THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

The Wife by Alafair Burke

Jason and Angela's marriage seems to be going well until Jason is accused of sexual crimes. Angela supports her husband, but lives in deathly fear that her darkest secrets will be exposed. Good psychological mystery. 3.5 stars

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

Hounded by David Rosenfelt

In this addition to the series lawyer Andy Carpenter represents a cop who's accused of killing a confidential informer. Good mystery. It can be read as a standalone. 3.5 stars

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

The Second Chair by John Lescroart

In this addition to the series, attorney Dismas Hardy assists a young lawyer in his firm defend a boy accused of murder. Very good mystery. The book can be read as a standalone. 4 stars

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

Accused by Lisa Scottoline

In this spin-off of the author's popular series, attorney Mary DiNunzio is hired by a 13-year-old girl to right an injustice. Good mystery. 3 stars.

My review: s://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1201240753

A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel

In this delightful memoir, Haven Kimmel (nicknamed Zippy) relates tales from her childhood in Mooreland, Indiana.....where she grew up in the 1960s and 70s.
Very good book. 4.5 stars

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

Doctor Death by Lene Kaaberbøl

In this first book in the series, 20-year-old Madeleine Karno is a budding pathologist/detective in 1890s France.....which (of course) was very unusual for a woman then. Pretty good mystery. 3 stars

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

Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened by Allie Brosh

Based on the author's blog this book - about Allie Brosh's dogs and her life - is hilarious, relatable, and touching. I read it after seeing it recommended on GR....and I'm glad I did. 3.5 stars.

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

A Gathering of Secrets by Linda Castillo.

In this 10th book in the series, Kate Burkholder - Chief of Police in Painter's Mill, Ohio - investigates the arson death of a young Amish man. Everyone says Danny was a great guy.....but is that the truth? Good mystery, but the series is getting a bit too formulaic for me. 3 stars

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

Swimsuit by James Patterson

In this book, a sadisitc serial killer forces a novelist to write about his crimes. Not a great story. 1 star

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

Less Than A Treason by Dana Stabenow

In this addition to the series, Alaskan private investigator Kate Shugak heals from a gunshot wound and searches for a missing man. Good mystery in a great setting. 3 stars

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

The Crush by Sandra Brown

A psychotic killer becomes obsessed with one of the jurors that acquitted him and goes to great lengths to romance her. When he goes too far and murders the juror's rival, things really get dark.
The book becomes too much of a romance for me (not with the killer). 2 stars

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

A Beautiful, Terrible Thing: A Memoir of Marriage and Betrayal by Jen Waite

In this memoir Jen Waite - as aspiring actress - writes about meeting and marrying a man who was far from the great guy he pretended to be. Compelling tale of a failed marriage. 3 stars

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

The Company of Cats by Marian Babson

In this cozy mystery, hilarious hijinks ensue when a millionaire leaves his estate to a cat. Entertaining book. 3.5 stars

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

I am reading and adoring THERE THERE, which is about Native Americans, and is gritty, funny, real, surprising and every other wonderful adjective I can think of!

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

A young man takes a job in a special bookstore and finds that the 'customers' are on the trail of a huge mystery. So he calls on his talented/tech-savvy friends to help discover what's what. 3 stars

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

The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny

In this 11th book in the 'Chief Inspector Armand Gamache' series, Gamache is retired and living in the Québec village of Three Pines. There he gets involved in a situation that has dire international implications.....and costs a child his life. The book provides enough background information to be read as a standalone. Okay mystery, but it's not among Penny's best books. 3 stars

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

Flush by Carl Hiaasen

Hiaasen usually writes comic novels for adults, but this one is aimed at middle-grade kids. It's about a pair of siblings who try to expose the crooked owner of a casino-boat …..who dumps the ship's toilet waste into the ocean. Funny book with an important environmental message. 3.5 stars

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

I have read these
The First Decade: A Short Story Collection by J.T. Ellison Really Loved her short stories! I hope she writes more of them

Hidden by Kendra Elliot New Author for me and I really liked it I will Have to read the est on the series!

Phantom Instinct by Meg Gardiner Very Good Book I really loved her older books

That Darkness by Lisa Black

I've Got My Eyes on You by Mary Higgins Clark Another Great Book form the queen of suspense

The Gates of Evangeline by Hester Young I found this book at our local Dollar Tree I though I give it a shot and I really liked it this first book i ever read from this author and i will have to check out more from her

Exposed by Lisa Scottoline Very good book in her series I really liked this one alot then her book before this one in the series

Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult Such a awsome story but at times you feel like your crying your eyes out

Mercy by Michael Palmer A Very great story I was hook from the start to the end but I was shock who was doing the killing

Make Them Cry by Kevin O'Brien It's a reread for me and I still think this is best book he ever writen

The Ugly Duckling by Iris Johansen Not one of her best book


I did alot of reading since its been too hot do anything here! I am gonna to the library this afternoon

A Merciful Death by Kendra Elliot

In this debut mystery/romance someone is killing 'preppers' and stealing their weapons. The investigation requires cooperation by the local sheriff and the FBI. The plot doesn't quite gel. 2 stars

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

The Whole Enchilada by Diane Mott Davidson

In this culinary mystery, caterer Goldy's friend dies after a party that features Mexican food. As always, Goldy inserts herself into the investigation. Not my favorite of the series.

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

The Nowhere Man by Gregg Hurwitz

In this second book in the 'Orphan X' series, super-assassin Evan Smoak finds himself imprisoned by a sociopath who wants his money. Lots of action but a thin plot. Still worth reading however. 3 stars

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

Police by Jo Nesbø


In this 10th 'Harry Hole' mystery, a serial killer is murdering cops. It can be read as a standalone. Very good book. 4 stars

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

The Alienist by Caleb Carr

In turn of the century NYC a serial killer is targeting boy prostitutes. Teddy Roosevelt is Police Commissioner, and is on board with innovative means of catching the perp - including a very early type of behavioral analysis unit. Excellent story. 4.5 stars

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

I'm now reading the book "Stranger in the House: Women's Stories of Men Returning from the Second World War" by Julie Summers.



It's a powerfully poignant and insightful book about the impact of the Second World War on returning veterans and their families in the UK. (I hope someone will write a similar book with respect to what returning Second World War veterans and their families faced here in the United States.)

Out of Order: Stories from the History of the Supreme Court by Sandra Day O'Connor

Sandra Day O'Connor - the first woman justice on the Supreme Court - has written a brief (but entertaining) history of the highest court in the land. Good book. 3.5 stars

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

I'm watching 'Gotham' for the first time (now on series 2 on dvd) and thought this book 'Batman: Arkham Knight - the Riddler's Gambit' by Alex Irvine would be interesting. Watched the original Batman tv series way back when, seen some of the films too, and am loving Gotham. So far it's very good, well-written and the plot is good.

E.J. wrote: "

I'm watching 'Gotham' for the first time (now on series 2 on dvd) and thought this book 'Batman: Arkham Knight - the Riddler's Ga..."

I like Gotham. :)

A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson

This literary novel revolves around Teddy Todd, who was a WWII pilot, had an interesting life, and a troubled (and neglectful) daughter. Good story. 3.5 stars

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

The Jezebel Remedy by Martin Clark

Wildly eccentric Lettie VanSandt accidently invents something valuable, then dies in mysterious circumstances. This causes lots of problems for the lawyers who represent her. Good mystery/thriller. 3.5 stars

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

The Ex-Wife by Jess Ryder

In this psychological thriller, Natasha's husband Nick absconds with their baby daughter.....and mom is desperate to get the child back. Good premise, but Natasha is too much of a doormat for my taste. Still an okay book. 3 stars

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

Keep Quiet by Lisa Scottoline

When Jake Buckman lets his underage son take the wheel, the boy accidently kills a jogger. They decide to leave the scene and keep quiet. 3 stars

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

Caroline wrote: "I am reading and adoring THERE THERE, which is about Native Americans, and is gritty, funny, real, surprising and every other wonderful adjective I can think of!"

Sounds like an interesting book. Did you finish it?

Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King and Owen King


In this collaboration by the father-son horror writers, the women of the world become enclosed in cocoons while they sleep.....and they can't wake up. This leads to a battle between two opposing forces in the Appalachian town of Dooling. Okay book, but not the best. 3 stars

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

Merchants in the Temple: Inside Pope Francis's Secret Battle Against Corruption in the Vatican by Gianluigi Nuzzi

An exposé of the entrenched, morally suspect and financially unscrupulous culture of the Vatican.

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

I just read Scott Archer Jones' short "La Elegia por David Alvarez," a terrific story (in English) featuring New Mexico geography and culture. Jones lives in New Mexico (as do I) and has captured the local atmosphere and attitudes perfectly. David Alvarez grapples with a repeat of a life decision that has roiled his life for decades.

I highly recommend this short as well as his books, all listed on Amazon. Jones has a certain way of looking at life that is unique. One of my favorite authors.

I'm now immersed in reading "VIII Fighter Command at War 'Long Reach'" by Michael O'Leary.



The book is full of photos and illustrations as well as the words of wisdom from some of the top U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) fighter aces in Europe during the Second World War.

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

In this memoir, Amy talks about her childhood, family, boyfriends, sexual peccadilloes, jobs, career, social/political advocacy, and more. Though many of the stories are entertaining and funny, the underlying theme is serious - particularly since Amy's been through some rough patches in her life.

Good memoir. 4 stars

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

Outlaw Mountain by J.A. Jance

In this 7th book in the series Sheriff Joanna Brady investigates the death of Alice Rogers, a wealthy older woman gruesomely murdered in the Arizona desert. If you're following the developments in Joanna's personal life, it's best to read the series in order. Other than that, the book works fine as a standalone. 3 stars

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

Penny; The Story of a Free-Soul Basset Hound by Hal Borland

One day a nice-looking, well-mannered basset hound shows up at Hal and Barbara Borland's Connecticut farmhouse and makes herself at home. They name the pooch Penny, and this is her story. Good heartwarming story. 3 stars

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

Unleashed by David Rosenfelt

In this eleventh book in the series, Andy Carpenter defends a murder suspect and cooperates with the FBI.....and a golden retriever's life is saved. The story can be read as a standalone.
Entertaining mystery. 3 stars

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

The Dead Will Tell by Linda Castillo

In this sixth book in the 'Kate Burkholder' series, the Police Chief investigates when a murderer targest pillars of the community. Kate's personal life evolves over the series, but the mystery part of the book can be read as a standalone. 3 stars

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

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara

Michelle McNamara tried to unmask the Golden State Killer for nearly 10 years, and detailed her obsessive search for his identity in this book. Sadly Michelle died before he was caught earlier this year. Good book. 4 stars

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

Confessions by Kanae Minato

In Japan, a teacher seeks revenge for the death of her young daughter, which she thinks was caused by two of her students. Complex story about family dynamics and sociopaths. 3.5 stars

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

I finished The Republican Brain: The Science of Why They Deny Science--and Reality by Chris C. Mooney

In this book Mooney attempts to explain why conservative Republicans are adamant in their denial of global warming, evolution.....that Obama was born in the U.S, etc. Apparently they're not being purposely difficult or obdurate. It has to do with how their brains work. So that's good to know. LOL

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

Mom & Me & Mom by Maya Angelou

In this volume of her autobiography, Maya Angelou concentrates on her relationship with her mother, Vivian Baxter - who was also a unique woman. Good book. 4 stars

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

Since last time i been on here i read these books

The Stand by Stephen King it was a reread for me and Its still My 3rd Fav SK Book of all time with It Been 1 and The Shining Been #2

Mirror Image by Sandra Brown I been wanting to read this a long time but i been keeping putting it off finally read it and like it. IMO Her older books like these are her best ones. Her Newer books are okay but not as good as her older ones was

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser A New Author for me and I love this book I will have to find more book from this person!

Critical Judgment Michael Palmer Another book i been putting off reading and I am glad i finally had time to read it i love it so much one of his best books IMO

Improbable Cause by J.A. Jance Slowly trying to get this series read.

Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton New Author but I though this book was boring

Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith

In this eighth book in the series, Russian detective Arkady Renko looks into the death of an investigative journalist. The book can be read as a standalone.

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

Black Skies by Arnaldur Indriðason

In this tenth book in the "Inspector Erldendur" series, a different member of the investigative team - Detective Óli - looks into the murder of a woman who engages in 'wife-swapping' activities. The book can be read as a standalone. Good mystery. 4 stars

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

We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler

The family of an experimental psychologist takes in a baby chimp to raise as a sibling of the children. When the chimp 'disappears' there's a profound effect on everyone. Excellent book. 5 stars

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

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman

This is the sequel to the extremely popular Beartown. When a town's hockey hopes are dashed by an allegation of rape, the consequences are serious and long-lasting. This book was very highly praised by many readers but I thought it was average. 3 stars

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