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Killer View by Ridley Pearson
This second novel in Pearson’s new Walt Fleming series leaves me feeling about the same as I did with the first novel…unsure I want to continue with this series. Domestic terrorism, which seems to be on the rise in our country these days, is the basis for the plot. Unfortunately, there were points where I was so squeemish with the graphic descriptions of violence, I was tempted to stop reading. And the characters are still flat. In summary, I miss Lou Boldt.
My Rating: 
By Linda
Cemetery Dance by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Cemetery Dance was a ripping good, escape-from-realism yarn. I loved how it all came together in the end with semi-plausible explanations for totally implausible events. Once you get past the total lack of professionalism on the part of the police force as well as the FBI, it’s quite enjoyable. But if you can’t make that leap, this book might not be one for you. I, for one, was clueless until almost the end on the culprit responsible.
My Rating:
By Linda
In The Dark by Brian Freeman
Interestingly Freeman’s fourth novel has two titles: In The Dark for the U.S version and The Watcher for the U.K. version. Personally I prefer the U.S. title…more mysterious. This fourth novel in the Jonathan Stride series continues intertwining an unsolved mystery from his high school years with a current peeping Tom case he is trying to solve. I actually managed to figure out the older murder before the killer was revealed but still surprised by some of the various details that unfolded. Enjoyable as always but I couldn’t help thinking Stride sure has a lot secrets in his closet as well as his friends and just about anyone he meets. Not sure I’d want to live in the same town with him.
My Rating:
By Linda
First Degree by David Rosenfelt
Who dunnit with a comedic twist…and second in Rosenfelt’s Andy Carpenter series. Carpenter, an irreverant wise cracking lawyer, whose dry wit makes me chuckle out loud, is tasked with saving his girl friend, Lauire, who is being framed for murder.
My Rating: 
By Linda
The Falls by Ian Rankin
I thoroughly enjoyed this British mystery featuring Edinburgh police detective John Rebus, who works to solve the disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy banking family. The Falls is Rankin’s thirteenth novel featuring detective Rebus and I plan to delve into those past novels. Rankin’s classic mystery style reminds of a dark version of the old Agatha Christie who dunnit series. Nice.
My Rating:
By Linda
Killer Weekend by Ridley Pearson
I have mixed emotions about Killer Weekend. It’s the start of a new series for Pearson. The novel begins with a flashback to eight years earlier when rookie patrolman Walt Fleming saves the life of Attorney General Elizabeth Shaler. Returning to present day, now a sheriff, Fleming is tasked with helping to protect Shaler, who’s about to announce her candidacy for president. The novel is relatively fast paced and certainly action packed. But, with the exception of Fleming, character development was minimal and I’m hoping the next in the series, Killer View, will do a better job of fleshing them out. All in all a good read but my vote is still out on the series.
My Rating:
By Linda
The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly
Harry Bosch takes on a supporting role in this novel as Michael Holler, an L.A. attorney, serves as the main character. Connelly intertwines the two characters beautifully and this novel is his usual “can’t put it down” read. It delves into the fallacies of our legal system while incorporating the usual who dunnit plot. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to seeing more of the two characters together in future novels.
My Rating:
By Linda
Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich
As with all the previous novels, this one is slapstick funny. But, for the first time, I was able to put it down for days before picking it back up to read more. I don’t know if I just wasn’t in the mood or if the plots are getting too predictable. All in all still funny but I can’t rate this one a five.
My Rating:
By Linda
Adam by Ted Dekker
This supernatural thriller has an FBI agent pursuing a serial killer in this fast-paced novel. It starts out with the kidnapping of two children, Adam and Jessica Price and flips back and forth using news articles to provide background on the two children while the story progresses with Agent Clark’s pursuit of the serial killer. Dark in nature touching on child abuse, demonic possession, and near death experiences, but I could not put it down.
My Rating:
By Linda
Open and Shut by David Rosenfelt
I promised myself I would go back and read some earlier novels from this series after reading Dead Center. I wasn’t disappointed. This is the first in the Andy Carpenter series and provides the background I was missing in Dead Center. I enjoyed the laugh-out-loud humor (a rarity in novels) and will continue this series as I find the time.
My Rating:
By Linda
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