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Trace (Kay Scarpetta Mysteries)

Trace (Kay Scarpetta Mysteries) - Patricia Cornwell I don't know what's happening to Cornwell's work. I have a few more books of hers to read, but I'm almost hesitating because the stories are getting weaker, the character analysis almost boring, and the apprehension of the villian pathetic and unexciting. This story had so much potential, but it was probably 100 pages too short. The new Chief Medical Examiner is a good touch with his bizarre phobia, but, then nothing. He needed to get his butt stomped for being such a conceited, arrogant dumbass, but his presence just disappears. The old alcoholic lusty rich neighbour of Lucy's needed more exploration, but again, she disappears without much more than the villian having a thought about her. The dialogue between Benton and the nutcase Henri that Lucy hired became very boring to the point of annoying. Her presence in the story wasn't even a necessity in my opinion. The interaction between Marino and Suz was interesting though, and the resulting tension that presented itself for Marino when confiding in Scapetta was good to read. It left me wanting more for future stories. All in all, I felt there was too much superfluous material in this story and not enough meaningful gutsy meat. I don't mind books taking time to evolve, but this one never did. I felt let down and with the feeling of, "is that it?"

Blow Fly (Scarpetta)

Blow Fly - Patricia Cornwell I have enjoyed Cornwell's books in the past, but I was quite disappointed in the ending of this book. It had such promise, keeping me enthusiastically devouring chapter by chapter, but all of sudden, the last 20 pages or so wrapped up the story so rapidly, so indescriptively, that it was like Cornwell got tired of writing it or ran out of time to conclude it. There was so much scope for elaborating details of the demise of several characters, but instead it was like a bomb was detonated and someone said, "Well, that's that then." The was some good character development, then it was like the villians just got swept under the carpet like they were nothing more than an upset grandma being to get back inside after yelling at some noisy kids in the street. Even the relationship between Lucy and Rudy could have been better explored. I've started reading "The Trace" so let's hope that is better.

Black Notice

Black Notice - Patricia Cornwell I really liked this book. It's of a different genre than her other Dr.Scarpetta books, so don't anticipate the same feel. It was very funny. I could picture the hilarious situations and the strange-talking Tangier Island folk. Great book, with still the intringue and suspense of her others. For a change of pace and style, with some laughs, have a read of this one. Isle of Dogs has some great characters and villians. It has typical political double-talk and an unscrupulous secretary. The governor and his wacky family and butler are a riot. The Chief Superintendent has her hands full with a journalistic trooper and bunch or road pirates who have kidnapped her dog. Some unnatural suspense is also present with the addition of a strange female who can reallign her molecular structure to become invisible when it suits her ominous dark interior. In my opinion, this is a great work by Cornwell.

Predator (A Scarpetta Novel)

Predator - Patricia Cornwell An improvement from the last two Scarpetta novels I read. Without giving away too much, it was an interesting twist for the perpetrator. There could have been more explored with the perpetrator. I don't know why Cornwell hesitates to expand on the perps and yet goes on with some of the other characters unnecessarily. I'm bored and turned off by Benton. He annoys me. What about the character Joe Amos? There should have been a much better conclusion with him. He deserved so much more of a comeuppance. I must say that I've lost interest in the Scarpetta stories. I have one or two to read yet in my library, but I can't say I'm looking forward to them now. Cornwell lacks development of her perps. Her regular characters are becoming boring and annoying. Pete Marino needs to check himself and become the tough cop that everyone cheers on. Lucy should give in to and explore her sexuality some more. Scarpetta needs to toughen up and be a bit more stern with Benton. Benton needs to be beaten up. Again I felt the ending was rushed like several of Cornwell's last novels.

The Reapers: A Thriller

The Reapers: A Thriller - John Connolly Connolly has done it again with a great book involving the charaters of Louis, Angel and Parker. In this book, Parker is not the main player. This is a story of Louis and Angel, Louis in particular. "The Burning Man" still plagues Louis's memories and we discover how Louis become the killing machine that he is today. We learn about his "mentor" Gabriel and his nemesis "Bliss". Louis and Angel are hired to take care of a high profile's enemy, which takes its toll not only on Louis and Angel, but others that have become embroilled in their life, including a hard working mechanic called Brew, 60 years old and in Louis's debt. Angel and Louis are cool and very professional killers, with links to people with other special talents, not forgetting the Fulci brothers, who love to get their hands dirty on people who do the wrong thing by them and their friends. The Reapers is a great book and if you already like Connolly's work, then you will not be disappointed. Very enjoyable read.

The Unquiet: A Thriller (Charlie Parker Thrillers)

The Unquiet: A Thriller - John Connolly Connolly has done it again and then some. I think this is my favorite book in the Charlie Parker series that I've read. The characters are beautifully choreographed around one another with a wonderful dark hint of supernatural presence. I found it hard to stop reading of a night, it captured my imagination very well, very visually. Connolly has a great way of bringing in a character at the right time, in the right way. The emotion, the fear and pure adrenalin of every scene binds you to your seat and urges you to keeping turning the pages for more. What I really enjoy about Connolly's books is the way he introduces the dark figures. You never quite know if they are real, or imagined. The Hollow Men in this story do appear to be real as a few people experience them. I like the Collector. What a strange man, or being, he is. I also like the fact that I can't really tell how the story will end and am always surprised by sudden new twists. Connolly is by far the favorite of my authors. A great book.

Kisscut

Kisscut  - Karin Slaughter This is my first Karin Slaughter book. It was quite gripping and hard hitting. The story slowly, but naturally, evolved into gut wrenching scenario of child exploitation that I didn't see coming. It took me aback somewhat. It was hard to read in some parts because of that fact, and yet, it was well written to not blatantly pander to the twisted minds of those individuals who actually partake in such abhorrent activities. The character development was pretty good. I haven't read Slaughter's first book "Blindsighted" yet, so I don't know if the same characters had a history there. I found most of the characters quite believable and the events within the story played out quite realistically, in my opinion, though I'm not a critical as some readers. I just like a good story, and I think Slaughter did a good job of doing that. What I did like in this story is that it ended in a way that may not suit all readers. It broke away from the typical mold that usually makes everyone feel nice, and satisfactorily complete. I think it gave a truer feel for reality. I will definitely read another of her books. On another note, having checked out Slaughter's home page, I think she has really lovely blue eyes. :)

King of Comedy: The Life and Art of Jerry Lewis

King of Comedy: The Life and Art of Jerry Lewis - Shawn Levy I was amazed when I read this book some years ago. I read if after I went to see Lewis perform in Melbourne years ago. I think if I read the book first that I wouldn't have bothered going to see him. It was a good read, with astonishing insight into Lewis, who never authorized its release, and I can see why, as it was none to complimentary in the end, but still, it was a "true" account of Lewis's life and times. Worth reading for sure, but damaging to Lewis in my opinion. Like many who grew up with Lewis on TV, I loved the guy, but as I grew into an adult myself and learned of fatherhood, my thoughts of Lewis changed with the revelations in this book.

The Plumber: The True Story of How One Good Man Helped Destroy the Entire Philadelphia Mafia

The Plumber: The True Story of How One Good Man Helped Destroy the Entire Philadelphia Mafia - N. Hultberg,  Hans H. Hoppe,  Murray N. Rothbard,  Joseph T. Salerno;Stephen J. Rivele I read this book some time ago. I remember I really enjoyed it.

The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision (Celestine Prophecy)

The Tenth Insight: Holding the Vision - James Redfield I so looked forward to reading this book after I finished "The Celestine Prophecy". But, it really disappointed me, to the point that I couldn't finish it and I left the book in some country when I was travelling, which for me was a first. I always keep my books.

The Celestine Prophecy

The Celestine Prophecy - James Redfield Such an interesting book. If you're in a spritual frame of mind, then you'll find this book engrossing.

The Road Less Travelled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth

The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth - M. Scott Peck This book saved me.

Catch-22: 50th Anniversary Edition

Catch-22 - Joseph Heller, Christopher Buckley What a great book this is. Initially it caught me off guard and I found it difficult to deal with the characters, BUT, I persisted for a bit longer and it paid off. I ended up loving all the characters and found it hilarious. I enjoyed it so much I got the movie, BUT, yes another big "but" the movie was a disaster. They couldn't capture enough to make the flow of it make sense. It was stupid. Read the book though - it was fantastic.

Nineteen Eighty-Four

Nineteen Eighty-Four - George Orwell, Thomas Pynchon It was all the rage some time ago. I found it boring.

Writing Life Stories: How To Make Memories Into Memoirs, Ideas Into Essays And Life Into Literature

Writing Life Stories: How To Make Memories Into Memoirs, Ideas Into Essays And Life Into Literature - Bill Roorbach, Kristen Keckler Another "must read" book that disappointed me. The problem was that the story was okay, but so much seemed to be missing, so much could have been expanded upon. So it was a true story, but still, as far as it being a book to read, it needed so much more.

Dancers at the End of Time (S.F. Masterworks)

The Dancers at the End of Time - Michael Moorcock One of my favourite reads ever.

Currently reading

Blood Work (Ome)
Michael Connelly