Book Review-Newer Books 8

Review— The Gods of Newport

John Jakes wrote the novel, The Gods of Newport; Dutton Books published the 383-page book in November 2006.

Coming on the turn into the twentieth century, Newport, Rhode Island was a place of respite for the wealthy during the summer months. Wealthy tourists flocked to the coastal town, bringing what they believed were their morals, scruples, fashion, money, and power. Often their ideas varied with the locals who lived there year round and often lived below poverty levels. This was a time before telephones and automobiles, much less cell phones, airplanes, and computers.

Sam Driver was a ruthless man who made his fortune and attained power by working with men like Jay Gould and Jim Fisk. When their power shifted, Sam was quick and wise enough to have saved to spend another day. After his wife died, Sam was left with a young daughter. For Sam, who wanted to move into the best circles, Newport was the answer. Sam wanted to join the ranks of those who had snubbed him and his late wife. Jenny, though naïve and innocent, was thrown into situations a young girl should be forever left unaware. Through trials of love, loss, an impossible marriage, and independence, she survives.

Prince Molloy is a young man who is on the wrong side of the tracks and blankets for that day and age. However, the changes coming in the twentieth century give him chances to make his way to his true love.

These are some of the characters that John Jakes has brought to Newport. Many of the other characters give little meaning to virtues or real character. The turning of the century looked to have primary goals of getting ahead fast regardless of those under your shoes. This was the time before the development of a middle class and there were only two classes in this novel. After reading the Kent family chronicles and loving the series by John Jakes, this novel was a slow read about the very few characters with any redeeming qualities. Beware if you are expecting the same level of character in this book as Jakes has achieved in the past.

Book Review-Older Books 8

Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell. Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, October 2003, 465 pages.

Kay Scarpetta is back…

Blow Fly, an insect frequently found in post-mortem discoveries.

This novel brings home why I read Patricia Cornwell. Kay has lost her job as Virginia’s Chief Medial Examiner, and she has lost the love of her life. She moves to Florida and resumes her life and now works as a private forensic consultant. She has just completed teaching a course at the National Forensic Academy, and has befriended a young woman from Zachary Louisiana. Shortly after her return, she is called in by the Coroner of Baton Rouge, to consult on an old case that was ruled an overdose. There also just happens to be a serial killer rampaging through the area where several women have disappeared.

Lucy, Kay’s niece is once again in the picture, where she runs her own internet company that also happens to be a quasi-investigation business. Marino, Kay’s old cohort, also works there. They both have a very big secret, one that could elate or crush this woman they care so much about. Lucy also crosses lines to save Marino, who is the closest thing to a father she has ever had.

Amidst all of the above, one of the most evil beings that Kay Scarpetta has ever dealt with is reaching out to her, Lucy and Marino. Jean-Baptiste Chandonne, also known as Loup-Garou, the werewolf, is contacting all of them and he hopes to manipulate and terrorize them from a maximum security setting.

In an amazing maze of twists and turns this book brings all of them together and every point from above is intersected. Along with a little boy thrown into the mix, there are specters and forces of evil from the past, making this a gripping and emotional novel. Patricia Cornwell had me turning pages looking forward to what would happen next, throughout this book, until the end. I did find the ending less explosive than I expected, and had so hoped to see the fire returned to Scarpetta, that I was left feeling mildly disappointed. But, otherwise the book had me hooked, and I still want more KAY.

T. G. Stanton

Book Review-Newer Books 7

Review—What Do You Do All Day?

Amy Scheibe wrote the novel What Do You Do All Day. St. Martin’s Press published the book. The novel has 305 pages.

Manhattan, like any other city is filled with SAHM’s and SAHD’s (that’s stay-at-home mom’s and dad’s) for those out of the know. Jennifer is a SAHM since the birth of her second child. Her children are healthy and normal. She often wonders and worries if that is so. She wonders if she made the right decision to stay home or if there is even a place for her in the working world, when diapers, children’s programs, and playdates have consumed her days. Her days seldom involve adult conversations or concerns, as her husband travels for work and just left the country for a three-month assignment.

Jennifer, while trying to be the perfect mommy, also faces the reality of not always being perfect. There are just days when not everything goes right, the child you are encouraging to crawl expects to be carried everywhere. It rains when it is supposed to be sunny, and you just may be tricked into believing your husband is having an affair by an old flame. All sorts of things can throw off the day and make you question your decisions. Jennifer believes in her husband, but doubt comes easily when there is great distance and the pressure she often puts on herself to be super mommy. She gets through trials and tribulation with a wicked sense of humor and support systems. Many stay-at-home caregivers often wonder what is on the other side of the fence, just as many career parents wonder the same thing. It can be very difficult to play on both sides and feel like you have it all. Jennifer laughs about many of her situations while showing the strength of character that just may make it possible.

Amy Scheibe has written a novel that makes you laugh on nearly every other page, with a few pages along the way that will have you commiserating with her troubles, from the simple to the intense. Enjoy the ride.

Book Review-Older Books 7

Just…My Review

Capital Crimes by Stuart Woods, 288 pages, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, October, 2003.

A man is shot through his kitchen window in a secluded cabin. This man just happens to be a Senator and a political conservative, with very strong right-wing views. Within days a couple more murders occur in very different ways, seemingly unrelated, until you look at their politics. Someone out there is taking out political figures with stealth, disguises and showing an extreme knowledge of ways to kill. He is eliminating people with beliefs far different from his own, and he is leaving NO clues.

FBI agent Robert Kinney is the man chosen to find this killer. Agent Kinney and his team search high and low, frequently being a few steps behind this murderer with a cause to die for. His hunt takes him along the eastern seaboard, and brings him in contact with President Will Lee, who is very concerned about the deaths of so many people with politics opposite from his own. Also involved is the First Lady, Kate Rule Lee, who is also the director of the CIA. She has been receiving snail mail and e-mail from an inmate who claims to have information that can deliver this killer.

Capital Crimes is a Will Lee Novel, and political intrigue abounds for the now president and his wife throughout this book. I have found that it is the third in this series, and I look forward to reading the rest. It is a relatively short book and slow-paced at times. The repartee is occasionally dry, but I found myself waiting to see just how they were going to get this phantom and bring him to justice. Or will they?

Book Review-Newer Books 6

Review—Hannibal Rising

Thomas Harris wrote Hannibal Rising in December 2006. Delacourt Press published the book and it has 496 pages.

From Lithuania to Paris, during and after World War II, the transformation of Hannibal the Cannibal occurs. Wars from yesterday and today consist of horrors many can never truly imagine. How do such travesties affect the ones that survive not only the guilt, but also the complete changes that can transpire?

Young Hannibal grew up in a wealthy family who for reasons of safety, hid in a distant lodge to survive a war gone mad around them. They were obviously not safe enough. What took this young boy from a happy family to a life in Paris and medical school and placed him under the surveillance of an Inspector hunting war criminals?

Hannibal is left mute and with a new family, one he has rarely had contact with. While under the care of his aunt he flourishes, yet there is a very dark side no one seems to be able to penetrate. His speech returns and the nightmares diminish, but what remains is a resolute personality with little resemblance to a humane and moral psyche. Hannibal delivers his own form of retribution to those who cross him.

This novel introduces us to not only the horrible situations that can come from people trying to survive crises brought on by other forces, but it shows us that the morals of man will always have effects on the outcomes. Thomas Harris wrote this novel as the prequel to the well-known Silence of the Lambs. Though it moves a little slowly at times, the book shows a complete new picture to the man later portrayed. The book does not make him right; it just shows how he developed. I wonder how the movie (currently in theatres) will play him out.

Book Review-Older Books 6

Blind Side by Catherine Coulter. Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, July2003, 370 pages.

God’s country, a beautiful, quiet, old-fashioned town, that’s what Jessborough, Tennessee was at one time. Now, the town is beset by kidnappers and possible cultists. Sheriff Kate Benedict is driving home with her daughter Keely, when she drives into the middle of a drama involving a young boy, Sam. He has escaped from some men who will do anything to keep him. His father comes to get him, along with two of his closest friends, FBI agents Savich and Sherlock. This married couple has supported him through the loss of his son, and they have come with him to get him back. Miles Kettering, an ex-FBI agent is Sam’s father.

Two maniacs, driven by some unknown force, continue to try and get Sam back, seemingly regardless of the obstacles the sheriff and FBI have put in their path.

There seems to be no method to their madness, and that’s just what it seems to be throughout out this book. Madness from the kidnappers to the leader of some backwoods religious sect. And, just wait to see what this leader sees as his calling and what it entails.

This is the eighth book in the FBI series by author Catherine Coulter, and once again agents Savich and Sherlock are in the middle of things and this time it also includes a possible serial killer of math teachers. This novel shows how in touch the author is with her characters. The actions, emotions and mayhem these people deal with show their strength of character and their ability to utilize a sense of humor in the face of just about any eventuality. This book is another winner in a series of very entertaining novels filled with admirable characters, leaving you to wonder what Savich and Sherlock will be involved in next as they manage their careers (and all the evil that includes) and keep their family safe.

Book Review-Newer Books 5

Review—Angels Fall

Nora Roberts wrote Angels Fall in July 2006. The book was published by the Putnam Publishing Group; it has 439 pages.

Angel’s Fist, Wyoming is a small town and a haven for Reece Gilmore. She has survived tragedies only seen in most people’s nightmares. On a pilgrimage to rebuild her life, Angel’s Fist is where she lands. Her past haunts her and often makes her seem a little off compared to others. She may check her locks a certain number of times each night and leave lights on throughout, she may seem anxious and a bit jittery at times, but she is able to work hard and she cooks like a dream. No one knows about her troubles though in a small town secrets do not stay secrets for long.

Reece is able to find work in a diner and slowly comes to feel that this town may be a place to stay for more than a few days. That has been her practice in her year in recovery. This new town has offered her friends and customers; it has also placed in her path a surly and strong male. This man, known as Brody, is writer from Chicago. Brody does not treat Reece with kid gloves as people in her past have done. He challenges her and this helps to make her stronger.

On one of Reece’s days off, she hikes up a trail. While enjoying the view and scenery and the rest she has earned after working many days, she is witness to a grisly scene. She views a man and woman fighting and though she is far away, she is sure of what she has seen. Being a responsible citizen, she runs to get help and straight into Brody’s arms. This is just the beginning of their burgeoning relationship. Since witnessing what Reece felt was a murder, strange things seem to be happening to Reece or is this just another part of her past coming back to haunt her. Is she in danger from herself or the man who could be a killer?

Nora Roberts is probably one of today’s most phenomenal and enjoyable writers. Her characters are interesting, humorous and multi-dimensional. This book moves quickly and is the definition of a page-turner. Along with her many other novels, including those as J.D. Robb; this book is a winner.

Book Review-Older Books 5

SEIZURE by Robin Cook. Published by G. P. Putnam’s Sons, July 2003, 459 pgs.

Bio-technology, stem-cell research, cloning, the possibilities are endless. As are the ethical, moral, religious and scientific discussions relating to such subjects.

Science has and will take us into the future, but at what cost? And can we ever be assured that such discoveries will lie in the appropriate hands?

This latest medical thriller written by Robin Cook will ask these and many more questions, as well as giving unlimited possible answers.

Researchers are forever searching for the cure to life-threatening, life-altering diseases. To end the pain and suffering that so many endure.

Dr. Daniel Lowell and Dr. Stephanie D’Agostino have developed, what they believe will be the cure for mankind. A technology designed to take bad cells and replace them with strands that can reverse the disease process.

As this technology approaches the point of human trials, the government gets involved and attempts to stop its progress.

And guess who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and is looking for a cure.

Senator Ashley Butler has introduced this bill, and can push for it or lay it to rest.

But, his agenda is revealed early on and as in many other novels, shows the thirst for power often shadows many decisions. Dr. Lowell has an agenda of his own and these two egotistical men cross lines of ethics and morals in more ways than one. It is described late in the book as a Greek tragedy, and the fate of these two men does bear a striking resemblance to the Titans and their final outcome.

Overall, this book was an interesting theory with amazing possibilities. But fiction is so often filled with hopes and dreams, and this book is just that. The characters have few redeeming qualities as power money and fame seem to be the focal points, outweighing the benefit to mankind regardless of the costs.

It was hard to feel invested in these characters as genuine people, making the book less enjoyable than past Robin Cook novels.

T. G. Stanton

Book Review-Newer Books 4

Review—The Power Broker by Stephen Frey

The novel, The Power Broker was written by Stephen Frey. The book was written in July, 2006 and was published by Ballantine Books; it has 300 pages.

From New York City to Vegas and Washington D.C., Christian Gillette is the man to go to, if you want money made. He runs 20 various companies and is being considered as the running mate for the next winner of the democratic national convention’s nomination for president. The odds-on favorite is an African American senator who won the hearts of America after winning major tennis tournaments. Another group is set to make sure this does not happen. They are leaders in corporate America and they want their land to stay in their hands. On the other side are the backers of the favorite and their past activities include being a part of the Black Panthers. The war is on with Christian in the middle.

Through manipulations, back-stabbing, murder, and mayhem both sides create distrust and situations that leave every player in danger of not only their lives but their livelihood, hopes, and dreams. Christian not only is finding betrayers in his company but on every level as he travels to open a new casino and get his new football team off of the ground. His closest advisors are feeding him information that leads him to doubt everyone around him. Some of the biggest players are encouraging him to join a secret society that has shaped American history for a century or more. They also have agendas that Christian may have trouble with.

Stephen Frey blends together a complex group of individuals who hope to shape the future of this country in a unique way. Their often seems to be too many characters for the situations that occur. Parts of the book move slowly and the vast number of characters can be confusing. This book though for the most part entertaining left me not wishing for more.

Book Review-Older Books 4

Review—Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Arthur A. Levine Books published the book in July 2007; the book has 784 pages.

What a fantastic finish to a series of novels loved by children and adults across the world. Harry and his friends have grown to an age that they are free to do magic, yet this places Harry in even more danger than in the past. Any who have read the last novel know that Dumbledore entrusted Harry, Ron, and Hermione with a dangerous task. They are to search for the pieces of Voldemort’s soul. These have been cleverly hidden throughout the magical world in the form of Horcuxes.

Many of Harry’s friends risk life and limb in the effort to protect and aid the search for what might free the magical world of a pervasive evil and the increasing use of dark magic. Through the use of old magic and new spells, Harry, Ron, and Hermione learn to hide and hunt at the same time. Their friendship is strained during the search and at times, the parting of ways occurs, but they also maintain loyalty and strengths of character to be admired. Ron is often haunted by the danger to his family and Harry feels the guilt of the danger many are under to help him. This is when he most often considers traveling alone. Hermione is the strength for both young men when emotions overcome their knowledge that they will be stronger together. Throughout this novel, many questions arise about Dumbledore’s past and beliefs, adding extra stress to their previously unshakable faith in their past teacher. The ministry is in turmoil and no longer is a safe place, any who believe in and follow Harry are in danger. Any of mixed blood are also considered inferior and there are plans to eliminate any but those of pureblood. This mirrors the beliefs held by the Nazi’s of the past and brings extra aid to Harry from unusual sources and from those who question these beliefs.

Ms. Rowling has brought closure to her readers and though many will pine for more Harry Potter she has made it easier to let him go. The book moves fast and answers the questions that so many have been pondering about the end of Potter. Favorite characters are lost in the fray and new strengths are found among the many we have grown to love. Even in the midst of the biggest battle yet, new findings are uncovered. Dangers are inherent throughout the book and the deathly hallows provides a resounding source of aid and protection, one unknown from the previous novel but present since the beginning. Any follower will love the book and cry over some of the losses, but the end is true to the form Ms. Rowling has followed.

Book Review-Newer Books 3

Review—Dark Celebration

Christine Feehan wrote Dark Celebration. The book was published in September, 2006 by the Berkley Publishing Group; it has 372 pages.

The Carpathian Mountains is where a gathering of family and friends is about to take place. The Carpathians are the Hunters; they are ageless warriors who have sought out vampires and other forces of evil for centuries. The time is winter and the warriors and their families are celebrating the Christmas season. Families from across the world are joining together for the festivities. With this gathering, come incendiary threats from unseen and unknown directions.

Mikhail Dubrinsky is the prince of the Carpathian people. He shoulders the tremendous responsibilities to his family and friends with capable hands. For hundreds of years Carpathian males have been unable to see colors or feel emotions. During this time they have honed their hunting, tracking and killing abilities. The Carpathian females have frequently died in childbirth or their newborns have died within the first year of life. The Carpathian people are dying. The males will turn into a vampire, the creatures they hunt and vanquish, unless they find a life-mate. Many of the males have found a life-mate and this is when they see colors and feel again. This is also when they raise families.

The Carpathians are now working with humans to help find a way to make pregnancies and the newborn’s first year safer. They are also finding that human females are bringing back the colors and emotions to the males. The race may have a chance and they must be protected. Even in this joyous event dangers lurk around the corners and in the mist.

Christine Feehan has written a series of novels surrounding the romances and rebirth of this group of Carpathians and the trials they face. This novel involves many of those she has written about previously and whom she has brought together for this occasion. The Dark series includes these couples and how they fall in love and conquer their challenges. The characters are engaging and humorous through the situations they find themselves in. Try this one and the others if this book is enjoyed.

Book Review-Older Books 3

Naked Prey by John Sandford, 359 pages, published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, May 2003.

Hanging, what a place to start, two people are left dangling in an icy windstorm. Is this a thrill kill or could it be justice. But, you know when you start reading this book that Lucas Davenport will be the man to find the answers. As any reader of the Prey series knows, Davenport has the complex brain of a homicide investigator; he is also a computer game developer, a husband and father. His boss Rose Marie Roux has moved into a position with the governor and she has brought Lucas with her. He is the man to handle the complex or politically touchy cases that touch this Midwestern state. He is often left to his own devices and to his sometimes unique way of solving cases.

But, in this case it involves an accelerating killer, a whole host of investigators, and a young girl, who is often left to raise her mother and provide for herself.

Danger and intriguing twists develop throughout this book. Drug runners working hand-in-hand with car choppers fit into the mix, along with kidnapping and murders. And how many cops know how to fix it so it looks just right.

This is the thirteenth novel in the Prey series. After reading and enjoying them all, I found this novel a little slower read than usual. It primarily revolves around the case, as usual, but less with the associated characters, who are frequently as compelling in the Davenport series as the case itself. This cold and isolated landscape leads you to feel the same way about this book. Not through all of it, but some parts could definitely leave a chill. About 3/4^th’s of the way through, you know that there is now going to be a new regular in the Davenport family. And, it left me looking forward to the next one to come.

T. G. Stanton

Book Review-Newer Books 2

Review—In the Dark of the Night by John Saul

Phantom Lake is an ideal place to spend the summer with your family and friends. The Brewster’s decide to join some of their closest friends and rent a house on the same lake. This house has not been rented in years and no one knows why. The previous owner was a doctor who specialized in treating the criminally insane, many who were serial killers. He disappeared one night and no one knows the why of that issue either.

The house is beautiful and even has its own carriage house. Merrill Brewster is the mother of two children and her husband Dan will be at the house only on weekends. She has a history of being known as overly cautious and unnaturally afraid of all of the things that could happen in life. Eric is her teenage son, who with is friends investigates the carriage house. After that, strange things begin to happen. His sister’s cat shows up at the sheriff’s office mutilated in a box. Each boy has recently had a nightmare that leads him to feel responsible. In the carriage house, after tearing down a bricked wall, they find the treasure the doctor had hidden. All sorts of items have been taken apart, pieces are missing, and the boys start to find them and put them back together. The room has its own energy and what seems like minutes turns out to be hours. In addition, the history of these items turns out to be an ominous warning. The boys continue to have nightmares after every time they put something back together, and time is lost with each visit. They have learned to feel apprehensive about returning to the room, but they are drawn there and cannot seem to help themselves.

There is one other suspect to the strange and dire happenings in Phantom Lake. He knew the doctor and has had nightmares of his own since the place was rented. Waiting for the Fourth of July, the drama unfolds.

John Saul has written numerous novels of bone-chilling intensity. This one is slow moving but ends with a bang. The characters are likeable and mostly understandable. Are you paranoid if they are after you? His other books usually move at a faster pace, but this one picks up and moves along nicely. If you like this book, try his others.

Book Review-Older Books 2

Birthright by Nora Roberts

The sight is a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, by the name of Woodsboro. Archaeologist, Callie Dunbrook is pulled away from a well-deserved sabbatical, when a man operating a backhoe, uncovers a 5000-year-old skull found in this budding housing development. This discovery brings an unknown spot on the map to the eyes of the world. Antietam Creek, and wherein lies Simon’s Hole, is known as an area that is cursed. This proves to be true for the crew of the dig of this ancient civilization.

Callie is forced to work with a frustrating and exasperating anthropologist, who also happens to be her ex-husband, Jake. She continues to uncover bones and facts of a way of life unknown before. While she delves into the past, someone else is digging into her much more recent past. A woman comes to her and tells her something that rocks the foundations on which she was raised. This also leads her to do some digging of her own, which in turn leads her into situations fraught with peril and anguish. And to add to her emotional upheaval, Jake decides he is going to be there this time to help and protect her from unknown dangers coming from many directions. They frequently cross swords in an effort to protect themselves from the situations they are found in and the emotions and passions that seem to circle every move they make.

Throughout this tale, the characters are engaging, fierce, sympathetic and completely enjoyable. There is romance, mystery, comedy and sorrow from beginning to end. The mysteries and investigations swerve and turn into very often-unseen paths. Nora Roberts has once again made me laugh and cry, sometimes in the same page. This is a must read for all Nora Roberts fans and anyone who just wants a book with a bit of everything.

Book Review-Newer Books 1

Review—Lovers & Players

Jackie Collins wrote the novel Lovers & Players. The book was published by St. Marten’s Press in January 2006 and has 498 pages.

From New York, Italy, and Los Angeles, the Diamond brothers have made it on their own and in their own way. Though their billionaire father raised them with little love or support and frequently with a heavy hand, these brothers have persevered and succeeded.

Max, Chris, and Jett have each found a different path, but each has proven that inner strength and a little luck can improve any situation. Recently they have each had difficulties placed in their path, and it is at this point that their manipulative and controlling father calls them home. They bond and find strength in their working together in this meeting with the man known as Red Diamond, their octogenarian parent. One brother, an Italian model, has overcome several addictions. Another brother is a Hollywood lawyer and the oldest brother has built his own empire in New York City.

The other players in this tale of intrigue, murder, mayhem, lust and ambition are other women from Red’s past and the brother’s future. This megalomaniac has played with the lives of those around him and many that have come in contact with him. A young girl named Liberty plays an important part in this story as she searches for a singing career that her mother quit so that she could raise this child. Throughout this story Red believes they all are after his money and many of the characters are, but the ones that should have been closest to him will continue their independent paths. They look for his humanity and are able to pursue their goals with or without it.

Jackie Collins has written many novels of Hollywood drama. This book has many worthy characters and others who make them shine. In the quest to solve a murder, individual qualities of morals and integrity save the day. This book is another good read with characters who can make you want more.

Book Review-Older Books 1

The Jester by James Patterson and Andrew Gross, 464 pgs. Published by Little, Brown.

The book opens with the discovery of an ancient and holy relic. It dates back to the time of Christ and is the stuff legends are made of. Someone is after this relic and many lives are taken in the search for it. The setting is 11th Century France, and takes a common man, Hugh de Luc, innkeeper and former jongleur, through fighting in the Crusades and back home to fight against injustices done to his family, his town, and the country he calls home. Hugh de Luc suffers great losses. He becomes a jester in the attempt to seek answers and find some sort of justice for the wrongs done to him and his family. In his quest, Hugh becomes a leader (with a sense of humor) of the common man, all with the hopes of being treated fairly, by both serf and noble alike.

The book is an interesting departure for James Patterson, author of the Alex Delaware series and many other riveting novels. The battles rage throughout this story, from the Holy Land to villages in France, and serve to keep the pace lively through most of the book. There is also romance, humor and intrigue weaved into the tale. It occasionally drags in the beginning, but is quite enjoyable to the finish.