tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77996909256994856752024-03-16T00:08:38.472-07:00http://mikedraperinguilford.blogspot.comCanada July 2011, boat trip on 1,000 IslandsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.comBlogger866125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-14329804373967285232016-01-29T11:12:00.001-08:002016-01-29T11:12:26.663-08:00Two for the Dough revisited <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ten years after publication i decided to reread "Two for the Dough.". I found reading this entertaining book was like visiting with an old and humorous old friend.,<br />
<br />
Stephanie Plum is still at work pursuing her career as a bail jumper.while dreaming of romance and wealth. She is on the trail of Kenny Mancuso, a bail jumper from Stephanie's area or berg as locations in the Trenton New Jersey are referred to.<br />
<br />
Kenny has recently left the army and is accused of shooting his best friend.<br />
<br />
Ranger is Stephanie's bounter hunter pal who occasionally steps in to pull her out of a jam. He's a more experienced bounty jumper who adds his knowledge to the hunt as does Stephanie's pistol packing grandma who reminds me of "granny" from the Beverly Hillbillies.<br />
<br />
The story is good fun and adds a love interest Stephanie's love interest of Joe Morelli.<br />
<br />
As enjoyable as I recalled the original reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-75996849964682096172016-01-23T07:55:00.000-08:002016-01-23T08:20:59.656-08:00The Don flows Quietly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"And Quiet Flows the Don," is a novel by Nobel Prize winner Mikhail Sholokhov.<br />
<br />
As a literature major, I had read this novel in the '60s and thought I would reread it. However, on a current read, I was disappointed. I felt the writing was crisp and the dialogue strong but I just didn't care about the characters<br />
<br />
This book is 552 pages long and only part 1 so I think it was just too much for my current state of reading.<br />
<br />
I did enjoy the descriptions of Russia and the various subjects that the characters had to deal with. The novel covers the period between the 1917 revolution and the end of civil strife in Russia in 1921. It covers the fortunes of a group of Cossacks and their women during the death throes of the old order and the birth of a new life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-83068936117078138772016-01-21T09:23:00.001-08:002016-01-21T09:25:04.928-08:00Save the last dance for me" Lyrics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1NF6WcE-OV2wiy6O0NhsSNQImRDaM_d43aMa7z854_WPo0PmzWWqALiNf9ynfQQDqDHyT2-3Rm3xG58EPCAGmdPqwmhdevU9iskuTeJtGPAnAlPPA5HoBqNZtJy4y_TlkiYpckbcs90X/s1600/31476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1NF6WcE-OV2wiy6O0NhsSNQImRDaM_d43aMa7z854_WPo0PmzWWqALiNf9ynfQQDqDHyT2-3Rm3xG58EPCAGmdPqwmhdevU9iskuTeJtGPAnAlPPA5HoBqNZtJy4y_TlkiYpckbcs90X/s200/31476.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
Matt Scudder is hired by the brother of a TV Anchor to see if the woman's husband either killed or had her killed.<br />
<br />
The author certainly knows the New York territory and enlightens the reader of what is going on in the fight ring and in many of the gay bars in the New York Chelsea areas.<br />
<br />
Matt uncovers a connection to "The Dirty Dozen" and spends time searching for an old time TV buff. He's an unlicensed PI and former cop. He's also a member of AA and asked by another member to find the killer of the man's sister.<br />
<br />
The story deals with sex crimes against children and some other topics not for the faint of heart.<br />
It provides good descriptions of New York and tells about two excellent characters, Elaine and Joe Decker.<br />
<br />
The action keeps moving and the story is well tld.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-70192570849476206612016-01-17T07:33:00.002-08:002016-01-17T07:34:40.650-08:00Love, love is strange." Lyrics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8Ky3r0QYXsfI0nGbP4I7E-IHLZkOThhlipAxPVUP0DSYt9s-QrRi9F98m5p81tMd5iN3W8Iyz5d14pS1T46e9iLVSWRUy8UFBCCykiKyJq1jBiXsUlI8sqovPu4FTBUQ40LnAh9uMhw4/s1600/554330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8Ky3r0QYXsfI0nGbP4I7E-IHLZkOThhlipAxPVUP0DSYt9s-QrRi9F98m5p81tMd5iN3W8Iyz5d14pS1T46e9iLVSWRUy8UFBCCykiKyJq1jBiXsUlI8sqovPu4FTBUQ40LnAh9uMhw4/s200/554330.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>
Back in the day, times were different. Much so in prim and proper Boston of 100 years ago.<br />
<br />
It's 1905 and the reader can picture the family reaction when Fremont Jones graduates from Wellesley . Thinking of Fremont as a prim daughter of Boston society would be wrong. Fremont wanted more out of life and moved to San Francisco to become a private investigator. She was always inquisitive and self starting and thought this would be a natural outlet for her talents.<br />
<br />
As she opens her agency, she meets an author who writes in a style of Arthur Conan Doyle but better because, he states, his stories are true. She also meets a Chinese man who wants a document drawn.<br />
<br />
Soon after, the papers tell of the death of the Chinese man and more adventures follow.<br />
<br />
There is a good view of San Francisco in 1905 and the realistic writing practically speaks for itself.<br />
<br />
This is a story that should entertain courageous young women without a lot of violence.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-57958475165795608892016-01-15T12:40:00.001-08:002016-01-15T12:40:55.614-08:00On my word of honor..." Lyrics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnElzZdflO6FSGEAC35CLXM0m8pZHHFTfZP1uT956fqpg1bFYukvbA23smgFJEMIep_aR2YUW0n99YinVkPyS6sInunrsI3O9FgQ9xQGxF-cUR3hwCYunLxGIrhKHnQ9wbrcqVrXYySnX/s1600/33809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWnElzZdflO6FSGEAC35CLXM0m8pZHHFTfZP1uT956fqpg1bFYukvbA23smgFJEMIep_aR2YUW0n99YinVkPyS6sInunrsI3O9FgQ9xQGxF-cUR3hwCYunLxGIrhKHnQ9wbrcqVrXYySnX/s320/33809.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Lt. Ben Tyson is a good teacher and leader of men in Viet Nam.<br />
<br />
During the fierce fighting around the Tet Offensive, there is an incident at a civilian hospital where his men kill a number of civilians and vow never to talk about it.<br />
<br />
Years later, Tyson is an established businessman and he's called back to active duty to face a military tribal for misconduct.<br />
<br />
DeMille tells a good story as Tyson's men are being killed and finally reach the breaking point and shoot back. Now it seems that he has to pay for their actions.<br />
<br />
Ben continues to show his honor as the case comes to trial and we see the result on his family as his son, a senior in high school, has to take abuse because of Ben.<br />
<br />
I'm a Vietnam era military man who spent my time in the U.S. but enjoyed this story and what seemed the reality of the story and it's effects on Ben and the surviving men in his military unit.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-36234544187754764652016-01-08T07:27:00.002-08:002016-01-08T07:27:43.332-08:00Home Home on the Range" Lyrics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR-ysjkZvY4bqYm4ieieTe2Ejq5tVRQA682t0zvQd3aYJDSqSmkc88DWmy0SHYoOwkUPKnDYMaJpZ7qcSjvaOCQ0mTFOhBj_zz5tEpMdJ6U49WPBjKvhwQaSMPIBnOqTGuJ3_t-B535A1/s1600/winter+range.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMR-ysjkZvY4bqYm4ieieTe2Ejq5tVRQA682t0zvQd3aYJDSqSmkc88DWmy0SHYoOwkUPKnDYMaJpZ7qcSjvaOCQ0mTFOhBj_zz5tEpMdJ6U49WPBjKvhwQaSMPIBnOqTGuJ3_t-B535A1/s320/winter+range.jpg" width="213" /></a>Ike Parson's is a small town sheriff with a big heart.<br />
<br />
As the winter in Montana can often be cruel and devastating to farmers, Ike hears about Chas Stubblefield who has fallen on hard times. Ike decides to see for himself and travels to Stubblefield's ranch. <br /><br />He sees a sight that would shock most other farmers and ranchers. The cattle are emaciated, the feed is wet and rotting and Stubblefield seems to be existing by using the cattle for food. He's depressed and angry at the world.<br />
<br />
Ike knows enough not to go into another person's business but as a rancher himself, it's too much.<br />
<br />
He brings a veterinary friend to the ranch for a second opinion and then takes legal steps in hope of saving his neighbor and the remnants of his ranch.<br />
<br />
What Ike gets is resentment and the loss of friendship of many local friends. When threats begin to come to his ranch, Ike gets angry and realizes that he should have listened to others and let the rancher sink to his own ending - no mater how heartless that seems.<br />
<br />
A good description of life in the wilderness and small town life in the Montana winters.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-3315530537896264232016-01-04T11:00:00.001-08:002016-01-04T11:00:45.474-08:00Desire to help<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2rG5vmloTVEu98B-7BVvZnDHSq-ovA1ybECJ3OgfQLSZy_39HaZxuOnCph9xUutLj7VG0c691ZYpfaDt1A0RMWTQko_A6Ym0C4GEb6KrmbGI8L2DGShah7abJqmLJ4JXHHG1NWZm5rJJ/s1600/rogue+lawyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2rG5vmloTVEu98B-7BVvZnDHSq-ovA1ybECJ3OgfQLSZy_39HaZxuOnCph9xUutLj7VG0c691ZYpfaDt1A0RMWTQko_A6Ym0C4GEb6KrmbGI8L2DGShah7abJqmLJ4JXHHG1NWZm5rJJ/s1600/rogue+lawyer.jpg" /></a></div>
It appears that John Gresham saw the success of Michael Connelly's "Lincoln Lawyer" so decided to have his own attorney working out of his car.<br />
<br />
In "Rogue Lawyer" Sebastian Rudd works out of his bulletproof van. His driver is his bodyguard and is Rudd's only friend.<br />
<br />
In this work, he goes through the process of defending a number of people who no one else wanted to defend. One of his defendants is an eighteen-year-old tattooed, brain damaged social outcast.<br />
<br />
His next case involves defending a crime lord who had killed a judge. When Rudd takes on this case, the man is on death row after being sentenced to death.<br />
<br />
Maybe he needed more excitement because the next case he takes on is defending a homeowner arrested for shooting at a SWAT team who had mistaken this man's home.<br />
<br />
Rudd is a knowledgeable, wise cracking attorney who most people accused of crimes would want on their side. <br />
<br />However, neither Rudd nor many of his characters are described enough to create sympathy from the reader. In most cases, I didn't care of Rudd won the case or not.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-75355186439763660882016-01-02T07:32:00.002-08:002016-01-02T07:32:58.894-08:00Power Play needs something<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a strong story plot line, "Power Play" lacks something.<br />
<br />
Normally, I really enjoy Catherine Coulter's writing but not this time.<br />
<br />
Natalie Black is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom. Her fiance dies in an auto accident and there are rumors that she is responsible.<br />
<br />
Her daughter, Perry, is a very attractive woman who works for the newspaper.<br />
Natalie returns to the U.S. and someone appears to be stalking Perry. The reader is led to believe the stalker is Psychopath Blessed Blackman. FBI also believes that Blackman who has escaped from prison, might be at work again since there is a link between Blackman and Davis Sullivan.<br />
<br />
<br />
I read the first couple of hundred pages but found I was forcing myself to continue. Therefore I put the book aside and hope for a more entertaining novel for the next read.<br />
<br />
Pass this one up.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-55301509701365681662015-12-27T13:00:00.001-08:002015-12-27T13:00:19.171-08:00Still, though I loved you so. Lyrics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Still Life" is my book club's pick for the month.<br />
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In the story, Chief Inspector Armand Gamauch of the Surete and his team are called to the rural Canadian village of Three Pines.<br />
<br />
There, seventy-six Jane Neal had been walking in the woods by the village when she was shot and killed by an arrow. Is this an accident or murder?<br />
<br />
The incident took place on the Sunday of Thanksgiving and the investigation takes on a festive air as the team searches for answers amongst stores and buildings decked out of the holidays.<br />
<br />
The reader is given the full imagery of Louise Penny's imagination as the scene of Jane Neal's death is described as seeing her fall on her stomach and making snow angels before her death.<br />
<br />
Gamache investigates the murder in a way that reminded this reader of what Alfred Hitchcock would have done. The dialogue is well versed and the characters are imaginative and become like old acquaintances to the reader.<br />
<br />
During the story, Gamache shows himself to be a keen investigator and teacher as he attempts to teach a new member of the team during his steps in finding answers.<br />
<br />
The book has won multiple literary awards and brings the reader into the story as if they were a member of the village.<br />
<br />
Highly recommended.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-39072740261075487382015-12-24T08:39:00.000-08:002015-12-24T08:39:03.419-08:00I'll be home for Christmas if only in my dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mi9W1UM0tKcFDEuAVfdmljRCrij9gO_F51tSJiYWTot1vfu-Q1OkzWguHzMBKsSe9nhnkijUb9gkjMExCie9ziLU4pLHNcuF86lLC7shZSXb1RzMPg_vJhaUIVSe6-O4LfnzoYATZd5S/s1600/24611642%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mi9W1UM0tKcFDEuAVfdmljRCrij9gO_F51tSJiYWTot1vfu-Q1OkzWguHzMBKsSe9nhnkijUb9gkjMExCie9ziLU4pLHNcuF86lLC7shZSXb1RzMPg_vJhaUIVSe6-O4LfnzoYATZd5S/s1600/24611642%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
My wife, Diana, recommended this book to me after reading it in her book club. She thought I would enjoy the Civil Was portion of the book.<br />
<br />
As often the case, she was correct.<br />
<br />
In the days leading up to the Civil War, the battle that was soon to be fought was a central topic. However, in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's home in Massachusetts, there were also discussions of the arts and other notable figures of the time.<br />
<br />
Wadsworth is against the war from the point of view that his eldest son, Charlie, is of an age where youth only sees the glory of battle, not the pain and suffering.<br />
<br />
In South Carolina, Maj. Anderson and his command begin settling in for a long siege at Ft. Sumter.<br />
<br />
Interspersed in the above story is that of Sophia, a music teacher whose program will be eliminated due to budget cuts.<br />
<br />
At her church, she is the choir director and features "Christmas Bells" based on Longfellow's poem, as her next project. With each chapter told from a different pint of view, it is an interesting way to see the picture of current time from various aspects.<br />
<br />
I enjoyed the Civil War portion of the book quite a bit but felt too much repetition in the current time portrait of the story.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-30283815393121986962015-12-20T08:44:00.001-08:002015-12-20T08:44:28.365-08:00Life is really simple but is made to look complicated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Alex Berenson's 10th novel featuring John Wells. His novel, "The Faithful Spy: won the Edgar Award in 2007 for the best first novel.<br />
<br />
"The Wolves" follows the action in "Twelve Days," where billionaire Aaron Duterman tried to get the U.S. and Israel to invade Iran. Needless to say, this would be a moneymaker for Duterman. In that novel, Wells works with Vinny Duto and Ellis Shaffer.<br />
<br />
In "The Wolves" Wells is again helped by Shafer who is now the CIA director. Duterman is now in Hong Kong and still wants revenge against Wells.<br />
<br />
Wells decides to go after Duterman.<br />
<br />
Prior to his trip to Hong Kong, Wells visits with his son, Evan and they talk about Evan going into the Company when he finishes college. It seems like Wells wants to tie up loose ends before changing careers to something less threatening.<br />
<br />
Alex Berenson is a skilled story-teller. He creates realistic scenarios and his stories are suspenseful and compelling.<br />
<br />
I'm anxious to see what John Wells does in his next adventure.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-68513139636103416962015-12-18T14:08:00.001-08:002015-12-18T14:35:03.263-08:00I Promise to Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1iFXwa3xxI-RFIoSIdTNmDH5tZC-EvZ1IfK-24baISMTTnNJiyjvzhmFiSNWphinS8TGGYdjXOjFqm1e73DeSr9KC-4ZPs8CAdhS75A0Gf-6lg_T0hfJ7a5zvGab25dk5bX1owRY6za7/s1600/21016320._UY200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1iFXwa3xxI-RFIoSIdTNmDH5tZC-EvZ1IfK-24baISMTTnNJiyjvzhmFiSNWphinS8TGGYdjXOjFqm1e73DeSr9KC-4ZPs8CAdhS75A0Gf-6lg_T0hfJ7a5zvGab25dk5bX1owRY6za7/s1600/21016320._UY200_.jpg" /></a></div>
There were so many people requesting "The Promise" at my library that I was impatient to have my turn.<br />
<br />
Robert Crais is one of my favorite authors. I truly enjoyed "Suspect" with Scott James and his K9 Maggie.<br />
<br />
In this story, P.I. Elvis Cole is asked to find a missing woman but has to keep the search quiet and has other restrictions in locating the woman.<br />
<br />
We witness a drug deal in L.A. suburb Echo Park. It gets rowdy and someone calls the police. K9 handler Scott James witnesses a suspect leaving the house but because it's a residential area, he can't let Maggie off the leash and the suspect escapes.<br />
<br />
Cole had been watching the house because he had information that his subject was there. He sees the police chase after the suspect and tries to help but is mistaken for another criminal and ordered to stop.<br />
<br />
The confusion is corrected and James thanks Cole for his attempted assistance but the suspect escaped and a body was found in the house and a stash of explosives.<br />
<br />
From that time, we learn that the person Cole was after had a connection with the escapee and it had something connected to explosives.<br />
<br />
Sounds like a good premise but Cole's usual humor and wit wasn't at it's normal level. Many of the crooks in the scheme went by nicknames and it was somewhat confusing to me.<br />
<br />
The connection to the woman who hired Cole and the chase for the missing woman went on too long and the excitement of the story lost some steam. The missing woman's motivation for her actions could have been written in a stronger manner.<br />
<br />
I liked the characters but wished for more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-83641133702895532352015-12-15T14:40:00.002-08:002015-12-15T14:40:21.717-08:00Don't be afraid of the Dark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNrhBsNhIb0iIgkSoocwma-tdqmDQ3IFkwH_0q_DU0ANB8VH1WemgQcdt2zGSpuiXT9Xz49iZsrUaLHAWaPvXsig68SMeqC-OvN1shfepXg_5KSnkKHrdSSgIC3qcghVbL8ZXC-2pfs4x/s1600/6090807%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNrhBsNhIb0iIgkSoocwma-tdqmDQ3IFkwH_0q_DU0ANB8VH1WemgQcdt2zGSpuiXT9Xz49iZsrUaLHAWaPvXsig68SMeqC-OvN1shfepXg_5KSnkKHrdSSgIC3qcghVbL8ZXC-2pfs4x/s1600/6090807%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">This novel grabs your attention from the start.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Lato, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Tim Blake has his 17 year old daughter, Sydney, staying with him during the summer. She never comes home from her job in a local motel. Tim goes to the hotel and asks the management about her. They don't know her and inform him that she never worked there. </span><br />
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<span id="freeTextreview66709444">Blake tries to keep his life going and barely succeeds until the police tell him that they've found his daughter's car in a local parking lot.<br />What would you do as a parent?<br /><br />Tim becomes a modern "Everyman." He's not Special Forces or a U.S. Marine. Tim is a used car salesman, a relatively unheroic occupation.<br />However, when it comes to finding the one person who means everything to him, his daughter, he is not to be stopped. He doesn't let his job get in the way, or even his own safety. "Whatever it takes" should be his motto.<br /><br />There is a tip that his daughter might be in another place and when Tim arrives there, he finds that it was a hoax but someone wanted him out of town for a reason. Tim must find out why.<br /><br />Barclay is a literary symphony conductor with this novel. The suspense begins slowly, think of Ravel's "Bolero" but they he picks up the momentum and becomes John Philip Sousa and "The Stars and Stripes Forever."<br /><br />The plot is believable and the description of the Milford, Stratford area of Connecticut is perfect. The author lives in Toronto but tells this reviewer that he was born in Darien and even though he lives in Canada, he would travel back to this area to see family for many years.<br /><br />Highly recommended.<br /></span><br /><div class="clear" style="clear: both; font-size: 1px; height: 0px; line-height: 0; margin: 0px;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-51475880175490237822015-12-10T15:13:00.002-08:002015-12-10T15:13:46.838-08:00When the white blossoms bloom again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLfl3vY39laKEOhrlVc7ZkRL20OJgsnpXhpramEghGy0l8qQcMiIUeL9uOzWR_yLvMDQpdCip59w2OVpYaVmn5O_DNtv5-jQQySShPHEk24KeQp8NMhkMzcWdc1olK-XVt4Tay5L5Yr7S/s1600/A+blossom+of+bright+light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLfl3vY39laKEOhrlVc7ZkRL20OJgsnpXhpramEghGy0l8qQcMiIUeL9uOzWR_yLvMDQpdCip59w2OVpYaVmn5O_DNtv5-jQQySShPHEk24KeQp8NMhkMzcWdc1olK-XVt4Tay5L5Yr7S/s200/A+blossom+of+bright+light.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
There were many families like the Serrano's. They lived in an immigrant community. The mother had died but the father was a hard working man, attempting to do his best for his three children. A police raid, looking for drugs, mistakenly came to their home instead of the next block. They found no drugs but found that Mr. Serrano was undocumented. He was taken for a hearing on being sent back to Mexico. The children, fourteen-year-old Luna and her younger siblings were placed in the care of a wealthy Spanish family.<br />
<br />
In an upscale community of Lake Holly, New York, Det. Jimmy Vega is assigned to investigate the situation of a newly born infant left to the elements to die. Later, the body of a young woman is found.<br />
<br />
Det Vega needs the help of his girlfriend Adele, founder of La Casa Community Center. Many of the residents are undocumented and don't trust the police.<br />
<br />
The story is told with passion and good imagery. "Luna tried to help Dulce with her (bag) but she was carrying too many things. The terra-cotta flowerpot slipped from Luna's hands and cracked in two on the bare floor. Dirt scattered everywhere. Mami's beautiful plant lay sideways on the clay shards.<br />
<br />
I thought the image of broken plant and a broken family was well portrayed.<br />
<br />
As the story continues, the fear immigrant community to come forth to the police is heart brokenly described.<br />
<br />
Recommended!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-57841557958664843982015-12-05T08:35:00.000-08:002015-12-05T08:35:01.033-08:00Tonight You're Mine, Completely" Lyrics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOVKS8vNu8guWvjtUZTdHexImurLlC2Ta-b_tVmq-jC1_-2twHztuQ0qRGzv_hn7bFm848-x7M89vHSRnUB3lymWTLV97ZgrAP7vyPAPyDQZV_lP0hvB9MJb3en_lnLpdcn7bEJFnDiGR/s1600/424644%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOVKS8vNu8guWvjtUZTdHexImurLlC2Ta-b_tVmq-jC1_-2twHztuQ0qRGzv_hn7bFm848-x7M89vHSRnUB3lymWTLV97ZgrAP7vyPAPyDQZV_lP0hvB9MJb3en_lnLpdcn7bEJFnDiGR/s1600/424644%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Investigator Wayne Weston is found dead, an apparent suicide. His wife and six-year-old daughter are missing and officials believe that it is a murder-suicide. Wayne's father, a crusty WWII vet, hires Lincoln Perry and his partner, Joe Pritchard, to investigate.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">With excellent dialogue and interesting characters, Michael Koryta takes the reader on the trail as the detectives accept the case and look into the details. The investigators are surprised at the start. It seems that Weston doesn't have any current cases. He does seem to be doing some work for wealthy Jeremiah Hubbard, a real estate developer who is attempting to purchase waterfront property in Cleveland and create a riverfront that will be even better than New Orleans'. When Perry and his partner visit with Hubbard, Hubbard won't admit anything and then attempts to bribe them to drop the case.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This makes the investigators more suspicious and intent to find out what was going on. The search has some unsuspected turns when they find a connection to a group of Russians who are underworld figures.</span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">This is Michael Koryta's first novel and a well done job. He uses dialogue to get to know the characters and the reader becomes almost an interested participant as the case develops. Koryta gives the reader a number of surprises and keeps the action going throughout the story.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-64356155214274511922015-11-29T08:13:00.002-08:002015-11-29T08:26:12.005-08:00Rules are meant to keep a person safe, what happens if they fail?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi4cfopVuSFbOTfIvIxnVvABW1JqgyskMkxtrZew4SMONUTACzwDLVlo75iQsovIl0ZL-qgg7jZOvvgvU45dHOMGaZR76-y-bYQUCg2pQ9Dz7eXa-d_DYjzd-I2vD5OdMuRbBaAh4-SVv/s1600/See+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi4cfopVuSFbOTfIvIxnVvABW1JqgyskMkxtrZew4SMONUTACzwDLVlo75iQsovIl0ZL-qgg7jZOvvgvU45dHOMGaZR76-y-bYQUCg2pQ9Dz7eXa-d_DYjzd-I2vD5OdMuRbBaAh4-SVv/s320/See+Me.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Second chances are often rewarded beyond expectation.<br />
<br />
Colin Hancock is a young man who had difficulty keeping his temper under control. Now, at age twenty-six, he's attempting to leave his past ways behind. Where his history of violence and bad choices have almost landed him in jail, he's been trying to walk the straight line.<br />
<br />
He's attending college and working as a bartender and doing well at both endeavors.<br />
<br />
One night, on a windy, rain slicked road, he comes across a car that is disabled. He's sees a young woman trying to fix a flat tire and offers to help. This led to his meeting Maria Sanchez. She is a young attorney from a Mexican family.<br />
<br />
As their lives interconnect, he learns that Maria is being sexually harassed by her boss and that Maria has been receiving threats that indicate that Maria would "know how it feels."<br />
<br />
While Colin wants to help, he is being scrutinized by a local detective who feels that Colin should be in jail due to his violent past. He knows that the judge has given him a last chance to turn his life around.<br />
<br />
How can this couple overcome their situation? This romantic suspense thriller not only provides a good story, it deals with a number of important issues such as dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace and the views some have of Mexican Americans.<br />
<br />
The audio book is read by Christopher Ryan Grant who adds his skills to an excellent story by Nicholas Sparks.<br />
The characters are well described. Colin and Maria are the kind of character that the reader will enjoy following and root for their success.<br />
<br />
Recommended.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-66391026062918362432015-11-25T09:56:00.000-08:002015-11-25T09:56:09.598-08:00Many Tears Have to Fall but it's all in the Game." Lyrics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6Zkp8qd7O7tWLUbHSuxHo3ebsPBQ3SQSBeB5Msfn6mhckKX5rUFYqy937RV7ySyxxgE_IO54gZP5xiPW1-EAAs-Gr-q3vBDCEv4LrGxfQk6u8cMjHMzm2QPeiBiXd5QrSEUWiKaq_muq/s1600/24611928%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij6Zkp8qd7O7tWLUbHSuxHo3ebsPBQ3SQSBeB5Msfn6mhckKX5rUFYqy937RV7ySyxxgE_IO54gZP5xiPW1-EAAs-Gr-q3vBDCEv4LrGxfQk6u8cMjHMzm2QPeiBiXd5QrSEUWiKaq_muq/s1600/24611928%25281%2529.jpg" /></a>Having enjoyed Catherine Coulter's FBI thriller, "Nemesis" I wanted to read another of her stories.<br />
<br />
In "The End Game," Nicholas Drummond and his partner Michaela Caine investigate COE. This is a group led by Matthew Spenser. He is a scientist/terrorist and anti Muslim zealot.<br />
<br />At the start of the action, he is assisted by Vanessa who makes bombs for the organization. COE which stands for Celebrants of the Earth. Their goal is to stop America from importing oil from the Middle East.<br />
<br />
Vanessa had agreed to assist the organization by making bombs. She believed Matthew when he told her that his goal was to stop the importing of oil from the Middle East without the loss of life.<br />
<br />
Nick and Mike get a tip about the Beltway Refinery in New Jersey. They're told that a man in a bar overheard an intoxicated man bragging that there would be a bomb at this site. They rush to the scene just before the bomb explodes and are lucky that they didn't have major injuries.<br />
<br />
Following the activities of the terrorist group, we learn more about Vanessa and her true identity.<br />
<br />
With the bombing in France and other terrorist acts recently I thought that the story was very timely. The action was fast and furious and I liked Nicholas and Michaela having some romance in their lives.<br />
<br />
Recommended.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-85488706351927539942015-11-22T14:57:00.002-08:002015-11-22T14:57:24.078-08:00Only the shadow knows the truth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8PJQo3zk5XokFqMGPvX3NWPAUsnlYc_sCq91EuFBXqxMhF3ignL4JZlUm6Ww46uxOcD6uApKCuOl1Dj9yc-FfV3NX7TXdBiTqg4L81BhOfR11esTX77O_XGtaS601Nq7WD60KdbWV2I2/s1600/X++Sue+Grafton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia8PJQo3zk5XokFqMGPvX3NWPAUsnlYc_sCq91EuFBXqxMhF3ignL4JZlUm6Ww46uxOcD6uApKCuOl1Dj9yc-FfV3NX7TXdBiTqg4L81BhOfR11esTX77O_XGtaS601Nq7WD60KdbWV2I2/s200/X++Sue+Grafton.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
"X" is the story told in numerous parts.<br />
<br />
The central part has Kinsey investigating a serial killer. She's unaware that as she gets closer to building enough evidence to nail the killer, she becomes a target.<br />
<br />
The second layer of the story has Kinsey dealing with her landlord's elderly neighbors. At first they seem worthy of Kinsey's sympathy but there is something beneath their outer personae.<br />
<br />The final segment of the story is where the "X" comes from. It covers a woman of Greek heritage who recently divorced. She is still embittered about her husband's philandering when she discovers an art work in her husband's basement's basement that could be worth millions. But she has to smuggle it out of his basement to get it appraised in London.<br />
<br />
The book is good but tends to jump from one story line to another too much. The characters are old friends by this 24th installment of Kinsey's actions. I look forward to their antics but found the conclusion unfulfilling, perhaps it was a prelude to a future story.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-44641233555774342982015-11-16T13:41:00.002-08:002015-11-16T13:41:39.773-08:00Now wait a minute for this dandy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVJstrFfGAolAVApezATH07NJTx2CloUTV5Rh5_SuAUuXfavGI19K4AHNigZm9kNgQn9NbO20hSoeDnbvySX_mghmcIhy5rdT5hvdKy1JfTirA4o4G9g-JAWdH6d4uZtxs_htmlF4Wf71/s1600/Last+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVJstrFfGAolAVApezATH07NJTx2CloUTV5Rh5_SuAUuXfavGI19K4AHNigZm9kNgQn9NbO20hSoeDnbvySX_mghmcIhy5rdT5hvdKy1JfTirA4o4G9g-JAWdH6d4uZtxs_htmlF4Wf71/s200/Last+book.jpg" width="133" /></a>What appealed to me about "Minute Zero" was the idea that the story combines political diplomacy with national security.<br />
<br />
With current events and the presidential election debate, a book about election would be of interest even if the nation is Zimbabwe.<br />
<br />
State Department crisis manager Judd Ryker is sent to Zimbabwe to attempt to quell a developing emergency. Ryker is to stop an emergency and provide a solution before the situation gets out of hand.<br />
<br />
In the 1980s thousands of civilians in Zimbabwe died during an operation and no one was held accountable.<br />
<br />
Now President Winston Tinotenda known as Tino is set to have another term as president in an election that he has rigged. He as a corrupt security adviser and gets money from illegal diamond mines and elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Ryker brings in the CIA and some old friends to stop the bleeding and allow to elected president to assume her rightful office. How he does this and what he must overcome is the basis of the story.<br />
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I enjoyed the story and compared the situation to what is going on in certain countries today and it also gives the reader the idea that it might have been useful if Ryker had done his magic to prevent other countries from going to rebels or illegal dictators.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-23309525650147760842015-11-16T13:10:00.002-08:002015-11-16T13:10:21.862-08:00Mike's Health 11-16-2015Health report:<br />
Began a new clinical trial two weeks ago. It has had an immediate positive effect. My sight has improved, the pain is reduced and overall feeling of improvement. I still have a way to go on my sight and I do have lower back pain at night and pain in my right elbow but it's only the beginning of the trial.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-46563921291080737652015-11-11T09:30:00.003-08:002015-11-11T09:30:44.981-08:00All's not fair in love and war<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7RQ6yRmDJpsIiKi4BHNYMXB2pOWsx2PKBvD5gxZrnHAmbdAmX8ZPkKdUwgRF2pd0wZHgDaZzJJcE9-7f1Bf_OHBVz5oG7H9EZEos8L8AijHBJjU8pfhA1eRi0lVF5QwSravpvP1Oo2_7/s1600/The+War+Reporter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7RQ6yRmDJpsIiKi4BHNYMXB2pOWsx2PKBvD5gxZrnHAmbdAmX8ZPkKdUwgRF2pd0wZHgDaZzJJcE9-7f1Bf_OHBVz5oG7H9EZEos8L8AijHBJjU8pfhA1eRi0lVF5QwSravpvP1Oo2_7/s200/The+War+Reporter.jpg" width="132" /></a> In an inspiring story of love and war, Martin Fletcher has written "The War Reporter."<br />
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This riveting thriller begins in 1994 with Tom Layne - an American TV journalist, reporting from Sarajevo. He's teamed with his cameraman, the lovely translator, Nina, and English journalist, Nick Barnes.<br />
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Always on the look out for the nest inspiring story, Tom visits the nearby hospital and notices a small boy. The boy is left alone and doesn't speak. He was being taken to the hospital for an operation on his harelip. However, he was separated from his mother in a bombing incident and he's left alone. No one knows his name or his mother.<br />
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Tom and Nick discuss how finding the boy's mother could be a great story and decide to risk the shooting in the mountains to find the boy's mother.<br />
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They succeed in doing so at great cost. One of their members is killed and Nina is attacked after she reacted to a man who stole her family's land.<br />
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Battle worn, Tom returns home and returns 12 years later.<br />
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The story tells of the horrors of war. The cruelty inflicted and the love that develops between Tom and Nina. It grabs at the reader's heart to witness what these two brave people go through.<br />
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Winner of a Jewish National Book award for good reason. The author describes Tom becoming traumatized after the death of a friend and experiencing the hopeless feeling as he hears his love screaming for help which he can't deliver.<br />
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The strong story will linger in the minds of the reader long after reading the book.<br />
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Recommended.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-35968644857713463802015-11-09T07:55:00.001-08:002015-11-09T07:55:34.794-08:00"Johnny is a joker, he's a bird dog." Song Lyrics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRKc1bVXVMA8fJFZ_KkcLQM6GPfN5-4TgAQL9kUkFbXWDvoqm9T42IQvMJ2JhOqognAYWjV-szFGMRAFejdf4OKBKuxaaUCQ3tJ4o-obzt1ya7aCUdU1cnhSfvuOh7IhEN9cTr8ks6nsF/s1600/2806260._UY200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRKc1bVXVMA8fJFZ_KkcLQM6GPfN5-4TgAQL9kUkFbXWDvoqm9T42IQvMJ2JhOqognAYWjV-szFGMRAFejdf4OKBKuxaaUCQ3tJ4o-obzt1ya7aCUdU1cnhSfvuOh7IhEN9cTr8ks6nsF/s1600/2806260._UY200_.jpg" /></a>Philip Reed has written a book about the hazards of dealing with an unscrupulous auto dealership. His first novel is titled "Bird Dog."</div>
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Most of us have preconceptions of dealing with a car salesman and with "Bird Dog," the actions of one car salesman definitely takes a downward step.</div>
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Harold Dodge is familiar with the tricks of a car dealer. He has worked in that industry and written a book about it. although his present job is as an engineer.</div>
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He's an overweight man who has a problem with his image. However, he's flattered when a pretty co-worker named Marianna asks for his help. She purchased a car from a dealer and traded in her own car for it. After reading the contract and what was supposed to be included in the purchase price, she feels that she was taken advantage of. Now she wants to reverse the transaction.</div>
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When Harold and Marianna get to the return to the dealership, her car is no longer on the lot. The flashy salesman wonders is Harold might be an investigator from the DMV so is careful and asks them to let him research it and return again.</div>
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Marianne tries to finish the transaction and returns on her own to unwind the sale. However during this time, she unwittingly takes a document that would incriminate the man who runs the dealership.</div>
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During this time, the central office of the dealership sends representatives to examine the operation and take steps in removing the shady manager.</div>
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Reed describes the action well as the criminals vie for power and attempt to bluff their way out of the predicament This allows the reader to see the hypocrisy and conniving that goes on..</div>
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Harold's heart is won by Marianne and he puts himself in danger in working with the unscrupulous salesman.</div>
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The action at the auto dealership and the situations that the characters find themselves in reminded me of the writing of the great Elmore Leonard.</div>
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I was drawn to the story and seeing the action unfold even though I wasn't drawn to any of the characters.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-82158389727025399112015-11-03T11:02:00.001-08:002015-11-03T11:02:21.885-08:00Second mystery by J. K. Rowling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In "The Silkworm" private investigator Cormoran Smith and his ambitious assistant, Robin, search for a missing author. Robin is a tall, young woman with a goal of becoming a private investigator herself.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzODzx6TlDInWcAFJKbNcC_KWEKwFwOoAOeGOmhKejDYGrQ0IoKQj_Xq6SCVmOZE1cwkOQnJ8NO8wqGbAr0cYq-Lm4yTMIngEkPmwbar_IyDO4lqOvPhVIBtSMmmC666wqzkWF-5bXR5d/s1600/The+silkworm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYzODzx6TlDInWcAFJKbNcC_KWEKwFwOoAOeGOmhKejDYGrQ0IoKQj_Xq6SCVmOZE1cwkOQnJ8NO8wqGbAr0cYq-Lm4yTMIngEkPmwbar_IyDO4lqOvPhVIBtSMmmC666wqzkWF-5bXR5d/s320/The+silkworm.jpg" width="206" /></a>Cormoran is an intelligent, kind hearted investigator who lost part of his leg in a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.</div>
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The captivating story begins with a scene that makes the reader root for his success.</div>
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When Leonora Quine comes to Strike's office requesting his help. Strike is about to start a meeting with an arrogant client. Strike was a bit late for the meeting and when the client gets huffy, Strike tells Robin to give the man his file. When the client isn't sure of what is transpiring, the client who had been waiting, Leonora gloats, "He's sacking you."</div>
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The author paints a picture of how difficult it is to be a successful P.I. It is explained when Strike explains to Robin that dedication to an investigation is more important than financial benefits.</div>
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The missing author had written a novel, "Bombyx Mori" which is a parody of man of his compatriots in the literary world.. It's a demeaning novel that gives many of these literary notables enough reason for wanting him, Owen Quine, dead. </div>
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Strike's heroic action in Afghanistan included him reaching across the back seat of a military vehicle and pulling another soldier out of the auto as it exploded. The end result cost Strike his lower leg, the man he rescued had some facial scars but the driver was mortally wounded.</div>
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I also enjoyed the way the author described the difficulty a person missing part of a leg, would have attempting to get around London in the Snowy surroundings.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-33031393243362809942015-10-26T13:54:00.001-07:002015-11-02T07:41:12.976-08:00Silken Prey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCu88XqKIx9SKa0f3mKpiu4Gn2ivic68aOTtQwHQ6bJ7iYhNAZlvKiFGcocS9KMPb8uaWrSqfKSfwcMCQA6YT0sfcZ5EqG2awn9_Kf27z0XQEKpcLBI_SqICSXLuS1-r9hVzpqtIb5JUi/s1600/Silen+Prey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCu88XqKIx9SKa0f3mKpiu4Gn2ivic68aOTtQwHQ6bJ7iYhNAZlvKiFGcocS9KMPb8uaWrSqfKSfwcMCQA6YT0sfcZ5EqG2awn9_Kf27z0XQEKpcLBI_SqICSXLuS1-r9hVzpqtIb5JUi/s1600/Silen+Prey.jpg" /></a></div>
Lucas Davenport gets mixed up with politics when he's asked to investigate the accusation of child porn on a wealthy political candidate.<br />
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Even though the governor is on the opposing party, something about the convenience of the discovery of the accusation so soon before the election doesn't seem right.<br />
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The race for the US Senate is a toss up and one of the participants is a wealthy young woman with a campaign staff that doesn't hesitate when asked to perform dirty tricks.. However one of the characters wants more money for his deeds and then goes missing.<br />
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The plot is tight and the story is fresh and since it is election time, the story is very timely.<br />
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Davenport and his team are working hard to identify the person who committed the dirty trick. When murder is added to the mix, the reader is in hope that they can be stopped prior to the responsible winning an election they didn't deserve.<br />
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Davenport is a top notch and with each story we learn more about him and his family. He's a man of integrity but his primary job is to catch those responsible for the dirty tricks and to reveal what happened to the man who has a reputation for being political. He's been a bag man and Lucas believes he's come to a bad end but there's no proof. Then, there is another murder...<br />
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"Silken Prey" is one more story from one of the masters, John Sandford. This story kept my attention and I was sad when I had to put the book down to do something else.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7799690925699485675.post-80021295733901832582015-10-26T13:49:00.000-07:002015-10-26T13:49:02.849-07:00The Legend of Vince Flynn Lives On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygAeBz7G-HUCAoHd22S_ug_YBjELnP5RVR7XBw2W5FMlTg-b6DiyPTBumyTFUvkhME5Lr_dzXsN4api4NAr2_wS6gvbDHcDcI6ZDFNyFvyJ9D0kzz_1ZJn7GLXwooouM6fhXB2xFCo6Km/s1600/17570105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygAeBz7G-HUCAoHd22S_ug_YBjELnP5RVR7XBw2W5FMlTg-b6DiyPTBumyTFUvkhME5Lr_dzXsN4api4NAr2_wS6gvbDHcDcI6ZDFNyFvyJ9D0kzz_1ZJn7GLXwooouM6fhXB2xFCo6Km/s200/17570105.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
This action packed suspense novel picks up where "The Last Man" leaves off.<br />
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I was sad to learn of the death of Vince Flynn. Kyle Mills picked up on the Mitch Rapp adventures and did a nice job in carrying on his legacy. <br />
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In this episode, CIA Operative Mitch Rapp and his team are called to action to stop an intelligence leak that could become a disaster for the CIA and the USA.<br />
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Disgruntled star agent Joseph "Rick" Rickmann stole an information file with the leading US agents and their international contacts. He has been killed after his treacherous past comes to light, but instructs his contact to release the deadly information one at a time to heighten the damage and embarrass the CIA. Mitch has to find where the information is being leaked from and stop it. He also needs to learn who is disseminating the information. <br />
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Well done and lots of action. And the conclusion is satisfying.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13385636140991419220noreply@blogger.com0