BACK AGAIN TO ME
by Gretchen Hirsch
Booksurge
www.booksurge.com
ISBN: 9781439238011
Corrin McRae has a temper, is fast to voice her opinions, and tends to be a bit of a manipulator and controller. She married the love of her life, only to lose him a few weeks before her daughter Shelly was born. Corrin worked hard as a single mother and did her best to raise Shelly, now 16 years of age with aspirations of being a doctor. Having achieved the title of PR director with the goal of owning her own agency, Corrin is stunned when her daughter tells her she is pregnant and wants to keep the baby. Even more unsettling to Corrin is the fact that her daughter told two of her close friends before confiding in her because she was afraid of her reaction. Although Corrin initially wants Shelly to give the baby up for adoption, she soon discovers she agrees with Shelly’s decision. As Shelly goes through her pregnancy, Corrin discovers things about herself through shared insights of family and friends and begins to realize that her perceptions of her own life and family may not have been as true as she thought them to be.
Back Again to Me offers fascinating character studies of Corrin, her daughter Shelly, and the friends and family that surround them. Family dynamics, interactions of characters, and conflicts between mother and daughter over life decisions are intriguing and well-delivered. The book moves at a fast pace, leading the reader through a young girl’s journey through pregnancy and the difficult choices she must make, along with her mother’s peripheral journey back to her past.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
BACK AGAIN TO ME by Gretchen Hirsch
BACK AGAIN TO ME
by Gretchen Hirsch
Booksurge
www.booksurge.com
ISBN: 9781439238011
Corrin McRae has a temper, is fast to voice her opinions, and tends to be a bit of a manipulator and controller. She married the love of her life, only to lose him a few weeks before her daughter Shelly was born. Corrin worked hard as a single mother and did her best to raise Shelly, now 16 years of age with aspirations of being a doctor. Having achieved the title of PR director with the goal of owning her own agency, Corrin is stunned when her daughter tells her she is pregnant and wants to keep the baby. Even more unsettling to Corrin is the fact that her daughter told two of her close friends before confiding in her because she was afraid of her reaction. Although Corrin initially wants Shelly to give the baby up for adoption, she soon discovers she agrees with Shelly’s decision. As Shelly goes through her pregnancy, Corrin discovers things about herself through shared insights of family and friends and begins to realize that her perceptions of her own life and family may not have been as true as she thought them to be.
Back Again to Me offers fascinating character studies of Corrin, her daughter Shelly, and the friends and family that surround them. Family dynamics, interactions of characters, and conflicts between mother and daughter over life decisions are intriguing and well-delivered. The book moves at a fast pace, leading the reader through a young girl’s journey through pregnancy and the difficult choices she must make, along with her mother’s peripheral journey back to her past.
by Gretchen Hirsch
Booksurge
www.booksurge.com
ISBN: 9781439238011
Corrin McRae has a temper, is fast to voice her opinions, and tends to be a bit of a manipulator and controller. She married the love of her life, only to lose him a few weeks before her daughter Shelly was born. Corrin worked hard as a single mother and did her best to raise Shelly, now 16 years of age with aspirations of being a doctor. Having achieved the title of PR director with the goal of owning her own agency, Corrin is stunned when her daughter tells her she is pregnant and wants to keep the baby. Even more unsettling to Corrin is the fact that her daughter told two of her close friends before confiding in her because she was afraid of her reaction. Although Corrin initially wants Shelly to give the baby up for adoption, she soon discovers she agrees with Shelly’s decision. As Shelly goes through her pregnancy, Corrin discovers things about herself through shared insights of family and friends and begins to realize that her perceptions of her own life and family may not have been as true as she thought them to be.
Back Again to Me offers fascinating character studies of Corrin, her daughter Shelly, and the friends and family that surround them. Family dynamics, interactions of characters, and conflicts between mother and daughter over life decisions are intriguing and well-delivered. The book moves at a fast pace, leading the reader through a young girl’s journey through pregnancy and the difficult choices she must make, along with her mother’s peripheral journey back to her past.
DEATH WILL HELP YOU LEAVE HIM by Elizabeth Zelvin
DEATH WILL HELP YOU LEAVE HIM
by Elizabeth Zelvin
Minotaur Books
St. Martin’s Publishing Group
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.minotaurbooks.com
ISBN: 9780312582661
Recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler is taking things one day at a time with the help of his friends Jimmy and Barbara, while trying to place limits with his ex-wife who has bouts of depression and sporadically threatens suicide. Barbara, an addictions counselor, talks Bruce and Jimmy into doing some independent sleuthing when Luz Colon, her Al-Anon sponsee, is suspected of murdering her abusive boyfriend, Frankie Iacone. Frankie, a former drug dealer married to someone else, had just gotten out of rehab hours before being found dead in Luz’s apartment. Barbara hopes Bruce and Jimmy may be able to learn more about Frankie and the people he knew through their AA connections. Along with Luz, the three team up and separate and team up again as they try to unearth the murderer. Eventually they step on the wrong toes, which places Bruce’s and Luz’s lives in danger.
This, the second in the mystery series featuring recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler, is an intriguing whodunit set against the gritty backdrop of New York City and its diverse cultures. As with the first, much emphasis is placed on the recovery process and Zelvin relays Kohler’s, as well as others’, constant battle with addiction in a realistic, empathetic manner. The plot moves at a quick pace with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing.
by Elizabeth Zelvin
Minotaur Books
St. Martin’s Publishing Group
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
www.minotaurbooks.com
ISBN: 9780312582661
Recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler is taking things one day at a time with the help of his friends Jimmy and Barbara, while trying to place limits with his ex-wife who has bouts of depression and sporadically threatens suicide. Barbara, an addictions counselor, talks Bruce and Jimmy into doing some independent sleuthing when Luz Colon, her Al-Anon sponsee, is suspected of murdering her abusive boyfriend, Frankie Iacone. Frankie, a former drug dealer married to someone else, had just gotten out of rehab hours before being found dead in Luz’s apartment. Barbara hopes Bruce and Jimmy may be able to learn more about Frankie and the people he knew through their AA connections. Along with Luz, the three team up and separate and team up again as they try to unearth the murderer. Eventually they step on the wrong toes, which places Bruce’s and Luz’s lives in danger.
This, the second in the mystery series featuring recovering alcoholic Bruce Kohler, is an intriguing whodunit set against the gritty backdrop of New York City and its diverse cultures. As with the first, much emphasis is placed on the recovery process and Zelvin relays Kohler’s, as well as others’, constant battle with addiction in a realistic, empathetic manner. The plot moves at a quick pace with enough suspects to keep the reader guessing.
DOG ON IN by Spencer Quinn
DOG ON IT
by Spencer Quinn
Atria Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 9781416585831
Chet, the canine narrator of Dog On It, may have flunked out of K-9 school but he’s found his niche as partner to Bernie Little, owner of Little Detective Agency. Bernie is divorced and lonely and misses his son Charlie. Chet doesn’t understand the concept of money but takes his cues from Bernie and knows Bernie is worried about their finances. Bernie is hired by a divorced mom to find her missing daughter, Madison, who turns up unharmed with a story that’s obviously made up. A few days later, Madison is missing once more and this time Bernie suspects it’s the real thing. With Chet leading the way, they follow Madison’s trail, which takes them to a group of nefarious Russians determined to stop them from finding Madison.
Told from a dog’s point of view, Dog On It offers a refreshing addition to the mystery genre. Chet perceives most things through body language, odors, and tone of voice. His perceptions are adept and it is amusing how food and other things distract him. Chet’s thinking processes seem much like what this reviewer would attribute to a dog’s thoughts. The voice of Chet is amusing and a bit noir-ish, which suits the book. Fun read.
by Spencer Quinn
Atria Books/Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
ISBN: 9781416585831
Chet, the canine narrator of Dog On It, may have flunked out of K-9 school but he’s found his niche as partner to Bernie Little, owner of Little Detective Agency. Bernie is divorced and lonely and misses his son Charlie. Chet doesn’t understand the concept of money but takes his cues from Bernie and knows Bernie is worried about their finances. Bernie is hired by a divorced mom to find her missing daughter, Madison, who turns up unharmed with a story that’s obviously made up. A few days later, Madison is missing once more and this time Bernie suspects it’s the real thing. With Chet leading the way, they follow Madison’s trail, which takes them to a group of nefarious Russians determined to stop them from finding Madison.
Told from a dog’s point of view, Dog On It offers a refreshing addition to the mystery genre. Chet perceives most things through body language, odors, and tone of voice. His perceptions are adept and it is amusing how food and other things distract him. Chet’s thinking processes seem much like what this reviewer would attribute to a dog’s thoughts. The voice of Chet is amusing and a bit noir-ish, which suits the book. Fun read.
FIRST DEGREE by David Rosenfelt
FIRST DEGREE
by David Rosenfelt
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.twbookmark.com
ISBN: 978-0446555111
Attorney Andy Carpenter has been basking in the notoriety he gained by proving a client on death row innocent while living off the millions he inherited from his father. Andy has been more occupied lately with hanging out with Tara, the “best dog in the universe”, and trying to find a worthy charity to share his money with, and isn’t in too big of a hurry to get back in the courtroom. But when his investigator/lover Laurie Collins is arrested for the brutal death of a policeman she filed an ethics charge against, Andy’s on the case and ready to defend Laurie against a frame-up. But the evidence against Laurie keeps stacking up and Andy is faced with a formidable challenge: how to convince the jury of Laurie’s innocence.
This witty courtroom drama bypasses many of the same genre simply because it’s so much fun to read. Characters are well-developed and especially appealing is Tara, a dog Andy rescues from doggy death row at the animal shelter and to whom Andy is totally committed. There are plenty of legal maneuverings wrapped around a mystery that at times seems unsolvable. Rosenfelt’s first-tense presentation is filled with witty cynicisms amid an intriguing, fast-paced plot.
by David Rosenfelt
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020
www.twbookmark.com
ISBN: 978-0446555111
Attorney Andy Carpenter has been basking in the notoriety he gained by proving a client on death row innocent while living off the millions he inherited from his father. Andy has been more occupied lately with hanging out with Tara, the “best dog in the universe”, and trying to find a worthy charity to share his money with, and isn’t in too big of a hurry to get back in the courtroom. But when his investigator/lover Laurie Collins is arrested for the brutal death of a policeman she filed an ethics charge against, Andy’s on the case and ready to defend Laurie against a frame-up. But the evidence against Laurie keeps stacking up and Andy is faced with a formidable challenge: how to convince the jury of Laurie’s innocence.
This witty courtroom drama bypasses many of the same genre simply because it’s so much fun to read. Characters are well-developed and especially appealing is Tara, a dog Andy rescues from doggy death row at the animal shelter and to whom Andy is totally committed. There are plenty of legal maneuverings wrapped around a mystery that at times seems unsolvable. Rosenfelt’s first-tense presentation is filled with witty cynicisms amid an intriguing, fast-paced plot.
PLUM SPOOKY by Janet Evanovich
PLUM SPOOKY
by Janet Evanovich
St. Martin’s Press
175 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
ISBN 9780312383329
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum’s latest bond jumper is Munch, a quantum physics genius who looks like a kid. Munch has been seen hanging out with a tall man who strongly resembles a vampire and disappears in a cloud of smoke. Mysterious super-bounty hunter Diesel shows up at Stephanie’s apartment, telling her he’s tracking his cousin Wulf Grimoire, the very man who has befriended Munch. Wulf doesn’t mind twisting people’s necks and leaving his hand print branded on their skin, and his pairing with Munch cannot be good. Both are unstable and Diesel suspects Wulf has found the perfect person to help him gain power to control the world. Stephanie and Diesel team up to capture the two miscreants, who have taken up residence in the Pine Barrens, home to the Jersey Devil and all sorts of weird persons and creatures.
Stepping outside the Plum numerical series, Janet Evanovich offers her readers a fun romp with Stephanie and Diesel as they pursue Munch and Wulf. Add to this mix a monkey Stephanie is babysitting who seems more human than monkey and plays an integral part in the investigation. This is the perfect book to be read at Halloween, with some very strange goings on in the Pine Barrens, along with Diesel and Wulf, whose powers are a bit out of this world.
by Janet Evanovich
St. Martin’s Press
175 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
ISBN 9780312383329
Bounty hunter Stephanie Plum’s latest bond jumper is Munch, a quantum physics genius who looks like a kid. Munch has been seen hanging out with a tall man who strongly resembles a vampire and disappears in a cloud of smoke. Mysterious super-bounty hunter Diesel shows up at Stephanie’s apartment, telling her he’s tracking his cousin Wulf Grimoire, the very man who has befriended Munch. Wulf doesn’t mind twisting people’s necks and leaving his hand print branded on their skin, and his pairing with Munch cannot be good. Both are unstable and Diesel suspects Wulf has found the perfect person to help him gain power to control the world. Stephanie and Diesel team up to capture the two miscreants, who have taken up residence in the Pine Barrens, home to the Jersey Devil and all sorts of weird persons and creatures.
Stepping outside the Plum numerical series, Janet Evanovich offers her readers a fun romp with Stephanie and Diesel as they pursue Munch and Wulf. Add to this mix a monkey Stephanie is babysitting who seems more human than monkey and plays an integral part in the investigation. This is the perfect book to be read at Halloween, with some very strange goings on in the Pine Barrens, along with Diesel and Wulf, whose powers are a bit out of this world.
THE SCARECROW by Michael Connelly
THE SCARECROW
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown and Company/
Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
ISBN: 9780316166300
Jack McEvoy became a national bestselling author when he wrote a book about his experience with a serial killer named the Poet, and since then, he’s worked as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times. The Times, facing financial woes, decides to lay off 100 employees and Jack’s number 99. Jack decides to make a grand exit by writing a book about a 16-year-old drug dealer who claims he did not confess to strangling a young woman and stuffing her in the trunk of her car, although the police investigators state otherwise. Jack’s research connects this murder to one of a similar nature in Las Vegas, at which time, he notifies FBI agent Rachel Walling, whose arrival saves Jack’s life from a serial murderer enraged that Jack has “outed” him and means to stop Jack from further investigating.
Fans of The Poet will enjoy Jack McEvoy’s reappearance in this book. Connelly takes his reader into the world of print newspapers, emphasizing their continuing decline due to the internet and cable news programs. McEvoy is a character with flaws, which makes him all the more interesting. He teams up with Rachel Walling, who played a part in The Poet, and the two are a strong team as they track the killer, a computer whiz who has stayed below the radar for years while killing and isn’t too happy someone is trying to stop him.
by Michael Connelly
Little, Brown and Company/
Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
ISBN: 9780316166300
Jack McEvoy became a national bestselling author when he wrote a book about his experience with a serial killer named the Poet, and since then, he’s worked as a crime reporter for the Los Angeles Times. The Times, facing financial woes, decides to lay off 100 employees and Jack’s number 99. Jack decides to make a grand exit by writing a book about a 16-year-old drug dealer who claims he did not confess to strangling a young woman and stuffing her in the trunk of her car, although the police investigators state otherwise. Jack’s research connects this murder to one of a similar nature in Las Vegas, at which time, he notifies FBI agent Rachel Walling, whose arrival saves Jack’s life from a serial murderer enraged that Jack has “outed” him and means to stop Jack from further investigating.
Fans of The Poet will enjoy Jack McEvoy’s reappearance in this book. Connelly takes his reader into the world of print newspapers, emphasizing their continuing decline due to the internet and cable news programs. McEvoy is a character with flaws, which makes him all the more interesting. He teams up with Rachel Walling, who played a part in The Poet, and the two are a strong team as they track the killer, a computer whiz who has stayed below the radar for years while killing and isn’t too happy someone is trying to stop him.
LIFE SENTENCES by Laura Lippman
LIFE SENTENCES
by Laura Lippman
Harper Collins
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN 9780061128899
Author Cassandra Fallows, with two successful memoirs behind her, tries her hand at fiction, which falls flat. When Cassandra reads about a former school friend jailed for contempt for not revealing the whereabouts of her baby’s body, Cassandra gets the idea to write about her childhood and her friends, and the events that lead them to their present-day lives. She returns to Baltimore to interview her family and friends, only to be met with resistance. Calliope Jenkins, the woman accused of murdering her baby and hiding his body, has disappeared and no one wants to talk about where she is or what happened. As Cassandra digs deeper into the past, painful truths about her own life and those of her friends are revealed which could impact their lives in a negative way if disclosed.
Laura Lippman, known for the Tess Monaghan series, is adroit at character development, slowly peeling away layers of persona as the book progresses. Life Sentences is a compelling read, exploring the dynamics of childhood friendships and family relationships.
by Laura Lippman
Harper Collins
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
www.harpercollins.com
ISBN 9780061128899
Author Cassandra Fallows, with two successful memoirs behind her, tries her hand at fiction, which falls flat. When Cassandra reads about a former school friend jailed for contempt for not revealing the whereabouts of her baby’s body, Cassandra gets the idea to write about her childhood and her friends, and the events that lead them to their present-day lives. She returns to Baltimore to interview her family and friends, only to be met with resistance. Calliope Jenkins, the woman accused of murdering her baby and hiding his body, has disappeared and no one wants to talk about where she is or what happened. As Cassandra digs deeper into the past, painful truths about her own life and those of her friends are revealed which could impact their lives in a negative way if disclosed.
Laura Lippman, known for the Tess Monaghan series, is adroit at character development, slowly peeling away layers of persona as the book progresses. Life Sentences is a compelling read, exploring the dynamics of childhood friendships and family relationships.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
