of frightening technology, more frightening terror tactics, multiple minor characters, and most of all of Kays inner thoughts, and even considering I'm immersed in Christmas prep, I struggled to finish 'Unnatural Death' in twelve days. I certainly don't understand Kay's lassitude of those she loves who she believes betrayed her with lies of omission.
Patricia Cornwell needs to decide if she is writing crime thrillers solved through medical investigation or spy thrillers solved with technology. As of now she's not doing either of them well.
As in recent previous books, 'Unnatural Death' wrapped up quickly. This time, an awful criminal is waiting in the wings for another book. Again though, it’s more of a personal problem for Kay and a professional problem for the spies she loves.
2 Stars for 'Unnatural Death'.Sigh. Originally, and through most of her books, Kay Scarpetta immersed herself in her medical examiner, investigative life. She solved crimes through obscure findings in autopsy and labs.
As I've written about the last six Scarpetta novels, in…
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Dec 14, 2023
Comment:
'Little Red Sleigh' is a child size sleigh who "longs to become Santa's big red sleigh" to fly through the air and make people happy. She heads to the North Pole with help along the way by Train and Yellow Truck but is waylaid by weather before she gets there. Instead of finding Santa, she finds what she was meant to do.
5 Stars for 'Little Red Sleigh' which kindles imagination, dreams, hopes and the perseverance to gain them all. It's full of charming illustrations and a big, generous heart.'Little Red Sleigh' is a child size sleigh who "longs to become Santa's big red sleigh" to fly through the air and make people happy. She heads to the North Pole with help along the way by Train and Yellow Truck but is waylaid by weather before she…
Alex Cross Must DieAlex Cross Must Die, eBookA Thriller
by Patterson, JameseBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 22 on 3 copies
Holds: 22 on 3 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Dec 13, 2023
Comment:
Let's start with the two different titles, 'Alex Cross Must Die' and 'Cross Out'. Neither title has anything to do with the story. Zero, zip, nada, NOTHING. Someone please tell Patterson that Alex Cross' name isn't necessary in the title, but if it does need to be there, at least make it relevant.
I read the 'Alex Cross Must Die' version. Whew. Where to start?
Victims are getting their eyes shot out.
Bree's new boss hasn't heard from her best friend for a few days.
Jannie also has a friend who's missing.
Airplanes are targeted by guys with grudges against America.
Alex comes down hard on Ali, who absolutely deserved it.
But wait! There's more.
The best thread is Nana Mama’s new teaching job on Zoom.
'Alex Cross Must Die' is an attempt to put too many different plots in one book. It's equally confusing as it is interesting. The name dropping of an old Cross nemesis ensures Alex will be back.
2 Stars for 'Alex Cross Must Die'. I will have forgotten it by the third chapter of the next book I read. Dear Alex, memorable beats prolific.Let's start with the two different titles, 'Alex Cross Must Die' and 'Cross Out'. Neither title has anything to do with the story. Zero, zip, nada, NOTHING. Someone please tell Patterson that Alex Cross' name isn't necessary in the title, but if it…
Resurrection WalkResurrection Walk, eBook
by Connelly, MichaeleBook - 2023eBook, 2023
All copies in use
Holds: 40 on 19 copies
Holds: 40 on 19 copies
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Dec 01, 2023
Comment:
I read my first Michael Connelly/Harry Bosch book in 1996. I've been an ardent fan of both since, as well as one for Mickey Haller.
Both Harry and Mickey are more introspective in 'Resurrection Walk' not only with the enormity of a case to overturn a conviction, but also where they are each going in life.
Harry struggles with now working for a defense attorney after a long career as a police detective. He has limits to what he is willing to do. He also struggles with no longer being a police officer, with slowing down and with his frightening health.
Mickey has learned that deep abiding satisfaction comes not from his fame but the grace of seeing someone make the 'Resurrection Walk' of their freedom. I don't think he had a sudden epiphany but rather that he wants to be remembered for more than bus stop benches and billboards.
Both men are slower to anger and now more patiently impatient. Mickey pulls a few of his old tricks and annoys yet another judge and outrages opposing counsel.
The ending of the case in 'Resurrection Walk' was heartwarming, charming, and I laughed that the celebratory dinner was unexpectedly waylaid for a very Lincoln Lawyer reason.
Michael Connelly's Acknowledgments in 'Resurrection Walk' concern me when he acknowledged the readers who have stuck with him for thirty-plus years; that he lived an "amazing life” he cherishes and respects and that none of it "would have been possible" without us. It sounds like a goodbye rather than just appreciation. I certainly hope not, but I'm worried. Losing an author and beloved characters is difficult as we expect them to go on and on for us.
4 Stars for 'Resurrection Walk'.I read my first Michael Connelly/Harry Bosch book in 1996. I've been an ardent fan of both since, as well as one for Mickey Haller.
Both Harry and Mickey are more introspective in 'Resurrection Walk' not only with the enormity of a case to overturn…
The Twelve Dogs of ChristmasThe Twelve Dogs of Christmas, eBookA Novel
by Wiggs, SusaneBook - 2023eBook, 2023
CL_kcls's rating:
Added Nov 26, 2023
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I could probably write a dozen superlatives for 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas'. It has an emotionally lost woman skittish about love, commitment, and Christmas. It has a too cute 4-year-old boy, a charming town deep into Christmas, a big-hearted friend, a handsome hunk, and personality filled pups.
But most of what 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' has is tenderness, for the pups, the people, the town, and love.
'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas' is a sweet, gentle story I enjoyed reading and finished with a smile. That's about as great as it gets.
Merry Christmas!
5 stars for 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas'I could probably write a dozen superlatives for 'The Twelve Dogs of Christmas'. It has an emotionally lost woman skittish about love, commitment, and Christmas. It has a too cute 4-year-old boy, a charming town deep into Christmas, a big-hearted…
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