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Another Book Thread
- Thread starter jen
- Start date
Re: Another Book Thread
Yes - set in Sweden. They never specifically NAME Sweden, but that's where Hed is (and the author is Swedish, and I assume the book was originally written in Swedish).
There's also a second book called Us Against You.
Yes - set in Sweden. They never specifically NAME Sweden, but that's where Hed is (and the author is Swedish, and I assume the book was originally written in Swedish).
There's also a second book called Us Against You.
Re: Another Book Thread
Recent reads
The Outfit: The Role of Chicago's Underworld in the Shaping of Modern America by Gus Russo An extremely in depth book on the Chicago mob with the beginning at Jim Colosimo to Al Capone and then the majority dealing with the heirs of Capone; Murray Humphrey, Paul Ricca and Anthony Accardo. It basically takes you chronologically thru the Chicago mob from the 20’s up to the death of Accardo, though the mid 70’s to the end comes kind of quick. The political payoffs, Vegas, Cuba and the other items are very interesting though at points the book drags a bit.
Black Horizon (Jack Swyteck #11) by James Grippando The 11th Swyteck book from Gripando was okay but to me was a little lacking in plot. Had the start of a great courtroom thriller with him representing a widow of a worker killed in an oil rig explosion but then got bogged down in national security issues with little courtroom action. Once again his case has to coincide with his now wife’s undercover role, something that was explained very poorly.
Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence by A.J. Langguth A very good tale of the War of 1812. The narrative starts well before the war and goes into detail many of the events that led up to the war and the actions of some of the major players in the War, Madison, Jefferson, Adams Jackson etc. It goes thru the various actions and battles of the War of 1812, the political maneuverings in and out of the United States and the peace negotiations. In the afterword it tells what happened to many of the major players after the war. Good read
The Other Woman (Gabriel Allon #18) by Daniel Silva The Allon books tend to get a little more unbelievable the fact that the Israeli Government would let the Head of Mossad continually go into the field and walk around with no protection would never happen. That being said this is an okay book where Allon and Graham Seymour must hunt to find a spy within their midst who blew an operation and got one of their agents killed. I had the spy and connection figured out pretty early on which kind of ruined some of the development and this book did not have nearly the action of some of the past Allon books.
Texas Ranger by James Patterson Andrew Bourelle An okay Patterson book, not sure if it will start a new series, about a Texas Ranger who comes home when his ex-wife is murdered. When he feels that the local police aren’t doing enough to find her killer he steps in. Typical Patterson style and book a quick read.
Made in America by Chris Chelios, Kevin Allen I was never a big Chris Chelios fans when he played against the Red Wings as a Canadian or Blackhawk but became a fan when he became a Wing. The book is okay but he leaves a lot of the stuff that would be interesting, the drinking and partying out. There are a couple of times where he doesn’t name names. I also would have liked to hear a little more about the union issues which caused several lock outs that are covered in just 1 chapter and deals a lot with his relationship with Brendan Shanahan.
Accused (Scott Fenney #2) by Mark Gimenez I enjoyed the first Feeney book and this one picks up about 2 years later as he is called to help out his ex-wife, who left him in book 1, who has been accused of murder. With his new crew from book 1 in tow they go down to Galveston to try and win her case. It was good but not quite as good as the first one.
Blood Flag (Paul Madriani #14) by Steve Martini Paul Madriani’s new firm is flush from cash and taking on new cases, they are hired to defend a client who is accused of killing her elderly father. As they try to clear her they find a mysterious envelope sent by a lawyer which is connected to some of his army buddies from WWII. Once again as with the last 5-6 Madriani novels there is little legal maneuvering or courtroom action.
Free Fall (Elvis Cole #4) by Robert Crais Elvis is hired by a young woman to find out what is wrong with her fiancé. This plunges him straight into a thriller involving local gangs and the L.A. PD. Good read.
Shadow Man (Smoky Barrett #1) by Cody McFadyen This is the first book in the series about FBI agent Smoky Barrett a scarred woman who had lost her family to tragedy. This book finds her hunting a serial killer who is targeting both her and her team claiming to be a Ripper descendent. The book is very graphic and has a lot of backstory as some of the characters are introduced but a good read.
Cartel: The Coming Invasion of Mexico's Drug Wars by Sylvia Longmire This is a overview of Mexican Cartels. The chapters cover the formation of the cartels and how they came to power. What drugs they distribute and how the grow , produce, transport and sell them. It also tells of the many faceted relationship between the US and Mexico. OK read but this is a short overview not a deep dive into any one subject or cartel.
Recent reads
The Outfit: The Role of Chicago's Underworld in the Shaping of Modern America by Gus Russo An extremely in depth book on the Chicago mob with the beginning at Jim Colosimo to Al Capone and then the majority dealing with the heirs of Capone; Murray Humphrey, Paul Ricca and Anthony Accardo. It basically takes you chronologically thru the Chicago mob from the 20’s up to the death of Accardo, though the mid 70’s to the end comes kind of quick. The political payoffs, Vegas, Cuba and the other items are very interesting though at points the book drags a bit.
Black Horizon (Jack Swyteck #11) by James Grippando The 11th Swyteck book from Gripando was okay but to me was a little lacking in plot. Had the start of a great courtroom thriller with him representing a widow of a worker killed in an oil rig explosion but then got bogged down in national security issues with little courtroom action. Once again his case has to coincide with his now wife’s undercover role, something that was explained very poorly.
Union 1812: The Americans Who Fought the Second War of Independence by A.J. Langguth A very good tale of the War of 1812. The narrative starts well before the war and goes into detail many of the events that led up to the war and the actions of some of the major players in the War, Madison, Jefferson, Adams Jackson etc. It goes thru the various actions and battles of the War of 1812, the political maneuverings in and out of the United States and the peace negotiations. In the afterword it tells what happened to many of the major players after the war. Good read
The Other Woman (Gabriel Allon #18) by Daniel Silva The Allon books tend to get a little more unbelievable the fact that the Israeli Government would let the Head of Mossad continually go into the field and walk around with no protection would never happen. That being said this is an okay book where Allon and Graham Seymour must hunt to find a spy within their midst who blew an operation and got one of their agents killed. I had the spy and connection figured out pretty early on which kind of ruined some of the development and this book did not have nearly the action of some of the past Allon books.
Texas Ranger by James Patterson Andrew Bourelle An okay Patterson book, not sure if it will start a new series, about a Texas Ranger who comes home when his ex-wife is murdered. When he feels that the local police aren’t doing enough to find her killer he steps in. Typical Patterson style and book a quick read.
Made in America by Chris Chelios, Kevin Allen I was never a big Chris Chelios fans when he played against the Red Wings as a Canadian or Blackhawk but became a fan when he became a Wing. The book is okay but he leaves a lot of the stuff that would be interesting, the drinking and partying out. There are a couple of times where he doesn’t name names. I also would have liked to hear a little more about the union issues which caused several lock outs that are covered in just 1 chapter and deals a lot with his relationship with Brendan Shanahan.
Accused (Scott Fenney #2) by Mark Gimenez I enjoyed the first Feeney book and this one picks up about 2 years later as he is called to help out his ex-wife, who left him in book 1, who has been accused of murder. With his new crew from book 1 in tow they go down to Galveston to try and win her case. It was good but not quite as good as the first one.
Blood Flag (Paul Madriani #14) by Steve Martini Paul Madriani’s new firm is flush from cash and taking on new cases, they are hired to defend a client who is accused of killing her elderly father. As they try to clear her they find a mysterious envelope sent by a lawyer which is connected to some of his army buddies from WWII. Once again as with the last 5-6 Madriani novels there is little legal maneuvering or courtroom action.
Free Fall (Elvis Cole #4) by Robert Crais Elvis is hired by a young woman to find out what is wrong with her fiancé. This plunges him straight into a thriller involving local gangs and the L.A. PD. Good read.
Shadow Man (Smoky Barrett #1) by Cody McFadyen This is the first book in the series about FBI agent Smoky Barrett a scarred woman who had lost her family to tragedy. This book finds her hunting a serial killer who is targeting both her and her team claiming to be a Ripper descendent. The book is very graphic and has a lot of backstory as some of the characters are introduced but a good read.
Cartel: The Coming Invasion of Mexico's Drug Wars by Sylvia Longmire This is a overview of Mexican Cartels. The chapters cover the formation of the cartels and how they came to power. What drugs they distribute and how the grow , produce, transport and sell them. It also tells of the many faceted relationship between the US and Mexico. OK read but this is a short overview not a deep dive into any one subject or cartel.
Re: Another Book Thread
Recent reads
True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman A non-Delaware novel by Kellerman, though both he and Milo appear in cameo. This follows the brothers Moses Reed and Aaron Fox investigating several disappearances and murders that seem to tie together. It was okay but I thought there were way too many characters and players and trying to explain the brother complicated relationship took up a lot of space. Not sure if he meant this as kind of Delaware spin off like Petra Connor but I don’t think there is another book with them in it.
Juror #3 by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Nancy Allen A not horrible not great book by Patterson which covers two trials and cases. New lawyer Ruby Bozarth moves to a small town in Mississippi and gets thrown into two high profile cases right away. She delves into each case helped by some of the locals and thwarted by others.
Bloody Sunday (Dewey Andreas #8) by Ben Coes He tries to leave but they drag him back in. Dewey Andreas has had enough but when he is needed for a sensitive mission involving North Korea, they drag him back. Fighting against time to save the US from nuclear annihilation, again, he must try to stop the North Koreans. I felt that parts of this book were rushed and the plot could have been fleshed out a bit more.
Saving Bravo: The Greatest Rescue Mission in Navy SEAL History by Stephan Talty A very interesting tale of survival as it details the extraordinary rescue efforts taken to rescue 1 navigator Gene Hambleton during the Vietnam War. It details the air campaign to save him in which several other men are either captured or on the run and several others are killed. It details the bureaucratic problems as he has landed right in the middle of a major NVA attack and they keep telling the rescuers that their should be minimal enemy activity. After the air option has been exhausted 1 Navy Seal Tommy Norris goes in with some South Vietnamese soldiers to rescue Hambleton and one of the other downed airmen.
The Fox by Frederick Forsyth This is an okay effort from Forsyth focusing on hacking and the danger it poses to the world. A young boy with Asperger's syndrome has manage to hack the most difficult computer systems in the world. Retired MI-6 man Adrian Weston utilizes his unique ability to wreak havoc against the enemies of the US and UK while trying to keep him safe from those who wish to do him harm.
Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution's Lost Hero
by Christian Di Spigna Interesting book about Joseph Warren one of the leaders of the Sons of Liberty in Boston. A contemporary of Sam Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere and others he was instrumental in the early days of the Revolution. What he may have become we never now as he was killed standing with colonial soldiers during the Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill. The first part of the book drags a bit as his early life and education at Harvard is covered. The second half of the book which covers his early medical practice and his participation in the major early events of the Revolution; Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere/Charles Dawes ride etc. is the best part of the book. A lot of this is covered in many of the more recent books of the time, despite the title saying lost hero, though he certainly is one of the lesser known to non history geeks.
Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty by Peter Collier This book covers and tells the story of all the living Medal of Honor winners, some of them passed away while the book was being worked on. Each recipient is given 2 pages, 1 written telling of how they earned the medal and the other page is photographs usually a current one and one from when they received the medal. All in all a good book but obviously many could have been given more than a single page.
Passage to Dawn (Legacy of the Drow #4) by R.A. Salvatore This says that it is the 4th book of the Legacy of the Drow but it takes place years after the battle at Mithril Hall and far away. Much seemed to be a rehash with Erttu and the Crystal Shard returning. Ok but hopefully the series picks up.
The Governor's Wife by Mark Gimenez I enjoyed this book though in the modern era of cell phone and cell phone cameras the plot of what happens is not very believable. A governor of a large state’s wife disappearing for months to work along the border? If it happened it certainly would have been played for all it was worth. A drug cartel targeting a governor and the US government not taking action, that’s completely left out of the book is the federal response along with the ATF agent who was initially told to cover up the fact that the drug lord was targeting the governor.
A Fine Night for Dying (Paul Chavasse #6) by Jack Higgins The 6th book in the Chavasse series, which to me is very similar to the later Sean Dillon series, finds him investigating a smuggling ring. They are smuggling people into the UK and once investigating he finds a much more sinister plot afoot. Ok read.
The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon by Alex Kershaw A very good account of 1 small part of the Battle of the Bulge. The story of how 1 small reconnaissance platoon and a group of artillery spotters who joined them when overrun, 18 men in all, managed to hold off the advance of German Paratroopers and an SS Panzer division. It has a short part that covers their training then their time in England before heading to Germany where they are assigned to defend Lanzeroth which is a crucial road junction. They fiercely defend the position killing hundreds of German troops before being overrun and surrendering. The ferocity of their assault led the Germans to believe there was a greater force behind them holding up the German advance. The last part of the book tells of their fight to survive as POW’s from both the Nazi’s and their own troops, from friendly fire in bombings and strafings of railcars by fighters. The final part tells how they were finally recognized after an act of Congress and given their just rewards, due to bureaucratic Army rules because their commanding officer was a POW and then when rescued gravely ill and spent months in the hospital the paper work for unit recognition and individual awards was not filed in time.
Voodoo River (Elvis Cole #5) by Robert Crais An okay Elvis Cole novel which finds him in the bayou’s of Louisiana trying to track down the birth parents of a Hollywood Star. Once he gets there he finds a whole lot more going on.
SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper by Howard E. Wasdin, Stephen Templin This was an okay biography of a Navy Seal who participated in the Black Hawk Down incident. It tells of his early childhood and then his quest to become a Seal. Really the only major operation he participated in was Somalia so much of the book focuses on his time there. There’s a lot of BS in the book that basically stretches it to 300 pages but there are much better Special Forces biography’s out there.
Recent reads
True Detectives by Jonathan Kellerman A non-Delaware novel by Kellerman, though both he and Milo appear in cameo. This follows the brothers Moses Reed and Aaron Fox investigating several disappearances and murders that seem to tie together. It was okay but I thought there were way too many characters and players and trying to explain the brother complicated relationship took up a lot of space. Not sure if he meant this as kind of Delaware spin off like Petra Connor but I don’t think there is another book with them in it.
Juror #3 by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Nancy Allen A not horrible not great book by Patterson which covers two trials and cases. New lawyer Ruby Bozarth moves to a small town in Mississippi and gets thrown into two high profile cases right away. She delves into each case helped by some of the locals and thwarted by others.
Bloody Sunday (Dewey Andreas #8) by Ben Coes He tries to leave but they drag him back in. Dewey Andreas has had enough but when he is needed for a sensitive mission involving North Korea, they drag him back. Fighting against time to save the US from nuclear annihilation, again, he must try to stop the North Koreans. I felt that parts of this book were rushed and the plot could have been fleshed out a bit more.
Saving Bravo: The Greatest Rescue Mission in Navy SEAL History by Stephan Talty A very interesting tale of survival as it details the extraordinary rescue efforts taken to rescue 1 navigator Gene Hambleton during the Vietnam War. It details the air campaign to save him in which several other men are either captured or on the run and several others are killed. It details the bureaucratic problems as he has landed right in the middle of a major NVA attack and they keep telling the rescuers that their should be minimal enemy activity. After the air option has been exhausted 1 Navy Seal Tommy Norris goes in with some South Vietnamese soldiers to rescue Hambleton and one of the other downed airmen.
The Fox by Frederick Forsyth This is an okay effort from Forsyth focusing on hacking and the danger it poses to the world. A young boy with Asperger's syndrome has manage to hack the most difficult computer systems in the world. Retired MI-6 man Adrian Weston utilizes his unique ability to wreak havoc against the enemies of the US and UK while trying to keep him safe from those who wish to do him harm.
Founding Martyr: The Life and Death of Dr. Joseph Warren, the American Revolution's Lost Hero
by Christian Di Spigna Interesting book about Joseph Warren one of the leaders of the Sons of Liberty in Boston. A contemporary of Sam Adams, John Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere and others he was instrumental in the early days of the Revolution. What he may have become we never now as he was killed standing with colonial soldiers during the Battle of Bunker (Breed's) Hill. The first part of the book drags a bit as his early life and education at Harvard is covered. The second half of the book which covers his early medical practice and his participation in the major early events of the Revolution; Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere/Charles Dawes ride etc. is the best part of the book. A lot of this is covered in many of the more recent books of the time, despite the title saying lost hero, though he certainly is one of the lesser known to non history geeks.
Medal of Honor: Portraits of Valor Beyond the Call of Duty by Peter Collier This book covers and tells the story of all the living Medal of Honor winners, some of them passed away while the book was being worked on. Each recipient is given 2 pages, 1 written telling of how they earned the medal and the other page is photographs usually a current one and one from when they received the medal. All in all a good book but obviously many could have been given more than a single page.
Passage to Dawn (Legacy of the Drow #4) by R.A. Salvatore This says that it is the 4th book of the Legacy of the Drow but it takes place years after the battle at Mithril Hall and far away. Much seemed to be a rehash with Erttu and the Crystal Shard returning. Ok but hopefully the series picks up.
The Governor's Wife by Mark Gimenez I enjoyed this book though in the modern era of cell phone and cell phone cameras the plot of what happens is not very believable. A governor of a large state’s wife disappearing for months to work along the border? If it happened it certainly would have been played for all it was worth. A drug cartel targeting a governor and the US government not taking action, that’s completely left out of the book is the federal response along with the ATF agent who was initially told to cover up the fact that the drug lord was targeting the governor.
A Fine Night for Dying (Paul Chavasse #6) by Jack Higgins The 6th book in the Chavasse series, which to me is very similar to the later Sean Dillon series, finds him investigating a smuggling ring. They are smuggling people into the UK and once investigating he finds a much more sinister plot afoot. Ok read.
The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of World War II's Most Decorated Platoon by Alex Kershaw A very good account of 1 small part of the Battle of the Bulge. The story of how 1 small reconnaissance platoon and a group of artillery spotters who joined them when overrun, 18 men in all, managed to hold off the advance of German Paratroopers and an SS Panzer division. It has a short part that covers their training then their time in England before heading to Germany where they are assigned to defend Lanzeroth which is a crucial road junction. They fiercely defend the position killing hundreds of German troops before being overrun and surrendering. The ferocity of their assault led the Germans to believe there was a greater force behind them holding up the German advance. The last part of the book tells of their fight to survive as POW’s from both the Nazi’s and their own troops, from friendly fire in bombings and strafings of railcars by fighters. The final part tells how they were finally recognized after an act of Congress and given their just rewards, due to bureaucratic Army rules because their commanding officer was a POW and then when rescued gravely ill and spent months in the hospital the paper work for unit recognition and individual awards was not filed in time.
Voodoo River (Elvis Cole #5) by Robert Crais An okay Elvis Cole novel which finds him in the bayou’s of Louisiana trying to track down the birth parents of a Hollywood Star. Once he gets there he finds a whole lot more going on.
SEAL Team Six: Memoirs of an Elite Navy SEAL Sniper by Howard E. Wasdin, Stephen Templin This was an okay biography of a Navy Seal who participated in the Black Hawk Down incident. It tells of his early childhood and then his quest to become a Seal. Really the only major operation he participated in was Somalia so much of the book focuses on his time there. There’s a lot of BS in the book that basically stretches it to 300 pages but there are much better Special Forces biography’s out there.
Re: Another Book Thread
My Year in Books (updated)
I read 59,019 pages across 193 books
SHORTEST BOOK - 112 pages - Random Acts by J.A. Jance
LONGEST BOOK - 742 pages - The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons
AVERAGE LENGTH - 305 pages
MOST POPULAR - 335,150 people also read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
LEAST POPULAR - 3 people also read Biz Mackey, a Giant behind the Plate by Rich Westcott (it was terrible)
MY AVERAGE RATING FOR 2018 - 3.2
HIGHEST RATED ON GOODREADS - The Cookie Book: Decadent Bites for Every Occasion by Rebecca Firth - 4.50 average
My Year in Books (updated)
I read 59,019 pages across 193 books
SHORTEST BOOK - 112 pages - Random Acts by J.A. Jance
LONGEST BOOK - 742 pages - The Summer Garden by Paullina Simons
AVERAGE LENGTH - 305 pages
MOST POPULAR - 335,150 people also read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
LEAST POPULAR - 3 people also read Biz Mackey, a Giant behind the Plate by Rich Westcott (it was terrible)
MY AVERAGE RATING FOR 2018 - 3.2
HIGHEST RATED ON GOODREADS - The Cookie Book: Decadent Bites for Every Occasion by Rebecca Firth - 4.50 average
Re: Another Book Thread
Lately -
Baseball Life Advice by Stacey May Fowles. LOVED this. Essays about different topics in baseball - especially interesting to read as a female baseball fan.
Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson - the new one. 3.5763 stars. Pretty entertaining, not one of my favorites, though.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles - this took a little while to get into, but I really liked it. Clever and witty (much like his other book I've read). About a Russian man who is sentenced to stay inside a hotel for the rest of this life.
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz - the latest Girl with the Dragon Tattoo book - felt similar to the last one. An entertaining read.
Elston: The Story of the First African-American Yankee by Arlene Howard. This was not that great. Definitely felt like it was written by his wife, and she had a bone to pick. It felt like most of it was defending Elston and complaining that he didn't get to manage (fair complaints, though).
Biz Mackey, a Giant behind the Plate: The Story of the Negro League Star and Hall of Fame Catcher by Rich Westcott - this was awful and poorly edited. It felt like each chapter was written by a different person, who had no clue what was in the other chapters. It was a mishmash of the same information, over and over. How many times can the author say Mackey was a better catcher than Josh Gibson? At LEAST once per chapter. Disappointing.
Also, I am on the last Spenser book.
I will miss reading them. Hopefully they continue to be released.
Lately -
Baseball Life Advice by Stacey May Fowles. LOVED this. Essays about different topics in baseball - especially interesting to read as a female baseball fan.
Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson - the new one. 3.5763 stars. Pretty entertaining, not one of my favorites, though.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles - this took a little while to get into, but I really liked it. Clever and witty (much like his other book I've read). About a Russian man who is sentenced to stay inside a hotel for the rest of this life.
The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye by David Lagercrantz - the latest Girl with the Dragon Tattoo book - felt similar to the last one. An entertaining read.
Elston: The Story of the First African-American Yankee by Arlene Howard. This was not that great. Definitely felt like it was written by his wife, and she had a bone to pick. It felt like most of it was defending Elston and complaining that he didn't get to manage (fair complaints, though).
Biz Mackey, a Giant behind the Plate: The Story of the Negro League Star and Hall of Fame Catcher by Rich Westcott - this was awful and poorly edited. It felt like each chapter was written by a different person, who had no clue what was in the other chapters. It was a mishmash of the same information, over and over. How many times can the author say Mackey was a better catcher than Josh Gibson? At LEAST once per chapter. Disappointing.
Also, I am on the last Spenser book.
I will miss reading them. Hopefully they continue to be released.Re: Another Book Thread
Recent Reads
Zim: A Baseball Life by Don Zimmer, Bill Madden A tell it as it is biography from a man who had played, coached and managed in the big leagues for 50+ years. It starts with his playing days in the minors up to the majors starting with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His many travels thru the coaching and managing ranks and his friendship with many players, managers, owners and executives. A fun read.
Sea of Greed (NUMA Files #16) by Clive Cussler The latest Austin novel finds him trying to stop a bacteria from destroying the oil in the world and finds him up against a maniacal billionaire who is attempting to bend the world to her will. Ok read.
The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton, James Patterson (Goodreads Author), David Ellis While I find most James Patterson books ok but not phenomenal one of the things I do like about them is I can usually read them in a day, a day being hour and a half on the train and a half hour lunch. This one took 2+ days and was not written in typical Patterson style, many short chapters, at 500 pages it’s quite a bit longer. The book is interspersed with long sections on policy and interactions between characters and then a couple of pages of action. I like David Ellis quite a bit, his stand along and Patterson books but this was disappointing.
Ambush (Michael Bennett #11) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), James O. Born The Michael Bennett series is one of my favorite of the Patterson storylines. I miss Michael Ledwidge the new co writer is not the same. This finds Michael Bennett on the run from drug lords who are trying to kill him, a common theme throughout the series. While also trying to be a parent to his 10 children. Ok read my book from the library included Manhunt one of the Bennett e-novels after the main story.
Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Steve Coll The sequel to Ghost Wars this picks up right where the previous book left off on September 11 2001. A deep delve inside the US operations in Afghanistan thru 2 administrations, Bush and Obama and their relationship with the Afghani’s, Taliban and Pakistan. At times it seemed like information overload with tons of briefings and meeting with various Generals, advisors’ warlords and the like. If you wonder why it was/is so difficult for the US in Afghanistan this will help sort it out for you. Didn’t enjoy it as much as Ghost Wars but a good read.
Target: Alex Cross (Alex Cross #26) by James Patterson For me the Cross novels have gone up and down. Loved the first ones then their was a slide downhill before starting back on the upswing. I didn’t love the last one but this one is okay despite having a really unbelievable plot where multiple members of the Administration along with high level Senate and House leaders are assassinated. As martial law is declared Alex must get to the bottom of it. Better than the last 1 or 2 but still seemed a bit lacking. He did deviate from his normal 2 plots in this one as the secondary plot was barely their though seemed to set up the next book.
The Absence of Guilt (Scott Fenney #3) by Mark Gimenez The second Scott feeney book found him being nominated for a federal judgeship. This book finds him as a sitting judge with his old crew all around him presiding over a case about Isis plotting to blow up the Super Bowl which is coming to town. Lots of different parts and some were enjoyable and others were left a bit lacking. Since he is no longer a lawyer it probably will be a little tough to consider the series as he got way to involved in the weeds of this case which he shouldn’t have done as the presiding judge. It’s a decent read but not as good as the first two.
Top Hoodlum: Frank Costello, Prime Minister of the Mafia by Anthony M. Destefano This is a biography of a “political” gangster. Costello was not heavily involved in the violence perpetuated by the Mafia but handled many of the fixing. This tells of his rise in the mob and how he ran bootlegging operations during Prohibition and his rise thru the mob mainly at the side of Lucky Luciano. It was quite short for someone who lived such a long life detailing his later battles with the government to stay out of jail.
Gone Again (Jack Swyteck #12) by James Grippando This book finds Jack back in the courtroom attempting to keep a man from being executed by Florida. The case is complicated by the fact that the body of the woman was never found and her mother believes she has been contacting her on her birthday. Good read
The Cleaner (Jonathan Quinn #1) by Brett Battles So I started this new series about a cleaner who comes in to fix up messes. In this one he is dispatched to a remote cabin in Colorado to find out if an operative was murdered. He finds himself in the middle of a huge conspiracy and goes on the run trying to piece together the pieces as he goes. Premise reminds me a lot of Gray Man and Agent X though this one wasn’t quite as good but an okay read.
Recent Reads
Zim: A Baseball Life by Don Zimmer, Bill Madden A tell it as it is biography from a man who had played, coached and managed in the big leagues for 50+ years. It starts with his playing days in the minors up to the majors starting with the Brooklyn Dodgers. His many travels thru the coaching and managing ranks and his friendship with many players, managers, owners and executives. A fun read.
Sea of Greed (NUMA Files #16) by Clive Cussler The latest Austin novel finds him trying to stop a bacteria from destroying the oil in the world and finds him up against a maniacal billionaire who is attempting to bend the world to her will. Ok read.
The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton, James Patterson (Goodreads Author), David Ellis While I find most James Patterson books ok but not phenomenal one of the things I do like about them is I can usually read them in a day, a day being hour and a half on the train and a half hour lunch. This one took 2+ days and was not written in typical Patterson style, many short chapters, at 500 pages it’s quite a bit longer. The book is interspersed with long sections on policy and interactions between characters and then a couple of pages of action. I like David Ellis quite a bit, his stand along and Patterson books but this was disappointing.
Ambush (Michael Bennett #11) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), James O. Born The Michael Bennett series is one of my favorite of the Patterson storylines. I miss Michael Ledwidge the new co writer is not the same. This finds Michael Bennett on the run from drug lords who are trying to kill him, a common theme throughout the series. While also trying to be a parent to his 10 children. Ok read my book from the library included Manhunt one of the Bennett e-novels after the main story.
Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America's Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan by Steve Coll The sequel to Ghost Wars this picks up right where the previous book left off on September 11 2001. A deep delve inside the US operations in Afghanistan thru 2 administrations, Bush and Obama and their relationship with the Afghani’s, Taliban and Pakistan. At times it seemed like information overload with tons of briefings and meeting with various Generals, advisors’ warlords and the like. If you wonder why it was/is so difficult for the US in Afghanistan this will help sort it out for you. Didn’t enjoy it as much as Ghost Wars but a good read.
Target: Alex Cross (Alex Cross #26) by James Patterson For me the Cross novels have gone up and down. Loved the first ones then their was a slide downhill before starting back on the upswing. I didn’t love the last one but this one is okay despite having a really unbelievable plot where multiple members of the Administration along with high level Senate and House leaders are assassinated. As martial law is declared Alex must get to the bottom of it. Better than the last 1 or 2 but still seemed a bit lacking. He did deviate from his normal 2 plots in this one as the secondary plot was barely their though seemed to set up the next book.
The Absence of Guilt (Scott Fenney #3) by Mark Gimenez The second Scott feeney book found him being nominated for a federal judgeship. This book finds him as a sitting judge with his old crew all around him presiding over a case about Isis plotting to blow up the Super Bowl which is coming to town. Lots of different parts and some were enjoyable and others were left a bit lacking. Since he is no longer a lawyer it probably will be a little tough to consider the series as he got way to involved in the weeds of this case which he shouldn’t have done as the presiding judge. It’s a decent read but not as good as the first two.
Top Hoodlum: Frank Costello, Prime Minister of the Mafia by Anthony M. Destefano This is a biography of a “political” gangster. Costello was not heavily involved in the violence perpetuated by the Mafia but handled many of the fixing. This tells of his rise in the mob and how he ran bootlegging operations during Prohibition and his rise thru the mob mainly at the side of Lucky Luciano. It was quite short for someone who lived such a long life detailing his later battles with the government to stay out of jail.
Gone Again (Jack Swyteck #12) by James Grippando This book finds Jack back in the courtroom attempting to keep a man from being executed by Florida. The case is complicated by the fact that the body of the woman was never found and her mother believes she has been contacting her on her birthday. Good read
The Cleaner (Jonathan Quinn #1) by Brett Battles So I started this new series about a cleaner who comes in to fix up messes. In this one he is dispatched to a remote cabin in Colorado to find out if an operative was murdered. He finds himself in the middle of a huge conspiracy and goes on the run trying to piece together the pieces as he goes. Premise reminds me a lot of Gray Man and Agent X though this one wasn’t quite as good but an okay read.
Re: Another Book Thread
My Year in Books
I read 63,722 pages across 182 books
SHORTEST BOOK
16 pages
Buy a Bullet
by Gregg Hurwitz
LONGEST BOOK
1,061 pages
A Feast for Crows
by George R.R. Martin
AVERAGE LENGTH
350 pages
MOST POPULAR 623,566 people also read A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin Duh real surprise here though I though the Bill Clinton/James Patterson one might make it on top.
LEAST POPULAR 0 people also read Denali by Alaska Geographic Association I guess no one else went to Denali and bought this at the bookstore to read on the flight home
MY AVERAGE RATING FOR 2018 2.9 About right most books for me fall between 2 and 3 stars
HIGHEST RATED ON GOODREADS Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz
4.36 average Interesting that amongst the Patterson's and such this is the highest rated
5 Star books 1 In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors by Doug Stanton
4 Star Books 23
3 Star Books 106
2 Star Books 52
1 Star Books 0
Most Read author James Patterson 24
My Year in Books
I read 63,722 pages across 182 books
SHORTEST BOOK
16 pages
Buy a Bullet
by Gregg Hurwitz
LONGEST BOOK
1,061 pages
A Feast for Crows
by George R.R. Martin
AVERAGE LENGTH
350 pages
MOST POPULAR 623,566 people also read A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin Duh real surprise here though I though the Bill Clinton/James Patterson one might make it on top.
LEAST POPULAR 0 people also read Denali by Alaska Geographic Association I guess no one else went to Denali and bought this at the bookstore to read on the flight home
MY AVERAGE RATING FOR 2018 2.9 About right most books for me fall between 2 and 3 stars
HIGHEST RATED ON GOODREADS Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz
4.36 average Interesting that amongst the Patterson's and such this is the highest rated
5 Star books 1 In Harm's Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors by Doug Stanton
4 Star Books 23
3 Star Books 106
2 Star Books 52
1 Star Books 0
Most Read author James Patterson 24
Re: Another Book Thread
Recent Reads
Power Plays By Joseph Finder This is an interesting book about a young executive who is invited to a retreat in the wilderness by the head honcho’s of the company. While there they are all taken hostage and he must act to try and save their lives. Good read.
Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue by Bob Drury, Tom Clavin Very interesting account of Typhoon Cobra which swamped Bull Halsey’s 3rd fleet and caused more damage than most Japanese attacks. Great stories of survival and heroism especially by Henry Lee Plage and the USS Tabberer. Also follow the court martials and inquiries into Halsey and his staff’s actions.
Dark Sacred Night (Harry Bosch Universe #31) by Michael Connelly So Connelly’s new detective Renee Ballard teams up with his old detective Harry Bosch to get to the bottom of a cold case murder of a young prostitute whose mother, Harry met on his most recent case. Typical Bosch book though it goes back and forth between Ballard and Bosch operating separately and operating together. A good read, I realize Bosch will eventually put to pasture since he’s in his 70’s, this is a good way to segue into Ballard novels.
The Reckoning by John Grisham This Grisham book has it’s moments. It is told out of order. Part 1 tells about the crime and the punishment. The second part tells about the perpetrator’s life as a POW and guerilla in the Phillipines during the second World War. The Third part tells of his family dealing with the aftereffects of his crime and finding out why he did it. I greatly enjoyed the second part. The end to me was a little anti climatic because I had figured it out 150 pages earlier.
Depth of Winter (Walt Longmire #14) by Craig Johnson Probably my least favorite of the Longmire series this finds Walt down in Mexico trying to rescue his daughter from a Mexican drug lord. He’s far from Wyoming, none of his normal crew is there though he does have some new compatriots.
George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen This book is probably written for young teens but is an interesting take on the spies of the Revolution and the spying techniques used by George Washington to help win the war.
In the Hurricane's Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown by Nathaniel Philbrick Another good book from Philbrick detailing the events leading up to the victory at Yorktown which sealed the victory during the revolution. I particularly enjoyed the portions dealing with the battles between the French and British fleets which enabled the French to keep Cornwallis bottled up on the peninsula. Also a very good description of the Southern Campaign where Greene and then Lafayette managed to sting Cornwallis and keep him from capturing their armies.
The Capitol Game by Brian Haig A non Sean Drummond book from Haig was good but not as good as a Drummond book. Jack Wiley is an investment banker who brings a great deal to a corrupt DC investment banking firm staffed by former government big wigs. When everything hits the fan will he be left holding the bag.
The Silent Blade (Paths of Darkness #1) by R.A. Salvatore So I am reading the Drizzt books in chronological order and this seems to be a rehash from other books. Ereteri back again, I think he’s already died twice, also the Crystal Shard is here for a third series. Maybe come up with a new villain? The Wulfgar storyline is not that interesting we will see where he goes with it in the next book.
Overwatch (Logan West #1) by Matthew Betley Similar plot and hero as Brad Thor, Ben Coes and Vince Flynn, Dewey Andreas is the one I think he most resembles. Logan West a decorated Recon Marine wakes up to find someone trying to kill him. This launches him into a action paced adventure where he teams up with the FBI to try and stop a madman from starting a nuclear war. Good story fast paced action the part where he is hired by the FBI as a consultant seems a little far fetched but a good read.
Betrayed (Rosato & DiNunzio #2) by Lisa Scottoline So in this book Judy Carrier who has played a secondary role in most of the series takes the lead. Her aunt is ill and when visiting her one of her aunts friends dies under suspicious circumstances and she starts to investigate. Finding herself overstressed and caught in a web of intrigue she tries to get to the truth. OK read.
Recent Reads
Power Plays By Joseph Finder This is an interesting book about a young executive who is invited to a retreat in the wilderness by the head honcho’s of the company. While there they are all taken hostage and he must act to try and save their lives. Good read.
Halsey's Typhoon: The True Story of a Fighting Admiral, an Epic Storm, and an Untold Rescue by Bob Drury, Tom Clavin Very interesting account of Typhoon Cobra which swamped Bull Halsey’s 3rd fleet and caused more damage than most Japanese attacks. Great stories of survival and heroism especially by Henry Lee Plage and the USS Tabberer. Also follow the court martials and inquiries into Halsey and his staff’s actions.
Dark Sacred Night (Harry Bosch Universe #31) by Michael Connelly So Connelly’s new detective Renee Ballard teams up with his old detective Harry Bosch to get to the bottom of a cold case murder of a young prostitute whose mother, Harry met on his most recent case. Typical Bosch book though it goes back and forth between Ballard and Bosch operating separately and operating together. A good read, I realize Bosch will eventually put to pasture since he’s in his 70’s, this is a good way to segue into Ballard novels.
The Reckoning by John Grisham This Grisham book has it’s moments. It is told out of order. Part 1 tells about the crime and the punishment. The second part tells about the perpetrator’s life as a POW and guerilla in the Phillipines during the second World War. The Third part tells of his family dealing with the aftereffects of his crime and finding out why he did it. I greatly enjoyed the second part. The end to me was a little anti climatic because I had figured it out 150 pages earlier.
Depth of Winter (Walt Longmire #14) by Craig Johnson Probably my least favorite of the Longmire series this finds Walt down in Mexico trying to rescue his daughter from a Mexican drug lord. He’s far from Wyoming, none of his normal crew is there though he does have some new compatriots.
George Washington, Spymaster: How the Americans Outspied the British and Won the Revolutionary War by Thomas B. Allen This book is probably written for young teens but is an interesting take on the spies of the Revolution and the spying techniques used by George Washington to help win the war.
In the Hurricane's Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown by Nathaniel Philbrick Another good book from Philbrick detailing the events leading up to the victory at Yorktown which sealed the victory during the revolution. I particularly enjoyed the portions dealing with the battles between the French and British fleets which enabled the French to keep Cornwallis bottled up on the peninsula. Also a very good description of the Southern Campaign where Greene and then Lafayette managed to sting Cornwallis and keep him from capturing their armies.
The Capitol Game by Brian Haig A non Sean Drummond book from Haig was good but not as good as a Drummond book. Jack Wiley is an investment banker who brings a great deal to a corrupt DC investment banking firm staffed by former government big wigs. When everything hits the fan will he be left holding the bag.
The Silent Blade (Paths of Darkness #1) by R.A. Salvatore So I am reading the Drizzt books in chronological order and this seems to be a rehash from other books. Ereteri back again, I think he’s already died twice, also the Crystal Shard is here for a third series. Maybe come up with a new villain? The Wulfgar storyline is not that interesting we will see where he goes with it in the next book.
Overwatch (Logan West #1) by Matthew Betley Similar plot and hero as Brad Thor, Ben Coes and Vince Flynn, Dewey Andreas is the one I think he most resembles. Logan West a decorated Recon Marine wakes up to find someone trying to kill him. This launches him into a action paced adventure where he teams up with the FBI to try and stop a madman from starting a nuclear war. Good story fast paced action the part where he is hired by the FBI as a consultant seems a little far fetched but a good read.
Betrayed (Rosato & DiNunzio #2) by Lisa Scottoline So in this book Judy Carrier who has played a secondary role in most of the series takes the lead. Her aunt is ill and when visiting her one of her aunts friends dies under suspicious circumstances and she starts to investigate. Finding herself overstressed and caught in a web of intrigue she tries to get to the truth. OK read.
leswp1
New member
Re: Another Book Thread
Recent reads
Anthony Wayne: Soldier of the Early Republic by Paul David Nelson A pretty good biography of one of the Revolutions most colorful general’s Mad Anthony Wayne. Tells the story of his early life his rise thru the ranks during the revolution to become one of George Washington’s most trusted generals during the revolution. His brief period after the Revolution where he had many land and legal troubles and then his return to service when President Washington appointed him to head an army on the Western Frontier against hostile tribes. The intrigue amongst his subordinate, James Wilkinson one of America’s most infamous and least known traitors was really good to read about.
Most Dangerous Place (Jack Swyteck #13) by James Grippando The 13th in the Swytek series finds him defending an old friends wife who is arrested for a cold case murder of the man who raped her. An intriguing case where Jack is forced to deal with another attorney he dislike’s, a client who doesn’t tell the truth and a prosecutor out for blood. One of the better recent Swytek’s.
The Lufthansa Heist by Henry Hill, Daniel Simone This book tells of the story of Henry Hill with additional information pertaining to the Lufthansa Heist. If you have read Wiseguy, the book Goodfellas is based on, this is an okay book that mainly rehashes the same information with a little bit of extra stuff. If you hadn’t read Wiseguy I would read that first.
Ghost Recon (Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon #1) by David Michaels (House Author), Grant Blackwood (Goodreads Author) (Writing As), Tom Clancy An okay book, which I think is based on a video game. It follows the event of a top secret covert team of military operative as they seek to stop China from annexing Taiwan.
One Mile Under (Ty Hauck #4) by Andrew Gross This is an okay Ty Hauck book where he enlisted to help bail out his goddaughter who believes that a friend of hers who died in an accident was murdered. As they investigate they are threatened and accosted. OK book but not that great.
Dr. Death (Alex Delaware #14) by Jonathan Kellerman Earlier Alex Delaware novel where he is called in to investigate a Dr Kevorkian suicide doctor type who has been murdered. It’s further complicated when it is revealed that he is connected to one of the suspects who was married to one of his “patients”. Pretty decent read was probably written at the height of the Kevorkian craze.
Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline I guess I had previously read this. Okay book about a judge who after a ruling in a case finds her personal life in the spotlight when it turns into a murder-suicide. She must confront her past in order to move on.
Taking the Titanic by James PattersonA Short James Patterson bookshots about a couple who get on boat the titanic to steal and swindle from the people in first class but one of them is hiding a secret.
Killer (Alex Delaware #29) by Jonathan Kellerman Pretty good Deleware and Sturgis novel he finds out that a person who he is doing an evaluation about in a child custody matter tries to murder him after he rules against her. When she and other people involved in the custody case start to die and dissappear he and MIlo must get to the bottom of it.
Heist by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Rees Jones Interesting bookshots novel of two different sets of thieves trying to pull of a jewel heist and the detective trying to catch them.
The Women's War by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Shan Serafin This bookshots novel follows the story of 3 female marines who are being hunted by a Mexican druglord and decide to turn the tables by hunting him.
Little Black Dress by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Emily Raymond A divorced woman buys a little black dress which spices up her sex and leads her on wild adventures.
Scott Free by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Rob Hart An interesting bookshots from Patterson 3 children have been murdered, when the man accused of the crime is set free on a technicality they band together with the detective investigating the crime to get revenge.
French Kiss (Detective Luc Moncrief #1) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Richard DiLallo Bookshots novel about a young french detective who is assigned to the NYPD. This book deals with him trying to find out who murdered his partner.
The End (Owen Taylor #1) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Brendan DuBois This book had two parts the hero Owen Taylor's final mission where his team is betrayed and force to fight for their lives. The second part is after he retires to a quiet house on a lake learning to adjust to life in the real world and his nasty neighbors.
Come and Get Us by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Shan Serafin An okay bookshots novel where a woman her husband and young child are run off the road. With her husband hurt the young woman must go for help while avoiding the men trying to kill them.
French Twist (Detective Luc Moncrief #3) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Richard DiLallo 3rd of the Luc Moncrief bookshots, this book finds the young detective investigating the deaths of young women dropping dead with no apparent reason. He also is helping a family friend whose horse may win the Triple Crown but is being threatened. Okay but having 2 plot lines in such a short book is kind of dumb.
The Fallen (Amos Decker #4) by David Baldacci Pretty good Memory Man book, Amos and Jamison are on vacation visiting her sister when a murder happens nearby. Drawn into the investigation they find out that this isn't the only murder in this small town.
Henry VIII: The King and His Court by Alison Weir This biography tells the story of Henry VIII and his reign. There are parts of the book like chapters that go into great detail about the operations of the Kings Privy chamber, stables and the like that are kind of boring and monotonous. There is also way too much information on properties he aquired and how much he spent restoring them. Once she gets into the narrative of his reign it is pretty good detailing his treaties, wars dealings with other rulers and of course his marriages and breaks with the church. The tales of palace intrique and jockey for power is good as well.
A Death in Live Oak (Jack Swyteck #14) by James Grippando A Pretty good Swytek book which finds him defending a man accused of lynching a fellow college student. As he investigates he finds a connection to a lynching whihc happened in the same town 80 years earlier.
The Ruins (Pike Logan #12.5) by Brad Taylor Interesting Pike and Jennifer story where it tells how their company Grolier Recovery came into being searching for a long lost temple in the Guatemelan jungle.
The Infiltrator (Pike Logan #11.5) by Brad Taylor An interesting tale of Aaron and Shoshanna's wedding as they Pike and Jennifer get involved in breaking up a terrorist plot.
Assassins (Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night) by Christopher Reich Basically a chapter which has Nick Neumann his protaganist from NUmbered account having lunch in a restaurannt in Switzerland.
The Intern (Orphan X #3.5) by Gregg Hurwitz A short Orphan X novel about a news reporter and their intern who run into trouble.
The Museum of Mysteries (Cotton Malone #13.5) by Steve Berry (Goodreads Author), M.J. Rose This is a Cassopia Vitt story. While visiting a friend they are robbed and she chases after the thief. She ends up involved in a mystery full of flashbacks from a previous life. A little strange.
Breakdown (Alex Delaware #31) by Jonathan Kellerman This Deleware and Stugis novel finds them investigation the death of the mother of a former patient of Alex's. In addition to searching for the murderer they are also searching for her son who seems to have dissappeared. Ok read.
Recent reads
Anthony Wayne: Soldier of the Early Republic by Paul David Nelson A pretty good biography of one of the Revolutions most colorful general’s Mad Anthony Wayne. Tells the story of his early life his rise thru the ranks during the revolution to become one of George Washington’s most trusted generals during the revolution. His brief period after the Revolution where he had many land and legal troubles and then his return to service when President Washington appointed him to head an army on the Western Frontier against hostile tribes. The intrigue amongst his subordinate, James Wilkinson one of America’s most infamous and least known traitors was really good to read about.
Most Dangerous Place (Jack Swyteck #13) by James Grippando The 13th in the Swytek series finds him defending an old friends wife who is arrested for a cold case murder of the man who raped her. An intriguing case where Jack is forced to deal with another attorney he dislike’s, a client who doesn’t tell the truth and a prosecutor out for blood. One of the better recent Swytek’s.
The Lufthansa Heist by Henry Hill, Daniel Simone This book tells of the story of Henry Hill with additional information pertaining to the Lufthansa Heist. If you have read Wiseguy, the book Goodfellas is based on, this is an okay book that mainly rehashes the same information with a little bit of extra stuff. If you hadn’t read Wiseguy I would read that first.
Ghost Recon (Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon #1) by David Michaels (House Author), Grant Blackwood (Goodreads Author) (Writing As), Tom Clancy An okay book, which I think is based on a video game. It follows the event of a top secret covert team of military operative as they seek to stop China from annexing Taiwan.
One Mile Under (Ty Hauck #4) by Andrew Gross This is an okay Ty Hauck book where he enlisted to help bail out his goddaughter who believes that a friend of hers who died in an accident was murdered. As they investigate they are threatened and accosted. OK book but not that great.
Dr. Death (Alex Delaware #14) by Jonathan Kellerman Earlier Alex Delaware novel where he is called in to investigate a Dr Kevorkian suicide doctor type who has been murdered. It’s further complicated when it is revealed that he is connected to one of the suspects who was married to one of his “patients”. Pretty decent read was probably written at the height of the Kevorkian craze.
Dirty Blonde by Lisa Scottoline I guess I had previously read this. Okay book about a judge who after a ruling in a case finds her personal life in the spotlight when it turns into a murder-suicide. She must confront her past in order to move on.
Taking the Titanic by James PattersonA Short James Patterson bookshots about a couple who get on boat the titanic to steal and swindle from the people in first class but one of them is hiding a secret.
Killer (Alex Delaware #29) by Jonathan Kellerman Pretty good Deleware and Sturgis novel he finds out that a person who he is doing an evaluation about in a child custody matter tries to murder him after he rules against her. When she and other people involved in the custody case start to die and dissappear he and MIlo must get to the bottom of it.
Heist by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Rees Jones Interesting bookshots novel of two different sets of thieves trying to pull of a jewel heist and the detective trying to catch them.
The Women's War by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Shan Serafin This bookshots novel follows the story of 3 female marines who are being hunted by a Mexican druglord and decide to turn the tables by hunting him.
Little Black Dress by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Emily Raymond A divorced woman buys a little black dress which spices up her sex and leads her on wild adventures.
Scott Free by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Rob Hart An interesting bookshots from Patterson 3 children have been murdered, when the man accused of the crime is set free on a technicality they band together with the detective investigating the crime to get revenge.
French Kiss (Detective Luc Moncrief #1) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Richard DiLallo Bookshots novel about a young french detective who is assigned to the NYPD. This book deals with him trying to find out who murdered his partner.
The End (Owen Taylor #1) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Brendan DuBois This book had two parts the hero Owen Taylor's final mission where his team is betrayed and force to fight for their lives. The second part is after he retires to a quiet house on a lake learning to adjust to life in the real world and his nasty neighbors.
Come and Get Us by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Shan Serafin An okay bookshots novel where a woman her husband and young child are run off the road. With her husband hurt the young woman must go for help while avoiding the men trying to kill them.
French Twist (Detective Luc Moncrief #3) by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Richard DiLallo 3rd of the Luc Moncrief bookshots, this book finds the young detective investigating the deaths of young women dropping dead with no apparent reason. He also is helping a family friend whose horse may win the Triple Crown but is being threatened. Okay but having 2 plot lines in such a short book is kind of dumb.
The Fallen (Amos Decker #4) by David Baldacci Pretty good Memory Man book, Amos and Jamison are on vacation visiting her sister when a murder happens nearby. Drawn into the investigation they find out that this isn't the only murder in this small town.
Henry VIII: The King and His Court by Alison Weir This biography tells the story of Henry VIII and his reign. There are parts of the book like chapters that go into great detail about the operations of the Kings Privy chamber, stables and the like that are kind of boring and monotonous. There is also way too much information on properties he aquired and how much he spent restoring them. Once she gets into the narrative of his reign it is pretty good detailing his treaties, wars dealings with other rulers and of course his marriages and breaks with the church. The tales of palace intrique and jockey for power is good as well.
A Death in Live Oak (Jack Swyteck #14) by James Grippando A Pretty good Swytek book which finds him defending a man accused of lynching a fellow college student. As he investigates he finds a connection to a lynching whihc happened in the same town 80 years earlier.
The Ruins (Pike Logan #12.5) by Brad Taylor Interesting Pike and Jennifer story where it tells how their company Grolier Recovery came into being searching for a long lost temple in the Guatemelan jungle.
The Infiltrator (Pike Logan #11.5) by Brad Taylor An interesting tale of Aaron and Shoshanna's wedding as they Pike and Jennifer get involved in breaking up a terrorist plot.
Assassins (Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night) by Christopher Reich Basically a chapter which has Nick Neumann his protaganist from NUmbered account having lunch in a restaurannt in Switzerland.
The Intern (Orphan X #3.5) by Gregg Hurwitz A short Orphan X novel about a news reporter and their intern who run into trouble.
The Museum of Mysteries (Cotton Malone #13.5) by Steve Berry (Goodreads Author), M.J. Rose This is a Cassopia Vitt story. While visiting a friend they are robbed and she chases after the thief. She ends up involved in a mystery full of flashbacks from a previous life. A little strange.
Breakdown (Alex Delaware #31) by Jonathan Kellerman This Deleware and Stugis novel finds them investigation the death of the mother of a former patient of Alex's. In addition to searching for the murderer they are also searching for her son who seems to have dissappeared. Ok read.
Last edited:
Re: Another Book Thread
Well I might be crucified for this but The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump taught me a lot about real estate business
I was watching the local markets before but thanks to Mr. Trump's experiences I learned not to stuck in only one market and think big, and actually found a lot of great deals when I checked homes for sale on the French Riviera. Thanks Mr. Trump for making the real estate business great again for me
Well I might be crucified for this but The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump taught me a lot about real estate business
I was watching the local markets before but thanks to Mr. Trump's experiences I learned not to stuck in only one market and think big, and actually found a lot of great deals when I checked homes for sale on the French Riviera. Thanks Mr. Trump for making the real estate business great again for me
leswp1
New member
Re: Another Book Thread
Don't forget to reno them and leave the contractors unpaid. Think of all the savings!
Well I might be crucified for this but The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump taught me a lot about real estate business
Don't forget to reno them and leave the contractors unpaid. Think of all the savings!
Re: Another Book Thread
Recent reads
Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World by Sharon Waxman An interesting tale telling of the various types of looted art and how they are acquired and held by various museums over the year. It tells of the various attempts by countries like Turkey, Egypt, Italy and Greece to get back items that left the country and the cases against several high profile institutions and individuals by them. Good read.
The Janson Equation (Paul Janson #4) by Douglas Corleone (Goodreads Author), Robert Ludlum Interesting Janson book where he is hired by a US Senator to track down his son in Korea and he and Jessica end up against their old workmates. As he tries to stop a conflict on the Korean peninsula Paul must do the impossible.
Oath of Office (Jack Ryan Universe #26) by Marc Cameron The second in the Ryan series written by Cameron to me he's a step behind Greaney in writing the Ryan books. This one merges the Campus along with Jack Ryan senior. An excellent novel about the Ayatollah's in Iran and a revolutionary group attempting to set off a nuclear device. Jack Jr has to go around the world in an attempt to stop it while Jack Sr tries to avoid WW III.
Holy Ghost (Virgil Flowers #11) by John Sandford Strange Virgil Flowers case where he comes to a small Minnesota town which has been having visions of the Virgin Mary which has helped saved the town. Now they are having pilgrims being shot by a sniper. Virgil investigates in his unique method as the townfolk worry that their new notoriety will keep the pilgrims away.
Red War (Mitch Rapp #17) by Kyle Mills (Goodreads Author), Vince Flynn The 4th of the Rapp books written by Mills I think this one could have been fleshed out a bit more. When the CIA finds out that Russians president has brain cancer and is attempting an all out war against the West Mitch and his frenemy Grisha Azarov must go into the depths of Russia to help solve the crisis before the Russians roll over the border.
Daughter of War (Pike Logan #13) by Brad Taylor This book finds Task Force tracking Isis, The Syrians and North Koreans to try and stop a deadly never agent from being unleashed on the world. Helped by an unlikely ally in a young girl.
We Are Not Alone by James Patterson A not that great bookshots novel where a scientist who had forsaken everything to search for life on other planets makes contact and then is chased by the government to try to cover it up.
The House Next Door by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Tim Arnold, Susan DiLallo, Max DiLallo Interesting bookshots novel about a woman who gets a little close to her new neighbor as things start to go wrong all around her.
The Killer's Wife by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Max DiLallo This is a short James Patterson bookshots where the copy investigating a man who is accused of abducting several you women gets too close to his wife. OK read
Blazing Saddles by Matt Rendell Enjoyed this book which goes year by year thru the Tour De France and tells of some of the interesting incidents of each years tour. It also contains info on the great champions Anqietiel, Mercx, Coppi, Bartali, Mercx Hinault and Indurain along with a detailed history of cheating and doping during the race.
Silent Enemy (Michael Parson & Sophia Gold #2) by Tom Young Good second effort from Young which reunites the characyers from his first novel. Sophia is being medevac’d after a bombing in Afghanistan when it is revealed that they may have a bomb on the plane. A frantic search along with other difficulties including multiple mid air refueling takes place as they seek to find and defuse the bomb.
House Witness (Joe DeMarco #12) by Mike Lawson Interesting Demarco book where when he is sent to NY to make sure the prosecuting of the man who killed his godmother’s son, and Mahoney’s son goes smoothly. Thinking it’s a piece of cake it runs into issue when witnesses disappear or start to change the story. When rumours of a mythical case fixer arises DeMarco must get involved in the case or let the killer go free.
The Spine of the World (Paths of Darkness #2) by R.A. Salvatore The worst of the Drizzt books I have read, why? Mainly because Drizzt doesn’t appear. This is mainly a Wulfgar novel and another storyline that ends up intersecting with him but includes characters never introduced before. The action is minimal at best and the storyline not particularly interesting.
Con Law (John Bookman #1) by Mark Gimenez Interesting series from Gimenez about a law constitutional law professor who takes on lost cause cases and tries to bring about justice. Good read.
Bunts: Curt Flood, Camden Yards, Pete Rose, and Other Reflections on Baseball by George F. Will Interesting reading this book quite a few years after it was written as some of the things he writes about, against inter league play, salaries cannot continue to increase so rapidly have come about. He definitely has a National League bent, he hates the DH loves the Cubs. Didn’t find it nearly as good as Men at Work. Basically a copy of his political columns where he wrote about baseball rather than politics.
Recent reads
Loot: The Battle over the Stolen Treasures of the Ancient World by Sharon Waxman An interesting tale telling of the various types of looted art and how they are acquired and held by various museums over the year. It tells of the various attempts by countries like Turkey, Egypt, Italy and Greece to get back items that left the country and the cases against several high profile institutions and individuals by them. Good read.
The Janson Equation (Paul Janson #4) by Douglas Corleone (Goodreads Author), Robert Ludlum Interesting Janson book where he is hired by a US Senator to track down his son in Korea and he and Jessica end up against their old workmates. As he tries to stop a conflict on the Korean peninsula Paul must do the impossible.
Oath of Office (Jack Ryan Universe #26) by Marc Cameron The second in the Ryan series written by Cameron to me he's a step behind Greaney in writing the Ryan books. This one merges the Campus along with Jack Ryan senior. An excellent novel about the Ayatollah's in Iran and a revolutionary group attempting to set off a nuclear device. Jack Jr has to go around the world in an attempt to stop it while Jack Sr tries to avoid WW III.
Holy Ghost (Virgil Flowers #11) by John Sandford Strange Virgil Flowers case where he comes to a small Minnesota town which has been having visions of the Virgin Mary which has helped saved the town. Now they are having pilgrims being shot by a sniper. Virgil investigates in his unique method as the townfolk worry that their new notoriety will keep the pilgrims away.
Red War (Mitch Rapp #17) by Kyle Mills (Goodreads Author), Vince Flynn The 4th of the Rapp books written by Mills I think this one could have been fleshed out a bit more. When the CIA finds out that Russians president has brain cancer and is attempting an all out war against the West Mitch and his frenemy Grisha Azarov must go into the depths of Russia to help solve the crisis before the Russians roll over the border.
Daughter of War (Pike Logan #13) by Brad Taylor This book finds Task Force tracking Isis, The Syrians and North Koreans to try and stop a deadly never agent from being unleashed on the world. Helped by an unlikely ally in a young girl.
We Are Not Alone by James Patterson A not that great bookshots novel where a scientist who had forsaken everything to search for life on other planets makes contact and then is chased by the government to try to cover it up.
The House Next Door by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Tim Arnold, Susan DiLallo, Max DiLallo Interesting bookshots novel about a woman who gets a little close to her new neighbor as things start to go wrong all around her.
The Killer's Wife by James Patterson (Goodreads Author), Max DiLallo This is a short James Patterson bookshots where the copy investigating a man who is accused of abducting several you women gets too close to his wife. OK read
Blazing Saddles by Matt Rendell Enjoyed this book which goes year by year thru the Tour De France and tells of some of the interesting incidents of each years tour. It also contains info on the great champions Anqietiel, Mercx, Coppi, Bartali, Mercx Hinault and Indurain along with a detailed history of cheating and doping during the race.
Silent Enemy (Michael Parson & Sophia Gold #2) by Tom Young Good second effort from Young which reunites the characyers from his first novel. Sophia is being medevac’d after a bombing in Afghanistan when it is revealed that they may have a bomb on the plane. A frantic search along with other difficulties including multiple mid air refueling takes place as they seek to find and defuse the bomb.
House Witness (Joe DeMarco #12) by Mike Lawson Interesting Demarco book where when he is sent to NY to make sure the prosecuting of the man who killed his godmother’s son, and Mahoney’s son goes smoothly. Thinking it’s a piece of cake it runs into issue when witnesses disappear or start to change the story. When rumours of a mythical case fixer arises DeMarco must get involved in the case or let the killer go free.
The Spine of the World (Paths of Darkness #2) by R.A. Salvatore The worst of the Drizzt books I have read, why? Mainly because Drizzt doesn’t appear. This is mainly a Wulfgar novel and another storyline that ends up intersecting with him but includes characters never introduced before. The action is minimal at best and the storyline not particularly interesting.
Con Law (John Bookman #1) by Mark Gimenez Interesting series from Gimenez about a law constitutional law professor who takes on lost cause cases and tries to bring about justice. Good read.
Bunts: Curt Flood, Camden Yards, Pete Rose, and Other Reflections on Baseball by George F. Will Interesting reading this book quite a few years after it was written as some of the things he writes about, against inter league play, salaries cannot continue to increase so rapidly have come about. He definitely has a National League bent, he hates the DH loves the Cubs. Didn’t find it nearly as good as Men at Work. Basically a copy of his political columns where he wrote about baseball rather than politics.
leswp1
New member
Re: Another Book Thread
Bernard Cornwell- Fools and Mortals- (AMazon description) tells the story of the first production of A Midsummer Night's Dream—as related by William Shakespeare’s estranged younger brother in the heart of Elizabethan England. Richard Shakespeare dreams of a glittering career in one of the London playhouses, a world dominated by his older brother, William. But he is a penniless actor, making ends meet through a combination of a beautiful face, petty theft and a silver tongue. As William’s star rises, Richard’s onetime gratitude is souring and he is sorely tempted to abandon family loyalty. The manuscript goes missing, suspicion falls upon Richard, forcing him onto a perilous path through a bawdy and frequently brutal London. Entangled in a high-stakes game of duplicity and betrayal which threatens not only his career and potential fortune, but also the lives of his fellow players, Richard has to call on all he has now learned from the brightest stages and the darkest alleyways of the city. To avoid the gallows, he must play the part of a lifetime . . . .
I liked it. Had been to many of the places so I could picture what it looked like. Interesting history of how Players fit into society.
Bernard Cornwell- Fools and Mortals- (AMazon description) tells the story of the first production of A Midsummer Night's Dream—as related by William Shakespeare’s estranged younger brother in the heart of Elizabethan England. Richard Shakespeare dreams of a glittering career in one of the London playhouses, a world dominated by his older brother, William. But he is a penniless actor, making ends meet through a combination of a beautiful face, petty theft and a silver tongue. As William’s star rises, Richard’s onetime gratitude is souring and he is sorely tempted to abandon family loyalty. The manuscript goes missing, suspicion falls upon Richard, forcing him onto a perilous path through a bawdy and frequently brutal London. Entangled in a high-stakes game of duplicity and betrayal which threatens not only his career and potential fortune, but also the lives of his fellow players, Richard has to call on all he has now learned from the brightest stages and the darkest alleyways of the city. To avoid the gallows, he must play the part of a lifetime . . . .
I liked it. Had been to many of the places so I could picture what it looked like. Interesting history of how Players fit into society.
Kepler
Cornell Big Red
Re: Another Book Thread
If you want the comic equivalent to this, see Something Rotten! by John O'Farrell.
If you want the comic equivalent to this, see Something Rotten! by John O'Farrell.
The Sicatoka
Kicizapi Cetan
Re: Another Book Thread
I couldn't stop myself from pulling "A Brief History of Time" back down off the shelf.
There's something new to comprehend every time.
I couldn't stop myself from pulling "A Brief History of Time" back down off the shelf.
There's something new to comprehend every time.