THE JAMES MASON COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB discussion

Broken Promise by Linwood Barclay

A disturbed woman somehow has a baby that isn't hers....and the baby's mom is found dead. This, coupled with other strange occurrences in Promise Falls, get the attention of a journalist and a cop. Good mystery. 3.5 stars

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

The Word Is Murder by Anthony Horowitz

A wealthy Londoner goes to an undertaker to plan her funeral - so it will go off smoothly at the appropriate time. Later that day, the woman is murdered. A brilliant detective - using Sherlock Holmesian techniques - investigates the crime. Good traditional mystery. 3.5 stars

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

Far From True by Linwood Barclay

In this second book in the 'Promise Falls' trilogy, two females have been brutally killed in a disturbingly similar fashion. In addition the town has experienced a rash of crimes connected with the number 23. Good mystery. 3.5 stars

The book could be read as a standalone, but I'd recommend starting with book one Broken Promise.

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

Bad Call: A Summer Job on a New York Ambulance by Mike Scardino


In 1967, Mike Scardino was an 18-year-old high school graduate who needed tuition for Vanderbilt University. Mike got a job with St. John's Queens Hospital Ambulance Service in New York, where he worked during summers and holidays. Mike stored up a treasure trove of stories about his ambulance experiences, some of which he shares in this book. The subject is serious, but the book is entertaining and even funny. 4 stars.

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

A String of Beads by Thomas Perry

In this 8th book in the 'Jane Whitefield' series, Jane - who assists people in trouble - agrees to help a man who's unjustly accused of murder. The book can be read as a standalone.

Jane is a whiz at hiding people and the book has some good tips in case the cops or Mafia are after you. 😊

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

The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario Spezi

A true story about a serial killer who targeted young couples in Florence from the the 1960s to 1980s. Good book. 4 stars

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

The Lake of Dreams by Kim Edwards

Lucy Jarrett, who's been working overseas, returns to her upstate New York home town for a visit....ten years after her father accidently drowned. She discovers some old pamphlets and letters that belonged to a relative, Rose, who was erased from the family tree. Lucy decides to learn about Rose and find out why she was 'disowned.' Along the way Lucy also learns about other family secrets. I didn't love the book but I think some people - who like historical novels - might. 3 stars for me.

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

Somewhere along the way my reading became fragmented. About a year ago I decided to accept this. That is to say, I no longer force myself to finish a book I don't feel like finishing and I have no qualms about this. Recently: I reread (completely) "La grosse femme d'à côté est enceinte" because I loved it the first time I read it ten years ago and because I was thinking of giving it to my mother and my sister-in-law for Christmas and wanted to reassure myself that it's something they'll like. "Brideshead Revisited" up to the point where Charles replaces Sebastian with his sister Julia. I don't think I'll continue past this point. Why I started this? It was on sale at audio.com. The fact that it centers around the love between two Oxford undergrads in the 1920s was a pleasant surprise. What else? Some essays by Montaigne because I felt the need for nonfiction and because Montaigne as a person interests me -- by modern standards, he's very backwards in some of his attitudes and surprisingly enlightened in others. Some French erotica for the reason that anyone who reads erotica reads it AND because it's a good way to brush up on one's colloquial French. "Robert the Devil" a medieval French epic poem because I'm interested in the Middle Ages, and because it was translated by my friend Sam Rosenberg. Most days I pick out one of the many volumes of poetry that fill my bookcases and read a few poems. In the last few weeks: Sharon Olds, Hart Crane, William Carlos Williams, and Jibanananda Das, etc. The last poet was recommended to me by a Bengali email pal whose acquaintance I made here on Goodreads.

I'm currently reading "Contempt" by Alberto Moravia. I previously read "The Conformist" also by Moravia & liked it but I never saw the movie. I did see Contempt the film directed by Jean Luc Godard & loved it so now I'm reading the book.
J.M. Garlock
"Murder in the Everglades"

The Twenty-Three by Linwood Barclay

In this third book in the 'Promise Falls' trilogy, the water in Promise Falls gets poisoned. This incident - on top of some very bizarre mischief and several brutal murders - causes havoc in the town.

The books in the series can be read as standalones but it's best to read them in order for a full understanding of the story arc and the characters.

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

Minutes ago, I finished reading "Breakup: The End of a Love Story" by Catherine Texier.



This is the story of the author's breakup of her 18 year relationship with a man who was also her literary partner, lover, best friend, and father of their 2 daughters.

I was intrigued, as someone with an interest in the everyday lives of people, to read a book that provides what can best be described as 'an anatomy of an affair'.

A Morning for Flamingos by James Lee Burke

In this 4th book in the 'Detective Dave Robicheaux' series, Dave goes undercover to take down a New Orleans drug lord. The book can be read as a standalone.

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

I just finished Mister B. Gone by Clive Barker. I like Clive Barker, but I did not feel that this was one of his best. Still worth reading, though.

The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

President Duncan has to race against time to stop a cyberattack on the United States. Good thriller. 3.5 stars

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

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

An unemployed, alcoholic, depressed young woman inserts herself into a murder investigation. Good mystery. 3.5 stars

(This is the book the movie's based on.)

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

Fatal Passions by Adrian Vincent

An array of true stories about 'crimes of passion.' Contains an array of tales that span the funny to the bizarre to the tragic. Entertaining book for true crime enthusiasts. 3.5 stars

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

A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni

In this 6th book in the 'Tracy Crosswhite' series, the Seattle homicide detective looks into the disappearance of an Indian girl, while her colleagues investigate a murder. The book can be read as a standalone. Good mystery. 3.5 stars

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

Bonefire of the Vanities by Carolyn Haines

In this 12th book in the 'Sarah Booth Delaney' series, private detectives Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Richmond try to protect a rich elderly woman from being fleeced by fake psychics. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus. 2 stars

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

The Outsider by Stephen King

When a young boy is raped and killed, strong evidence points to a local schoolteacher/Little League Coach as the perp. But the teacher has an airtight alibi. So what's up with that? 🤔

The book starts as a police procedural and morphs into a horror story. Good book. 4 stars

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

Murder 101 by Faye Kellerman

Detective Peter Decker has moved from L.A. to New York, where he works for the Greenbury Police Department. With the help of his wife and other people, he investigates art thefts and murders. 3 stars

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

I an currently in 3 chapters of an algebraic number theory book by an Istvan Gal, and yes I am that boring.

The Innocent Man: Murder and Injustice in a Small Town by John Grisham

Grisham does an excellent job detailing the conviction of two innocent men in Oklahoma in 1998. The police and DA incompetence and hubris (and a bit of corruption) are breathtaking. 3.5 stars

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

Jennifer wrote: "I an currently in 3 chapters of an algebraic number theory book by an Istvan Gal, and yes I am that boring."

That's cool. 😊

Hi Barbara,

I tried to erase my comment. Then I lost my access to Goodreads mysteriously, as if they detected some contamination. All seems to be well now. Even better because you liked the comment. Thank you.

Charles (Jennifer is a pen name)

Jennifer wrote: "Hi Barbara,

I tried to erase my comment. Then I lost my access to Goodreads mysteriously, as if they detected some contamination. All seems to be well now. Even better because you liked the commen..."

You're welcome. 😊

(I get it. I like physics books. 😊 😊 )

The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

Tiffany Haddish is an American comedian and actress. Haddish's breakout film was 'Girls Trip' (very funny) and she was named one of Time's 100 most influential people for 2018.

In this memoir, Tiffany tells the story of her life - from her 'crazy' mother, to foster care, to popularity in high school, to abusive men, to ultimate success. Told with humor and heart. Good book. 4 stars

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

The Steel Kiss by Jeffery Deaver

Quadriplegic forensic expert Lincoln Rhyme and his team are on the trail of an unsub that can control any object that contains a 'smart' chip....(so you'd need to watch out for your new electric toothbrush!)
Good thriller. 3.5 stars

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

When She Was Good by Philip Roth

When Lucy - who has big plans for her life - has to have a 'shotgun wedding' ....well, let's say the consequences aren't pretty. Philip Roth's books are always interesting to read. 3 stars

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

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris

Engaging autobiography of the popular actor. Harris's supportive family, talent, hard work, and good luck helped make him the success he is today. Interesting upbeat book. 3 stars

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

The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly

Mickey Haller (The Lincoln Lawyer) defends a 'cyberpimp' accused of killing one of his clients. Good mystery. 4 stars

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

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

J.K. Rowling used a pen name to publish this mystery series. In this first book, P.I. Cormoran Strike - who lost a leg in Afghanistan - investigates the death of an actress. Good mystery. 4 stars

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

Cooked: A Natural History of Transformation by Michael Pollan


Michael Pollan, an author and journalist who writes about food. In 'Cooked', Pollan shares culinary techniques he acquired during three years of research, along with healthy doses of science, history, anthropology, and philosophy. Fun and informative.
4 stars

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

Murder In The Afternoon by Frances Brody

In this third book in the 'Kate Shackleton' series, private detective Kate Shackleton investigates the death of a stone mason and makes a discovery about her family. The book can be read as a standalone. Good cozy. 3 stars

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

I'll Mature When I'm Dead: Dave Barry's Amazing Tales of Adulthood by Dave Barry

Very funny book from the longtime humorist. Touches on a wide variety of topics. My favorite parts are spoofs of "24" (the TV show) and Twilight (the series). 4 stars

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

The Professionals by Owen Laukkanen

Four college graduates can't get jobs so they form a kidnapping ring - snatching people for ransom. Then they grab the wrong person. Good thriller. 3 stars

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

A few minutes ago, I finished reading "The Bettencourt Affair: The World's Richest Woman and the Scandal That Rocked Paris".

At its heart, the book tells a story about a scandal that arose over the past decade from one of France's wealthiest families (who normally kept a very low profile). It was a scandal that began as a family drama between mother (Liliane Betancourt, daughter of Eugène Schueller [1881-1957], a pharmacist by profession who founded L'Oréal, "the world's leading company in cosmetics and beauty" products -- who herself was one of the world's wealthiest women) and daughter (Françoise Bettencourt Meyers) which, once leaked to the press in France, became a major scandal touching upon politics and L'Oréal's shadowy history, as well as the family's murky secrets arising out of the Second World War. This book had many layers that captivated my interest and read at times like a spellbinding thriller.

Painted Ladies by Robert B. Parker

In this 38th book in the series, private detective Spencer investigates the murder of an art expert. The book can be read as a standalone. Entertaining mystery. 3 stars

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

KOMET wrote: "A few minutes ago, I finished reading "The Bettencourt Affair: The World's Richest Woman and the Scandal That Rocked Paris".

At its heart, the book tells a story about a scandal t..."

This book looks interesting.

The 7th Canon by Robert Dugoni

A hip priest who runs a shelter for homeless youth in San Francisco is accused of killing one of the teenage residents.....and a rookie lawyer defends the cleric. This was an early effort by Dugoni that he polished up for publication, and it shows. Still it's an okay mystery. 3 stars

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

Mrs Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn

Queen Elizabeth is feeling blue one day, so she borrows a hoody jacket and sneaks off to Scotland....leading her staff (and the British secret service) a merry chase. Entertaining story. 3 stars

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

Our House by Louise Candlish

When Fiona Lawson returns from a short getaway, she finds that her (almost) ex-husband has sold their family home....and neither he nor the kids can be found. Engaging suspense story, but a bit too slow (for me). 3 stars

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

The Punishment She Deserves by Elizabeth George

In this 20th book in the series, DI Thomas Lynley and Sgt. Barbara Havers look into the death of a deacon who supposedly committed suicide. The book can be read as a standalone, though familiarity with the characters is a bonus. Very good mystery. 4 stars

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

The Jury Master by Robert Dugoni

When a friend of the U.S. President dies in suspicious circumstances - and leaves behind a secret package - a lawyer, a former CIA agent, and a cop cooperate to investigate. Good thriller. 3.5 stars

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

Alena by Rachel Pastan

This is an homage to "Rebecca" (by Daphne du Maurier).

In this book a young female art curator meets a courtly gentleman who whisks her back to work at his museum.....which used to be managed by the glamorous Alena. The employees adored Alena....and don't have much use for the new curator.

(See the parallels?)🙂

Interesting story. 3 stars

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

Insane: America's Criminal Treatment of Mental Illness by Alisa Roth

Almost all prisons in the U.S. have a large population of mentally ill individuals. Roth studied mental health treatment (or non-treatment) in prisons, and the plight of sick people in the criminal justice system. Very well researched and well written. 4.5 stars

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

I'm currently reading "Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History" by Keith O'Brien.

This book sheds light on the unsung contributions made by women pilots to aviation between 1927 and 1937, a time often referred to as the Golden Age of Aviation.

Guilt by Jonathan Kellerman

In this 28th book in the 'Alex Delaware' series, the psychologist helps the police investigate when baby bones and a dead woman show up on their turf. The book can be read as a standalone.

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

I just started A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler and loving it. Vintage Tyler.

The Library at the Edge of the World by Felicity Hayes-McCoy

Hanna Casey leaves her unfaithful husband, moves back home to Ireland, and becomes the town librarian. When Hanna decides to renovate a ramshackle old house and lead a community crusade, her life changes for the better. 😊

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

My Italian Bulldozer by Alexander McCall Smith

A Scotsman who writes books about food and wine goes to Italy to finish his latest book. While there, he has fun, makes friends, and makes quite an impression on the Italians. Good story. 3 stars

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