May Reads

35. Bad Things Happen (Dolan)

36. Caught (Coben)

37. Winter of the Wolf Moon (Hamilton)

38. The Brass Verdict (Connelly)

39. The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno (Bryson)

40. The Last Song (Sparks)

41. Lost and Found (Parkhurst)

42. Shoot to Thrill (Tracy)

* Short Story (not counted)

BOLD titles made my Best Reads List

Clicking on a title will link you to "Thoughts of Joy...".

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Monthly - Yearly Genre Stats:

Chick-Lit: 0 - 0

Classic: 0 - 0

Fiction: 3 - 12

Memoir: 0 - 1

Mystery/Police Procedural: 4 - 12

Non-Fiction: 0 - 0

Non-Fiction Graphic Novel: 0 - 1

Short Story Collection: 0 - 1

Suspense/Thriller: 1 - 8

True Crime: 0 - 1

YA Classic: 0 - 0

YA Fiction: 0 - 3

YA Graphic Novel: 0 - 0

YA Non-Fiction: 0 - 0

YA Science Fiction: 0 - 0

YA Short Collection: 0 - 1

YA Thriller: 0 - 1

Children's Fiction: 0 - 1

Children's Thriller: 0 - 0

Children's Sci-Fi/Fantasy: 0 - 0

Short Stories: 0 - 6

Audiobooks: 6 - 21

Books: 2 - 21

Total: 8 - 42

Best Reads: 0 - 1

Series: 3 - 16

DNF: 0 - 0

SHOOT TO THRILL

Author: P.J. Tracy

Genre: Mystery, Series #5

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (better than good)

Yearly Count: 42

The Monkeewrench crew has been recruited to assist the FBI in a case that involves videos of murders that are being posted on the Web.

It's been 4 years since the last Monkeewrench appearance, and I'm delighted to see them back. I'm not so sure how this one would read to newcomers of the series, because there didn't seem to be a lot of background information on the crew. However, the crew did what the crew does best and that's use their computer skills to help solve crimes. The interaction of quips and playful teasing between Monkeewrench, the FBI agent John Smith and the local police detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth was a highlight. And, while the story line was interesting and kept me turning the pages, there was some wordiness and a scene or two that caused an eye-roll or a "yeah right" comment, but overall it was an enjoyable read.

LOST AND FOUND

Author: Carolyn Parkhurst

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2006

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Yearly Count: 41

Many paired teams join together to be on a scavenger hunt reality show that travels the world. A couple teams are the main focus - one being a mother/daughter team and another a husband/wife team.

Ohhhh, I love me some reality TV, but I think it stops there because in written form it fell short. I never connected with any of the characters nor their individual stories. It just didn't work for me.

THE LAST SONG

Author: Nicholas Sparks

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Yearly Count: 40

Ronnie (Veronica) and her brother Jonah spend the summer in North Carolina with their father.

Sappy. Melodramatic. Sickly sweet. Overemotional. Schmaltzy. Mawkish. Ick!

If you like the above, you'll love this book! Despite myself, I did get teary-eyed more than once which provided evidence that my heart is not made of stone, but I really didn't care for the story.

Why do I let people (Sue!) talk me into reading stuff they like without considering my own likes/dislikes first? Apparently, I haven't learned that yet.

Oh, yes! I mustn't forget to add that I had blazing images of the commercial for the movie burned in my mind throughout the book. Let's just say - that didn't help.

THE TRANSFORMATION OF BARTHOLOMEW FORTUNO

Author: Ellen Bryson

Genre: Historical Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 2.75/5 (better than eh)

Yearly Count: 39

From the Cover:

Bartholomew Fortuno, the World's Thinnest Man, believes that his unusual body is a gift. Hired by none other than P. T. Barnum to work at his spectacular American Museum—a modern marvel of macabre displays, breathtaking theatrical performances, and live shows by Barnum's cast of freaks and oddities—Fortuno has reached the pinnacle of his career. But after a decade of constant work, he finds his sense of self, and his contentment within the walls of the museum, flagging. When a carriage pulls up outside the museum in the dead of night, bearing Barnum and a mysterious veiled woman—rumored to be a new performer—Fortuno's curiosity is piqued. And when Barnum asks Fortuno to follow her and report back on her whereabouts, his world is turned upside down. Why is Barnum so obsessed with this woman? Who is she, really? And why has she taken such a hold on the hearts of those around her?

This book didn't go over so well for me. I was drawn to and loved the timeframe (directly following Lincoln's assassination), and I liked getting some insight into Barnum's museum, but as a whole, the story line was mundane. The characters were a little peculiar, as one would expect in the atmosphere of "freaks and oddities," but there was no depth to anybody. All-in-all, my experience at the museum was somewhat disappointing, but I must give it props for depicting the time period in an interesting way. I learned a few things, and I like that.

My thanks go to Henry Holt and Company and Shelf Awareness for sending me this ARC. The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno is scheduled to be released on June 22, 2010.

THE BRASS VERDICT

Author: Michael Connelly

Genre: Legal Thriller, Series #2

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Yearly Count: 38

After a year away from practicing law, defense attorney Mickey Haller inherits the practice of a murdered colleague. The most crucial case involves a well-known Hollywood producer who is accused of murdering his wife and her lover. Mickey takes over and encounters Det. Harry Bosch (another series by Connelly) who is working on the case of the deceased colleague.

This second in the Haller series was just about as good as the first. I love Connelly's style of writing. He incorporates family and work into the story line making Haller out to be a genuine character - likable, despite his profession. This book didn't carry a lot of suspense, but the story line was strong and interesting. Even though, the majority of the story was based on the Hollywood producer's case, there were several other cases discussed as well. I thoroughly enjoyed all the courtroom drama.

The next in the Haller/Bosch series is scheduled to be released in October, 2010! Woo!

WINTER OF THE WOLF MOON

Author: Steve Hamilton

Genre: Mystery, Series #2

Published: 2000

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Yearly Count: 37

Alex McNight, a Detroit ex-cop, lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where he tries to keep a peaceful existence and low profile. His Native American buddy encourages him to fill in as a goalie on his hockey team with the reasoning that it would help keep him in shape and occupy some of his time. Before Alex knows it, a hockey opponent's girlfriend is asking for his assistance, and he feels bound to help.

I like Alex, but less "f-bombs" would make for a better read. It is so not necessary! Aside from that, the plot was good, and I love reading about my home state of Michigan. There were a few very unrealistic events, but still a good read. I've got the next two ready on my iPod. They are perfect for road trips!

CAUGHT

Author: Harlan Coben

Genre: Mystery, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Yearly Count: 36

A high school girl goes missing; the police and a reporter work the case to find the predator.

Oh dear, another read that just didn't hold my attention. And, that was a shocker because I really enjoy Coben's standalones. I must say that I did enjoy the prologue and looked forward to the story, but as it continued I never fully connected. When a few new characters (and there were many) were introduced, I disengaged some more. I did enjoy the ending, though. Ultimately, only truly liking the beginning and the ending does not make a great read. I'm glad to be moving on.

BAD THINGS HAPPEN

Author: Harry Dolan

Genre: Mystery, Standalone

Published: 2009

Personal Rating: 2.75/5 (better than eh)

Yearly Count: 35

David Loogan, who has a sketchy past, rents a house in Ann Arbor, MI (GO BLUE!). He acquires a job as an editor at a local publishing company. Loogan's boss requests that he assist him in a crime and Loogan agrees. Soon after, many murders take place and Loogan is a suspect, along with many others.

Anything that had to do with Ann Arbor was wonderful. I loved the descriptions, street names, etc. because I knew right where they were. That made for such a fun experience. However, the plot was another matter. I liked some of it, but the "if this was a story" parts were not necessary. Also, in general, there were just too many bodies and too many scenarios making the whole book seem implausible, so it didn't end on a very good note for me.