Cold in the Earth by Aline Templeton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I quite enjoyed this mystery; I liked the characters and the setting, as well as the central problem. A few of the secondary characters were a bit one-dimensional, but it didn’t spoil the intrigue of the book. I figured a few things out, but I don’t mind when that happens–I like to feel smart occasionally. ;) Recommended for all mystery-lovers!
No Game For a Dame by M. Ruth Myers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fun book that takes the old hard-boiled detective and turns “him” into a “her.” I quite enjoyed it and would read more about this character. The backdrop is nicely developed and the mystery interesting, and we learn enough about the main character in well-timed tidbits to feel that she’s someone we’d like to get to know better.
Mystery Weekly Magazine: July 2016 by C.F. Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Full disclosure: I have a story in this issue. Assume that my rating is based on all the other stories, leaving mine out. :) Altogether a very satisfying issue, with a nice variety of stories. If you love mysteries, this magazine is worth checking out!
Painted Ladies by Robert B. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Every once in a while I like to read a Spenser book, just because he’s such a great character and such fun to read (especially if you love hard-boiled detectives, as I do). This one does not disappoint, although knowing that it’s the last one is a bit bittersweet. Definitely recommended if you enjoy this genre.
Moonraker by Ian Fleming
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
We recently watched “Spectre,” and so I suppose I had Bond on my mind when browsing my library’s audiobook offerings. I remember watching the movie with this title years ago, but the book struck me as being significantly different. Much slower-moving, for one thing, although I’m not sure it’s entirely fair to compare the speed of any book with a Bond movie. At any rate, it was enjoyable (apart from the lengthy bridge game description). I’d read more Bond books, just for the fun of comparing them to the movies.
The Princess Bride by William Goldman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Of course this is one of my favourite movies, and it didn’t sit well with me that I’d never read the actual book. I was delighted to discover how close the book and movie versions actually are, and how true to the tone of the book the movie stays. If you’ve encountered this story in one medium but not the other, I think you should broaden your experience and read/see both.
Ungodly by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This series finished up with a very satisfying ending–I was almost 100% happy with the way everything turned out. Even if I have one little quibble, that’s high praise from me. I liked this series so much I can see myself reading it in hard copy sometime in the future.
Mortal Gods by Kendare Blake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’m really enjoying this series…I’ve always been fascinated with the Greek gods and I love the way the author has brought them to life in the present day. Fast-paced, great writing, intriguing characters. Definitely recommended.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sweet and bittersweet, wondrous and frightening, this book grabbed me so thoroughly that I listened to it straight through. It’s not a long book, but there’s a lot packed in here. One of those books that you’ll be thinking about for a while after you finish it.
Split Second by David Baldacci
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fast-paced and complex thriller with interesting characters and a convoluted plot. I enjoyed it quite a bit, although I found the ultimate motivation for the whole intrigue a bit of a let-down. Still, I’m looking forward to reading more about these characters and will be checking out the next book about them.
