Re: Book Thread number ?
Recent reads
George Washington's Secret Spy War: The Making of America's First Spymaster by John A. Nagy An okay book about the spy methods used during the Revolutionary War. It shows how Washington first used the art of spying during the French and Indian War and how he evolved those methods during the Revolution. Many of the deceptions, false flags and spies used by Washington are described in the book.
Sharpe's Devil (Richard Sharpe (chronological order) #21) by Bernard Cornwell The final Sharpe book finds him heading to South America to find an old friend. On the way he stops to pay a visit to Napoleon and agrees to carry a message. After arriving in Chile Sharpe and Harper get involved in the Chilean Civil War.
Even Steven by John Gilstrap This book from Gilstrap follows the kidnapping of a young boy and the various players in his abduction and the people who attempt to rescue him.
Rogue Heroes: The History of the SAS, Britain's Secret Special Forces Unit That Sabotaged the Nazis and Changed the Nature of War by Ben Macintyre This book tells about the formation of the SAS and SBS and follows their exploits from North Africa till the end of the war with their various missions and members. I was disappointed that it did not cover any of the post WW II missions.
Cold Shot (Kyra Stryker & Jonathan Burke #2) by Mark E. Henshaw A good second effort from Henshaw finds Kyra heading back to Venezuela trying to stop the Iranians and their allies from bringing a nuclear weapon into this hemisphere. Good read
Campy: The Two Lives of Roy Campanella by Neil Lanctot A very good look at the life of Roy Campenella. His early years growing up in Philadelphia. His life in the Negro Leagues who he started playing in at the age of 15. His seasons playing in Puerto Rica, Cuba and the Mexican league. His battles against discrimination prior to and after signing with the Dodgers. His career with the Dodgers including winning 3 MVP awards, his disagreements and feud with Jackie Robinson. After the car accident that left him paralyzed his life after the accident and involvement with baseball.
The Kingmaker (Sean Drummond #3) by Brian Haig The 3rd book finds Sean defending a man charged with treason for giving information to the Russians. The case is complicated since they have a history and Sean used to date his wife. Lots of back and forth and action as Sean and his co-counsel are threatened with death several times as they attempt to find out whether their client was framed.
Embrace an Angry Wind (Modern War Studies) by Wiley Sword A very in depth book about the final battles of the Tennessee campaign; Spring Hill, Franklin, Nashville, encompassing John Bell Hood’s time in command of the Western Confederate armies. It details his decisions in command, who he passed over, who he punished who he rewarded and the ways John Scofield and George Thomas operated against him. Very good and very detailed sometimes you get lost in the units and generals, particularly the Tennessee and Missouri units who were in both armies. The ineptitude of Hood and how he was put in command and stayed in command is the best part of the book.
The Burial Hour (Lincoln Rhyme #13) by Jeffery Deaver This is an interesting Lincoln Rhyme book where he and Amelia spend much of the book tracking down a kidnapper named the composer who is targeting immigrants from the Middle East. Working with the Italian police who aren’t thrilled to have his help they must try to track down the man before someone die. OK read
Dodge City: Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and the Wickedest Town in the American West by Tom Clavin An okay book that really tells the tale of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson rather than the story of Dodge City. Early in the book they do tell how Dodge was founded but then it mainly follows the careers of these two legendary lawmen. Particularly enjoyed the sections on Bat Masterson since I have not read a lot about him, except for what was in the Time Life books, his friendships and run in’s with the James Brothers, Billy the Kid and other legendary Wil West figures is interesting. As for Wyatt there is some new information but much I had already read in previous books about him, Tombstone and the Shootout at the OK Corral.
George W. Bush: America's 43rd President by Matt Donnelly So in my quest to read a biography of every US President I face a dilemma as I select books on recent Presidents. I can choose to read their autobiography or books written by members of their administration which tend to be positive or books written by their opponents which tend to be negative and nasty. I opted to try this which I thought would be similar to the US Presidents series and it was but it was definitely for a younger age group, I’m guessing middle school. This was a short biography full of pictures and tidbits the majority focused on his pre-presidency and they his first term and re-election. OK for a middle schooler to read.
I have 24 and 24.4 on the way from the library.
