THE DRY

Author:  Jane Harper

Genre:  Mystery, Aaron Falk Series #1

Published:  2017

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  16

From NetGalley:

After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Twenty years ago when Falk was accused of murder, Luke was his alibi. Falk and his father fled under a cloud of suspicion, saved from prosecution only because of Luke’s steadfast claim that the boys had been together at the time of the crime. But now more than one person knows they didn’t tell the truth back then, and Luke is dead.

Amid the worst drought in a century, Falk and the local detective question what really happened to Luke. As Falk reluctantly investigates to see if there’s more to Luke’s death than there seems to be, long-buried mysteries resurface, as do the lies that have haunted them. And Falk will find that small towns have always hidden big secrets.

This is Harper's debut novel, and I think she did a great job! I enjoyed the characters, the mystery and the pace.  I was concerned when I realized there were going to be flashbacks, but they didn't bother me at all, which is very unusual.  I suppose a compelling story is enticing whether it's in real time or flashbacks.  Kudos to Harper!

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for providing me with the eBook.

        

TELL THE WOLVES I'M HOME

Author:  Carol Rifka Brunt

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  2/5 (not enjoyable)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Amy Rubinate

Yearly Count:  44

In this coming-of-age novel (1986, New York), fourteen-year-old, June, has a close relationship with her dying Uncle Finn.  June eventually discovers love in places she didn't expect.    

Without an ounce of prior knowledge, I got something totally different from what I anticipated.  Once I got my head wrapped around the idea that this was virtually a YA book, it was too late.  I didn't buy into anything.  The things the girls (June and her sister) said and did were unbelievable, as well as, other characters.  The writing was good, but I couldn't wait for the story to be done.  I'm definitely in the minority with this one.  Blah.

Thoughts of Joy

    

THE WIDOW

Author:  Fiona Barton

Genre:  Psychological Thriller, Standalone

Published:  2016

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  32


From NetGalley:

When the police started asking questions, Jean Taylor turned into a different woman. One who enabled her and her husband to carry on, when more bad things began to happen...

But that woman's husband died last week. And Jean doesn't have to be her anymore.

There's a lot Jean hasn't said over the years about the crime her husband was suspected of committing. She was too busy being the perfect wife, standing by her man while living with the accusing glares and the anonymous harassment.

Now there's no reason to stay quiet. There are people who want to hear her story. They want to know what it was like living with that man. She can tell them that there were secrets. There always are in a marriage.

The truth—that's all anyone wants. But the one lesson Jean has learned in the last few years is that she can make people believe anything…

Sadly, this book took me approximately 2.5 months to read!  It was by no means the book or my lack of interest . . . quite the opposite, in fact.  I just haven't been literally reading much at all.  It's mainly audiobooks that have me gleefully listening while having the ability to do other things.  I actually have expressed to those around me that I miss reading and miss reading an actual book . . . with paper!  Therefore, that's what I'm going to do.  Woo!

Anyway, The Widow would have probably received a little bit higher rating had I read it consistently.  The only thing I really did not like was the shifts of time.  There was more involved than just Before and After.  Loved the different points of view, though.  I would be happy to pick up another by Barton.  

Thoughts of Joy

My thanks go to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

THE DOG STARS

Author:  Peter Heller

Genre:  Post-Apocalyptic Novel, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  3

Hig (41 year old male), Jester (Hig's dog) and Bangley (older adult male) are doing everything they can to survive after most of the world has been desecrated by a deadly flu and blood disease.

I loved Hig and Bangley's relationship!  That was the best part of the book for me.  Most of this audioread kept me engaged and eager to listen to more.  There was one section/chapter that I disengaged and could have cared less what was going on (just not my reading preference), but it was totally appropriate for the plot.  Other than that, I really enjoyed this post-apocalyptic adventure.  It was written as real as one could imagine.  

  

HEFT

Author:  Liz Moore

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Kirby Heyborne & Keith Szarabajka

Yearly Count:  107

Arthur Opp is a 58-year-old, retired professor.  His weight has encouraged his reclusiveness and yet he still desires a life with others.  A once-upon-a-time friendship with Charlene (from his teaching days) continued through sparse letters is what keeps Arthur hopeful.  Charlene calls Arthur one day and tells him about her teenaged son Kel.  

I loved all parts Arthur!  I listened to the audio version and just loved him.  I didn't realize that Kel was the other focus in the book when I started listening to it (prior book knowledge minimalist that I am), so it was a surprise to delve into his life.  I learned to like him too, but always wanted to get back to Arthur.  

The flawed characters were not outlandish.  Their hearts were exposed and life befuddled them -- all of which made them feel very real and endearing.  Moore does an excellent job with both characters, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

My thanks go to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.

COVER OF SNOW

Author:  Jenny Milchman

Genre:  Suspense, Standalone

Published:  2013

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format:  Book

Yearly Count:  100

From Amazon:

Waking up one wintry morning in her old farmhouse nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, Nora Hamilton instantly knows that something is wrong. When her fog of sleep clears, she finds her world is suddenly, irretrievably shattered: Her husband, Brendan, has committed suicide.

The first few hours following Nora’s devastating discovery pass for her in a blur of numbness and disbelief. Then, a disturbing awareness slowly settles in: Brendan left no note and gave no indication that he was contemplating taking his own life. Why would a rock-solid police officer with unwavering affection for his wife, job, and quaint hometown suddenly choose to end it all? Having spent a lifetime avoiding hard truths, Nora must now start facing them.

Unraveling her late husband’s final days, Nora searches for an explanation—but finds a bewildering resistance from Brendan’s best friend and partner, his fellow police officers, and his brittle mother. It quickly becomes clear to Nora that she is asking questions no one wants to answer. For beneath the soft cover of snow lies a powerful conspiracy that will stop at nothing to keep its presence unknown . . . and its darkest secrets hidden.

This book was quiet and a bit eerie for the first third (?), and it absolutely captivated me.  Unfortunately as the plot continued on, that captivation dwindled.  I did remain intrigued, though.  The characters could have used some sprucing up, and I wasn't satisfied with the ending because of such a terrific build up, but again - I was still invested.  In the long run, I think there were missed opportunities to make this an exceptional suspense mystery, but it was very good as a debut.

My thanks go to LibraryThing and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with this ARC. It is scheduled to be published on January 15, 2013.

MR. CHURCHILL'S SECRETARY

Author:  Susan Elia MacNeal

Genre: Historical Fiction,
Maggie Hope Series #1

Published:  2012

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: eBook

Yearly Count:  95

From NetGalley:

London, 1940. Winston Churchill has just been sworn in, war rages across the Channel, and the threat of a Blitz looms larger by the day. But none of this deters Maggie Hope. She graduated at the top of her college class and possesses all the skills of the finest minds in British intelligence, but her gender qualifies her only to be the newest typist at No. 10 Downing Street. Her indefatigable spirit and remarkable gifts for code breaking, though, rival those of even the highest men in government, and Maggie finds that working for the prime minister affords her a level of clearance she could never have imagined—and opportunities she will not let pass. In troubled, deadly times, with air-raid sirens sending multitudes underground, access to the War Rooms also exposes Maggie to the machinations of a menacing faction determined to do whatever it takes to change the course of history.

Ensnared in a web of spies, murder, and intrigue, Maggie must work quickly to balance her duty to King and Country with her chances for survival. And when she unravels a mystery that points toward her own family’s hidden secrets, she’ll discover that her quick wits are all that stand between an assassin’s murderous plan and Churchill himself.

This read what I envision a grown-up Nancy Drew novel would read like - obviously with placing her in England during the 40s.  I liked it, but would have liked a little more sophistication and depth.  The characters were interesting, but they felt a little on the immature side.  I'm curious as to where the series will go and will be reading Princess Elizabeth's Spy (Series #2) with the hope of an even better outcome.  

My thanks go to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.        

THE BOY IN THE SUITCASE

Author:  Lene Kaaberbol

Genre:  Thriller, Nina Borg Series #1

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  3.75/5 (good +)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Katherine Kellgren

Yearly Count:  91

Nina Borg, a nurse living in Denmark, is asked by an estranged friend to pick up a suitcase from a train station locker.  Once on her way, she is shocked to discover that there is a boy curled up inside.  

I'm still looking forward to the second book in this series (because I know it has potential), but I was a little disappointed in this one.  In the beginning, there were many characters introduced, and I was confused as to how they fit in with the plot.  Another part of my confusion must have stemmed from the narration of the audiobook because chapters weren't crisply defined.  And if they were, it wasn't keeping me glued enough to notice. As the story moved along, some of Nina's actions were incomprehensible, making it unrealistic, as well.  That is probably the worst offense.  However, even with all the negative, I still liked the book.  The plot was intriguing, and I wanted to know the full story.  My hope is that the second will be stronger.

     

STALKING SUSAN

Author:  Julie Kramer

Genre:  Mystery, Riley Spartz Series #1

Published:  2008

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Bernadette Dunne

Yearly Count:  88

Riley Spartz is a TV reporter who gets tips from retired police officer, Nick Garnett.  This time around Riley finds herself investigating decade old cases regarding murdered women named Susan.

I stumbled upon this series as I was browsing Amazon books and discovered that my library had the audio version, so I decided to give it a try.  It didn't have much suspense or intriguing characters, but it still was a good audioread by giving us an inside peak into the world of a TV reporter.  As in other books I have encountered, Riley and Nick play a game with movie lines - guessing the movie and year of the quoted one-liners.  The game didn't woo me, but I can see how others might get a kick out of it.  Ultimately, I thought it was a good debut (there are 5 in the series now) and plan to listen to more.

WONDER

Author:  R. J. Palacio

Genre:   Young Reader, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  4/5 (very good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/

Steele, Podehl & Rudd

Yearly Count:  84

August (Auggie) goes to school for the first time and enters the 5th grade.  He has been home-schooled due to hospital stays and healing from facial surgeries.  Life takes a drastic change once he enters the building.

This story was written with heart and realism.  I really liked Auggie and his family; however, I didn't appreciate the several changes in point-of-view throughout the book, because it made it feel redundant and predictable. However, the other views gave a well-rounded perspective of the lives affected by Auggie's presence (including Auggie himself) and for a children's book that may have been necessary.  This was a very good book with a very important message.

MURDER TAKES TIME

Author:  Giacoma Giammatteo

Genre:  Fiction, Friendship & Honor Series #1

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  3.5/5 (good)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  78

From the Publisher:

A string of brutal murders has bodies piling up in Brooklyn, and Detective Frankie Donovan knows what is going on. Clues left at the crime scenes point to someone from the old neighborhood, and that isn't good.

Frankie has taken two oaths in his life—the one he took to uphold the law when he became a cop, and the one he took with his two best friends when they were eight years old and inseparable.

Those relationships have forced Frankie to make many tough decisions, but now he faces the toughest one of his life; he has five murders to solve and one of those two friends is responsible. If Frankie lets him go, he breaks the oath he took as a cop and risks losing his job. But if he tries to bring him in, he breaks the oath he kept for twenty-five years—and risks losing his life.

In the neighborhood where Frankie Donovan grew up, you never broke an oath.

I wasn't aware that this book was a mob story.  Unfortunately, I don't care for stories that focus on the mob, because they usually are filled with brutal murders of revenge.  This book was no different, but I committed to reading it, so I followed through and gave it a go.  The good news is that I actually got sucked into the storyline and was curious as to the how the group of boys' lives would evolve.  I actually have thought of them since finishing the book in September.  Hmmm . . .  do I really want to entertain the idea of reading #2?  I'm not sure.  The jury is still out on that one.  :)

Overall, my experience reading Murder Takes Time was surprisingly a good one.  There was horrible language and brutal murders that kept my dislike of mob stories intact, but I did like the cat and mouse action.

My thanks go to Partners in Crime Tours for sending me this eBook.

DOMESTIC VIOLETS

Author:  Matthew Norman

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  3/5 (just okay)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  70

From Goodreads:

(NetGalley site down at the moment)

Tom Violet always thought that by the time he turned thirty-five, he'd have everything going for him.  Fame.  Fortune. A beautiful wife. A satisfying career as a successful novelist. A happy dog to greet him at the end of the day.

The reality, though, is far different. He's got a wife, but their problems are bigger than he can even imagine. And he's written a novel, but the manuscript he's slaved over for years is currently hidden in his desk drawer while his father, an actual famous writer, just won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. His career, such that it is, involves mind-numbing corporate buzzwords, his pretentious archnemesis Gregory, and a hopeless, completely inappropriate crush on his favorite coworker. Oh . . . and his dog, according to the vet, is suffering from acute anxiety.

Tom's life is crushing his soul, but he's decided to do something about it. (Really.) "Domestic Violets" is the brilliant and beguiling story of a man finally taking control of his own happiness--even if it means making a complete idiot of himself along the way.

Without a doubt, there was some snarky humor in this book, especially in the office setting, which caused many-a-smirks.  However, in general, I didn't love it or hate it.  Unfortunately, I did sense the ending from the beginning and felt a little let down by the lack of spunk for the last third (or less).  

The storyline, again, had some good points and some not so good points, as well as, the characters.  I simply was in the "Land of Whatever" and just plodded along.  I was more drawn to the idea of getting back to some humor than anything else.  So . . . a "just okay" read for me, but at the very least my curiosity about this book has been satisfied.     

My thanks go to Harper Perennial and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

READY PLAYER ONE

Author: Ernest Cline

Genre:  Sci-Fi, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format/Narrator:  Audiobook/Wil Wheaton

Yearly Count:  64

Halliday, the creator of OASIS (virtual reality that is used by all members of society) has passed away and has left a fortune to one winner who can beat his last game.

This is a perfect book for those that love 80s video games and/or is a geek at heart. I don't fall into either category, so it turned out to be just a "good" audioread for me.  All the 80s references were interesting, and I enjoyed going along for the hunt, but ultimately it was a bit too much.  The plot was fun and unique; however, it was dragged down with all the details and made it feel too long. Also, I was surprised at the young adult feel it had.  I enjoy YA, but was not expecting it in this book.  Overall, it went well for a diversion audioread. 

THE KEEPER OF LOST CAUSES

Author:  Jussi Adler-Olsen

Genre:  Thriller, Department Q Series #1

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format:  Audiobook

Yearly Count:  57

From NetGalley:

The Keeper of Lost Causes, the first installment of Adler-Olsen's Department Q series, features the deeply flawed chief detective Carl Morck, who used to be a good homicide detective-one of Copenhagen's best. Then a bullet almost took his life. Two of his colleagues weren't so lucky, and Carl, who didn't draw his weapon, blames himself.


So a promotion is the last thing Carl expects.


But it all becomes clear when he sees his new office in the basement. Carl's been selected to run Department Q, a new special investigations division that turns out to be a department of one. With a stack of Copenhagen's coldest cases to keep him company, Carl's been put out to pasture. So he's as surprised as anyone when a case actually captures his interest. A missing politician vanished without a trace five years earlier. The world assumes she's dead. His colleagues snicker about the time he's wasting. But Carl may have the last laugh, and redeem himself in the process.


Because she isn't dead . . . yet.

The audioread of this book is another case of the second in the series (ARC) landing in my hands.  That prompted a jumpstart on the first, and once again, I'm so happy to have gotten that push because this was a winner.  Originally I received the ebook from NetGalley, but wasn't able to get to it in time.  Since then, I purchased the book, but actually ended up listening to the audiobook.  Go figure!

The two main characters, Carl and his assistant Assad, are flawed, quirky, interesting and intriguing.  After some bumbling, they begin to find their way as a team.  The police department has its own ups and downs with Carl, but both characters have backgrounds that I'm looking forward to being exposed. 

The cold case of Merete, the missing politician, was told in present time (2007) as Carl and Assad investigate old and new leads, as well as, in the past (2002) when Merete first disappeared.  The flashback was done very well, and I was eager to get back to both parts of the plot.  Thankfully, I have The Absent One (Series #2) already in my possession, because I'm ready for more!  

         

My thanks go to Penguin Group and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.

THE LIFEBOAT

Author:  Charlotte Rogan

Genre:  Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2012

Personal Rating:  2.5/5 (eh)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  41

From NetGalley:

The sinking of an ocean liner leaves a newly married woman battling for survival in this powerful and unforgettable debut novel.

Grace Winter, 22, is both a newlywed and a widow. She is also on trial for her life.

In the summer of 1914, the elegant ocean liner carrying her and her husband Henry across the Atlantic suffers a mysterious explosion. Setting aside his own safety, Henry secures Grace a place in a lifeboat, which the survivors quickly realize is over capacity. For any to live, some must die.

As the castaways battle the elements, and each other, Grace recollects the unorthodox way she and Henry met, and the new life of privilege she thought she'd found. Will she pay any price to keep it?

For a least the first half, this lifeboat rocked me to sleep, and it actually almost became a DNF.  There just wasn't much emotion expressed by the main character and frankly, she was dull.  Once they were in the lifeboat for quite some time, the energy of the book picked up a little speed, but it never really floated. 

My thanks go to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for providing me with this eGalley.

  

THE INQUISITOR

Author: Mark Allen Smith

Genre: Thriller, Geiger Series #1 (?)

Published: 2012

Personal Rating:  4.25/5 (very good +)

Format: Book

Yearly Count:  40

From Amazon:

A spectacularly original thriller about a professional torturer who has a strict code, a mysterious past, and a dangerous conviction that he can save the life of an innocent child.

Geiger has a gift: he knows a lie the instant he hears it. And in his business—called "information retrieval" by its practitioners—that gift is invaluable, because truth is the hottest thing on the market.

Geiger's clients count on him to extract the truth from even the most reluctant subjects. Unlike most of his competitors, Geiger rarely sheds blood, but he does use a variety of techniques—some physical, many psychological—to push his subjects to a point where pain takes a backseat to fear. Because only then will they finally stop lying.

One of Geiger's rules is that he never works with children. So when his partner, former journalist Harry Boddicker, unwittingly brings in a client who demands that Geiger interrogate a twelve-year-old boy, Geiger responds instinctively. He rescues the boy from his captor, removes him to the safety of his New York City loft, and promises to protect him from further harm. But if Geiger and Harry cannot quickly discover why the client is so desperate to learn the boy's secret, they themselves will become the victims of an utterly ruthless adversary.

I've had this on my must-read ARCs shelf for a very long time, and I'm happy that I actually read it during the month that it came out!  And, to top it off, I really enjoyed it!  Yay!

First off, it is not for the squeamish.  It contains a lot of violence and can be difficult to read.  I didn't like those parts, but I loved the suspense they created.  I, also, found Geiger to be an odd sorta fella, but I liked that, too.  What I didn't care for was how he was portrayed at times.  Showing his awkwardness was plenty, the added descriptions annoyed me.  Also, the climax was a little run-of-the-mill or James Patterson-esque.  Not exactly what I prefer, but the suspense kept me intrigued and glued to the book.  I read at least half of it in one sitting, then I was snatched back to reality (why can't I read all day?).  I will absolutely be looking for the next book by Mark Allen Smith, and hopefully, it'll be another thriller with Geiger. 

My thanks go to Henry Holt & Company and LibraryThing for sending me the ARC.


Here's an audiobook clip from Macmillan Audio for your listening pleasure:

THE KITCHEN HOUSE

Author: Kathleen Grissom

Genre: Fiction, Standalone

Published: 2010

Personal Rating: 3.5/5 (good)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 35

Lavinia, a young girl, is orphaned on her travels to the USA from Ireland and is brought to a tobacco plantation to work and live with the slaves as an indentured servant. In time, she earns herself a place in the big house and her life turns upside down.

This was not as gripping as other books I have read on slavery, but I still had some curiosity. The major problem was that I was not drawn to Lavinia. Or maybe I was drawn, but she never delivered. I did like some of the slaves, but there wasn't a lot of depth to them either. Overall, I think it was a good story (maybe a little over the top, though), but the underdeveloped characters was a major flaw and caused this reader to not connect.

SAVING JUNE

Author:  Hannah Harrington

Genre:  YA Fiction, Standalone

Published:  2011

Personal Rating:  2.75/5 (eh +)

Format:  eBook

Yearly Count:  11

From NetGalley:

If she’d waited less than two weeks, she’d be June who died in June. But I guess my sister didn’t consider that.

When Harper Scott’s older sister, June, takes her own life a week before her high school graduation, sixteen-year-old Harper is devastated. Everyone’s sorry, but no one can explain why.

When her divorcing parents decide to split up her sister’s ashes, Harper takes matters into her own hands. She'll steal the urn and drive cross-country with her best friend, Laney, to the one place June always dreamed of going—California.

Enter Jake Tolan. He's a boy with a bad attitude, a classic-rock obsession…and an unknown connection to June. So when he insists on joining them, Harper's just desperate enough to let him. With his alternately charming and infuriating demeanor and his belief that music can see you through anything, he might be exactly what she needs. Except...Jake's keeping a secret that has the power to turn Harper's life upside down—again.

I, unfortunately, did not connect with Harper or the plot in general.  Many scenes seemed disjointed or randomly thrown in, so it just didn't flow for me.  I do remember connecting music to everything in my life when I was a teenager, so that thread seemed realistic, but I'm sad to say that I just didn't enjoy it in this book.    

The author made a statement in the Acknowledgements about her 5th grade teacher encouraging her in class.  I loved reading that and hope the teacher is aware of the recognition and appreciation.  Keep pursuing your dreams, Hannah.

My thanks go to Harlequin and NetGalley for sending me this eGalley.

BLOOD RED ROAD

Author: Moira Young

Genre: YA Fiction, Dustlands Series #1

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 3/5 (just okay)

Format: Audiobook

Yearly Count: 4

Set in some type of dystopian time-frame, Saba's teen-aged, twin brother, Lugh, is kidnapped and she will do anything to save him. 

The main character, Saba, was the biggest obstacle that stood in my way of really enjoying this book. As the story progresses, she changes and grows, but she didn't change quick enough. I also was extremely annoyed with her saying, "I says" instead of "I said," and the swearing, in general, was unnecessary. Putting all of that aside (although, very difficult to do), I thought the story line was okay. I did want to know why and how Saba was going to save her brother; however, it was not all I had hoped it would be.

THE SCRAPBOOK OF FRANKIE PRATT

Author: Caroline Preston

Genre:  Fiction GN, Standalone

Published: 2011

Personal Rating: 3.75/5 (good +)

Format: Book

Yearly Count: 102

A scrapbook was given to Frankie from her mother as a high school graduation gift in 1920.  She, then, finds her father's old Corona typewriter in the cellar and vows to type one page a day.  She immediately begins to fill the book with typical scrapbook memorabilia and ends in the year 1928.

I wasn't wowed by this scrapbook (graphic novel), but I enjoyed the experience and would read another.  It was a great way to learn about the 20s.