SciFisstrs' Hummingbird Books

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest

2011-12-13T19:28:00.000-05:00

I'm glad that I made up my mind to finish this book. Good book but a bit slow.
part of it was I felt sorry for Lisbeth. For when she came into hospital the part of her was damaged was her brain that numbers would be effected. Which is her favorite thing to do. I found that the setting of hospital to court and what was between Blomkvist and Salander was a bit stagnant. There was not much happening. You could surmise was going on/going to happen when you read that Zalchenko was in hospital. The court scene was pretty much what I thought. Good to see a lawyer stand up for women's rights.
What made this book was the characters themselves.Salander's friend Blomkvist although not sure how he makes it with his friends and lovers. He was funny but a stand up friend.Interesting to look into more of what Berger was about. She came off as being tough but really she had feelings as everyone else.The Russian characters are like the CIA.

The little history behind certain things as like the Amazon women that get their breasts taken off was interesting. I like how Larsson intertwined the stories.
All the loose ends were tied up at the end of the book. The final battle between Salander and her brother was won. Now finally Lisbeth's scars inside of her are now starting to heal.

I never read the first book but did enjoy the Swedish movie. I liked this edition The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. But out of the trilogy I liked the second book the best. The Girl Who Started the Fire.

I give The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest just because story was slow

Barnes and Noble says Customers Who Bought This Also Bought Innocent Scott Turow, Deliver Us From Evil David Baldacci, The Lion Nelson DeMille, Little Bee Chris Cleave, Afraid Jack Kilborn, Help Kathryn Stockett

Bright Young Things

2011-10-26T05:22:00.001-04:00

My thoughts on this story. Not necessarily, thoughts that are in order.
I have to admit I did like this book. First reason why I picked this to read is because it was written from the 1920's. The start of the show Boardwalk Empire.
Two girls breaking out to a big city. Very bold of them. Cordelia, the sassy one found out what bright young things meant. When girls use their brightness of their eyes, softness of their skin, they have a advantage in getting what they want.
Letty, Cordelia's girlfriend had differences with Cordelia and tried to find her own life. She stumbled on someone abusing a greyhound. Why? she asked to the man who was doing the abusing. "Because they're old,and they don't run fast anymore, and they're no use to me anymore". Enough to give Letty a reason to rescue a beautiful greyhound. A likeliness of how Letty's personality is.
How can Letty be so naive to believe someone that is as sleazy as the guy she hooked up with would want her just to sing innocently, to live her dream? When all she went out on stage is to have people yell out to take it off..

What I liked to see is that Cordelia found her father. Which she set out to do. But what I find funny is how easily that her father accepted her. You don't read so much on that in stories. As she got along with her new life,she got involved with a son of a competitor. A no no.. Only to find that he used her. He used her to get to her father.A unnecessary death

The funny part about it Cordelia went to find Thom Hale. I was made to believe that she wanted to talk to him. But she came to kill him. Didn't go through with it. And found out when she got home her brother and "family" were going to help get back at the big bad Hale family. Of course Letty found Cordelia and all was forgiven.

Also never pictured Cordelia the way picture is on cover. Pictured her a little more homely. With dark hair.

A good set up for the next book.

Barnes and Noble says
People who bought this also bought Revolution Jennifer Donnelly, Perfect Ellen Hopkins, The Name of the Star: Shades of… Maureen Johnson, Elixir Hilary Duff, Before I Fall Lauren Oliver

I give Bright Young Things

Although I like a little bit of meat from my books, this story it is what it is. A sweet story about girls finding their way in a big city and trying to go after what they want. And being encouraged by family. The 1920's theme helped too.
And that is why I gave it a 4.

I am looking forward to the next book in line.

Life's a Beach

2011-09-20T16:52:00.000-04:00

I picked this book to read well, it was toward the end of summer and I haven't read any summer/beach books.
Nice little story. Nothing to be learnt. Just a fun read. I like all the characters. Of course my favs were the sisters, Ginger and Geri. Sounding so familiar of incidents that one feels it's all about the other.
A little bit of comedy intertwined in story, nice touch. Especially like the part where Ginger and nieces and nephew where waiting in line for an audition. And a man was walking up and down asking if anyone had SAG. Course Ginger took it that her chest was sagging. "Not yet"

All in all in this story no matter how they felt toward each other you could tell they loved each other. Now the parents in the story were getting a bit on my nerves. The father I get it wanted to pretend he didn't want to be around the chos that the sister's mother was going through. But truthfully. Enough is enough with the memory loss.

Even though there were no lessons to be learnt. I realize that No.1 do not live with your parents. Especially if you don't pay rent. Gives them a cause just to walk in and invade your privacy. Hence my own life wish my children,especially daughter would pay rent. It would help out a lot.
No.2 FROG means finished room over the garage. that's where Ginger was staying.

I give Life's a Beach

Barnes & Noble says People who bought this also bought Summer Blowout Claire Cook, The Wildwater Walking Club Claire Cook, Dedication Emma McLaughlin, Buenos Aires Broken Hearts Club Jessica Morrison, School's Out Christophe Dufosse

The Girl Who Played with Fire

2011-08-23T02:00:00.002-04:00

I liked this book. It took me forever to read it but I finished. It seems like a political book but the way the author wrote the characters to intertwine with each other was excellent thinking. I felt for the characters especially Lisabeth
The way it ended was a bit foreseen. You knew that Blomvist was going to be involved in her finding.

These are some things I found interesting along the way of reading this story .
1.The biggest point that was made, that changes wanted to be made so it is a real difference a person is making.
2.Funny how character described the bad people as a forest troll, leprechaun.
3.7 Eleven is sought out more than a grocery store in Sweden
4.Sweden has same concerns as we. One of the characters is looked down because he isn't married. But has a SO that is married.
5.A selective description of Lisbeth. "She was so dark that in the light her eyes might be raven black."
6.I see that in real life Sweden, there is things that happened that are just as bad as any other country. A politician being murdered. And she was a popular woman.
7.A look at one of the under appreciated professions, school teacher, devotes time to make things right in investigations.
8.I'll never look at evil just as a word. The "Evil" that Lisabeth tells is something that I am grateful not to go through
9.A clue for the next book. Lisabeth boxed and she boxed like scrapping with a hornet. "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest"
10.The title of book comes with something with fire to protect herself from her father. And here is where the "Evil" is.

Somewhere toward the end of book. It felt like it jumped characters. First talking about a journalist next talking about a fox.
A description of a character was compared to a horror movie. "The creature on the floor was no girl, but a being from the other side of the grave who couldn't be conquered with human strength or weapons known to man"..

Looking forward to the next book, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. I'm sure author will wrap up loose ends. I hope to see Lisabeth happy again. And the rest of characters find their way to their own destiny. But first I need to catch up on my summer books.

Barnes and Noble says People who bought this also bought The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, South of Broad

by Pat Conroy, Little Bee by Chris Cleave, That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo.

I give The Girl Who Started the Fire

Dead To the World

2011-06-06T02:56:00.000-04:00

Another Sookie Stackhouse book read.It was one of the most interesting books of the series so far.
I never was so glad not to see Bill in the book as this one. About time Sookie thinks for herself without him.
Relationship between her and Jason is a bit different. Nice to see the brother and sister team so calm.

Important for me to see how Eric is with Sookie and family in the rest of stories.

Barnes and Noble says People who bought this also bought Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris, Club Dead by Charlaine Harris, Dime Store Magic (Women of the Otherworld Series #3) by Kelley Armstrong, Smoke and Shadows by Tanya Huff, Cravings by Laurell K. Hamilton , Rebecca York , MaryJanice Davidson , Eileen Wilks, Bite by Laurell K. Hamilton , Charlaine Harris , MaryJanice Davidson , Angela Knight , Vickie Taylor, Undead and Unwed (Betsy Taylor Series #1)by MaryJanice Davidson, Undead and Unemployed (Betsy Taylor Series #2) by MaryJanice Davidson, Grave Sight (Harper Connelly Series #1) by Charlaine Harris, Dead in the Family (Sookie Stackhouse / Southern Vampire Series #10) by Charlaine Harris

I give Dead To the World

Water For Elephants

2011-05-05T03:31:00.003-04:00

Very interesting book indeed. The way the author went back and forth of when Jankowski young and old. Sometimes it was hard to follow, is it when he was young that I'm still reading? Oh no, he's in his 90's. I like how she put it when he was older."Ghosts of my past rattle around my vacuous present". I think the memories that we have of the past are more precious of the memories of the present.

Old America when funny things are said that you would never think about doing now like "You should take it up. It's good for your health". Yeah not now would someone say that about smoking.

As the circus went to town to town Uncle Al would pick up animals from other companies when they couldn't make it financially. Nice to see Jacob suddenly feel soft toward all the animals.

Although I didn't like how August treated Rosie. It broke my heart to read of the horrors he put on her. I did learn something about this elephant, had a language barrier. She only knew Polish.
We all know that elephants just don't respond to just Polish, German. But it is a part of the circus history that there were at least one that did. Elephants do remember and Rosie did do what anyone else (human) would do ponked August over the head. Animals don't harm, people do.

Sweet that Jacob found his true love in Marlena. Nice to see that he would love a child even if it wasn't his. Quite a life they led. They did Rosie right and the horses. Which made what happened not forgiven or forgotten but easier to know that they are in good hands.

Jacob Jankowski thinking the show he went to see was not to the magnitude of either Benzini Brothers or Ringling. For that you need a train. Water For Elephants is a story that will give you a bit of history. Not factual but with a story.

I thought the ending a bit weak. But believe it was appropriate of how it ended with Jacob at a circus, "for this old man, this is home".

I give Water For Elephants

Barnes and Noble says, Customers that bought this book, bought The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein, The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy Series #1) by Stieg Larsson, and A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Listen

2011-04-07T02:36:00.000-04:00

I liked this book. I thought the characters were interesting too. I think my favorite character was Frank. He was a cop that just wanted to do good. And love where he lived. There were a lot of reviews saying that it was too much referencing on the religious side. While reading I kept my eye out on it and didn't see too much. I'm saying things weren't jammed down our throats. Point, what are we without faith? Any kind of faith for that matter?

What if our conversations were recorded, the ones that we think are private? I know I wouldn't like it, to know that others will see what was said. It is a lesson to check yourself on what you say, how you say it.
In Listen it is said to be a dark and dirty secret. Time to listen than talk.

A lot of the bullying we see today is caused by harsh words. Maybe this web site that they had was a good idea, listen to yourself. Sometimes it doesn't sound nice. In this case life and death are in the power of the tongue. Are we defined who we are by our private conversations? Or are we who we are despite our private conversations? This is food for thought.

My thoughts on Listen. It says trust begins with words. If we don't watch what we say and how, I think we will never be able to live in peace. There will always be something that is said and done that hurts. If we continue to be not so judgmental I think we will eventually become that good person you don't mind calling friend, good neighbor, buddy.

I give Listen

Barnes and Noble says Customers who bought this also bought Deliver Us From Evil by Robin Caroll, A Case for Love (Brides of Bonneterre Series #3) by Kaye Dacus, Snitch by Rene Gutteridge, Hunter's Moon by Don Hoesel, Scoop by Rene Gutteridge

Brida

2011-02-21T03:22:00.000-05:00

My only book that I read so far of Coelho's. Not a bad story but a little slow in the beginning. I see there were little lessons in there. It focused on love,soul mate, sex. Would I want to look for my soul mate through mistakes, or just know by the light that a person carries?
I'm not sure magic, like Tradition of the Sun would be what I would want to find my soul mate. For what magic could tell me, I can find otherwise with someone that connects just as well.

I found it surprising that Brida at such a young age would go through witchcraft because she has that Gift. Also witchcraft as Tradition of the Moon was teaching her of God& being there for her. You never associate witchcraft with God in a good way.

Dark Night being another lesson of having faith in yourself and God. The one thing that I saw that Coelho used sex as a tool of example of being as one. And commend Lorens for sticking with Brida.

I could see that Brida acted mature for her age which I think that the story was brought together. You could believe her as knowing of witchcraft and seeking out the teacher, Magus. sticking with the lessons with Wicca for being a witch.
At the end, I felt that I wished Brida good luck on sharpening her Gift. And she and Lorens find that peace together.

I give Brida because it was a cute story but slow in beginning and Brida being so young.

Barnes and Noble says

Customers who bought this also bought Paulo Coelho's, The Winner Stands Alone, Veronika Decides to Die, The Alchemist,& Eleven Minutes, The Little Prince by Antoine Saint-Exupery

Wuthering Heights

2011-02-08T04:13:00.000-05:00

Wuthering Heights- blowing strongly: describes a wind that blows strongly and makes a loud roaring sound, 2. having blustery winds: subject to persistent blustery or noisy winds

The definition to this title, to this story, pretty much fits. a not so typical romance novel. It has everything rough and cold attitudes, lies, a love that you might say is ghostly.

Who are we to say how people should live? As you read on how these characters acted you would swear they were doomed. To say a warped sense of love.
I read some reviews of this novel and I agree with some parts that were made. One could say that the housekeeper Ellen Dean was the one who was a victim and was abused. It shows when she tells the story to Mr. Lockwood of all who were at Wuthering Heights and ThrushCross Grange. But when I read farther I thought maybe she isn't the controller but she was the cause of the chaos. She also was supervisor of the children.

Wuthering Heights was a bit hard to follow especially the cast. You had The Earnshaws and The Lintons. With them were their children. The one person who had connection with all was a man who grew up with the Earnshaws, was Heathcliff. After the elders passed away and as Heathcliff got older, the love of Catherine and he were strong. But Catherine of her devilish ways messed with him and as time went by he caused pain, with Nelly the housekeeper, his wife Isabella, plus his true love Catherine. He treated his own son Linton like a Cinderella. Linton lives in complete dependence and lives in his house as a servant deprived.Cathrine's daughter Cathy was like her mother too. Hareton, He is one of the few that Heathcliff likes or respects born a Earnshaw though. He was the only one that took Heathcliff's death to heart.

At the end Heathcliff got what he wanted Catherine. Their souls still walk the grounds, according to the Country folks. The two of them got what they wanted. As Heathcliff said to Catherine "I killed you?, haunt me than. The murdered do haunt their murders ghost".

A few things that I noticed and questioned.There were some innuendos made that Heathcliff was dark, that he might of been black. I believe Isabella said something of that he was black. But he is portrayed as white in movies.

Mr. Lockwood who was a tenant at Thrushcross Grange was telling story in Nelly's words but shorter. Was this his way of saying that he is writing a book about ThrushCross and The Heights?

So much is going on in this book that does have you looking for what is going to happen next. What Emily Bronte (Ellis Bell) did in one novel that she ever wrote her sisters were trying to do in the many novels that they wrote.

I give Wuthering Heights I liked this book. I'm glad I got a chance to read another classic. Not too many books that give you love,hate,torture,death, and ghosts all in one. This story I was reading on my nook (nookbook) I wish that others get to enjoy this classic as much as I did. I gave 4 stars just because for me it was a bit hard to follow.

Barnes and Noble says Customers also Bought Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice,Great Expectations, and Little Women

Decked With Folly

2011-01-10T03:48:00.000-05:00

Another great Christmas book. Never read any of Kate Kingsbury's books. So this was a treat to read of this mystery of Pennyfoot Hotel

The main character Cecily who is the owner of this hotel seems to have a problem every year, a Christmas curse. She is hoping that this Christmas there will be no problems. But to her dismay there is a problem. And this is where the mystery begins. Whodunit? Who killed Ian? Was it the housemaids, Gertie,Mabel, or the footman, or a guest/s? Who knows.
Somehow Cecily gets the constable to leave the suspects in her care till after the holiday. Just so, before constable gets back the case is solved. Hooray for Cecily! for everyone knew she was an amateur sleuth.

I would read another book by this author. I considered this like a cozy mystery.
I may release this through bookcrossing. May even bring this to convention. I hope others will enjoy as I did.

Amazon says customers who bought Decked With Folly also bought other Christmas mysteries by Kate Kingsbury

I give Decked With Folly

A Redbird Christmas

2011-01-06T03:24:00.001-05:00

This is the first book that I downloaded on my new nook, (nookbook). First book I read from Fannie Flagg. As soon as I started reading I thought of Hallmark. I enjoyed A Redbird Christmas it gave you a warm,fuzzy feeling.
When I started reading about the main character, Oswald T Campbell I pegged him to be not a people person. But understandable because of his health. But some time spent at The Lost River, Alabama made him a different person. He saw things differently. Birds that he thought were just gray are really different colors.In time Campbell wasn't an accidental visitor. He was a permanent resident. The Lost River a place that was set back in time. The reason for the title with a bird that wasn't going to make it, was this tiny ugly mud hen became this beautiful red and black masked bird. Named Cracker Jack because he got into the Cracker Jacks. He brought a lot of joy to everyone with his funny things he did .
Even Mr Campbell couldn't resist him. A little girl, Patsy an orphan that was brought into everybody's heart. Patsy had a relationship with Jack too. As time went on the characters evolved from friends caring, a redbird that brought smiles eventually found their nitch in The Lost River and settled in.
Mr Campbell no longer needed a doctor to see if he was going to live and Patsy grew up to become a vet in honor of Jack.
Everything turned out just like a Hallmark movie :)

I wouldn't mind reading another book by this author too. She tells a down to earth no fancy words story. I give A Redbird Christmas

Amazon says Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought the rest of Fannie Flagg books

The Kalahari Typing School for Men

2010-12-02T02:46:00.001-05:00

Just finished this book a day or two ago. Another good book by Alexander McCall Smith.
I was a little disappointed in the story. I thought it a bit weak. I thought that Mma Ramotswe would have gotten a juicy case. But still a sweet case she had.
And who played a big part of the book was Mma Makutsi. Not only did she run the Speedy Motors office with precision she also started her own typing school just to make ends meet. She also thought she found love. But there will be a next time for her. I'm hoping.
Her character is annoying at times but she does have personality. This other detective agency that moved in just didn't quite make it with the fearless No.1 Ladies Detective Agency!

I give The Kalahari Typing School For Men just because since it is the 4th book it was light. What's up with Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni? Come on J.L.B. when are you two gonna marry?

Amazon saysCustomers Also Bought Items By: Louise Penny and Henny Mankell

This is a bookcrossing book. Next person enjoy!

The Seven Songs of Merlin

2010-11-06T05:34:00.000-04:00

The second book of Merlin in the series. Pretty good read but was disappointed that Merlin didn't grow up the way he should. He knew he had something special about him and he had a responsibility to do. Sad to read that he fell short for that. New characters were introduced as well as the old. Emery's,(Merlin) mother was a big part of this book. Learning these seven songs were needed because of her. Seven Songs not literally, but what it means inside a song

At the end we find a wizard's staff that has the symbols blazed on it of all that was learnt of the songs. Merlin, I believe had a grown up moment, of it wasn't what he could do himself. Is what he could do for the Fincayarns. The people that he will protect in years to come.

I gave The Seven Songs of Merlin

Just because I thought Merlin would have not played his little boy games with little boy tantrums.I still liked the story though.

Amazon says Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought the rest of the series.

Next read is The Fires of Merlin

Resolution

2010-10-09T03:19:00.001-04:00

This was my first Western that I ever read. Never read Appaloosa. But I did see the movie and thought I would like to follow these characters. So I did.

Resolution wasn't as good as Appaloosa. It lacked the true grit that usually a Western has. I thought there was going to be more killing in it. I believe though why not much killing is the way Cole, and Hitch were written. They are soft,spoken men who don't need to be killing to get their point across. There is an intelligence to them both.But don't cross them and let them go about their business, or else.

I like how Resolution was about Hitch since he went off on his own. But you know he wasn't going to be alone for long without his friend Cole.
The town Resolution was an unfinished town but soon be built after Cole and Hitch blazed a path for it.
My favorite line "I'm with Hitch" everytime someone asked about Cole.

I found it surprising that the author Parker, writes in short dialogue with modern words. Threw me off there for a bit but was accepted quickly. I'm thinking that's so good about it.

I give Resolution
Amazon says Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought many of Robert Parker's other books.

I'm looking forward to reading the next in line Brimstone

The Red Hat Club

2010-09-21T03:43:00.001-04:00

I picked this book to read because my daughter was telling me about 2 older women that was staying in the hotel that she works at. The women were these women that like the arts, history, etc... and couldn't believe that my daughter wasn't enthusiastic as they. As she was telling me the story I thought of this book to read.

I really wasn't too impressed with it. It was more like The First Wives Club. That was fine but when the characters thought that all of them should think about their relationships with husbands and try "new" things, I thought that it a tad bit much of the fooling around.

I liked how the friends met and their stories behind them, I believe that was the core of the story.
At the end they believe that they are strong and will always have each other. Everyone should have friends as close as the women with the Red Hats.

I give The Red Hat Club

Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? The Red Hat Club Rides Again, Wedding Belles, The Red Hat Society: Fun and Friendship After Fifty

This is a bookcrossing book. Enjoy whoever gets book!

Seven Up

2010-08-18T01:12:00.000-04:00

I started reading about Stephanie Plum again when I heard there was going to be a movie. Certainly, One For the Money was a fabulous book, but Seven Up was just as good.

People said that Hot Six was one of the best. I can say that this novel wants me to know more of what's coming. It's leaving me with the question did Stephanie sleep with Ranger? I know Ranger was back to collect. LOL!
I must say Seven Up had everything that you found in #1. Grandma was as funny as she always is. Stephanie's mom is funny, things that she normally wouldn't do she surprises everyone, and what would Stephanie's life be without Joe.

I still laugh at how Stephanie seems to find trouble. And she without a gun and mostly without her bounty hunter stuff. This case was a hard one. One old man just wouldn't give up, a wife out for revenge, and a love affair with a guy she thinks she wants to marry.

I totally enjoyed this book and will be reading the next pretty soon.
As always I give Stephanie Plum, Seven Up

Amazon says Customers Frequently Bought Together #6,7,8

This is a bookcrossing book and hope that whoever gets it will enjoy!

Rainbow's End

2010-07-28T16:13:00.008-04:00

I'm not much of a science fiction reader,so when I was browsing in the bargain books section at B&N, I was surprised to see this book. While I was reading the back of the book I read of the main character, Robert Gu and how he was cured of Alzheimer's he was a success story. The story hits close to home for me. My father died of Alzheimer's. How marvelous it would be if my dad lived in a world that the future was so hi tech that he could be a success story himself.

I researched farther that this story wasn't one of Vinge's #1 novels that was enjoyed.
The story was confusing with some kind of symbolism, a rabbit, does all this stuff to make Robert do what he wants. Basically I got out of it the intrigue, that the horror of having books digitalized and destroying libraries will be better for mankind. Sort of like clean up the clutter.
There was some kind of battle with robots. The story that I liked is about Robert getting used to his new self and the fight for keeping libraries. My thoughts on having things all computerized is that I like privacy. I don't think I would want people to be able to come in my thoughts.

Nice touch to keep the seniors active and not see them just wither away like at times they do now

I give Rainbow's End just because it was confusing and I did skip a couple of chapters.

Amazon says people frequently Bought Together Spin by Robert Charles Wilson, A Deepness in the Sky (Zones of Thought) by Vernor Vinge

The Lost Years of Merlin

2010-06-02T01:28:00.003-04:00

I don't read much of teen, children books. I happened to come across this one. I am intrigued with Merlin. So mysterious.
I like how the story was told simply. By the end of the story you knew how Merlin came to get his name, you were rooting for him to do well. And even all the characters that he met had meaning.

There was a place in the story that had Merlin staying inside a tree. And the farther he went the more he smelt a smell of books. Books were everywhere, hundreds of volumes of books.
A book person that I am myself I thought it funny.

The Lost Years of Merlin was a smooth read. And I give The Lost Years of Merlin

I am looking forward to reading Bk 2 The Seven Songs of Merlin

Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 10% buy The Mirror of Merlin,9% buy The Wings of Merlin,
9% buy The Fires of Merlin

My Dream of You

2010-05-02T15:06:00.003-04:00

This book was my least of my favorites. I like the concept of the story. Very interesting that a writer would want to dive into another aspect of writing and write on a mystery that was shaded to begin with.

But how the main character, Kathleen conducted herself I felt uneasy about. It's like she was pimping herself out. I get it that it had something to do with her childhood. But than again we all try not to be our parents. I can see how she related to the story of the Talbots. I'm glad to see that she learnt from this. And found that she does have friends that actually do care about her.

I felt the book slow and frustrating reading about the same thing happening to Kathleen. Not until the end did I find some juicy details that I wanted to read and want to finish the book.

I give My Dream of You

Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?
16% buy
Are You Somebody?: The Accidental Memoir of a Dublin Woman,6% buy
Almost There: The Onward Journey of a Dublin Woman,2% buy
The Story of Chicago May

This is a bookcrossing book. Don't know where it will be off to now.

The Hundred Secret Senses

2010-03-09T18:16:00.004-05:00

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this story. It was confusing at first with the story of the present to the stories of the past. But as I read on the story got more interesting.

I was reminded of how the Chinese people do believe of the afterlife. Of becoming someone else, reborn. Something was said about their way of expressing true love.

Question that was brought up if you knew if you were going to die, what would you change?
Something that Olivia, and Kwan were learning and teaching each other

I love how the relationship between Libby-ah and Kwan grew or was reborn ed. Sisters in every way. Libby-ah learnt her history. As she puts a hand over a soft cover journal of a life with Kwan. "Why can't they make books like this today?"

I do believe the reason of this story is not because Kwan had yin eyes, but believing love never dies. If someone we love dies, they are just lost with ordinary senses. But are found with our hundred senses. This is the secret.
And this is exactly how I feel.

I give The Hundred Secret Senses

Amazon says Frequently Bought Together The Bonesetter's Daughter, The Kitchen God's Wife

This is a bookcrossing book and the next person hoping will enjoy it too

Club Dead

2010-01-29T02:08:00.002-05:00

Just finished another Sookie Stackhouse book. It was a pretty good one. I like that finally Sookie gets away from Bill. And just being with Alcide knowing that he is warmer than Bill makes it for an interesting love affair

What's up with Sookie and Eric? Hmm...

It wasn't my favorite of the stories but certainly a refreshing view of the little Miss Sookie

I give Club Dead
just because it gave me a happy feeling to see Sookie interact with others than Bill

Amazon says Frequently Bought Together the other books of the series

The Wenesday Sisters

2010-01-15T01:47:00.004-05:00

I liked the book. I liked the idea that these women were friends but like sisters. Makes me wish that I had what they do. To have someone to share your life with (besides your husband) It was interesting to read how these girls got together and did what they did in the time of year when it was Beatlemania, John F. Kennedy was running for president, Martin Luther King was released from jail with Bobby Kennedy's help. With other things happening.And women were seen but not heard.

I am part of a reading group. And much like The Wednesday Sisters support and critique if asked anything we do in reading and writing.
I dabble in writing. Not very serious about it but it gives me a way to get out what and how I think in story form. I don't think you need a book deal to make it worth while. I believe as time goes by if we just don't give up on writing it is good for our soul and we do get better at it.
It makes me feel better and feel good about myself to even write. Times when reading back the writing you can find yourself. Understand your life for when writing is when something is happening and feeling at the time in your life.

What I think keeps these sisters friendships going, even in the messy of times is how they relate to each other. Everyone had a similar problem. They were on the same level and they thought what if it was me?
Another part is the book touches women empowerment. That gave the sisters something to stand up for,feel for. A man's world but women just as capable to do anything. Women have a voice just the same.

I give The Wednesday Sisters
I felt it a bit slow.
Amazon says Frequently Bought Together The Help by Kathryn Stockett , The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (Random House Reader's Circle) by Mary Ann Shaffer

The Christmas Train

2009-12-26T04:13:00.004-05:00

I enjoyed this book. Always like a nice Christmas book to read around the holidays. Christmas is my favorite holiday. And trains are very special to me also. It's something I shared with my dad.

I don't know what it is about trains. You don't take the trains to get somewhere fast. You take it for the journey itself. To be surprised. And I think that is why I enjoyed the characters of Tom, Eleanor, Max, and the Cap Unlimited and The Chief staff. Trains are nice over Christmas. People are in good moods. Great way for family to travel together.
I know if I had the chance that's what I would be doing. It's like people are ready to meet the country, they're looking for friendship,a warm body to talk to. How do you put a valve on that? I think you can't

Second chances for Tom and Eleanor. A wedding and a little bit of mystery. Cute for the holiday.I like the twist at the end was. A clever way of getting things done ;) Granted this is the first book of David Baldacci I read. I hear that he is a mystery writer and Christmas Train is a bit off his mark but we need a little soft around the holidays.

The short story at the end was nice. Waiting for Santa. I want to believe that there is someone that I lost looking out for me. And what better to have a daughter guide your way.

I give The Christmas Train

Amazon says Customers who bought this item also bought other David Baldacci books

I recommend this Christmas book and it is a bookcrossing book. Whoever gets I hope will enjoy as much as I did.

Fiddle Dee Death

2009-11-03T17:27:00.005-05:00

I met these authors about 2 years ago at a bookcrossing convention in South Carolina. Natually I never had a author sign a book for me. So I thought it so cool that I would have this autographed copy. I never got to read it til now.

I can say this is a cute little mystery book. Just what it says, "Just a little murder"

The characters are interesting. I like how the three girls are family and the eldest member likes to get the others involved in the mystery. I especially like Lindsay. She drinks Coke as I do and loves and has a collection of stuffed animals even as a child. A girl after my own heart. Being that it is in the South you feel like your there at the plantation. It is a neat reason why everything is like a purple :)

It was though a bit difficult for me to get in the story till the six chapter. Than I found myself laughing and peeking to see what next would happen.

This is a book that will be in my permanent collection.
I give Fiddle Dee Death and am looking forward to reading the next book that Caroline Cousins reintroduce the characters again

Amazon says:Frequently Bought Together, March Madness and Way Down Dead in Dixie by Caroline Cousins

Treasure Island

2009-10-04T01:13:00.003-04:00

So many things seem to remind me of the story Treasure Island. Especially since my kids worked up at Treasure Island in the past years. And I think I heard that Survivor was focusing the game as the famous story Treasure Island. Than I knew that I had to read it.

I think Treasure Island is a adventure store because of both the plot and colorful characters. Who would think a boy would go on this ship to hunt for gold with all these characters such as Long John Silver with one leg :)

This is a story for everyone. Young, old, boy, girl, makes no difference we have dream t of finding something precious and going through exciting mishaps and calm happenings.

I think treasure can be used for other quests such as the Olympics. When someone participates in that race in hopes of a gold medal. That is that persons hunt for their treasure. Even in human life is a treasure search for good health. To live longer to enjoy longer.
The history that Stevenson gives of the treasure with crime,bloodshed,and intrigue is unfortunately at times part of real life. You need to take the bad with the good. And when a person finds their treasure it's up to them on how they chose to have it for themselves.

Some say Stevenson has a message in his novel for piracy for us on a daily basis. My option is no. I think yes piracy does reflect in business, etc. But for the novel I believe he was only trying to capture an adventure since pirates do have that mystery about them with their rouge demeanor.

All in all the story was great. I enjoyed it and will be keeping this novel in my collection. Maybe someday I could pass my thoughts with someone else :)

I give Treasure Island

Amazon says Customers that bought this item also bought The Swiss Family Robertson, Robertson Crusoe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and of Huckleberry Finn, Around the World in Eighty Days, and Journey to the Centre of the Earth

My Sister's Keeper

2009-08-31T02:43:00.003-04:00

What can I say about this book? Well I really enjoyed the story more so than Vanishing Acts also by Jodi Picoult It had a very compassionate side to it. But at the same time it made you think.What would you do if it was you that was having all these medical procedures done to you and no one asked? Is it fair even though you think you have the best interest of your youngster? They are human too.

All along I believed Sara did love Anna but in a different way. A way just to keep Kate alive. She never came right out and said such till the very end. She explains how she feels. Than finally I believe.

There are a few things that touched me. Like how Anna thought about heaven,if it changed a person etc. Also beautiful words that were said about grief. Like grief is like a Band-Aid being ripped away taking a top layer off a family. An excellent explanation I think.
[I say this not verbatim so has to not spoil the ending]
Also something was said when feeling sad over death, all you have to do is look around the person is everywhere

This novel was made into a movie. I just saw the movie, I understand they can't put all into it. But the biggest disappointed was the ending. The ending of the book was a twist, rain, accident, and different characters. The movie just made it so cliche, so predictable.

There is one thing that bothered me about this story. The ending was foreseen. It was kind of watching a movie and knowing where the story is going to go. And for that I give My Sister's Keeper

Amazon says People who bought this item also bought most of Jodi Picoult's books and The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

Hot Six

2009-07-07T00:51:00.003-04:00

Stephanie gets more interesting as she gets deeper into her work. And for some reason she finds herself in either Ranger or Joe's arms. What a dilemma Ranger, Joe? hmm... I love how she is concerned about her pets, even if they weren't her pets in the beginning. Grandma is more wild than she showed all of us at first. You go girl! Show them that youngins can't count you out ;D

A very intriguing ending too :X

A bookcrossing book. Who knows where this one will go.
I give Hot Six

Amazon says Customers who bought Hot Six also bought the rest of the Plum books

Morality for Beautiful Girls

2009-06-05T17:17:00.003-04:00

Another delightful book about the No.1 Detective Agency. Precious Ramotswe is at it again solving cases with determination but also with kindness.

I think my favorite character is Mma Makutsi. She does grow on you. She adds some unique ways to help Precious solve cases. Along with keeping her secretarial work up.

I think I would of rather read this book before seeing the series on HBO. It is quite a difference in what some of the characters are doing. But a good story just the same.

I give Morality for Beautiful Girls

Amazon says Customers who bought this book bought the rest of series and some of Alexander McCall Smith's other writings.

This is a bookcrossing book. Whoever gets it next I hope will enjoy it as I did.

Angels and Demons

2009-05-12T01:23:00.005-04:00

I think I'm one of the few people that liked Angels and Demons. For Dan Brown's first book of the character Robert Langdon it wasn't bad. I know toward the end of the story it tended to be drawn out and unbelievable.For the whole story you could deal with it.

I do say though that the 2 books, Angels and Demons, The DaVinci Code are about the same. I just thought it wasn't such a far stretch to believe that there are symbols of science, and scientist could put that on the same line as religion.
Although unlike the secret society of the Illuminati I can see the two working hand in hand.

I guess I'm a believer that science is just as worthy as religion, especially Catholic religion.

I think I should give myself some time from the Dan Brown stories ;)
In addition, who does all this action and solves an important thing in just a day? Only in the books and movies ;)

I give Angels and Demons

Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 3% buy The Lost Symbol, 1% buy The Davinci Code, 1% buy The First Family

This is a bookcrossing book. Hopefully whoever receives Angels and Demons will enjoy it as I did.

Living Dead in Dallas

2009-02-16T00:43:00.002-05:00

I was really excited to get to read this new book. But I was a little disappointed. From the 1st book to this one things have changed. Like best friends and Sookie is really acting older than one portrays. She seems a bit mature now I don't hate Bill has much as I did. But I don't love him either.

Can't quite put my finger on it but there is something real different that left me with feelings of dislike and what is going on? I actually had to go back and read to see if I have the right person I'm reading about.
It will be interesting to see how the series True Blood will be written for this segment.

I give Living Dead in Dallas

People who have bought Living Dead in Dallas also bought the rest of Sookie Stackhouse series of books

Sugarplum Dead

2009-01-21T01:08:00.003-05:00

Not sure if this book really was a bit long. Or if it was just the circumstances of my personal life that made the book a bit long. In any case it was a little hard to follow in the beginning. Than I got the jest of it. Sugarplum Dead was enjoyable to read.

I especially liked the way certain books that Annie was dealing with in her bookstore related to the mystery surrounding her life, or just a Christmas game that she played with her customers in her store.
My favorite characters were Annie and Max. Even though they were husband and wife they worked good together. They really understood what each other needed.

The ending was a bit confusing. The killer was revealed so fast and as a matter of fact way. It took me close to the last few pages when Annie was explaining what happened to her sister Rachael that I understood what happened.

Other than that I give Sugarplum Dead

Amazon says: Customers who bought this item also bought the other Death on Demand mysteries by Carolyn Hart

This book is in my permanent collection

Brian Boru Emperor of the Irish

2008-12-05T01:26:00.003-05:00

I've heard a lot about Brian Boru since I was younger. My dad used to talk about him. But he used to talk more on the wars that he won and how he fought them.

This book gives I say, a softer look about Brian Boru. What he was like with his children and what he really thought about uniting Ireland.
This book was a short read and gave me an insight of who this man was. And why the people of ago were one and called themselves "Irish"

I give this book

Amazon says What do people ultimately buy after viewing this item? 62% buy Brian Boru emperor of the Irish, 13% buy Lion of Ireland, 11% buy Pride of Lions, 8% buy Red Branch

Don't know what the journey will be for this book.

Smoking Poppy

2008-11-02T01:50:00.004-04:00

This was the first book that I read from Graham Joyce.
I thought it a little slow in the beginning but pick up. And I thought it a good book. At first I thought this book was something that I seen a movie on. As I read I knew it wasn't the same.

I was amazed at the character Dan who was such a hard head and cared for his own feelings. Until whoops he needs to go to Asia for his daughter. And the man, Mick who Dan didn't care for stood by him.

He saw how the people acted around the poppy fields. And his befriended Mick and son Phil how Dan saw their souls were genuine.
It was an adventure for him to bring his daughter back and find out the true Dan. Long trip but well worth it.

I would recommend this book. A BookCrossing book that will be on it's way to one of our bookcrossers.

I give this book

Amazon says
What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 57% buy Smoking Poppy, 18% buy The Tooth Fairy:The Novel, 13% buy Requiem, 11% buy Dark Sister

Vanishing Acts

2008-09-21T23:32:00.004-04:00

Vanishing Acts is my 1st Jodi Picoult book that I've read. I can say that it isn't my favorite. But a serious story to deal with anyway.

I don't like how the author splits the characters into sections. I just didn't feel that connected to the characters. It felt like the storyline was going in all directions at the same time.

Delia was the most memorable to me. The story being told I could see how she was connected to the things she did in life. Her choice in career with Search and Rescue, Delia wanting to help as much as she could to find people. I could see her putting her life together with just pieces of memories.

I didn't like the ending so much. Not even sure Eric was worth trying. And what was at the end with Andrew that was disturbing. Wow that was not such a good risk? Anyways I look forward to reading more of her books.

There is a way that Picoult writes that draws the people in even if it isn't the way you would section out the story.

I give Vanishing Acts
Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 55% buy Vanishing Acts, 16% buy The Pact, 10% buy Harvesting the Heart, 10% buy Keeping Faith

This is a bookcrossing book and now has no place to visit.

The Hidden Staircase

2008-07-27T23:41:00.003-04:00

I decided that I would read another Nancy Drew book after Matt and I saw the movie Nancy Drew.
The book was similar to movie, but of course the book is always better. LOL!
Well Nancy did it again and solved a mystery this time mostly on her own with her friend Helen. This time though it was a bit of a risk since her father was kidnapped. But Nancy's cool head she plowed on through.
She met two nice older ladies and eventually found that Hidden Staircase where the supposedly ghost was scaring these ladies. And yes she finds her father too.

At the end though there was nothing of a keepsake to take. The thing she took with her was to know that her father was save and The Turnbull ladies got what was twisting them around was straightened out.

I give The Hidden Staircase

Amazon says Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought
The Bungalow Mystery,The Mystery at Lilac Inn, The Secret of Shadow Ranch,The Secret of Red Gate Farm,and The Clue in the Diary

PS,I Love You

2008-07-13T01:49:00.003-04:00

I really enjoyed this book. It has touched on something that I actually feel myself. My best friend is also my husband, Brian just like Holly had Gerry.
I liked the way the author set up Holly to be strong and to get on with her life. The letters just opened each month were very clever.And to always remember to write that the character has friends that she can count on. That seems to be important in literature.

I believe in PS, I Love You. Like Holly said @ Denise& Tom's wedding, "Finding someone you love and who loves you back is a wonderful feeling. But finding a true soulmate is an even better feeling. A soulmate who is someone that understands like no other, loves you like no other. Will be there for you forever, no matter what".

I found that person myself and feel very blessed. I give Ps, I Love You
Almost gave it a 4 after reading how forceful Daniel @ the end of the story was. Unless you been through it no one knows how much time a person needs to grieve. But the story turned out better. Holly took day after day. And had many memories that she shared with her husband Gerry.

I'm keeping this book in my permanent collection. It will remind me of the many memories I have that I treasure of my own husband & children.

Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 8% buy PS,I Love You DVD, 3% buy If You Could See Me Now, 3% buy Rosie Dunne, and 84% buy this book

BlowFly

2008-06-13T17:37:00.004-04:00

It's been a really long time since I read the last book in the series.
I must say I'm somewhat disappointed in this one. Kay Scarpetta used to be a little bit more loose and happy.
I know things took a turn for the worse for her at work and such. But with knowing how that goes, you move on. She seemed to do that but she was still unhappy, even with her niece Lucy.

The author brought the bad guy character back. I'm sure to re-introduce us back to the series. But how it was presented I didn't think it made sense. Things made sense now to Kay. But at the end still there is a never ending story.

Geez I wish a new story with some new characters, keep the old ones though would be written.
I will read on with the other books that follow. Who knows something new might come of this.

This is a bookcrossing book. I will release it into the wild and hope someone else could enjoy it.
I give BlowFly
Amazon says Customers who bought BlowFly bought the rest of Kay Scarpetta series. And also some of James Patterson, Sue Grafton, and Kathy Reichs books.

High Five

2008-04-14T14:40:00.004-04:00

What can I say about this book? Except it's another great Plum book. Stephanie is back to her own self again. Trying to make ends meet with her bounty hunting.

Looks like she took the relationship with Joe Morelli a bit farther than when we last heard of her. But not only Morelli, Ranger is giving her head ideas of being a potential boyfriend, a crazed mercenary .
Funny things are still happening to her especially with Grandma Mazar around. God Bless her :D
Grandma just wants to be the best bounty hunter like her granddaughter is. And it might be unbelievable but I think they make a good team.
I like the idea that Stephanie still lives in her apartment building with older people. And she feels not a bit disgusted or annoyed with her senior apartment renters.

Stephanie still gets her bad guy, her Uncle Fred's killer, in the most strangest way.
High Five is not just about Stephanie catching the bad guy but actually seeing her more personal side. Two guys that want her. One Joe Morelli, that does love her I believe. And Ranger that gives her those skittery thrills. A path that is made to read on to see whatever does Stephanie, Grandma, and the two boys do.

Hot Six is the next on my list. I give Hige Five And Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 73% buy High Five, Plum's boxed set 2 (4,5,6), 8% buy Three to get Deadly, 6% buy Plum boxed set 3 (7,8,9)
This is a bookcrossing book. It is available now but not sure where it will go next

Hide and Seek

2008-03-26T04:39:00.006-04:00

This is the first time that I read anything of this author, James Patterson. I had a couple of his books, the #1, 2 but didn't seem to interesting to me.

I picked this book I seen there was a character named Maggie and she was a singer. I also have a sister named Maggi and she is also a singer. Although I would never wish on her what happened to Maggie in Hide and Seek.

With her 1st husband I know that women in real life go through what she did. I know from experience what some military people would do. I loved how the story revolved around her singing that she and her daughter had something to really feel and always count on.

Although Maggie had it hard but she seemed to walk into the same situation she tried to get out of. What a wiredo that Will (2nd husband) was. Sadly she had to prove her innocence with that one.

And of course through all of this, right before her 2nd husband she finds love. Just in time to lose him. What luck she has. The one thing that she had of that relationship, she had a 2nd child. We are all blessed with children that make us happy.

I like how the chapters were short that made me want to read more. I believe it would start getting boring with just a 1, 2, etc books and I'm glad to have read this one. I have more James Patterson books and will get to read them.

I give Hide and Seek

A Bookcrossing book and I will probably wild release it. Maybe this time someone will make a catch.
Amazon says Customers bought mostly all of James Paterson's other books.

The Lovely Bones

2008-03-04T01:24:00.004-05:00

Author: Alice SeBold

I thought this story was sad in a way to find out right off the bat on how Susie died.
It is a story that was told by Susie that she made it to heaven. And watched over her family on how they coped of her death and how they got their lives, or tried to get back to normal. I thought that Susie's mother's coping with the death was strange but I guess everyone grieves in their own way.

It is a story that was told beautifully. It made me start thinking of my own life and family. All the how's and why's. I would like to think that my dad is up in heaven looking down and making sure things are right.

The Salmon Family had a dog named Holiday. Holiday got old and went to his Rainbow Bridge and stayed with Susie. I'm happy to know that someone else believes in the Rainbow Bridge. I know my Sammy is there and some day I will see her :)

Heaven for Susie is not all happy and floating like angels. It gives a reality check when a person is taken from their world brutally that their heaven is of frustration and they search out why.

I related to most of the sites in the book. It is based in Philadelphia,PA where I am from. Even though it was written in the 70's some of the wording I had to laugh because I haven't heard that since I was young. ie. the word highball

The meaning of The Lovely Bones was explained in the book. How I think of why it is, that all of Susie's family came together. They found comfort in knowing that somehow Susie did touch each of their lives. Whether they believed she was right beside them or not. Sadly they couldn't have a closure of how we know. So knowing that they had each other would be the best feeling.

I give The Lovely Bones

This is a bookcrossing book and will be on it's way to: MO
Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item? 50% buy the item featured on this page ; 30% buy The Lovely Bones: Deluxe Edition; 9% buy The Lovely Bones; 6% buy Almost Moon:The Novel

I really wanted to read more from this author. Looking at the stories that she wrote I see that she writes just on the experience that she had as a young adult. Thats fine, but when it is story after story of similarities
it gets boring. So I feel that The Lovely Bones is the best book she has done.

Black - Headed Pins

2008-02-04T18:14:00.000-05:00

This is the first book that I read from these authors. It is tagged to be of an old fashioned mystery. At the end of the book it actually had THE END written. Haven't seen that from a story for a long time.
As I was reading I thought of the game Clue. Someone was murdered and where are the clues and how do they fit?
I really did enjoy this cozy. I felt like I was back in time. It just wasn't straight mystery. There was laughter too. Some of things that were said especially by Mrs Ballinger were funny. She is a penny pincher and heaven help the person she finds taking more than they should. LOL!

The character that I really liked the most was Leigh. Poor girl, what she had to put up with from Mrs. Ballinger. And than to deal with some creepy stuff that was happening in the old house. I never seen the ending coming. I really didn't know who did it. The characters were placed just right that you (I) might of thought everyone did it. No one was safe. The big question at the end was what were those Black-Headed Pins for? Hmm.. scary

Again like an old fashioned mystery the plot was told in detail how the murder went down. To top it off the person who actually planned it told the story. It was like when Monk (tv show) does his thing. Here's what happened..

I give Black-Headed Pins I am looking forward to reading more of Constance & Gwenyth Little's books

A Little Information on these Authors You can find a list of books, and to buy on Rue Morgue Press @ http://www.ruemorguepress.com/index.html

This book is on it's way to MA and is a bookcrossing book

A Merry Little Christmas

2008-01-20T18:40:00.000-05:00

Author: Shelley Freydont

I liked this book. It was a cozy mystery for the holidays.
At first I wasn't too sure. It read fast and you had to keep the names straight, since the story started up right away. But the story got real interesting. First time I read about a murder that happened around dancing. If you don't count what happened to Mary Katherine Gallagher's parents from the movie "Superstar" LOL!

Two of the girls Lindy and Rose make a good team. Even though things were not smooth all the time, they tried to get the job done and find their guy.
Funny to read about the dance competition being in Atlantic City, NJ. I was just there and they described that you lose time in the casinos because it's just there own little world. So a murder can happen easily without anyone ever knowing what happened. Just like what was happening around Lindy and Rose and the others. Also a little romance for Lindy ;)

I liked how everyone were friends and for the most part they all got along. The ending was good. I did figure out who the culprit was. Only to have suspicions of others.

I would read more of Shelley's books, pretty good.

This is a bookcrossing book and will be on it's way to Texas soon. I give A Merry Little Murder

Amazon says: Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought High Seas Murder, Midsummer Murder, Halloween Murder, Back Stage Murder written by Shelley Freydont. Also was bought Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

Haunted Ground

2007-12-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

I picked up this book awhile ago and just got to reading it.
Well I am a little disappointed. It wasn't what I expected. I'm a person that likes to get the history behind what a story is trying to allude to.

In this case it was about the bogs and bog people from Ireland. Being that my father was an historian and did research of over 800 years of Irish history, I heard a lot about the bog people.

It's fascinating when reading this story about what their beliefs, ideals, and their intentions were when these historians dug up the bogs what was present in the sodden old logs. It gave them info about what tools they used, the system of labor it took to accomplish. And like one of the professor's said in the story it is concrete clues as to what whole society of the bog people, the way of life was like.

I liked how the two main characters Cormac and Nora worked together. She understood how important it was to excavate by hand to find microfossils, insects remains, seeds, plant matter. Anything helps especially when Nora was trying to find out who this person was that they found buried in a bog.
Nora explained to Cormac that she worked in a lab and learn t that
it is very mysterious the way unsaturated fatty acids are replaced by saturated fatty acids with two carbon atoms less. The body's organic compounds aren't broken down in the usual way, but chemically transformed.
All this is taken in account. Who is this person, what happened to them? A modern CSI back in time.

Haunted Ground was very slow reading in about half the book. But found it to pick up toward the end. That's when strange things started to happen for Cormac and Nora. They started to put things together. They found out who and why innocent people were missing. The story took on a life. Sadly I had to wait.

I myself did not know what was happening. There was a twist. The ending of story was good. After answers were found out the body in the bog started to change. The cell walls had begun to break down at a fast rate. Opening to spread of invading mold and bacteria that would gradually transform the body. As it did to all living and dead things.

This is the interesting part of who and what these bog people were. Not scary, but what about the bog, the ground itself? Hmm...

I give Haunted Ground
This is a bookcrossing book and is going on it's way to WI very soon.
Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing Items Like This? 93% buy the item that is featured. And 7% buy Lake of Sorrows: A Novel by Erin Hart

Strange Blood

2007-11-17T02:18:00.000-05:00

This is a book and author that is new to me. It is the second book in series. But it isn't a book that should be read after the 1st. The main character is Megan Rhys.
I like her. She is a woman that seems to know what she is doing, confident in her work. Shame the men around her life doesn't think so.

It wasn't a blood and guts book. The horror in it was what the murderer did to the victims. I actually didn't want to look for who did it.

Although I never thought who did it was the one. I actually thought the person should of been someone more creative. But I guess it wouldn't of worked out as good.

Something I forgot to add the 1st time. I noticed reading this book that the author at times would go right into a another subject where I got confused . I thought I was still reading one thing but I wasn't. It was a little hard to follow. But it just happened a few times though.

I intend to read the 1st book called Frozen. I do have a soft spot for the characters, Megan and others around her.

This book is on it's way now to NY and is a Bookcrossing book.

I give Strange Blood

Amazon says Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought: T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton, Hard Row by Margaret Maron, Bones to Ashes: A Novel by Kathy Reichs, Playing for Pizza: A Novel by John Grisham, Down into Darkness by David Lawerence

Darkly Dreaming Dexter

2007-10-23T16:51:00.000-04:00

I read this book for one of my book groups. A nice book for the time of season. I seen some of the shows of Dexter and I just wanted to read more on him. He is a different sort of chap. Loves the idea that his Dark Passenger wants to get rid of the bad things in life. Never knowing what the history of himself was, it was hard for Dexter to understand why he was doing what he did. But with the guidance of his adoptive dad his actions were put in focus. His he a monster?

Dexter is a blood specialist. An ideal career choice for his Dark Passenger. We all have dreams Dex says. Does his actions count in sleep? Weren't we all crazy in our sleep? What was sleep a process that we dump our insanity into a dark subconscious pit and come out on the other side ready to eat cereal instead of the neighbor's children?
Who can argue with that LOL!

Characters that I liked the most were Dexter of course. His girlfriend Rita. Even though she had problems of her own there was some kind of connection that the two of them had. Some of the cops at the prescient that Dexter worked at, I even like a tidbit of, Doakes the Sgt that got on Dex's nerves.
His sister Deb was ok but at times I couldn't stand her. For a cop she was very sloppy in her work. Made her look like a cop that shouldn't be.
I liked his adoptive father, Harry, he understood Dex, he tried to keep him focused on what the importance of who to be a monster to.
The most hated character was LaGuerta. She was a ignorant person and a cop that thought she was too good for what she did.

I thought the ending was a surprise. But I thought it to be a bit on the light side. I thought the police work was written sloppy. It made the Miami police look like they were rookies.

I said before I watched some of the shows for Dexter. They are based on Darkly Dreaming Dexter. Alot of what is in the show is put in and not true to the book. Sadly this is done quite a bit. Did that make me enjoy Darkly Dreaming Dexter less? No it did not. I still would like to read the two books that follow. How can I not read more on this lovable monster. LOL!

This is a bookcrossing book. And I am sending it on it's way to NJ as a surprise

I give Darkly Dreaming Dexter
Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing Items Like This? 80% buy Darkly Dreaming Dexter, 8% buy Dexter- First Season, 6% buy Dearly Devoted Dexter, 5% buy Dexter in the Dark: A Novel

C is for Corspe

2007-09-28T03:57:00.000-04:00

Every now and than I like to read a cozy. And I started reading the Alphabet mysteries (what I call them) a while ago and I took a liking to them.

My thoughts on this book are not as good as I would like them. First it was slow reading from the start but when it got to the 100th page it started to pick up.
Kinsey was not as active as she usually is. It was on the mild side. I like the idea that she did fess up to that as a child she used to go snooping. And this activity carried into her detective work. Good thing, it helped her.

This is the 1st time I actually read a detective book that the detective lost her client. Although Kinsey did a wonderful job finding out what she had to.

I will continue to read the rest of the ABC's and hope they get better. This is a bookcrossing book and I am sending on to Ohio next.

I'm giving C is for Corpse

Amazon says What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing Items Like This? 15% buy
"B" is for Burglar (The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries) by Sue Grafton 15% buy
"A" is for Alibi (The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries) by Sue Grafton
12% buy
"D" is for Deadbeat (The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries) by Sue Grafton
7% buy
"E" is for Evidence (The Kinsey Millhone Alphabet Mysteries) by Sue Grafton

Pawleys Island

2007-08-27T14:38:00.000-04:00

This is the first time to read any of Dorothea Benton Frank's books. And I found that I liked this book a lot. It is funny while being sincere of the people being so helpful and loving, finding a peaceful path to live by with friends that have things in common.

My favorite characters are Abigail, Huey, and Miss Olivia. Miss Olivia is awesome. I hope I'm that aware of my surroundings and up on current affairs when I'm that age.
The one thing I couldn't stand in this book was the author using the word y'all so many times. I know it's a southern style book but even the southerners don't use ya'll that much.

Why does everybody like Pawleys Island? "The island was a place where you figured things out, made sense of your life and learned to live with yourself, forgive yourself. All the while humbled by it's astonishing power and beauty". You just need some time on Pawleys to find the truth of your own heart and to be grateful again for your life.

My funniest part of the story was how Huey loved his Coca Cola LOL! A guy after my own heart :D

It is a blessing to have friends and a place to go to that you know will accept you with open arms for yourself.

I give this book plus
This is a bookcrossing book and will be on it's way to Canada.

Amazon says: What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing Items Like This?
64% buy the item featured on this page:Pawleys Island (Lowcountry Tales) by Dorothea Benton Frank
11% buy Full of Grace by Dorothea Benton Frank
10% buy Plantation: A Lowcountry Tale by Dorothea Benton Frank
8% buy Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
6% buy Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank

I'll be looking forward to reading more of Frank.

Bel Canto

2007-07-21T17:52:00.000-04:00

I don't have any favorite characters from this book. They were equally good. I guess if I had to pick one it would be Roxanne Coss. She was an American and came to this party that they had and did her job. What she found was that she learnt a lot about herself
that she would of never guessed of herself.

My thoughts on Bel Canto are very simple really.

A beautiful story, a love story of all kinds. The story is compared to the Stockholm Syndrome, In this day it is hard to see people relate in a gentle way to captors (bad guy). But the way the story is told one wishes it was that simple to love of a different kind, to be isolated from the harsh world, to live in a world without hate. One can only try and make a better world for the future.

To make the world a bit more tolerable to live in
and have it mesh together.

The story is slow. At the 100th page it starts to pick up but quickly stands still. I was glad when I got to the end to finally see the characters do something different.

A shame that the ending wasn't so good. To read such a lovely story and to have the ending aburtly end sloppy I thought was pretty bad.
It was like a good movie using all the good moves and story lines to find it not knowing where to go but down hill.

That was the only cons I had for Bel Canto. I would recommend this book. And I am giving the author, Ann Patchett another chance by reading another book of hers called The Magician Assistant. This will be going on my wishlist.

Bel Canto is a bookcrossing book. And it will be making it's way to Canada.

I give Bel Canto

Amazon says Customers who bought this item also bought The Magician's Assistant by Ann Patchett, The Patron Saint of Liars: A Novel by Ann Patchett, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel by Lisa See, The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards, Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett

To all who tried to comment on Dead Until Dark

2007-06-29T19:20:00.000-04:00

I know some people have been trying to comment on my post for Dead Until Dark.

I did some re-creating and made another post. And now it seems to have the comment button. I also copied your comments with links back to your blog to the new post from The Granny post.

Thank you for commenting and looking at my blog. I really do appreciate it :)

Dead Until Dark

2007-06-29T18:17:00.000-04:00

I heard so much good news about these books. When I won this title in a swap I was glad it was the first book. I didn't know how I was going to like it but as I got into the book, I thought this isn't bad. I like it.

Who knew that I was going to read something different about vampires. Especially some people accepting them as just another person. Crazy, LOL!

Anyways my favorite characters are Sookie, of course, Sam, and who can forget about Sookie's grandmother :D I don't care for Bill "the vampire" too much. That might change later.

I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series.

This is a bookcrossing book and I don't know where it's going to go yet.

I give this book:

Amazon says Customers who bought this item also bought
Living Dead in Dallas (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 2) by Charlaine Harris
Club Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 3) by Charlaine Harris
Dead to the World (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Bk. 4) by Charlaine Harris
Dead as a Doornail (Southern Vampire Mysteries, Book 5) by Charlaine Harris
Definitely Dead (Southern Vampire Mysteries) by Charlaine Harris

The Granny

2007-04-18T00:44:00.000-04:00

The Granny

Author: Brendan O' Carroll

This was a good book to finish the trilogy. It was sweet how all came together. And see how Agnes' children came together in rough times and supported one another even though it was tough at times to like their family members.

I hated to see the story end. I enjoyed how Agnes dealt with her life. And found love in a Frenchman named Pierre.

What are some things I noticed in book? There was a part of the story that focused on one of Agnes' children, Dermot. Even though the book was about Agnes and her children, grandchildren there is a part like the 2nd book that tells the story of one of her children more.

It is hard to say anything about The Granny without giving away the best of the trilogy. I am glad to see how all Agnes' children did find that best path for them to follow. A happy ending for all.

Being Irish myself I remember being part of a family that was that close and children were the answer.

I certainly recommend this trilogy to read. A very heart warmly, light read for everybody. I also recommend to read "The Young Wan". It fills gaps where you might have questions about Agnes, Redster (husband), and Marion, Agnes' (bff!) It was written after the trilogy.

I give this book

Amazon says:

Customers who bought this item also bought
The Chisellers by Brendan O'Carroll , The Mammy by Brendan O'Carroll, The Young Wan by Brendan O'Carroll, Leaving Ireland by Ann Moore, Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore

This book is a bookcrossing book and I am releasing it when I go to the convention in South Carolina. Hope others will find it enjoyable too.

Montana 1948

2007-04-03T17:27:00.000-04:00

Montana 1948

Author: Larry Watson

I thought this story was a good read. I found myself wanting to know more about the characters.

This book is compared to the book "To Kill a Mockingbird". I believe To Kill a Mockingbird was a much stronger book. I found Montana 1948, the characters somewhat weak. And something was missing from it. What was missing from it? A reason for why Frank did what he did. Why just single out Indian women? He was a doctor, people both men and women looked up to him.

The story was told in 1st person by David Haydon. Son of Wesley and Gail Haydon. David through the story you could tell was seeking out who his father really was.

Being that his dad was a sheriff in Montana, why wasn't Wesley dressed like a real cowboy? Instead he wears brogans and a fedora. Not Stetsons and boots. He just didn't fit the ideal person to be in the occupation that he had.

David's mom wanted his dad to work as a lawyer for what he graduated as. But being from a family with a father of his own that is tough as nails and following tradition. Wesley could not be anything else. Of course one son is favored over the other and it wasn't Wes. But Wes stood back and let his brother get the attention and let his dad feel good.

Being that David's Uncle Frank gets all the attention and is a doctor is another reason why David doesn't understand why the actions that his family took when they heard about Marie being sick and she not wanting Frank Haydon to look after her.

Marie was an Indian girl that helped the Haydon household do their daily routine. Especially David. She fell sick and died. She wouldn't let Frank near her. The story finally came out from Marie that Frank was touching the Indian women in inapporiate ways.

Again David is wondering why his father is not believing Marie. It took a woman, Gail Haydon to believe and push the issue. Wes finally did some research on this. And it is a shame that the period of time like 1948 that it was against all moral law that white people didn't associate with the Indians. So on the sly Wes had to meet with the Indian elders. Who most should respect.

Again Wesley is in a fix when his own father who does not want to believe that his favorite son has done something immoral.

With the period of time this book was set in the old saying, "Children should be seen and not heard" was apparent in this story. David knew all along what was going on. He also knew why his family kept sending him out of ear shot. But David never found the right moment to say anything. He was the smartest of them all. He seen his father carry around grief on his shoulders and no one to share support with. David was growing up. To think in the begining he thought the hardest part of his job was the criminals that he had to face.

Wesley did what he had to do. Wes never got to complete and teach his brother a valuable lesson. To let Frank become a man that his patients and family could respect again.

Something bad happened to Frank one night. And Wesley's father,David's grandfather never wanted to have anything to do with Wesley and his family again.

David knew after what happened solved their problems. Especially Indian women could go back to seeing a doctor without fear of being assaulted. David's family started a new life. And for the very first time David saw his father being his own man. Wesley started his own family's tradition.

"Don't blame Montana"! I think that sums it up. It wasn't the state, but some of the family that wouldn't support other family. It was a growing and learning experience for a son that will have a greater respect for his father and mother. A son,brother and husband that made bad choices and paid dearly for it.

What would I have like to see in the story? One thing is probably more written about why Frank did what he did. Why did he have to treat women, (Indian) especially like that?

I give this book:

Amazon says:

There are 104 reviews for this book.

This is a bookcrossing book. And at this time I do not know where Montana will go next.

The ABC's of Love

2007-03-27T13:55:00.000-04:00

The ABC's of Love

Author: Sarah Salway

Not my usual kind of book to read. But I thought it wasn't too bad, cute. It reminded me of that show Sex and the City where Carrie and her girlfriends cope with their lives and each other's.

It is so hard to have a relationship these days. And keep the relationship going without getting bored.

One thing that hit me quickly in this book is when Verity talking about her relationship with John and he mentioned about Verity's mustache. He said she shouldn't shave it that it was sexy.

How embarrasing. Didn't he know what we girls go through with our ritual of beauty ? We don't want to be reminded about our short coming no matter what the other person thinks. Sheesh! LOL!

Here are some of my other thought that were brought up in the story.

Why is it that we just wish our grandparents wouldn't make a big deal out of nothing?

Vertity's relationship with her grandmother took her on a "mystery trip" even though Vertity didn't have such a great time, her grandmother for years talked about how she loved it.

I wish grandparents would be intune with how we feel.

Why is it that we are glad to see our SO's when we want to,?And when they pay attention to us when they want to, like when we are watching our favorite tv show and that's all we care about at the time, we rather they do something else?

Oh how I can relate to Vertity wanting to be locked up in a stationary store. I too like the clean crisp smell of stationary. With all the little gadgets you have to keep you organized.

I guess in England they are just getting around to taking the phone booths out. Since technology has caught up with the idea of cellphones. It seems eons ago when that's all we had was to go to a public phone.

I like it. When Brian (Vertity's co worker) said when she painted her flat yellow she had herself her own sunlit island.

I never heard anything put that way. I like it.

I believe like Vertity that most things are better as memories, like photographs. I sit myself and look at the old photos and think back if that moment was the most joyful one. Than the soon to be unremembered present moment.

I would recommend this book, especially to people that are in relationships. They really could relate to a lot what is said.

I give this book

Amazon says:

Customers who bought this item also bought
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This is a bookcrossing book. Don't know where it's going yet.

The Perfect Family

2007-03-19T14:57:00.000-04:00

The Perfect Family

Author: Carla Cassidy

When I started reading this book I didn't know it was the kind that it was going to be hard to put down. I was looking forward to what was coming up next.

What was my favorite character? I can't say that I did have a favorite character because they were all so good. I guess if I would have to pick one I will have to say, Alex.

Why Alex? Alex had this second chance on love with Marissa. And he walked into something that was going on in Marissa's life that wasn't so easy. Poor guy went through some changes in his own life because of her and her children.

My thoughts on the story: Well I can tell you that I would be scared out of my mine if I had someone stalking me. And on top of that killing people as presents to me. Yuck! And just like Marissa my No.1 concern would be my children. I would do anything to protect them. What makes it real strange is the people that Marissa felt secure with, the ones that save lives are the ones that she needed to watch out for.

To think her husband a firefighter. A person that dedicated his life to helping others that someone caused him harm and his family.

Scary to think that this could happen in real life if you let your imagination run.

Was there anything I didn't like in this story? There was one thing I didn't like. At the end, in the epilogue when Marissa finally got her life settled down. She stopped going to the firehouse. Not because of the past but because of her future. She didn't need them anymore. I just wish it wasn't written up like that. By not going at all anymore it just sounds like there is more important things in her life and she has no time for anyone else. I just saw it that she was bringing joy to the men that protect. But I do understand why it was written like that.

I do recommend this book to read. Not only is it a thriller it does have romance too. Which everyone loves a good ending.

I give this book:

Amazon says:

Customers who bought this item also bought
Promise Him Anything by Carla Cassidy
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Hide Your Eyes by Alison Gaylin
Without a Sound (Signet Eclipse) by Carla Cassidy
You Can't Hide by Karen Rose

Yes this is a bookcrossing book. And will be on it's way to Tennessee so it can be enjoyed just as well :)

Finn MacCool

2007-03-15T03:08:00.000-04:00

Author: Morgan LLywelyn

I grew up on the Irish history. And Finn MacCool I can say was not a disappointment. I was taken in with the thoughts in my mind of ancient Ireland. The book in my option captured all what I have learnt throughout the years.

Did the man become the legend or the legend become the man? I think it was a little of both. Finn a great warrior himself not only was strong but he would recite poetry. He felt the poetry in him and lived it.

He took fianna's what was said to be not worthy and made them as dignified as any royal people. Finn made them believe in themselves. He made the Fianna's the best, the elite.

Did Finn have a magical side? Oh yes he did. Legend says that Finn could pick thorns out of his heels while running. Which by the way was a feat that any man had to pass if he wanted to be part of the Fianna.

Once in a battle with a Scottish giant Finn scooped up a large clod of earth and flung it at the Scott. The clod fell into the sea and turned into the Isle of Mann. The hole it left filled up with water and became Lough Neagh.

Irish history is well off with myths and legends

They weave true history with threads of myths and lore.

Finn did marry a woman named Sive. Finn thought that she was presented to him as a deer. They had a son named Oisin. Who later followed in his father's footstep's and had his love for poetry.

The end for Finn MacCool was his poetry and his fear that someday Goll MacMorna, the man who killed Finn's father would kill Finn.

The magic that these tales bring has given a few versions of where Finn is today.

Some say he died by getting in the middle of a fight that a couple of the members of the Fianna were having. Another story is that Finn is sleeping in a cave waiting to awake so that he can defend Ireland in their time of need.

I give this book:

Amazon says:

Customers who bought this item also bought
Bard: The Odyssey of the Irish (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn) by Morgan Llywelyn
Red Branch by Morgan Llywelyn
The Last Prince of Ireland (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn) by Morgan Llywelyn
Lion of Ireland (Celtic World of Morgan Llywelyn) by Morgan Llywelyn
Druids by Morgan Llywelyn

This book is a bookcrossing book. And don't know where the next stop for Finn MacCool will be.

Tears of the Giraffe

2007-02-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

I started reading this series a while ago. Starting with No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Tears of the Giraffe gives the characters a more interesting, softer side of them. Precious helped a woman with her grief of a son that was lost. Mr. J.L.B. took in some orphan children so they wouldn't be alone. But to be loved by both he and Precious.

What does it mean, Tears of a Giraffe? A giraffe has nothing to give except for it's tears. Just as people give something to be kind.

My favorite characters? They would have to be Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni

With her kind heart and an adventurous spirit of breaking new ground of a woman being a detective. And his hard working, and sometimes naive soul they become good friends and now will be married.

Were there things in the story that stood out? Yes there were.
Mr. J.L.B. is a mechanic and he is trying to keep the cars running as best he can. With new technology coming out he is the only one that knows the basics of the older cars. He doesn't know why the younger men don't want to learn basics.
Not so much different as today with all the new fangled things that are in cars today. Mechanics need to be up on all new things.

Also there is a spot in the book about the orphan children needing others to take care of them. If no one else does who will. So the habit of this continent is to take care of the children. It just isn't 1 person left. The whole village pitches in. Much like the Irish did back in their barbaric ways. If 1 person could do it many did. They fostered children. So no one was left alone
In a way today the message is lost. Many don't want to do anything. What a shame :(

That is just another example of how Mma Ramotswe, and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's generous souls come together.

I give this book:

Amazon says: Customers who bought this item also bought: Morality for Beautiful Girls (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (Paperback)) by Alexander McCall Smith
The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) by Alexander Mccall Smith
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Today Show Book Club #8) by Alexander McCall Smith
The Full Cupboard of Life: More from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) by Alexander McCall Smith

This is a bookcrossing book and I'm not sure where it will be going next :)

The Secret of the Old Clock

2007-01-21T17:47:00.000-05:00

This book is the 1st in a series about a young girl named Nancy Drew.

I used to read these books when I was a kid. My dad and I would go to the bookstore, or to Woolworth (a 5&10 store) to get a ice cream soda and look at the books. Each time I would get a Nancy Drew book. I would try to get them in order too. Sadly my mom threw out my books and I can't pass them down to my kids. But this year my son Matthew got me the 1st six books in the series for Christmas. What a wonderful surprise!

I finished The Secret of the Old Clock and this is what I thought of it.

Nancy Drew never let me down. It was nice to see that Nancy still had ingenuity when she was solving a mystery. Who would of thought that a young girl of 18 would find herself being a sleuth. It is a little strange that a 18 yr old would act so maturely. And that she in this case, would be so kind and happy for people that she helped. I think that's what attracted me to these stories. Plus they are mysteries too. LOL!

Who was the center of this mystery? Josiah Crowley, He was the man that befriended some nice people who really cared about him. And wanted to leave his estate to them. To the dismay of his family and friends, his estate was left to family members that weren't too kind. Was there another will?

What was so special about The Old Clock? The clock held a 2nd will that was a later version of Josiah Crowley's orginal will and testament. Actually the clock held a notebook where the will was at.

The outcome? The outcome was a good one as usual. After finding the 2nd will, Carson Drew, Nancy's lawyer father helped out the bank who was Josiah's executor. Getting all family and friends together to read out the will, and making some nice people happy. They all than could make ends meet. And making some of Josiah's family namely The Topham's not so happy. Nancy found out that they took Josiah in when he was alive just to get what was in his will. And hide that there possibly might be a 2nd will. They also held possession of the old clock too. Mysteries solved!

What I never thought about Nancy Drew books when I was young is the chapter content. Each chapter has a name to it.

Also at the end of the story Nancy takes something with her from the case. This story she received the clock. And there is a little peek of what the next book is called. Hmm now I know why I kept going back to read about her. I'm ? years older now and enjoyed reading Nancy Drew again

I give this book

Amazon says: customers ultimately buy after viewing this item? 8% buy Nancy Drew Boxed Set 1-6 (Nancy Drew) by Carolyn G. Keene

5% buy The Hidden Staircase (Nancy Drew Mystery Stories, No 2) by Carolyn G. Keene

5% buy Clue in the Diary #7 (Nancy Drew (Hardcover)) by Carolyn Keene

3% buy The SLUMBER PARTY SECRET (NANCY DREW NOTEBOOK 1) : THE SLUMBER PARTY SECRET by Carolyn Keene

This is not a bookcrossing book of any kind. It will stay with me as my Permanent Collection.

Four to Score

2007-01-06T00:59:00.000-05:00

This series is one of my favorites. I loved Stephanie Plum the first time I read about her in Visions of SugarPlums. So I thought I would review one Stephanie Plum book at least.

Stephanie never really wanted to be a bounty hunter. It just so happens that her cousin Vinnie, owned a bail bound place and was looking for some help. Well Stephanie needed a job and he had one, so she gave it a whirl.

Her love interst, Joe Morelli, WoHo! boy do sparks fly when they are together. She might bumble around some but Stephanie always gets her guy. Or girl too in the case of Four to Score.

Did I notice anything different in this book?: Well yes in a way. Stephanie seems to be growing up. What do I mean? In the begining she was a mess at this bounty hunting stuff. Even with her guy Joe trying to help her. LOL! there was always light hearted laughter through out the story. but now it's straight to the point, for real bounty hunter Stephanie.

Is the outcome effected in any way? Stephanie is not as funny with her bounty hunting as she used to be. She is serious about her job now. So book really doesn't start getting funny til around the middle. But it does keep your interst. There's always that hint of tension between her and Joe. That really throws her off. LOL!

New characters that I like: Grandma Mazur
Stephanie's dad,
Lula . And I can't forget Ranger

Why do I like these characters? Grandma Mazur is a hoot. In the story Grandma went on a surveillance trip with Stephanie and crew. She spotted the person that they were watching for and Grandma jumped on the poker table (at the casinos in New Jersey), ran after the person and while outside talking with the rest of the crew some hoodlums came up behind them and Grandma turned around with her gun that she wasn't allowed to have ;),
Stephanie's dad is getting more vocal. Especially when it comes to Sally,Stephanie's new friend. Sally is a Drag Queen and dad is old school. He doesn't like the idea of Sally doing what she does. So in explaining he says some wierd things. And who couldn't like Lula. Lula is an ex hooker that Stephanie helped out in the first book. And now she works in the office of the bail bond place.
And I can't forget about Ranger. Eye candy for Stephanie? A nice guy who does things his own way, very mysterious bounty hunter that helps out Stephanie too.

Other characters that are alright: Stephanie's mom
Old school, Jeresy mom. Always has a good meal waiting
Joe Morelli
A cop that knows Stephanie since grade school. Not bad to look at but is/will be Stephanie's main squeeze. And also helps out Stephanie in ways she doesn't even know. LOL!

I do recommend this series. What fun, books I call my comfy books :D

I give Four to Score

Amazon says
What do customers ultimately buy after viewing their item?
7% buy Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
5% buy One for the Money (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
5% buy Three To Get Deadly (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich
3% buy Eleven on Top (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich

This is a bookcrossing book and I don't know where the next adventure for it will be. But hope whoever gets it will love it as much as me :)

Mistletoe Murder

2006-12-06T14:39:00.000-05:00

Author: Leslie Meier

What can I say about Mistletoe Murder? I can say I really enjoyed the story. I think it is a great cozy mystery. No blood,no gore and the heroine didn't have to shoot anybody
There is a review that Jill Churchill wrote "Leslie Meier has created a town I'd like to live in and a sleuth I'd love to meet". And I agree. I would love to visit Tinker's Cove, Maine where there is a little town with a homemade sleuth with a big heart named Lucy Stone. When reading this book I felt that this was a truly Christmas town as everyone got ready for the holiday. People worked, family came for visits, kids went to school and looking forward to Santa coming, dinner to cook. And not to forget someone is murdered ;)

Any favorite characters? Not really. I liked a lot of them. Lucy Stone, her husband Bill who even though seemed to keep an eye on her, did support her in her sleuthing. Sue, Lucy's best friend,no sleuth can go without a best friend. Barney Culpepper, the town police who also was a friend of Lucy's and did activities with for their kids.
These are some of the characters of mine.

Anything unique about the book? Yes there is one thing that stood out in the book. Since Lucy worked at a mail order place, at the begining of each chapter there is a description of something in the catolog. And that something usually had something to do with the chapter, a symbolism.

There was a item of a compass that no hiker should go without. And the symbolism was of the Cub Scouts who needed to do something before the holiday break. Lucy took them on a little hike.
I thought this a little ironic since I'm involved with Scouts. And only know too well how important it is to find something for the boys to do.

Any last thoughts? Even though this book seems to be short and not much to it, there is a twist to it. You have to read to find out

I'm giving Mistletoe Murder

Amazon says Customers who bought this item also bought Christmas Cookie Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery (Lucy Stone Mysteries (Paperback)) by Leslie Meier
Turkey Day Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery (Lucy Stone Mysteries (Paperback)) by Leslie Meier
Trick Or Treat Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery (Lucy Stone Mysteries (Paperback)) by Leslie Meier
Birthday Party Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery (Lucy Stone Mysteries (Paperback)) by Leslie Meier
Valentine Murder: A Lucy Stone Mystery (Lucy Stone Mysteries (Paperback)) by Leslie Meier

Yes this is a bookcrossing book and I don't know where it is going yet. But it is part of a Christmas Swap Exchange. Whoever wins the book I hope will enjoy :)

Hallowed Murder

2006-11-08T14:01:00.000-05:00

Author: Ellen Hart

Main character: Jane Lawless
1st book in the series introducing Jane to us.

What caught my eye about Hallowed Murder? The cover of the book,which is colorful with a bowl of strawberries on a table with a rose. Second, I read the synopsis. Hmm... I said intresting. A light mystery, a cozy mystery. And what is a cozy mystery? an example is said to be: The detectives in cozies typically use brains and not brawn to get to the bottom of a crime. Last, was the topper. Jane Lawless is written as a gay sleuth. I have read "cozies" before but not with the emphasis on someone being gay and a restaurant owner. Of course the book that started Jane Lawless' life.

Favorite characters: Well that would have to be Jane Lawless, of course. Cordelia Thorn, an old friend of Jane's. And Maggie Christopherson, House manager of KAS, friend of Allison Lord

Why would I pick these characters as favorites? I picked Jane well because she is a nice person, would do anything to help people out, and to sum it up she brings friendship,intimacy and a sense of humor to the people she knows and meets plus she is the main character :) ,Cordelia is funny,she is a friend that Jane could count on, even if she had a lot to say it was always said with Jane's intrest in mind. And than Maggie, I liked her because she was (tried) to be a friend to all in their sorority. Plus I think Maggie needed to have a friend that she could confide in on sorority issues. So it was good that she befriended Jane who is a sorority alumni advisor.

What I thought about the story? Trying not to give to much a way because you got to read this good story. I thought the story unique in a way about a girl Allison Lord who was in a sorority that was trying to find her way of who she was. But than her life got cut short. Than to find out that her friends were trying to find their way around their lives. It is different to read something else about gay issues other than military,law enforcement etc.. the story has a human side to this.

I found that the usual stuff is said about being gay. And Jane trying her hardest to show that there is more important things to do, like finding the killer, than terrorizing others, including her, about being gay.

There are a couple of characters I don't know why was brought in to the story. And they are Edwin Lord and Beth McGraw
Edwin is Allison's brother the only thing that he did was come to the memorial and to talk to Jane Lawless. After that pretty much you didn't hear much about him.
Beth is another one, she was there to tell the story about her sister Jamie and the state of mind that Jamie was in on Thanksgiving Day.
Again don't want to say too much than would give the best parts up. But they might be suspects?

A very intresting reason why this book is called Hallowed Murder.

Hallowed meaning..

(American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source) hal·low (hl) Pronunciation Key
tr.v. hal·lowed, hal·low·ing, hal·lows
To make or set apart as holy.
To respect or honor greatly; revere.

In the story says: I have spoken your message to the heathen,oh Lord,your righteous, your hallowed servant!

I give Hallowed Murder a rating of : because it is a 1st in series and a very good story.
Amazon says: What do customers ultimately buy after viewing this item? The Dartmouth Murders (St. Martin's True Crime Library) by Eric Francis, and Stage Fright (A Jane Lawless Mystery) by Ellen Hart

This is a bookcrossing book and now will travel to New Hampshire. Another place where Jane Lawless can visit :)

The Photograph

2006-10-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

Author: Penelope Lively
Do I have a favorite character? Yes I do. I like the main character Kath. Sadly when Kath was talked about she had died. I felt that she didn't get much of a chance. She wasn't heard or seen by her older sister. Even her husband I wonder why he ever married her. The one person that seemed to have an intrest in her was just fasinated by her, in my option. But she did have a good friend Mary Packard. Kath was able to go to her and be herself, her one true friend. There were things going on with her that these people in her life could of appreciated and enrich their lives.

My thoughts on The Photograph: I thought the story was an intresting one. It was the only reason why I kept going on to read it. My true feelings were even though it was a short book, it was a very long story. The author took sections and explained how each character was and was with Kath. Sometimes it's better to say a tree is a tree. And forget about adjectives. Get right to the point. Instead this story just drug it's feet. Glyn, Kath's husband found this photo which said distroy on the envelope. But he decided to find out what the photo was all about. I would too until I seen where it was leading me. He found something that he didn't want to see. After getting the jest of who is wife was. He continued on the trail. Only to find out it's better to leave things the way they are. Can't change the past. He was too late. Instead he upset a lot of people. Hence where it was so boring to hear about each person that was in Kath's life. The moral of the story. Kath had touched everyone's life in a way. And if everyone took the time to get to know her. Her life might of meant something to her
Leave well enough alone!

It wasn't til the end of the book where I started to understand Kath. How she seemed to be a wonderful person. There was more to her than being flaky like a lot of people thought. It took all that time and people to read through to find out that a true friend (Mary Packard) was the one that believed in her.

I give this book a rating of: just because I like the story.

Amazon says: people that bought The Photograh, bought Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
Mrs. Kimble by Jennifer Haigh
The Wife: A Novel by Meg Wolitzer
Crow Lake (Today Show Book Club #7) by Mary Lawson
The Birth of Venus: A Novel by Sarah Dunant

This book is a bookcrossing book and it will be going to ME in the States where someone else can enjoy!

looking glass

2006-09-13T14:29:00.000-04:00

Author: A. J. Matthews

The character I liked: Well, I think I have two. Of course I like the main character Brenda Ireland. But the second I think was a good one was John Ireland

Why do I like these characters?: Because Brenda was the one all of this strange stuff was happening too. And in her own way she was trying to be strong. Not for herself so much as for her family.
John Ireland was Brenda and her husband Matt's son. While all this crazy stuff was happening he was trying to understand what his parents and stepsister were going through. He was a younger boy but knew what was right from wrong. A good kid!

A favorite quote in the book: "What's she doing? Is there someone in the house? What the fuck is going on"?

Why do I like that quote? Just because it was said by Matt Ireland he really wasn't paying much attention to Brenda when she was trying to tell him there was something wrong. Than finally when strange things started to happen, this was all he can say. What a guy!

What do I like best about the book?: I like the twist toward the end of the book. And why do I like this? Is that the talk about reflection in the glass, mirror, it wasn't fear of that. But fear for what was going to happen in the story. From the start when Matt, a lawyer, put away a murderer, Matt's ex-wife, a person who was having trouble with drinking to reality, and Brenda's mother who died in a nursing home we can see why Brenda was acting the way she was. And to find out that she is stronger than we all think.

What does this story tell me?: It tells me that it was what was inside of Brenda that all of this strange stuff was happening to her. Not any one thing outside of her world. It was fear from herself and the future. Yes this book leaned toward Twilight Zone moments but it was Brenda that had overcome them and embraced them.
And if we can I think we should try it ourselves

I give this book a rating of:

Amazon says: Customers that read looking glass was intrested in The White Room by A. J. Matthews, Haunted (MIRA S.) by Heather Graham, Five Mile House: A Novel by Karen Novak, The Loveliest Dead by Ray Garton, Wildwood Road by Christopher Golden

Is looking glass a bookcrossing book?: Yes it is. And it will be heading it's way to Portugal next

Down Bound Train

2006-09-09T20:09:00.000-04:00

Author: Bill Garnett

The character that I liked:Robert Latimer

Why do I like this character? I like this character because he was a man that just wanted a good life for himself and his family. But had problems that included his wife, and daughter, Felicity. No one is perfect.

The character that was the scariest: Felicity Latimer

Why was this character the scariest? because she was just a little girl that took what was happening as a game. She would provoke everyone to do bad things.It really wasn't of her will either. Was she possessed? hmm...

Favorite part of the book: I actually have two. First one is of Bill Armstrong. He took a walk outside the compartment of the train only to pass other compartments that were empty. He knew that the train was full when heading out of the station. A not so good feeling fell upon him.
Second, is Bill opened it's doors to his compartment "like a man who wakes to a sunny morning after a nightmare". What does he see? His other train mates looking out the window and seeing just above the fog, swung a corpse on a gibbet.

What does this story tell me? It tells me even the people that think they live a good life and really do think they are right morally, will get in the long run the tables turned on them.
Each character in this story acted badly in someway. They happened to be on this same train. A train that was going to a better place indeed, went in a total opposite direction. Is their actions on this train Hell?

I give this book a rating of:

Barnes and Noble says: This is an Out of Print book

Is this a BookCrossing book? Yes it is :D and I am keeping this as a Permanant Collection. For now

Under Construction

2006-09-06T05:11:00.000-04:00

Slowly but surely I'm getting my blog to look good :) I have more and will post later more goodies ;)

Here I am

2006-08-31T16:20:00.000-04:00

I thought I would try Blogger. I like their format. Don't exactly know what to say yet but I'll be back :) ;;;;