Book Review Newer-38th

Review—Boneman’s Daughter

Ted Dekker wrote the novel Boneman’s Daughter. Center Street published the book in April 2009; the novel has 401 pages.

            From Texas to the Middle East, the murders committed by the Boneman are well known and feared. The fear comes from the current news stories that the wrong man was convicted for the crime and that he is now due for release. Ryan Evans is a military captain serving in the intelligence division in the Middle East. He is kidnapped after his convoy is attacked. The man responsible believes in the Boneman’s method of murder and subjects Ryan to horrendous tortures and mental anguish.

            Ryan returns home to Texas to find a divorce awaiting him, as well as a daughter he hardly knows. Anxiety attacks and stress drive him to psychiatric care and counseling, but none of this removes his now questionable connection to the Boneman and the new murders that occur. Is he a man capable of such heinous crimes because of post-traumatic stress or a father wanting to become the father he should have already been? The Boneman breaks bones but not skin and tortures the young women he abducts and murders. No one seems to know his purpose or desires as he takes victim after victim and why he stopped until the recent release of the man convicted. Now he sets his sights on Ryan’s family, setting him up by taking his daughter, victimizing him as well. Could this be a case of multiple-personality disorder or a murderer so organized as to stay far away from any discovery?

            Ted Dekker has written more than twenty novels and though this is my first reading of this writer, this book has made it worth seeking out new titles. The characters are well developed and interesting, though entertaining is not the best description for this novel. The beginning is a bit slow and actually slow enough that I considered putting it down, so give it a chance and bam, it picks up and the book is done.

Book Review Older-38th

Review—Memory in Death

Memory in Death was written by Nora Roberts writing as J.D. Robb. The Putnam Publishing Group published the book in January 2006. The book has 337 pages.

It’s Christmas in New York City and the year is 2059. Santa drops out of a 37^th floor window and Eve Dallas’ day has begun. Lieutenant Dallas is a ranking member of the New York City Police and Security Department. Her partner Peabody is going to be the lead on this investigation. While sorting through several bits of information, Eve gets a visitor.

Eve had a very rough start in life; it ended with the death of her father at her hands, and then her placement in the foster system. Trudy Lombard now sits at her desk, smiling and talking as if they were old friends and that Eve should be grateful for having had such a caring foster mother. Eve remembers it differently; this woman took a young, hurt, and vulnerable girl and made her life miserable for the short time they lived together. Eve remembers cold, dark spaces and cleaning floors with toothbrushes and many more issues with this woman sitting in front of her. These memories stir up other pieces of the past for Eve and she knows where she needs to be right now, and that is at home so she can maybe close some of these open wounds in private. Her husband Roarke is home and though she thought she wanted solitude all she really wants and needs is his love, strength, and security. Trudy is ambitious and predictable, in that the next day she visits Roarke at one of his many multi-million dollar offices; there, she makes him an offer she thinks he can’t refuse.

Trudy’s life comes to an end and her death places Eve and Roarke in the precarious positions of being possible suspects. Through determination of spirit and the toughness her earlier life created, Eve will search for a killer and maybe clear a part of her past. A past that she had thought was as dead as Trudy.

The series of books written by J. D. Robb, also known as Nora Roberts, are always entertaining and the characters enjoyable. They are complex, sympathetic, and often amusing. There are more than 20 books in this collection and I recommend each one. Eve and Roarke make a fascinating couple in combination with all of their friends who are more like family.

Book Review Newer-37th

Review—206 Bones by Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs wrote the novel 206 Bones. Scribner Book Company published the book in August 2009; the novel has 320 pages.

           

            Finding herself alone and bound in a very small chamber, Temperance Brennan, a leading forensic anthropologist, is forced to examine her recent cases  and try to determine who would wish her harm and even perhaps death.

From Montreal to a Chicago morgue, Temperance Brennan and Lieutenant Ryan are investigating the death of a missing heiress. The poor woman was lost and alone and died under questionable circumstances. Now three other cases, also involve older women who have been left for dead with little to account for their demise. Is there a serial killer of elderly women? Not only does the publicity of the heiress’ death add to the rigors of Tempe’s investigation, but also there is a very eager co-worker who seems to be involved in many of the case findings. Things are going astray and there have been questions regarding Tempe’s competence.

Not only do these cases present possibilities of upcoming danger, but also on a recent family trip, Tempe is asked by a family friend to investigate the loss of s loved one. This leads to other questions in how past examinations may have been handled. In addition, the off-again, on-again relationship between Temperance and Ryan emerges and reignites old feelings. The family loves him and Tempe begins to wonder about her own desires in regards to an old flame. All of these situations are crowding into her mind as she seeks a means of escape and is determined to discover the culprit who put her in what others may describe as a tomb.

Kathy Reichs is the author of many novels involving Temperance Brennan and the forensic anthropology that she is famous for. There are 206 bones in the human body and those that go missing can sometimes be the main clue into a death. This is important in the findings these cases reveal and lead to finding answers for their loved ones. Suffering through danger and subterfuge Tempe and Ryan seek and find the answers. This character is the basis for the television show Bones and though there are many similarities Kathy Reichs’ novels always provide intellect, and entertainment, in her characters and stories.

Book Review Older-37th

Review—Mary, Mary

Mary, Mary written by James Patterson in November 2005. The book was published Little, Brown & Company.

Alex Cross is an FBI agent who is taking a break; he is on vacation with his family in Disney Land. Unbeknownst to him, there is a killer on a rampage and he is very close. While he is visiting California with his mother and children, the powers-that-be convince him that he needs to help solve the murders of some of Hollywood’s elite. In addition, the custody of his youngest child is in jeopardy; this only adds to the stress that Alex endures.

The killer is calling herself Mary. She is writing to a local journalist, documenting the feelings and actions of a deranged and violent killer. There have been very few identified female serial killers, but all evidence is pointing to this being the case in these deaths. Hollywood is scared and those on the A-list are the ones targeted. They want answers and the LAPD seems more than willing to believe this is the work of a woman. Alex is not so sure and as he steps into the case, he faces the evolution and acceleration of a killer that only improves with each murder. After joining the investigation and seeing his family home, he deals with the mother of his youngest child suing him for sole custody. In addition, he deals with the chance that he may see this child less and less and he is the heart of their family. Mary continues dealing death to the acting communities’ powerful players and Alex has to strive to focus regardless of family stressors.

This is only one of many novels by James Patterson and his Alex Cross series. Several of these books are popular movies and this one reads as if it could be next in line. In each book, the depth of Alex’s devotion to his family is detailed but in the current one, it reaches new levels. The possibility of loosing his child borders on crippling his ability to devote his attention to this case and shows added dimensions to this consummate detective. Action is plentiful and the drama points to many possible suspects. Enjoy.

Book Review Newer-36th

Review—Wicked Prey

John Sandford wrote the novel Wicked Prey. Putnam Adult published the book in May 2009; the novel has 402 pages.

            Lucas Davenport is at it again in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Republican convention is coming to town and in the midst of all of the preparations, there seems to be a group of thieves hitting those with the money. They are quick decisive and have shown thorough attention to detail. This group will also soon be known as killers and cop-killers. Lucas is a special investigator for the Criminal Apprehension Team and has political contacts that encourage him to keep this a s silent as possible and limit the media exposure. When the killings begin, the gloves are off.

            Lucas’s adopted daughter Letty is young and working as a teen reporter. Being young and beautiful is not her only qualifications for this job, she has a history, and it has honed her for the problems arising from an evil threat. A man once arrested and beaten by Lucas is after him through Letty. This situation leads to danger for Lucas and his family, in addition to wicked intent from many sides. Letty sets a plan to catch this man though it puts in motion events she cannot control. Between murdering thieves that seem so organized and unknown they are hard to catch, and a daughter who is on her own too much, Lucas is facing new dilemmas and stressors.

            John Sandford has written numerous Prey novels and each one delivers entertaining and well-developed characters. The action starts a little slow in this book, though it picks up quickly. The danger is inherent with the evil individuals that are found throughout this story. Twists and turns develop in curtailing their activities and bringing about their certain end. How many go with them tends to be the biggest question.

Book Review Older-36th

Julie Garwood wrote Slow Burn in August 2005. Ballantine Books published the book and has 353 pages.

In the city of Charleston, South Carolina, Kate MacKenna runs her own business selling baskets of unique scents in various forms. She started this business while in college with help from her mother and the use of their family kitchen. Her two sisters each have ambitions of their own and her mother recently died after a long bout with cancer. Except for her sisters, she is now on her own and they rely on her for many things.

While helping a friend set up a reception for an artist, Kate suffers a head injury after an explosion rocks this site. A wonder-bra saved her life. Then after visiting her sick friend Jordan, she returns home and is almost baked in her car when she is again in the wrong place at the wrong time and there is another explosion. Jordan’s brother Dylan is a police officer on leave and he comes after her to keep her safe. They have been attracted to one another for sometime and while Kate was in New York with his sister, they acted on that attraction. During the investigation of the threats she has survived, Dylan and Kate fight their attraction.

A bank manager informs Kate of debts from her mother’s illness during all of this turmoil, which may mean the end of her company. In addition, a man in another part of the country, unhappy with his own family tree, decides this often-dismissed branch may be his answer as to what to do with his fortune. Kate and her sisters no nothing of any other family, but decide to see where this information may lead. Kate knows that New York is where he lives and Charleston is her home. There are as many twists and turns in this other family branch as a python ball at mating season and the dangers though unclear are many.

Julie Garwood has written many books and her characters have snappy dialogue and are entertaining. The action of this book is intermingled with the burgeoning relationships in a pleasurable fashion and therefore is a very good read.

Recent Readings

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

Publisher: Ace Books
Date: May 2011
Page Count: 336

     Bon Temps is again a hotbed of supernatural activity with Sookie Stackhouse in the middle of it all. Her vampire lover, Eric and his right-hand Pam are fighting in her kitchen, where she has come after Merlotte's has been fire bombed. Getting to the root of what they are fighting about leads to more danger and adventure in her life. Sookie is also living with two of the fairies left outside of the fairy world after the recent war. Claude and Dermot bring comfort to her in ways only those like her can bring. Since her grandmother's death, little has been cleaned out of her home, so with the extra help available, the attic is cleaned out. Antique dealers come to help decide what is valuable and what can be sent off. During the clean out, Sookie finds an item that calls to her, with it she finds a note from her Gran and seeks to find out about the mysterious item.
     So much going on, and to top it off, an old foe is out and about bringing more danger and strife to a life so already full. Sandra Pelt is out of jail and causing trouble. Eric and Pam have nefarious designs on their leader when they are not fighting and who knows what her fairy family really wants while they still live on this side of the worlds. In addition, Sam's bar is under attack in more ways than just being fire bombed. Secrets also seem to be the theme of this book. Eric has them, her grandmother had them, and her new family seems to carry them.
     Charlaine Harris has once again written a Sookie Stackhouse novel with drama, action, and moments of laughter. The characters are well-known from the many novels and from the series True Blood on HBO. Thre are always twists and turns and new discoveries, and this novel is no exception. Even if you have never read this wonderful series, if you try this you will go back for the rest. Enjoy.

Book Review Newer-35th

Review—Scarpetta

Patricia Cornwell wrote the novel, Scarpetta. Putnam published the book in December 2008; there are 512 pages.

            From a comfortable home and practice in South Carolina, Kay Scarpetta is also often a consultant for CNN and the NYPD. A recent murder in New York City leads a suspect into her husband’s psychiatric facility. Though somewhat delusional, the man requests an examination from Kay and then enlists her help. Her fame precedes her to the city that never sleeps and today’s technology blasts issues and situations from her past across cyberspace, adding publicity and political struggles into the difficulty of solving crimes.

            Over the last bit of time, Kay’s relationships have changed through loss and betrayal, as well as desperation and love. Now married, both her and Benton work out of both of these cities and maintain a new quality to their togetherness, some  issues may be better and some not so much. Her niece Lucy also works in NYC and her special skills will be invaluable to solving this murder. After decades of being Kay’s primary investigator, Marino, is now a special investigator for the New York district attorney. Their past is rocky and troubled and this case throws them back together again. Marino is also working side-by-side with a new officer who proves to be an issue no one expects.

            Patricia Cornwell has written many novels revolving around Kay and her family and friends, in addition to those she works with and the crimes they solve. This book brings the family back together and opens communication that paves a way for more novels in the future. Kay is as strong and honest as ever in this novel, though the personal issues sometimes over-shadow the investigation. The murder that leads Kay and Benton to NYC proves to have strange twists and turns that lead to other deaths and questionable websites and data that links Kay to the victims. Is there truth or fiction to the technology available today? The novel ends in a very surprising manner and maintains a fairly fast pace for reading another Scarpetta book.

Book Review Older-35th

Review of The Fair Tax Book

Neal Boortz & Congressman John Linder wrote The Fair Tax Book in August 2005. Reagan Books published the book.

In any town, in any state, and in any section of the United States of America there are groups who believe in the idea of instituting a fair tax system. This proposes that there would be no more taxes taken out of our paycheck, leaving each penny in our pocket. It would also eliminate the need for the Internal Revenue Service. A simple across the board 23 percent retail sales tax will replace the current federal income tax withholding system.

According to the writers, there should be no noticeable increase in most prices because most retailers have so many embedded taxes in the prices that are already being paid, that once these embedded taxes are abolished with the new plan, some prices may even be lower, even with the sales tax. Never fear, the government will continue to fund Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, Disability, and the other programs with this sales tax.

The Fair Tax plan also has in place the means to make life easier for the lower-income families. Every person in America will receive a monthly pre-bate check that is calculated for each family to cover the necessities of life. The government determines this yearly and bases the check on the national poverty spending level.

          In this country, we have so many people who never pay taxes from people who make enough to send their money out of the country to banks with minimal taxing to the criminals who just fly under the radar and do not pay a dime. With this plan, all of these people and any others would pay the same taxes as everybody else, bringing more money into our economy.

Yearly tax refunds would be no more, but every paycheck every person would have all of their money. Tax refunds are and always have been a sucker bet. You are only getting your own money back. Money the government has used for a year and gotten interest on. Have you ever gotten an interest payment on your money that you overpaid the previous year?

          There are so many other points that are provided by these writers and I can’t cover each one. The points noted above and all of the others throughout these few chapters make this book a must read. The book is entertaining as well as informative. This plan does not mean we won’t all still pay taxes in support of our country, but it is showing us a better way to support our own way of life. Don’t discount it before you try it.

Recent Readings

Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts

• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Date: April 2011
• Page Count: 480

Ever wonder about fire jumpers, those people who save your forests and mountains and parks?
Well Nora Roberts has brought them to life in this novel of murder, mayhem and intrigue. Rowan is a seasoned professional teaching this year's rookies how to jump into the middle of all of the above. She never mixes business and her personal life, but Gull, one of the new jumpers may tempt her to see reason. In the middle of raging fires with life forces of their own, troubled people are bringing extra danger. Rowan lost a jumper last year and now those that are left behind mourn the loss and tragedy is becoming commonplace. Her life has been routine for the last few years, now not only is her father adventuring away from the normal, but cops are now seen on the fire jumper base as often as other visitors. 
Nora Roberts writes about so many varied themes, and all of her lead characters are engaging, witty, strong-willed and  just always fun to read and this book is no exception. There is plenty of action and drama, developing and dwindling relationships and so much more. Enjoy.

Book Review-Newer Books 34

Review—The Associate by John Grisham

John Grisham wrote the novel The Associate. Doubleday Books published the novel; the book has 373 pages.

From Pennsylvania to New York, a young man, Kyle McAvoy, graduates at the top of the Yale law school and heads for a top-level position at a Wall Street firm. Kyle grew up in his father’s small-town law practice, helping and absorbing all things that concern the law. Kyle led a very typical undergraduate college lifestyle, where alcohol, some drugs, and lots of intimate fun abounded. Now as he enters the professional world an event comes back to haunt him and his friends.

Government technology, especially military grade instruments and software are very high dollar, big business. The firm Kyle works for is representing a company involved in a lawsuit over such matters; billion dollar issues are at hand. One day, just as he is about to graduate and decide his future, Kyle is hauled in front of men claiming to be law enforcement and shown a blast from the past. A video of a party where two of his fraternity brothers are having carnal knowledge of a known party girl and Kyle is half-passed out nearby. At times it appears she may be unconscious, and at other times, not so much. This girl, known to be a poor student and open partier, later claimed rape but the charges are dropped. These men are blackmailing Kyle to get information about the company being represented and he is being coerced to commit crimes that can cost him his future. Will he fold or fight?

This is one of many novels by John Grisham that surround the honor and problems of the legal and government systems. There is a murder and some danger, however, the technology tends to be the most interesting part. This particular book is slow moving and way too similar to a previous book, The Firm, and not as exciting or entertaining. The characters are lackluster and need more animation to promote interest in their problems and issues. During the whole book, I expected more, that of which was only delivered near the last 20 pages. Not a story or characters that I want to see more of.

Book Review-Older Books 34

Review—Chill of Fear by Kay Hooper

Chill of Fear, was written by Kay Hooper and was published in July of 2005 by Bantam books; it has 336 pages.

In a small town in the Tennessee Mountains, there is a resort that has been around for over 100 years.  It is known as The Lodge.  The children who have resided or visited there have an unusually frequent tendency of ending up being murdered or disappearing.  The force of evil felt at this resort by the very sensitive is now being investigated by the Special Crimes Unit (SCU) of the FBI.

          Quentin Hayes is very sensitive and he was a visitor to the Lodge over 25 years ago.  He lost a friend there, an eight year-old friend named Melissa.  He has returned at regular intervals to go over this incident and other records and reported crimes, but has often been thwarted by a community that keeps its problems and secrets to its self.  He has been known to just know when things are going to happen and some time ago he was recruited by the FBI and is now part of the SCU.  Diana Brisco, a guest of The Lodge, is visiting there for a form of emotional painting therapy.  For most of her life she has been treated by psychiatrists and such and has been heavily medicated for most of that time.  She is now free from the affects of any medications but the nightmares she often had as a child have returned.  She also is very sensitive, so sensitive, that she will soon find out that she can see and hear some of these missing children.  The evil that harmed them now wants her.  Quentin may be her only hope.  When she talks to some of these children she goes into a strange layer of time she calls the “gray time”, this time provides a layer of safety, but with the evil that is lurking in this resort, there is also danger.  She needs an anchor to be sure to return from the gray time, because each time she is staying longer.  The children she meets are her guides but she may find she is more connected to them than she originally thought.

          Kay Hooper has written various other novels often dealing with the paranormal.  Her characters are usually engaging and the dialogue witty. This book is no departure.  Throughout the book you can feel the undercurrent of evil and foreboding danger.  As the past of The Lodge is explored, this book will keep you reading.

Book Review-Newer Books 33

Review: Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood

Julie Garwood wrote the novel Fire and Ice. Ballantine Books published the book in December 2008; the novel has 336 pages.

            From a Chicago newspaper to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, Sophie Rose faces not only issues of her past but new dangers that come into her future. Sophie is a journalist that so far has been writing about community events when one last interview leads to a research project in Alaska. On the personal side, she also has to deal with the aftermath often caused by her sometimes Robin Hood and sometimes-considered criminal father. A man who often rights the wrongs of businesses is often blamed for other crimes, frequently placing the FBI and other agencies on her doorstep. This leads to new entanglements as her best friend’s husband is married to an FBI agent.

            The latest interview involved Sophie covering a marathon runner who has won many races in the past. He discloses that he has been chosen for a study due to his great physical traits. During the race, he mysteriously vanishes and Sophie’s business card shows up later in the red socks he was wearing during the race. Pieces of him were found by the local police; at least that is how it is related to Sophie. Other issues have placed her in danger that are related to her father and it is determined a trip out of town may be a good idea. While under protection, Jack McAllister has become a very attractive thorn in her side. He decides he needs to travel with her and that is when the dangerous situation comes to a head. They have stepped into a research study that places strain on the limits and ethics of any proposal, whether effecting animals or man.

            Julie Garwood often writes novels with intriguing and captivating characters with stories that are enjoyable and intricate. This novel delves into new theories but is just as entertaining, though if there is any truth that research is conducted in this manner, this book poses some other dangers to our own future. Good thing this is fiction. 

Book Review-Older Books 33

Review—Trouble Shooter

TroubleShooter, written by Gregg Hurwitz, was published by Harper Collins Publishers. The book was released in September 2005 and is 320 pages.

Troubleshooter is a nickname given to Officer Tim Rackley.  He has just returned to work and is immediately embroiled in a case involving rogue bikers, prison escapees and drugs.  Several of Tim’s colleagues were recently killed in the aiding and abetting in the escape of two nomad bikers who were doing serious prison time.  The services needed of bikers will be revealed in the drama that unfolds.

This new case involves Tim being placed in the midst of a biker gang war.  He is a married man with a baby due in a couple of months.  His wife Dray is also an officer and while making a traffic stop, she runs into these bikers with a hostage and ends up with a bullet in her chest.  She remains unresponsive in the hospital while Tim continues to work this case.  The bikers, one group known as the Sinners and the other group known as the Cholos, are well-known to these detectives.  The Sinners seem to have some big plans, as they have been picking off the Cholos one-by-one and they have been receiving similar payback treatment.  On the day of a funeral for one of their group, the Sinners take a final step in removing the Cholos from their field of play.  This field is the field of drug trafficking and through kidnapping schemes and some embalming plans from Mexico, the Sinners have come up with new ways to import their drugs.  This drug is also a new chemical similar to Heroin and vastly stronger in the high it delivers; it is known as Allah’s Tears and it is delivered through Mexico from an Arab dealer.  Tracking down the clues and the multitude of bikers and their followers involved in this plan, keep the detectives on their toes and the forced liaison with the FBI doesn’t make their job any easier.  Throughout the case, Dray, though not physically verbal at present, is frequently being the voice of Tim’s conscience, when the time for killing comes up she is often reminding him that blind vengeance will not get him the answers he needs to do this right.

Gregg Hurwitz’s dialogue keeps one interested and the pace of the book is quick enough to stay involved, though at times it is a bit gory and very graphic.  I know I’ll try some of his other books after reading this one.

Book Review Newer-32nd

Review—Nuclear Jellyfish

Tim Dorsey wrote the novel Nuclear Jellyfish. William Morrow and Company published the book in February 2009; the novel has 320 pages.

            Florida; where vast history and tantalizing vistas abound, at least for Serge. He fears that many may never know the true bounty of this state. Serge’s interests and ideas of a good time vary from most people, as they tend to run to where Elvis’s favorite room in particular hotels, anything Lynard Skynard, many other little known bits of trivia, and various methods of murder and retribution. Is Serge a criminal, vigilante, or extreme psychopath?

            The travel magazines and internet travel sites seem to find Serge’s writings at the least, inappropriate and at the most, scary. He travels the Florida interstates and back roads with a stoned, generally unaware, and probably challenged friend, named Coleman. In between writing a blog about his travels, he seeks to right the wrongs done to random strangers that he meets along the way. Serge leaves a trail of various bodies in very unusual means of death. Being a lover of Florida trinkets and trivia, he meets and befriends a young salesman of such items. This young man has fallen victim to a robbery crew that is targeting convention sales people. He is one of their very few living witnesses and as Serge’s friend; a plan for their downfall consumes this man who feels he is the one to right this wrong. Along his travels, Serge finds a new friend to travel with, though she seems to have an ulterior motive for hooking up with this very strange pair. In addition, he seems to have attracted the attention of a rogue cop, one who seems to be just a few simple steps behind.

            Criminal, vigilante, or extreme psychopath? This question is never really answered in Tim Dorsey’s novel, though there is a lot of humor for those of a macabre nature and Floridian historical information. The stories come together nicely in the end, but it is a very twisty road, similar to Florida back roads, that leads it all together. This one writer left me a bit ambivalent. I may read him again and I may not. Serge is an interesting character, but his methods detract, as does this author.

Book Review Older-32nd

Review—Cross Bones

Cross Bones, written by Kathy Reichs.  Published by Scribner Publishing in June, 2005; with 348 pages.

In Montreal, Canada, Temperance Brennan (Tempe) is the local forensic anthropologist.   A recent shooting victim, an Orthodox Jewish man, is the subject of controversy in how his autopsy will progress.  The only way to truly determine whether this was a possible suicide or possibly a professional job may be for Tempe to evaluate the skull, which due to the late discovery was a dinner source for some of the local felines that were locked in the room with the victim.

          Detective Andrew Ryan is her constant friend and frequent lover and he is currently investigating the shooting victim.  While talking with the family during the autopsy, a stranger hands Tempe a picture that leads her from a nearby monastery to Israel.  The picture shows bones from an archaeological dig site and Tempe contacts her friend and colleague Jake Drum, who is a biblical archaeologist, and the drama and intrigue, begins.  She travels to the monastery and retrieves the bones, the same bones, that Jake is certain have historically biblical significance.  Tempe sends the bones for carbon-dating and DNA testing, and while waiting for the DNA, she and Ryan set out on a course to Israel to return the bones to the country they came from.  The bones have dated back to more than 2000 years and have the possibility of being connected to the Son of God, and the shooting victim turns out to be connected to this convoluted case, so Ryan is her traveling companion.   These bones also, seem to be connected to multiple deaths and continuing danger to Tempe.

          Kathy Reichs has written several Brennan novels, and this one raises many questions concerning the current reigning religions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam and the beliefs that could be shaken to the core if the bones from the cross were ever recovered.  This book also investigates many other strange possibilities and though I’ve read some of her past books and found them enjoyable, this book was overly descriptive and moved very slowly.  It was a bit of a chore to finish and only answered one of the many questions it rose, and that was the cause of death of the dinner man.  The Fox channel is going to be showing a new show called Bones, and it was written by this author and centers on Tempe Brennan.  I will try her new books, as others have moved faster, and I’ll probably try the new show, as I have enjoyed this character in the past, but this one book left me just trying to get it finished.

Book Review Newer-31st

Review—Damage Control by J.A. Jance

J.A. Jance wrote the novel Damage Control. William Morrow and Company published the book in August 2008; the novel has 374 pages.

            In the small town, included in Cochise County, the past heat and storms lead to washouts and a body is uncovered. Sherriff Joanna Brady has just come from the possible suicide pact of an elderly couple when she is notified of this new finding. With her election, Sherriff Brady has learned how to function in what is often considered a man’s world and with a new baby at home, she is dealing with being separated from her family. Now her little piece of the world is confronted with deaths and possible murders.

The daughter’s of the elderly couple are estranged and their dynamics lead to new possibilities in the deaths. When one daughter becomes unstable, new discoveries lead to the possibility that this was more than a pact. The uncovered body leads to a company that specializes in the treatment of the mentally and physically challenged, those needing assisted living situations. As Joanna investigates one death, more issues with this company arises leading to combined efforts with other areas, and the investigation provides an answer for another cold case involving a self-defense shooting.

Through all of this, Sherriff Brady is dealing with disturbing changes in her mother, who just happens to be married to her chief medical examiner. The deaths and family issues serve to bring up buried situations surrounding the death of her father in addition to dividing attentions between family relationships and detective work. Joanna takes it all in stride with the investigation being the impetus to face past memories.

J.A. Jance has written an intriguing novel that takes one situation and after family issues and disturbing convolutions ties up deaths, murder, and ulterior motives. The characters are intelligent and industrious and this writer has combined life, love, and tragedy in an entertaining book. The novel proved to be a decent page-turner, the ones you just have to keep reading.

Book Review Older-31st

Double Tap, written by Steve Martini.  The book was published by G.P. Putnam & Sons, July, 2005, and is 400 pages.

In La Jolla, California, the very wealthy drive fancy cars and buy expensive art.  At least Madelyn Chapman did, until she was shot in the head, very distinctively, with two shots in very close proximity.  This special skill in shooting is known as a double tap.  Before this early termination of her life, Madelyn ran one of the top software companies in the country, known as Isotenics.  Her company has regular contracts with the Pentagon and she frequently played high-stake games for high-stake fees.  One of her contracts may have been for stakes that were far too high.

Emiliano Ruiz was her once upon a time bodyguard.  He is ex-military and all that that entails, there is also a seven year time period that there are no records of his whereabouts or activities.  He is also the prime suspect charged with this horrible crime.

Paul Madriani and his partner Harry are defending Ruiz; they believe in his innocence and try every legal maneuver they can; along the way they discover things about Madelyn’s company, that not only were very dangerous to her health, but to every American with a computer.  In his effort to find evidence to free his client, he finds himself being warned off by strangers and aid coming from the strangest of places.

Paul is a regular character for Steve Martini, and he has written other novels involving him.  The book though interesting, was a slow read and very few of the characters were of redeeming quality and they were difficult to invest in or care about, though the real killer was a surprise.  The day and age of spy ware is here and now, and the threat in this book is clear.  Big Brother could be out there.