THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

I'm now reading the novel "Miss You" by Kate Eberlen --- which carries a theme similar to the FANTASTIC "One Day" by David Nicholls. I'm enjoying it very much, getting to know the 2 main characters who hail from disparate backgrounds in late 1990s Britain.

The Night Searchers by Marcia Muller

In this addition to the series, PI Sharon McCone investigates satanic rituals and a kidnapping. As usual, Sharon gets help from colleagues, family, and friends. Engaging mystery. 3 stars

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

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

After the Russian Revolution, Count Alexander Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in the elegant Metropol Hotel for the rest of his life. The Count goes on to have quite an interesting existence. Good story. 4.5 stars


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

Sick Puppy by Carl Hiaasen

In this comic novel, an eco-terrorist tries to teach a rich litterer a lesson by filling his cars with garbage and dung beetles. He also stages a home invasion, kidnaps the miscreants dog.....and his wife (who goes along voluntarily). This book is hilarious. 3.5 stars

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

Turkey Trot Murder by Leslie Meier

In this addition to the series, journalist Lucy Stone looks into the death of a college girl who apparently drowned in a lake. The author addresses the topics of xenophobia and drug addiction in the story, and overdoes it a bit. 3 stars

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

Dying Truth by Angela Marsons

In this 8th addition to the series, D.I. Kim Stone and her team investigate deaths at an elite boarding school. (You wouldn't want to sent your kids here!!)
Good mystery, worth reading. But I couldn't quite suspend disbelief in the school's 'entitlement.' 3 stars

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

How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You by Matthew Inman

Hilarious cartoons about nefarious - and very clever - pet cats.

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

Fire and Ice by J.A. Jance

In this book the law enforcement officials in J.A. Jance's two popular mystery series - Arizona Sheriff Joanna Brady and Seattle homicide investigator J.P. Beaumont (Beau) - work together (via phone) to solve some baffling crimes. Okay mystery. 3 stars

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

The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell

'The Room' is a 2003 movie that was expected to go to the movie garbage dump and never be heard of again.
Instead it became an unlikely cult hit. This book tells the hilarious story about the movie - which was written, directed, and financed by it's unlikely star, Tommy Wiseau. 4 stars

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

Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica

When Esther disappears from her Chicago apartment, her roommate can't quite bring herself to call the police, and tries to look into the matter herself.

Meanwhile, a mysterious woman shows up across town and mesmerizes a young busboy.

Kubica's books are very popular, but this story moves too slowly for my taste. 3 stars

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

Rough Weather by Robert B. Parker

In this 36th 'Spenser' mystery, the private detective deals with murder and abduction. The book can be read as a standalone.
Spenser is hired to provide security at a wedding, and - much to his chagrin - the bride is kidnapped. Typical Spenser book; fans of quick read mysteries - and Spenser followers - will enjoy it. 3 stars.

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

I'm now deeply immersed in reading "The Ambulance Drivers: Hemingway, Dos Passos, and a Friendship Made and Lost in War" by James McGrath Morris.



It's a highly fascinating book which sheds considerable light on the lives and literary careers of both John Dos Passos and Ernest Hemingway, as well as the rise and fall of their friendship. A friendship that was first formed in Europe in June 1918.

The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat by Edward Kelsey Moore

The Supremes are three African-American women who've been friends since childhood. They're now married, and the story gives us snapshots into their lives and loves. Very good book....funny, dramatic, and heartfelt. 4 stars

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

Dangerous Minds by Janet Evanovich

In this second book in the series, billionaire adventurer Emerson Knight and his sidekick - financial analyst Riley Moon - once again have try to save the world from a disastrous villainous scheme. Plenty of laughs and amusing characters in this fun cozy mystery. 3.5 stars

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

The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues by Edward Kelsey Moore

In this second book about 'The Supremes' - Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean - the trio of best friends deal with issues from the past as well as current things going on in their lives. The book has it all: interesting characters, a good story, heartache, and lots of laughs. Good book. 4 stars

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

Niceville by Carsten Stroud

Numerous sudden disappearances, a murderous bank robbery, and other nefarious occurrences in Niceville are investigated by a cop; his lawyer wife; and a government agent. Complex mystery. 3 stars

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

__________________________

By Its Cover by Donna Leon

Valuable old manuscripts are being defaced and stolen in Italy....and this might be associated with the murder of a former priest. Commissario Brunetti investigates. Nice descriptions of Italy - and delicious homemade meals - in the story. 3 stars

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

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel

This is the true story of Christopher Knight, also known as 'The North Pond Hermit', who lived alone - without human contact - in the Maine woods for 27 years. Fascinating story. 3.5 stars

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

Die Like an Eagle by Donna Andrews

In this 20th book in the series, amateur sleuth Meg Lanslow investigates the murder of a kids' league baseball umpire. Entertaining cozy. 3 stars

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

The Trouble With Charlie by Merry Jones

When elementary school teacher Elle Harrison finds the stabbed body of her estranged husband in her house, Elle becomes the prime suspect. Even Charlie's ghost accuses her of killing him! 👻 This is a fun cozy mystery with a paranormal touch. 3 stars

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

The Purity of Vengeance by Jussi Adler-Olsen

In this addition to the 'Department Q' series, Detective Morck's team deals with an evil Nazi-leaning politico and a woman who wants revenge for a difficult childhood. Very good mystery. 4 stars

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

The Bone Orchard by Paul Doiron

In this addition to the series, hunting/fishing guide Mike Dowditch investigates the nearly fatal shooting of his former mentor. The story meanders along too slowly. 2 stars.

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

Just got done reading this
Hide Away by Iris Johansen I like it but her series IMO is getting stale Its not as good as it use to be

You Will Pay by Lisa Jackson I really loved this one IMO this is her best book in years!

A Talent for Murder by Andrew Wilson Not a good book IMO

The Widow's House by Carol Goodman I really like this book and this is first book i read from this author i will be checking out more from her!

Them Bones by Carolyn Haines I really loved this one I will be reading more in this seires

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie Simply a Classic! I am gonna try to read all her books

The Secret, Book and Scone Society by Ellery Adams I liked it alot Will read more in this series

Shannon wrote: "Them Bones by Carolyn Haines I really loved this one I will be reading more in this seires
..."

I'm reading Greedy Bones by Carolyn Haines. I like this series too.

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

The usual zany fun as Stephanie helps out at Ranger's security company, Lula and Grandma Mazur enter a barbecue contest, and killers are on the loose. Janet Evanovich has a formula for these books, and she sticks to it. 3 stars

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

The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind: My Tale of Madness and Recovery by Barbara K. Lipska with Elaine McArdle

This memoir by Barbara Lipska - a scientist at the National Institutes of Mental Health - describes the 'temporary insanity' she experienced during treatment for metastatic brain cancer. Very interesting story. 3.5 stars

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

*******

For people interested in this topic, I previously reviewed
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan

Cahalan developed a rare autoimmune disorder that resulted in a month of madness. Also very interesting. 3.5 stars

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

Lion Plays Rough by Lachlan Smith

In this second book in the series, defense lawyer Leo Maxwell looks into the case of a young man supposedly set up by a corrupt cop. The book can be read as a standalone.
3 stars

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

The Space Between Words by Michèle Phoenix

This book, which is "chick lit- historical fiction - Christian fiction", revolves around the terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015 and the historic persecution of the French Huguenots.

Jessica is an American who's injured during the ISIS attacks. During her recuperation she finds a diary that compels her to research the Huguenots. Interesting story. 3 stars

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

Moscow Bound is a high-energy international thriller written by a man who has been well-grounded in his book setting. Adrian Churchward was an international attorney stationed in Moscow for years and it shows. His hero is also an attorney so Adrian offers insights that can only be obtained "by being there and doing that."

Adrian paints a bleak picture of life in Moscow and the power invested in the oligarchs who rule present day Russia. Great plot, interesting characters and a fast paced story make for several late night reads! Highly recommended.

https://www.amazon.com/Moscow-Bound-P...

Brinn wrote: "Moscow Bound is a high-energy international thriller written by a man who has been well-grounded in his book setting. Adrian Churchward was an international attorney stationed in Moscow for years a..."

Sounds like a good book.

Fox Is Framed by Lachlan Smith

In this 3rd book in the series, Leo Maxwell's father is being re-tried for killing his wife and Leo - who thought his dad was guilty - decides to help defend him. 3 stars

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

Death by Séance by Jo-Ann Carson

In this third book in the series, private detective - and witch - Abby Jenkins investigates a death at a séance. The book can be read as a standalone. Good cozy. 3 stars

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

The Mars Room by Rachel Kushner.It's a gritty, dark story about a woman imprisoned for killing her stalker, who has a son on the outside and it smashed my heart and then put it back together again. Kusher, I think, is a genius. Caroline

Just got done read Dear Amy by Helen Callaghan I bought this from our local Dollar Tree the other day and I really liked it. I am gonna have to see if our library has any from her!

Reading Obsessed by Joseph Badal...just came out...opening pages are intriguing...gonna be great! I've read several of his books...

I am reading "Youngblood," by John Oliver Killens, which was one of last books that my brother read and recommended before he past away.

Greedy Bones by Carolyn Haines

In this addition to the series, private detective Sarah Booth Delaney investigates a mysterious illness in her home town. Sarah Booth's personal ghost, Jitty, is on hand to kibbitz her along. 👻 Good cozy. 3 stars

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

The Last Precinct by Patricia Cornwell

In this addition to the series, Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta is troubled by personal problems while she's working to solve several murders. In this series, the characters lives evolve from book to book, so it's best to read the books in order.
This is a pretty good mystery. 3 stars

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

Bono: The Amazing Story of a Rescue Cat Who Inspired a Community by Helen Brown

Helen Brown is an Australian writer whose adopted cats have helped her (and her family) deal with tragic hardships. In this book, another feline....a New York cat named Bono....helps the author deal with her 'two-thirds life crisis.' Bono is a sweet, healing cat. Good book.
4 stars

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

The Cat Who Dropped a Bombshell by Lilian Jackson Braun

In this 28th book in the series, newspaper columnist/billionaire Jim Qwilleran is very involved in his town's 150th anniversary activities while his 'psychic' Siamese cat signals criminal activity. Not a great mystery, but an okay human interest story. 3 stars

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

The Wanted by Robert Crais

In this addition to the 'Elvis Cole - Joe Pike' series, the Los Angeles private detectives try to help a trio of over-privileged teenage thieves. The book can be read as a standalone. Good thriller. 3.5 stars

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

I'm now deeply immersed in reading "Gone to Sea in a Bucket" by David Black.



It's a fantastic novel about the lives of Royal Navy sailors (officers and enlisted men alike) in the submarine service during 1940.

Sacrilege byS.J. Parris

In this third book in the 'Giordano Bruno' series, Bruno tries to track down a killer in Canterbury while he exposes Catholic plots against Queen Elizabeth. The novel can be read as a standalone. Good historical mystery. 3.5 stars

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

Wolves Eat Dogs by Martin Cruz Smith

In this fifth book in the 'Arkady Renko' series, the Moscow police detective is sent to the devastated area near Chernobyl to investigate a death. The book can be read as a standalone. Very good mystery. 3.5 stars

(This series is really good....and the Soviet setting is well done and interesting.)

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

The Fast and the Furriest by Andy Behrens

This book, about a boy whose super-lazy dog suddenly becomes interested in agility training, is funny and charming. The book is aimed at kids, but is fun for dog lovers of all ages. Highly recommended. 4 stars. 💕

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

Death Angel by Linda Fairstein

In this addition to the series set in NYC, Assistant District Attorney Cooper and her detective colleagues look into the death of a homeless girl.
The book has A LOT about the history of Central Park and the famous Dakota apartment building. The mystery takes a back seat to the history. 2 stars

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

Uncommon Type: Some Stories by Tom Hanks

This collection of short stories by Tom Hanks run the gamut from funny, to touching, to heartrending. Good first book from the famous actor. 3.5 stars


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

My Mother Was Nuts by Penny Marshall

Good memoir by the actress.....who's had a very interesting life.

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

The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert

In this non-fiction book Elizabeth Kolbert posits that humans are creating conditions for the 6th mass extinction on the planet. Very good book. 4 stars

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

Bone Deep by Debra Webb

In this first book in the 'Bone' series, a female lawyer and a male profiler team up to investigate when a man is killed and a toddler is missing. The mystery part of the book is pretty good but the romance.....not so great. 🙄 3 stars

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

Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich

The addition to the 'Stephanie Plum' books is pretty good.....an uptick in the series.

Stephanie gets involved in a case where former and present members of a 'party fraternity' are in trouble, and all kinds of nuttiness ensues. Lula and Grandma Mazur get up to their usual crazy antics. 3.5 stars

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