THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

I been sick over the Christmas so i did nothing but read and also listen to 2 audio books Here are the books I read and Listen to

Fear Collector by Gregg Olsen I had this book for over a year and I finally got it read I started it Christmas Morning and had it finish by christmas night. I really loved it

The Bone Box by Gregg Olsen This was a short story that come with his Fear Collector, It was very good story

Now here is the audio books i listen to
Perfect Nightmare by John Saul & No Sanctuary by Richard Laymon both book I liked very much

Finished Tracy Chevalier's next effort after Girl with the Pearl Earring (set in a place and an era about which modern readers probably have fewer expectations). This time it's London, 1900-1910: Falling Angels

My take: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A Conspiracy of Friends by Alexander McCall Smith

The residents of Corduroy Mansions and their cohorts - as well as the sweet pooch Freddie de la Hay - are up to their usual interesting antics in this 3rd book in the series. It's alway nice to curl up with an Alexander McCall Smith book and a cup of coffee/tea (or glass of wine). 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren

This political novel, written in the 1940s, is just as relevant today as when it was published. The story is about a governor who'd do anything to get his way - including bullying, bribery, and blackmail. Along the way he betrays his family and corrupts a good man. Excellent book. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Invasion of Privacy by Perri O'Shaughnessy

Attorney Nina Reilly defends her ex-boyfriend when he's accused of murdering a filmmaker (who happens to be his former wife.) Lots of good courtroom scenes. 3 stars

My complete review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A last gasp in 2017: Agincourt

my take: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Late Show by Michael Connelly

Michael Connelly launches a new series featuring Detective Renee Ballard, who has a great dog Lola. :)

In this story Renee investigates a stolen credit card; a vicious assault on a transgender prostitute; and a multiple homicide in a nightclub. And to fit in with current events, Renee had a fall from grace after accusing a former boss of sexual harassment. (That guy needs to get fired!!!)
Good launch to the series. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

After one grim year, a look back at an earlier, even grimmer one: The Heretic's Daughter

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Craig wrote: "After one grim year, a look back at an earlier, even grimmer one: The Heretic's Daughter

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2..."

Great review. This subject is just endlessly fascinating :)

Over the weekend i read these
The Eleventh Victim by Nancy Grace I finally read this book i had it for the longest and I really liked it Gonna have to read her others in this series

Shell Game by Carol O'Connell This book wasnt good at all. I found it pretty boring I got it finish but it just wasnt good as i though it would be

I will be starting on these now
By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz It's a reread for a BOTM on Dean Koontz Group. I read it before but for like of me i cant remember what is about, Then I will start on All Fall Down by Erica Spindler

Macbeth by Jo Nesbø

This is Jo Nesbø's updated "Macbeth" - part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series.
In this version, set in a downtrodden European city beset by drug problems, Macbeth is a SWAT officer who murders his way to the office of police department Chief Commissioner. He then wipes out anyone who suspects him of homicide or threatens his power. Pretty true to the original. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith

In this addition to the series Ma Makutsi plans her wedding to Phuti Radiphuti while Ma Ramotswe- owner of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency - deals with a case involving maimed cattle. Interesting to see wedding customs in Botswana. 3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by B.J. Novak

This is a book of (mostly) humorous anecdotes and random thoughts by B.J. Novak - who played Ryan Howard on the TV show 'The Office'.....as well as being a writer and producer on the show.

He's a very funny, very intelligent guy. 3.5 stars

My completre review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Currently reading The Alienist, mainly because I really want to see how it ends and finish before the TNT series.

I am reading The Just City which is about an experiment by the gods to create Plato's republic on earth. My brother bought it for me for Christmas .He has never been wrong yet about what ill appeal to me. He has a magical gift of always getting it spot on ever since we ere kids and we're both in our 50s. So I'm expecting good things from this ,although I've never read Plato's republic .

Franky wrote: "Currently reading The Alienist, mainly because I really want to see how it ends and finish before the TNT series."

I read this. It's a good book. I'm looking forward to the TV series.

White Plague by James Abel

Lieutenant Colonel Joe Rush is a man you'd want around in an emergency. He's a Marine, a doctor, and an expert on biological weapons. So when the nuclear submarine 'USS Montana' is stranded on the surface of the Arctic Ocean, on fire, with a crew that's dying from a mysterious illness that kills in days (if not hours) - AND a massive Arctic storm is approaching - the Pentagon knows who to call. Good thriller. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly. I love the Harry Bosch novels and this one was no exception. A great thriller.

Bobby

Bobby wrote: "Two Kinds of Truth by Michael Connelly. I love the Harry Bosch novels and this one was no exception. A great thriller.

Bobby"

This is a good one. :)

Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith

Architect Guy Haines and n'er do well Charles Bruno happen to meet on a train. Haines gripes about the wife he's divorcing and Bruno complains about his father. Bruno gets the idea they should 'exchange murders' and the plot takes off from there.
Adapted into a movie by Hitchcock. Good book. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Richard Russo's second novel: The Risk Pool. Should appeal to Russo fans, those who like father-son sagas, and "coming of age" stories.

My take: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Craig wrote: "Richard Russo's second novel: The Risk Pool. Should appeal to Russo fans, those who like father-son sagas, and "coming of age" stories.

My take: htt..."

I read his book Everybody's Fool. Also filled with quirky characters.

Just got done with these books
Carrie by Stephen King I listen to the audio book from SIssy Spacek I read the book before but i though i would give it another go at it Its still one my favs

By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz It's a reread for Dean Koontz Group Still love it it

All Fall Down by Erica Spindler I though i read this before but i didnt. I really loved it couldnt put down!

Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson A New Author for me and I really loved this book I will have to check out more from him!

As a fan of historical fiction, I'm now deeply immersed in reading "Goodnight from London" by Jennifer Robson. It is loosely based on a true story and is centered on a young American journalist, Ruby Sutton, who is given the opportunity to work out of London from the summer of 1940 onward providing stories of the lives of ordinary people in wartime Britain.

Shannon wrote: "Just got done with these books
Carrie by Stephen King I listen to the audio book from SIssy Spacek I read the book before but i though i would give it another go at it It..."

Nice batch of books Shannon. I liked Carrie also....book and movie. :)

Star Trek Movie Memories by William Shatner

William Shatner relates interesting/fun stories about making the Star Trek movies (that were based on the original series). Shatner directed one and Nimoy directed two of these films. I always like Shatner's books about his Star Trek experiences. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Almost Interesting by David Spade

In this memoir, Spade talks growing up in Arizona, his tough climb to success, and LOTS about his time with Saturday Night Live.,,,,and the movies he was in.
It's a very fun, interesting book. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The House of Silk by Anthony Horowitz

In this pastiche, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson start out investigating a stalking/burglary and end up looking into a murder connected to VIPs in the highest levels of British society. The book captures the voice of Arthur Conan Doyle very well.
3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Recently, I began reading a very intriguing novel, "The Futures" by Anna Pitoniak. It's both a coming-of-age novel and a NYC-based novel largely centered around 2 people (Evan and Julia) who met while they were students in Yale University. Both their lives are profoundly altered by the impact of the 2008 economic crisis.

I'm very impressed both with the story and the quality of the writing.

The English Spy by Daniel Silva

Israeli spy/art restorer Gabriel Allon sets out to get Quinn, the assassin who killed his first wife and child years ago.....and just recently murdered a British princess. Lots of action and spycraft in this thriller. Very good book. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Then Again by Diane Keaton

In this memoir Diane Keaton (an American actor, producer, and director) talks about growing up in a large family in California, her career, her romances, her adopted children, and especially her mother. She calls this a story about her mother and herself.
Interesting story. 3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Artemis by Andy Weir

Jazz, a brilliant young woman who works as delivery girl and a smuggler, lives in Artemis - a city on the moon. When Jazz agrees to do more serious capers, things start to go badly wrong....... Good story in a fine (moon) setting. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin

Detective John Rebus tries to track down a serial killer targeting young girls while still troubled by his brutal Army special forces training many years ago. Good start to the series. 3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

When Abraham Lincoln's 11-year-old son dies, the President visits his departed boy in Oak Hill Cemetery....which is inhabited by many 'spirits' who haven't moved on......and have a lot to say. This is an imaginative, unusual story. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Plague Land by S.D. Sykes


When 18-year-old Oswald de Lacy becomes Lord of Somerhill Manor (in the 1300s) he's immediately faced with a murder on his estate. Though ill-prepared to be a 'detective', Oswald investigates amidst a lot of family drama and corruption. Good historical mystery....heavy on the history. 3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson

Londoner Kate Priddy temporarily swaps apartments with her Boston cousin Corbin Dell. The day after Kate moves into the Boston building, Corbin's next door neighbor is found murdered.

This is a complex novel of psychological suspense but it's slow and repetitive and has some serious plot defects. 3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner

Three members of a wealthy family are kidnapped and law enforcement - as well as private security - desperately try to find them. The story is just okay. 3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Stephen Colbert's Midnight Confessions by Stephen Colbert

The is the book version of Stephen Colbert's skit - "Midnight Confessions" - from his late night talk show. Quick fun read. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich

In the 1990s Barbara Ehrenreich, a writer and activist, tried to get by on minimum wage jobs (as a social experiment)..... and wrote up her experience in this book. She found it impossible to live decently (even with no kids).....and the situation hasn't changed much. Excellent book. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

In this second book in the series, private detective Cormoran Strike - and his assistant Robin - investigate the death of a writer who had lots of enemies. Good atmospheric story. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

IQ by Joe Ide

IQ (Isaiah Quintabe) - who lives in a rough section of LA - is a 'consulting detective' along the lines of Sherlock Holmes. In this book IQ and his sidekick, Dodson, look into the attempted murder of a rapper. The book is engaging and funny. Excellent start to a new series. 4 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho

Veronika, a 24-year-old girl in Slovenia, gets tired of life and decides to commit suicide. She awakes in a mental institution and interacts with various patients. Okay book.
3 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Just got done reading
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie Trying to get all her books read I really love this one

Burntown by Jennifer McMahon Another good book by Jennifer McMahon I couldnt put it down

Blood Work by Michael Connelly Very good book its one his older one

Shannon wrote: "Just got done reading
The Thirteen Problems by Agatha Christie Trying to get all her books read I really love this one
..."

I love Christie's books. :)

Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll

Ani FaNelli seems to have it all - a good job; expensive clothes; a nice apartment; a hotshot fiance. But there are dark secrets in her past that still adversely affect her life. Good booi. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Sellout by Paul Beatty

In this prize-winning satire a black farmer decides to segregate his California town. The lawsuits that result end up in the Supreme Court. Entertaining humorous book with a serious message. 3.5 stars

My complete review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Lie by Moonlight by Amanda Quick

During the Victorian Era, young schoolteacher Concordia Glade has to save her pretty teenage students from being sold to brothels. She's aided by a dashing private inquiry agent. Entertaining romantic suspense. 3 stars

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Barbara wrote: "The Sellout by Paul Beatty

In this prize-winning satire a black farmer decides to segregate his California town. The lawsuits that r..."

Paul Beatty was the first American writer to be awarded the Mann Booker Prize for The Sellout. The Mann Booker is one of the top literary awards in the world. Kudos to him.

Finders Keepers by Stephen King

This is the second book in King's 'Mr. Mercedes" trilogy. In this book there's a lot of trouble over an author's personal notebooks....which contain unpublished novels. Detective Bill Hodges and his very talented (though odd) crew get involved.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...