Hazleton just keeps getting better
924315
Jezebel is a captivating read, but more importantly, it illuminates a period of human history fraught with religious prejudices, and it does it in the best way possible--by exploring the original documents. Hazleton's research was exhaustive and everything she says is explained in the context of the times. It's like she was there and witness to the dawn of monotheism. Anyone who includes religion in their conversation ought to read Jezebel.
1398276
Brenda Slaughter needed a sports agent and also needed someone to protect her from the evil that is haunting her.  That sets the stage for the next Myron Bolitar adventure.  Characters and story are once again first rate as Harlan Coben delivers another winner.

All our favorites are back!  Win, Esperanza and Jessica are all back in the newest adventure and Myron has a new client that he must protect.  Brenda Slaughter knows that someone is out to get her but she doesn't know who.  Her father, who is an old friend of Myron's is top of the list of suspects but is not the only one. As the suspects mount up he also finds himself getting in the middle of a 25 year old mystery that involves Brenda's mom who has been missing ever since and death of another that could have been murder. Of course it is up to Myron to figure out the mystery.  As the story goes forward it is obvious to all that Myron is starting to develop feelings for Brenda.

Another winner by Coben as each novel does build off the previous but each one also a great individual story.  I would suggest reading them in order but it is not necessary.  This series is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.  As I mentioned characters and the stories are the strengths and the humor is also a lot of fun.

Grade: A+
4208321
I am a big fan of this series, though I wasn't thrilled with The Language of Bees. I thought some goofy changes were launched and didn't particularly like the new characters, Holmes's new relatives and villains included; I also didn't appreciate a two-volume arc where I had to wait so long to get the conclusion. That said, I really enjoyed this novel. Point of view alternated between Holmes and Russell, maybe a 2 to 1 ratio, and both were great. Holmes' part involved a lot of detection and his unique take on events unfolding, while Russell's part was fun and introduced a spectacular character, Robert Goodman -- a shell-shocked veteran of WW1 who rescues Russell and crew from a crashed plane. Goodman is fantastic, and I loved every scene with him in it. We see a bit of Mycroft, which is good, and not much of Holmes's son, which is even better.

The story begins where The Language of Bees left off (and you should read that novel first), with Dr. Brothers wounded and fleeing for help to a mysterious and powerful malefactor, who seems much more menacing than Brothers ever did. We see Billy again, of the Baker Street Irregulars, and travel to bolt-holes and into hidden rooms galore! Lots of fun.
2474311
These stories are just getting better. I just started the fourth one and can't put them down. I rarely start a series or author that was totally new to me and then go through the books this quickly. In Nodaway Trail, Ruben is becoming more mature, developing a clearer understanding of his purpose in life. I love when he discovers something new and the explanation he gives. In this one, he and Homer were told of a new fangled machine that can make thousands of cigarettes at a time. No more hand rolling 'em and Homer's response made me laugh out loud. It also has more bad guys, more of Miss Harmony and good gun fights.
4292430
This is an excellent sequel to the debut novel, Holmes on the Range, featuring the prodigious Amlingmeyer brothers. The amateur sleuths take their cues from the king of all sleuths, Sherlock Holmes, and they are once again on the track(literally)of a killer.

This novel takes place on a train bound for San Francisco. Otto & Gustave have been promoted from cowpokes to railroad detectives courtesy of an old west hero himself. Included are a cast of characters every bit as diverse, enigmatic and onery, not to mention just as deadly, as any we met in the first novel. Throw in a gang of train robbers, a poisonous snake on the loose, hidden gold and an ancient Chinese treasure and you've got the setting for an incredible ride - until the train comes off the track that is!

I am pleased to note the depth of growth in these characters since the first novel. The author seems adroit not only in expanding the character development of Otto & Gustav, but in the peripheral characters as well. His skill at creating exciting situations and unexpected events and subplots will keep the reader quessing at every turn.

With witty prose and sharp dialogue, not to mention the uproarus chapter headings, this series is not to be missed.
I have only recently found this author and his indegfatigable characters. Yet after the fist book, I am completely in love with them!
I am looking forward to many future adventures with the loquacious Otto (aka Big Red) Amlingmeyer and his older & far more laconic brother, Gustav (aka Old Red).
There could be no better homage the great detective.
642372
Dawn Lee McKenna writes and fleshes out wonderful, believable characters and constantly keeps the story moving.
Each book is a stand alone book, but if you're a fan, you realize that these books are a series and the back story is every bit as important as the current episode.  In each book the reader learns more and more about the main characters, thus involving the reader in a way that makes the reader feel like, at the very least, a member of the Apalach community.
I am certainly looking forward to the next phase of Maggie and Wyatt's stories.
4608032
I've been skipping around in this series, and while that's not ideal, I've enjoyed every book so far. Which suggests you can jump in at any point. Of the three books I've read, this is the best.

Even with multiple story lines going, it's always clear what's happening, while the sheer eventfulness of the plot makes for great momentum. The criminal activity is highly original and appalling.  And there's loads of human interest. Poke Rafferty's Thai wife Rose is pregnant, and it's not going well. Poke's adopted daughter Miaow is maturing and starting to attract boys.

Poke is an appealing protagonist -- both a sentimental man at the mercy of his emotions and a risk-taker quick to rush into the thick of the action. Having married an ex-prostitute and adopted an ex-street kid, Poke has very interesting relationships.

There are plenty of fascinating subsidiary characters too. Most notably a young ladyboy bar "girl" and a young woman cop who lives to punish men who mistreat women. The macho plot elements are fun as well, in particular the repartee between Poke and his cop friend Arthit.

The denouement is hold-your-breath exciting. The narrative start to finish shows an impressive storytelling flair and a masterful sense of timing. I loved this thriller, and I've ordered more Poke Rafferty thrillers to get all the reading pleasure I can out of the engaging characters and exotic atmosphere in this series.
1359067
Ted pulls in materials from at least 2 previous books - HOUSE and SHOWDOWN and weaves another fanatactic story of the battle  between good and evil . I read it in 24 hours because it pulls you in and won't let go . He has excellent , believable characters and a great storyline . Now I'll ned to return to the prevous books and reread them . Keep up the good work , Ted !!
2472596
This is the second book in the Bregdan Chronicles and in my opinion, the series just keeps getting better!  This story picks up where Storm Clouds left off. Thomas Cromwell is still playing an intricate roll on Governor Letchers staff in Richmond and Carrie is continuing to run the Cromwell Plantation with the help of the slaves.  Lieutenant Robert Borden is fighting with General Stonewall Jackson.  Carrie and Robert love each other but as with a lot of people in the South, they still cannot reconcile their differences over slavery.  Ike Adams continues to be a thorn in Carries side, creating trouble and havoc for her every chance he gets.  New characters are added to keep the story interesting and we also say goodbye to some others.

Im not usually a fan of a series, but Im hooked on this one. The individuals from the first book just keep getting more stimulating.  Their storyline, as well as their characters, keep evolving.  Add to that, the introduction of new individuals and scenarios and you have the recipe for a book that you cant put down.

Again, this book comes with a high recommendation from me.  All ages will enjoy.  It could be read separately from the first because the background is expanded on sufficiently enough that you could pick up the plot, but I do recommend starting with the Storm Clouds Rolling In for maximum enjoyment.  Just a warning though, I stayed up till 1 a.m. cause I just had to find out how this one ended!!
2217672
I've been enjoying this series so much. It just keeps getting better and better.  The main characters are fun and funny and have been developing through the series.  But my favorite is Aunt Tillie; we learn more and more about her as the series goes on.  This episode has a high school reunion as its backdrop, and who hasn't wanted to cast a spell or two on a few people in their high school class?  A very satisfying addition to the series; possibly my favorite so far.
387898
Again I applaud Ms. Guy for capturing my attention once again in this series.
I appreciate the returning characters and the new characters that are introduced.
I  appreciate the drama and dilemmas that areintergrated  with the story line that is
 mixed with real life situations and humor.  I look forward to a fourth in the Cresent
Falls Series.
2913886
I have been a devoted follower of  the Inspector Lynley novels  since I first discovered them with "A Great Deliverance". Always interesting, intriguing and satisfying these books leave me wanting more.  The stories of Lynley, Havers and their wonderful cast of characters are so great that once started I can not put down.  I have read every one in order.  The tragedies and triumphs and workings of the British police procedurals fascinate me.  This latest novel is one the best. From beginning to end Havers infuriates and fascinates while Lynley,'s calm yet frustrated reactions to Havers actions are classic.  The twists and turns from England to Italy move the story in ways that really can't be described. Just open the book and enjoy.  Barbara Havers is at her worst and best while Thomas Lynley as usual sees her through till the end.
4261141
This 3rd volume in the Displaced Detective series once again picks up where the previous book ended, bringing the reader ever deeper into the living, breathing world illuminated by Stephanie Osborn's delightful skills at storytelling. The characters do not merely strut and fret across a stage. Rather they move and speak with realism, in a style at once as familiar as old friends, yet dramatically fitting for the adventure they are living. Once again, Stephanie Osborn's eye for detail brings the sets and settings of the story to vivid life. The action plays out in the reader's mind like a well-crafted film. Osborn's love for the characters and joy in the story are brought home even more fully than every before. With each volume, this series gets better and better.
3453523
This series just improves with each installment. The characters are so well developed you feel like you know them. The scenery is so well described you have a perfect vision of it. And then there's the action!  I love this series and this third volume  exceeds expectations!
3005728
An excellent read in which each book in the series just gets better and better. Don't hesitate to purchase this volume - just buy it - you won't regret it. I can't wait to explore some of the author's other books, and I'm desperately hoping he'll continue this story into many more books.
695623
I have been hooked on this series since the beginning.  It was very hard to wait for this novel, but it was worth waiting for.  Fran Cahill is the daughter of one of the wealthiest men in NY at the turn of the century.  She is engaged to an even wealthier and more powerful man.  They have a bit of a conflict over the fact that she had been in love with his biggest rival, his half brother, who just happens to be the Police Commissioner of NYC.  Fran and Rick have solved quite a few crimes together, and still work together, in spite of strain over her recent engagement, and his injured wife.

This latest story involves a killer called the Slasher, who kills young women of Irish descent.  One of the victims lives near Fran's friend Maggie Kennedy's home.  She fears that Maggie and another acquaintance from a previous case, could become victims also.  The murder mystery is full of twists and turns and possible murderers.  Bragg's problems within the Police Department continue to evolve, Chief Farr is a definite problem.  Calder's reputation endangers the engagement, Mr. Cahill is very much against it.  Daisy Jones, the former mistress causes alot of trouble also.  All in all this one is one of the best of the series.  I couldn't put it down once I started it, unfortunately, it will be a long time before the next one.
4717115
Body on Baker Street is a great addition to Vicki Delany's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. When Renalta Van Markoff, a famous author, drops all of her engagements and wants a book signing at the last minute, Gemma makes it happen.  She puts up posters, spreads the signing via word of mouth, and makes sure to have a bunch of the authors books on hand and ready to go. The town is excited to have such a spectacular author visiting them - well, most of the town.  After Donald Morris and Renalta get into a verbal sparring match after Renalta's speech, Renalta falls face town on the table during the subsequent book signing event. Donald is the prime suspect having not only threatened the author to her face but also spreading his views around prior to Renalta's arrival.  Gemma knows that Donald didn't do it but proving that is a bit harder than she anticipated.

 The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series is wonderful and keeps getting better.  I really liked book one but I love book 2. Full of quirky characters, red herrings, and twists and turns, I was kept fully engaged and sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the entire novel. There are a multiple threads developed within the mystery that seem unrelated then, masterfully, everything comes together into an "A-ha" moment.  I enjoyed every bit of Body on Baker Street.

Gemma is painfully observant but unlike in book one, it isn't to the point that she tends to alienate herself and the people around her. She does, perhaps do it on purpose when one specific police officer is involved though.  Her bluntness isn't intended to be malicious most of the time and that's what makes her character quirky and lovable. She pulls some hair-brained schemes that put her in a lot of danger but ultimately the bad guy/gal is caught. Our cozy mystery heroine lack common sense sometimes but it all works out in the end.

The supporting characters really round out this great cozy mystery. Gemma's best friend Jayne is her reluctant partner-in-crime but she has Gemma's back regardless of the situation. Ryan is one of the police officers assigned to the case involving the death of  Renalta Van Markoff. He and Gemma have a history that sometimes gets in the way of the investigation. The chemistry between them is definitely there, even if the pair try not to acknowledge those feelings.  I hope to see a bit more development between the two of them in the next book. They don't have to get right back into a relationship but I'd like to feel by the end of the book that they are make headway. I like them together and don't mind romances that don't take over the book but are there in the background. It makes the characters more realistic to me.

The plot was laid out well and the character development and world building continued on nicely. I did NOT suspect who was behind everything or the reason. The author did a great job masking all of that and bringing in other contenders who fit the bill, too.

I enjoyed Body on Baker Street and can't wait to see what Gemma gets involved in next.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley.