May Reads

32. Ice Cold (Gerritsen) ~ 2.5/5

33. Chasing Darkness (Crais) ~ 3.5/5

34. Agatha Raisin and the Murderous Marriage (Beaton) ~ 3.5/5

35. Trotsky (Geary) ~ 2/5

36. The Body in the Library (Christie) ~ 3.25/5

37. J. Edgar Hoover (Geary) ~ 4/5

38. Before I Go to Sleep (Watson) ~ 4/5

39. Faceless Killers (Mankell) ~ 4/5

40. Bel Canto (Patchett) ~ 3.25/5

Shadow Tag (Erdrich) ~ DNF

41. Guilt By Association (Clark) ~ 4.5/5

42. In the Belly of Jonah (Brannan) ~ 4.25/5

Short Story (not counted)

Bold titles made Best Reads of 2011 list

~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

Audiobooks:    6 - 26

Best Reads:    1 - 4

Books:    4 - 8

DNF:    1 - 2

eBooks:    1 - 8

New-to-Me Authors:   5 - 22

Off My Shelf:   3 - 12

Published in 2011:   2 - 10

Short Stories:    0 - 15

YA:    0 - 7

Ratings

Monthly - Yearly Stats:

5.00 =   0 - 1

4.75 =   0 - 0

4.50 =   1 - 3

4.25 =   1 - 2

4.00 =   3 - 7

3.75 =   0 - 6

3.50 =   2 - 10

3.25 =   2 - 2

3.00 =   0 - 4

2.75 =   0 - 1

2.50 =   1 - 2

2.25 =   0 - 1

2.00 =   1 - 3

1.75 =   0 - 0

1.50 =   0 - 0

1.25 =   0 - 0

1.00 =   0 - 0

__________

average =   3.52 - 3.39

IN THE BELLY OF JONAH

Author: Sandra Brannan

Genre: Mystery, Liv Bergen Series #1

Published:  2010

Personal Rating: 4.25/5 (very good +)

Format: Book

Yearly Count:  42

From Sandra Brannan's Website:

In the Belly of Jonah is a fast-paced mystery with a likable protagonist and an intricately woven narrative brimming with bizarre yet believable twists. The first in a series, the book expertly lays the groundwork for Liv Bergen, amateur sleuth, and her love interest, FBI Agent Streeter Pierce.

Liv becomes involved in the investigation of the murder of Jill Brannigan, a summer intern at the limestone mine Liv manages near Fort Collins, Colorado (a breathtaking setting that unwittingly becomes an accessory to crime). In doing so, she inadvertently puts her friends, her family, and herself at risk of being swallowed in the belly of a madman bloated with perverse appetites for women, surrealistic art, and renown.

Perhaps a bit too daring (and at times irreverent) for her own good, “Boots,” as Liv’s eight siblings call her, soon realizes she has a knack for outsmarting and tracking down the Venus de Milo murderer—and she enjoys it! As the gripping plot of In the Belly of Jonah unfolds, Liv Bergen takes her place alongside the best female crime-solvers as a woman with smarts, self-confidence, and intuitive savvy.

This book had my complete attention, and I wanted to turn the pages quickly. The plot and setting were of great interest to me - a serial killer, a college campus and a limestone quarry. Liv, the main character, was likable, but I didn't love her. She was a little too . . . or not enough . . . something. Hopefully whatever it was resolves itself when I meet her again.  There wasn't any romance, but I believe the stage is set.

There were a few things that bothered me within the writing, and my rating reflects them.  One complaint was more of a personal preference within the writing style, and another was the way the FBI behaved - one would expect a little lot more caution. A minor, but specific error I will mention is that the country Colombia was misspelled and that bugged me. Colombia and Columbia are totally two different places!

Despite those glitches, I still consider this a very, very good read. I didn't want to put it down, and I can't wait to pick up the next in the series:  Lot's Return to Sodom. Regarding the Biblical related titles, there are a few references to the Bible, but that is not the focus of the book at all. A handful of swear words and creepy murders are much more prevalent than any message.

My thanks go to Marissa from JKS Communications and Shelf Awareness for sending me this book.

GUILT BY ASSOCIATION

Author: Marcia Clark

Genre: Mystery, Rachel Knight Series #1

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 4.5/5 (excellent)

Format:  Book/eBook - Kindle

Yearly Count: 41

From the Dust Jacket:

Brilliant and tenacious, DA Rachel Knight lives and breathes her work and disdains office politics--a combustible combination that often gets her into trouble.  She is a stalwart member of the elite Special Trials Unit, a small group of handpicked prosecutors that handles the toughest, most sensitive, and most celebrated cases in the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.


At the end of a typical ten-hour day, Rachel has her sights set on an ice-cold martini at the Biltmore Hotel, where she lives.  But on her way she's sidetracked by the wail of sirens and the commotion of a crime scene.  Cops swarm around a seedy motel, where Rachel is surprised to discover that Jake, a dear friend and fellow prosecutor, has been murdered.


The suspicious and potentially explosive circumstances of Jake's death are never far from Rachel's thoughts as she takes on her fallen colleague's most politically charged case:  the mysterious assault on a young woman from an influential LA family.  Rachel enlists the help of her best friends and partners in crime-fighting--Toni, a fellow Special Trials prosecutor, and Bailey, a tough-as-nails LAPD detective--to covertly undertake her own investigation into Jake's murder.  Rachel's drive to clear Jake's name exposes a world of power and violence that will have her risking her reputation--and her life--to find the truth.

What a terrific book!  Rachel and Bailey (Marcia Clark, as well!) are strong, intelligent women, and the thought process in which they follow to solve the crimes felt incredibly authentic.  I loved their relationship.  Once I was able to sit down and read more than a page at a time, I didn't want to put the book down.  The writing, which contained a smooth, but intricate plot and details of procedures, was excellent, and the short chapters kept me turning the pages.  I thought Guilt By Association was a solid read throughout and can't wait for the next Rachel Knight case.

My thanks go to Miriam from Mulholland Books and NetGalley for sending me the book and eGalley.

SHADOW TAG

Author:  Louise Erdrich

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2010
Personal Rating: DNF #2
Format:  Audiobook

After 1.5 CDs, I was not mentally or emotionally interested in this book. Time to move on.

BEL CANTO

Author:  Ann Patchett

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2001

Personal Rating:  3.25/5 (just okay +)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  40

A famous opera singer is invited to perform at the home of the country's vice-president for a birthday celebration of a visiting Japanese business man.  Other hidden, unwanted guests have different plans for the evening.

Yay! Another book to remove from my TBR shelves!  I started this years ago, but set it aside because at the time I did not know it was a quieter read and simply didn't have the patience for it.  This time around I picked it up as an audiobook and think that was the best choice for me.  However, I never really connected with the characters.  I was more wrapped up in how odd I thought they all were for being in such awe of a person who could sing.

The talents that some people possess are absolutely astounding, and I do appreciate them.  I actually get goose bumps or have been known to stand before someone with my jaw down on the floor, so I do understand the emotions and the reverence someone can have towards others.  However, I don't believe that just because they are gifted at something, that they should be treated any differently.  I had a difficult time getting away from that thought throughout the book, so I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked.

FACELESS KILLERS

Author: Henning Mankell

Genre: Mystery, Kurt Wallander Series #1

Published:  1991

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count:  39

Set in Sweden, an older, farming couple are found brutalized in their home.  The husband was viciously murdered, but the wife was found alive under peculiar circumstances.   Kurt Wallander is on the case and spends a great deal of time trying to solve this horrific crime.

I finally met Kurt Wallander! I have been wanting to meet him for a very long time.  Kurt isn't a flashy character or one that has a special quality that makes him stand out, however, I like him. He represents many middle-aged men who are struggling with relationships (spouse and family), and at the same time trying to do the best they can do at their job.  A tiny bit on the gloomy side?  Yes.  Boring?  No.  I thought the relationships and the process in solving the crime were both very realistic.  Even though, I didn't experience any great suspense or gripping plot, I thought it was very good.  Now I look forward to meeting him again in The Dogs of Riga.

BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP

Author: S. J. Watson

Genre: Suspense, Standalone

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Format: eBook - iPad

Yearly Count:  38

From NetGalley:

Every morning, Christine awakens beside a stranger in an unfamiliar bed. She sees a middle-aged face in the bathroom mirror that she does not recognize. And every morning, the man patiently explains that he is Ben, her husband, that she is forty-seven-years-old, and that an accident long ago damaged her ability to remember.

In place of memories Christine has a handful of pictures, a whiteboard in the kitchen, and a journal, hidden in a closet. She knows about the journal because Dr. Ed Nash, a neurologist who claims to be treating her without Ben’s knowledge, reminds her about it each day. Inside its pages, the damaged woman has begun meticulously recording her daily events—sessions with Dr. Nash, snippets of information that Ben shares, flashes of her former self that briefly, miraculously appear.

But as the pages accumulate, inconsistencies begin to emerge, raising disturbing questions that Christine is determined to find answers to. And the more she pieces together the shards of her broken life, the closer she gets to the truth . . . and the more terrifying and deadly it is.

This turned out to be a very good debut.  The plot was suspenseful and engaging, and I liked the main character, Christine.  I realize it must be complicated and difficult to write from the perspective of an amnesiac, but there were times when I was a bit annoyed with the repetition (reintroducing Christine to herself).  Also, some events were too convenient or too odd - making it less than realistic.  Needless to say, I really enjoyed it and look forward to his next book.  I'll be watching for it.






My thanks go to HarperCollins and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley. Before I Go to Sleep will be published on
June 1, 2011.

J. EDGAR HOOVER

Author: Rick Geary

Genre: Graphic Biography, Series

Published: 2008

Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)

Format: Book

Yearly Count:  37

The life of J. Edgar Hoover (creator of the FBI) is explored in detail.

Geary delivered what I had hoped for in the last graphic biography; however, I was a bit more interested in this person.  I could relate to and easily understand everything that was going on, as well as, learn a few historical facts. What was most interesting was that there was mention of The Freedom Riders, and I just learned about them a couple of weeks ago on Oprah, so I knew what was being referred to.  (It's incredible to me how much I do not know!)  Yay for Geary!

THE BODY IN THE LIBRARY

Author:  Agatha Christie

Genre:  Mystery, Miss Marple Series #2

Published:  1942

Personal Rating:  3.25/5 (just okay +)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  36

A body is found in the library of a well-respected couple.  Who is she and why is she in their library are questions that come to their mind.  Miss Marple is invited to help solve the mystery.

It was nice to get back to an Agatha novel, but I didn't think it was anything special.  I do like how Miss Marple thinks, though.  I'd like to give another one of Agatha Christie's series a chance soon, because most of the Miss Marple books (and short stories) have been just so-so.  I know that I have really enjoyed a couple of Agatha Christie's standalones, so I'm eager to try something different.

TROTSKY

Author:  Rick Geary

Genre:  Graphic Biography, Series

Published:  2009

Personal Rating:  2/5 (not enjoyable)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  35

From School Library Journal:

Geary leads readers chronologically through Trotsky's exile by Tsarist Russia, his instrumental part in the Bolshevik Revolution, and his varied roles in foreign affairs during World War I and as leader of the Red Army during a civil war. A key theme is Trotsky's back and forth and back again relationship with Lenin. Lenin's death in 1924 left a void for power-hungry Stalin to seize control and eventually force Trotsky into political exile. He met his death by a Stalinist assassin.

I L-O-V-E Rick Geary's graphic novels. I love his style, his consolidation of facts, his artistic drawings, and much more. However, I now have experienced one that I did not care for at all. It's not Rick's fault, though. I was hoping that all I love about his books would be enough to draw me into the story - one that I really didn't have much interest in to begin with. That was too tall an order to fill. My bad.

AGATHA RAISIN AND THE MURDEROUS MARRIAGE

Author: M.C. Beaton

Genre: Mystery, Agatha Raisin Series #6

Published:  1996

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count:  34

Agatha must prove her innocence in the death of her husband.

It was fun visiting with Agatha again. It's interesting because Agatha thinks, says and/or does things that us women may have running though our mind on occasion, but she actually gets caught in them in one way or another.

CHASING DARKNESS

Author: Robert Crais

Genre: Mystery, Elvis Cole Series #11

Published: 2008
Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)
Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 33

During a fire evacuation, a body is found with evidence that indicates he may have murdered many women. The concern is that Cole knows him. He helped prove his innocence in a past murder charge. Now Cole has to deal with the fact that he may have been duped.

I probably would have rated this higher had I read it, because the audiobook narrator was incredibly boring and lacked enthusiasm. Cole didn't sound like Cole, and Pike didn't sound like Pike. That's not good. In the beginning it threw me off, which is okay, if you can get back on. Unfortunately, that never fully happened. Also, the relationship between Cole and Pike didn't seem its usual self, so maybe it wasn't just the narrator. I did like the plot and was interested throughout, but I was a little disappointed overall.

ICE COLD

Author: Tess Gerritsen

Genre:  Mystery, Rizzoli & Isles Series #8

Published:  2010

Personal Rating: 2.5/5 (eh)

Format:  Audiobook
Yearly Count: 32

During the winter season, medical examiner Maura Isles heads to Wyoming for a medical conference.  She reunites with some old friends and chooses to go on a mini-ski trip with them.  A blizzard demands that they seek shelter in a nearby community.  They are perplexed when they discover all the homes are abandoned, yet obviously currently being lived in.

I like stories of survival, but this one just didn't seem natural.  There were too many ridiculous oopses and the characters were less than appealing.  I've been all over the place regarding my enjoyment of this series, but I think this one falls closest to the bottom.  There were some medical ties, but it just didn't follow the traditional Rizzoli & Isles series style.