Review: Fade Away

Title: Fade Away
Author: Harlan Coben
Publishing Date: 1998
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: N/A
Book Disclosure: Downloaded an audio book from the library.

Fade Away is the third book in the Myron Bolitar series.  Myron is a sports agent who is of the curious bent and seems to find himself involved in solving crimes.  He has an unusual past.  He was drafted to play in the NBA, but a horrible knee injury in a preseason game crushed that dream.  Instead he went off to Harvard and studies law.  He worked for the FBI before opening his own sports agency.

I have to say that Fade Away is my favorite book so far in the series.  Myron has been asked to look into the disappearance of NBA basketball star Greg Downing.  Downing and Myron had played as competitors in college and high school.  This investigation turns very personal for Myron as many long ago suppressed memories from his basketball days resurface.  The reader finally really gets to understand Myron and his motivations, especially when it comes to his current relationships.  In turn, he comes to some profound realizations with his girlfriend, Jessica Culver.

I'd say about half the book is focused on the mystery plot and the other on Myron's past.  Myron is a very likable character.  He had a strong morals and has a very soft squishy heart.  He also is very sarcastic; a definite smartass!  His partner, Win on the other hand, has no such scruples.  It makes for a good partnership and interesting read.  I listened to this book on audio tape, (actually also the first and second books, as well) and I like hearing them read.  The books are pretty funny. I find myself laughing out loud at times in the car while I am listening to them.  I would recommend this series to readers who enjoyed the Stephanie Plum mysteries.  While, there isn't much focus on romance, the cast of characters are fun and of course there is always a mystery to be solved.

Review - The Curse of the Pharaohs

Title: The Curse of the Pharaohs
Author: Elizabeth Peters
Publishing Date: 1988
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Kisses
Book Disclosure: I downloaded an audio book from my library.

The Curse of the Pharaohs is the second book in the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. Amelia Peabody is back after five years has passed between her first Egyptian mystery. Amelia and Emerson find themselves headed back to Egypt to continue an excavation that was stopped after the mysterious death of the patron investigator. Once again Amelia and Emerson find themselves surrounded by a cast of characters and wondering "who dun’ it?"

I am a huge fan of Elizabeth Peters aka Barbara Michaels. I read her as a young girl and have always loved her writing. I had only read the first book of the Amelia Peabody series and when I saw it was an audio book, I jumped at the chance to get it. It was a little weird at first to listen to Barbara Rosenblat narrate the story. She has a very distinct accent and delivery which you have to get used to, or at least I did. At first I really thought I wouldn't be able to listen to her, but I got over it after the first chapter and just sat back and listened. Some of her inflection is spot on. You just have to accept that the pacing is going to be slow.

There are a lot of characters in The Curse of the Pharaohs. I got mixed up a few times, but I think this was because I was listening to the book instead of reading it myself. I did like that the author used a different inflection in her voice every time a different person spoke, so it made it easy to follow along. This book is a little slow as far as action goes. There is a lot of dialogue and this is how the clues are discovered and presented in the book. The mystery will keep you guessing up until the end. The Curse of the Pharaohs takes place in a unique time period and setting with a gripping cast of characters and a decent mystery. Fans of Ms. Peters will enjoy this installment.

Review - From Dead to Worse

Title: From Dead to Worse
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: C
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I listend to an audio book that I downloaded from my library.

From Dead to Worse is book 8 in Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire Mystery series. Sookie Stackhouse, a waitress for a Louisiana bar, finds herself in the middle of a werewolf war. There is actually quite a few plots going on in this installment of the series and somehow Sookie ends up in the middle. Sookie's boyfriend Quinn has gone missing and Sookie isn't sure what to do about it. Jason insists on involving Sookie in his life with the shifters. Sookie doesn't want anything to do with any of it, but she is involved anyway.

From Dead to Worse felt like a very transitional book in the series. There were a lot of little subplots without there being a major one. This book felt like the author had to tie up some loose ends before she could move on in a new direction. I am interested in seeing where the author is going to go with the series. However, Ms. Stackhouse needs to pull her head out her butt!

I have to say, I was not overly thrilled with this book. Sookie was getting on my nerves with her incessant whining. I have noticed before in other books, but this one really takes the cake. The hair that broke the camel's back for me was how she treated Quinn. It really pissed me off. Don't worry; I am not going to give away spoilers or anything like that. I am just going to leave it at that. I did NOT like how Sookie reacted or handled that situation. Of course, I am going to continue with the series, but this is my least favorite of the bunch thus far.

Review - Bloodlist

Title: Bloodlist
Author: PN Elrod
Publishing Date: 1990
Genre: Mystery/Paranormal
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from Paperbackswap.com.

Jack Flemming wakes up wet, with no recollection of how he got that way. His clothes are torn and bloody; his body is badly beaten and bruised. As he is running away from a man and is shot with a bullet amazingly he is unharmed. Turns out Jack died and is now a vampire. Jack knows his death was no accident but he doesn’t know why he was murdered. Now he is on a mission to find out what happened with the help of his new friend.

I am sure some of you might be wondering about this unusual choice of book for me to read, but P.N. Elrod is going to be at the RT Convention and I wanted to give this author a try since they have been around a long time and was one of the first to write about vampires. Bloodlist takes place in Chicago in the 1930s during that period of Al Capone with gangsters and such. The story is told in first person by Jack Flemming who is an investigative reporter. Turns out he has to investigate his own death because he can’t remember.

I found this short book to be an enjoyable read. There isn’t much romance. Mainly this book is a mystery. It is descriptive and I really enjoyed the time period. I haven’t hardly read any books set in the 1930s. It is fun to read about the cars and clothes. The mystery was good, but fairly violent. However, it wasn’t unbearably gross or anything.

Review - Fearless Fourteen

Title: Fearless Fourteen
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I borrowed an audio copy from my library

Fearless Fourteen is part of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series. In this book Stephanie is looking for a missing woman. This woman is possibly tied to a bank robbery that happened 20 years ago. Stephanie finds herself the temporary guardian of a teenage boy. She also helps Ranger with a body guard assignment for a famous aging singer.

This review is going to be short and sweet. If you have read other Stephanie Plum books, number fourteen is just more of the same. There is not really anything more I can say about this series having read and reviewed the other thirteen books. Stephanie is with Joe, but can't commit. Hijinx and trouble are still the norm for Stephanie and her crime fighting team. Although, no cars blow up in this book, Stephanie does manage to dye herself blue. This series is great if you want an escape.

Review - Lean Mean Thirteen

Title: Lean Mean Thirteen
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I listened to this book on audio from a copy I obtained from my library. I also have a strips copy in by TBR pile.

Lean Mean Thirteen is the thirteenth book in Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. Stephanie Plum is a Bounty Hunter. This time she and the gang are involved with a missing person case. It just so happens, that Stephanie's ex-husband Dickie Orr has gone missing and it looks like foul play is involved. The Jersey police suspect Stephanie might have something to do with it since she was the last person seen with him and she beat him up and threatened his life. Both Ranger and Joe are helping to protect Stephanie as the real bad guys start targeting her.

Mostly this review is going to focus on the fact that I listened to this book, rather than read it. I have to say that I absolutely adored the narrator (at this moment her name has slipped my mind). I just loved her interpretation of Lula and Grandma Mazur, favorite characters of mine in the series. When she would talk as Lula it sounded just like I pictured she would sound. The attitude and comedic timing of the lines was awesome. Of course, let's not forget the star of the show Stephanie. I also liked the way she did Stephanie's voice too. It was really fun to listen to.

I felt like Janet Evanovich got back into the groove with Lean Mean Thirteen. The last two books felt more serious and less comedic than her earlier books and I thought with this one she went back to her old writing style. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think I will be looking forward to listening to the rest of this series as audio books instead of reading them. If you are looking for a book to listen to on audio, look no further. This one was fun!

Review - Deeply, Desperately

Title: Deeply, Desperately
Author: Heather Webber
Publishing Date: 2010
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I purchased this book used at a book store.

Deeply, Desperately is the second Lucy Valentine novel by Heather Webber. Lucy Valentine is the daughter of Oscar Valentine, who started up a renowned matchmaking business. The Valentines have been blessed with being able to see a person's aurora and can tell when two auroras are a match, hence the success of the business. Unfortunately for Lucy, she lost her ability to see auroras and it was replaced with the ability to find missing objects. Lucy opened up her own business to help find missing people. She also sidelines by helping the police department with missing person cases. Sean Donahue, a private investigator helps Lucy from time to time and is also her boyfriend.

In Deeply, Desperately, Lucy and Sean's relationship is moving to the next level, but Lucy is afraid because even though the Valentine's are responsible for many successful relationships, their own love lives are abysmal failures. Lucy is afraid of following the same pattern and has been very cautious with Sean. In addition to her love life, Lucy is trying to help an 80 year old POW find his lost lady love of 50 some years ago and is also helping the police find a missing woman.

I really enjoyed Deeply, Desperately. It is a cute book and Lucy is a great character. She is down to earth, loving and sensible. I enjoyed this second book even better than the first. It was just a fun story. The pacing is great. There is a lot going on in the book and the mysteries are balanced by Lucy's personal life. Lucy has got a great head on her shoulders and it is fun to follow along with her on her cases. It is also a treat to see her struggle over her feelings for Sean. I also really enjoy Lucy's interactions with her friends and family. They are a big point of focus in the book and it makes Lucy all the more easily to relate to. I am looking forward to more of this series.

Review - Twelve Sharp

Title: Twelve Sharp
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: 2006
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I recieved a free copy from a friend.

Twelve Sharp is part of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum mystery series. For those of you who are not familiar with this series, Stephanie is a bounty hunter who doesn't go looking for trouble but trouble always seems to find her. Somehow through dumb luck and zany hilarity Stephanie always manages to get the bad guy. In Twelve Sharp Stephanie gets quite a shock when Ranger's wife shows up on her doorstep. Ranger is a man of mystery. He is a bounty hunter and owns his own security business. Stephanie is quite shocked to learn that Ranger has a wife. The situation escalates when Ranger's daughter is kidnapped and Stephanie teams up with Ranger to get her back.

Twelve Sharp is another fun ride with Stephanie and her gang of crazy sidekicks. More is at stake in this book when Ranger's daughter is kidnapped. The tension is ratcheted up a notch from previous books. It's still funny and the characters are still doing crazy things, but more is at stake. As for the romance, I think things get a little bit clearer as for which man is right for Stephanie. Stephanie will eventually have to make a decision but she clearly isn't ready. I think the choice is obvious, but I know there is plenty of debate over Joe vs. Ranger.

Review - Loyalty in Death

Title: Loyalty in Death
Author: JD Robb
Publishing Date: 1999
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: This was an audio book I borrowed from the library.

Loyalty in Death is book nine in JD Robb's In Death series. In this book Eve is tracking down a terrorist group, whose plot is to take out popular tourist attractions in New York City. Also a couple of dead bodies have turned up and Eve has been assigned their case. Meanwhile, Peabody's brother is visiting New York for the first time and he gets tangled up in one of the murder investigations.

First let me mention a few things before I go straight into the review. I listened to this book over the course of a couple of weeks. Things were really spaced out and so this review is going to be not as detailed as I would like. Second, it has been a couple of years since I read an In Death book, so that may have influenced my review too.

This is a standard In Death book. There is a clever mystery to be solved and I have to admit that it really is quite clever. There are several pathways going on in the book and they all eventually lead to the same conclusion. Eve and Roarke are still on wobbly ground working through their relationship. They hit stumbling blocks every now and again. The fun part for me was Peabody and McNab finally coming together. I have to say that was my favorite part of the book.

I might as well mention that the audio book was rather well done. Most of the characters voices were very distinct and it was easy to follow along with which character was speaking. I wasn't crazy about how the woman did Roarke's voice. She did have an Irish accent, but it wasn't exactly how I thought he would sound. I know. So silly, but it's true.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Definitely Dead

Title: Definitely Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2006
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I downloaded the audio version to my iPod.

Definitely Dead is the sixth full length novel in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mystery series. In this book Sookie goes to New Orleans to clean up her cousin’s apartment. Her cousin Hadley was a vampire who died and left her things to Sookie. When Sookie gets to Hadley's apartment she uncovers the body of a man stuffed in a closet. With the help of a witch Amelia, Sookie discovers what happened.

So this was my first audio book and a big concern of mine was whether or not I would be able to concentrate enough to listen and comprehend the story while driving or doing chores. I was pleasantly surprised that for the most part I followed along just fine. The narrator Johanna Parker did a good job. I think it helps that the story is told in first person so the narration fits.

On to the review... well I felt this was a fine installment. Some of the romantic entanglements are tidied with this book. Finally I feel like Sookie is getting a normal boyfriend with Quinn. I like that their relationship starts out conventionally with him asking her out on a date. Quite a few surprises about Sookie are revealed to keep the series fresh and interesting. I wish I could talk about one reveal involving Bill, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone who isn't caught up with this series. For those of you who know what I am referring to with my cryptic statement feel free to comment.

Yeah, this is a lazy review. What can I say that I already haven't said about this series? For fun I have added links to all the reviews for the previous books in the series. If you aren't familiar with this series, check out my other reviews.


Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Series Sunday

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Eleven on Top

Title: Eleven on Top
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: 2005
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I received a new copy from my friend who works for Barnes and Noble. This is one of those books where they rip of the cover and throw it away.

Eleven on Top is the eleventh book in the Stephanie Plum series. If you aren't familiar with this series (Seriously? Have you been living under a rock?) Stephanie is a bounty hunter - a very bad bounty hunter who is always in trouble, but fortunately has uncanny good luck. She can't decide between the two men in her life, Joe a cop and Ranger a fellow bounty hunter and owner of RangeMan security. In this installment Stephanie is fed up with being a bounty hunter. She quits her job but is having trouble finding a new one. She gets fired from three different jobs before Ranger hires her.

This series is a comfort to me. The characters are like old friends I enjoy visiting for a little bit. I know exactly what I'll get when reading these books, a good mystery with a lot of hilarity and high jinks. Eleven on Top was just what I needed to perk up my reading enthusiasm.

This wasn't my favorite in the series, mainly because I am wondering why Stephanie can't choose between Joe and Ranger. The choice is obvious to me. Why it isn't to her is beyond me. I already know that I have a handful of more books to read and from what I hear Stephanie still hasn't come to a decision. I think the books are entertaining and fun and I am glad that I still have more books to look forward too. I would not recommend reading these books back-to-back, though because they might seem overly formulaic. One a month is about as close as I can recommend.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Dead as a Doornail

Title: Dead as a Doornail
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2005
Genre: Paranormal/Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I recieved a new copy as a gift from a friend. (My friend is not connected the book industry).

Dead as a Doornail is the 5th book in the Southern Vampire Series by Charlaine Harris. A sniper is at large in Sookie's small town. The victims of the shootings all have one thing in common, shifter blood. One of Sookie's own family members is in danger, as well as her good friend Sam. She plans to uncover the shooter's identity before any more people get hurt, but as usual Sookie finds herself the one in need of help.

This series just keeps getting better and better. I am really having a hard time deciding on which book is my favorite so far. The world building is very good and keeps getting more and more interesting. There are more characters and new supernatural creatures that are being introduced. What's up with the fairies? That is what I'd like to know!

From a romance standpoint, I want to know what direction the series is going to go in. Sookie has about a half-dozen men vying for her attention. It makes me really curious as to who Sookie is going to choose to be her beau. At this point, I am not really sure who I am rooting for and I suppose that Sookie feels the same way. I do hope that she is going to get her happy ever after at some point, though.

Here is what others had to say:

I'm Booking It
Reading With Tequila
World According to Books
Read React Review

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon

Review - Air Time

Title: Air Time
Author: Hank Ryan Phillippi
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: Received a free copy from publicist.

Air Time is the third book in Hank Ryan Phillippi's Charlotte McNally mystery series. Charlotte or known to her friends as Charlie is an investigative reporter for a television news station in Boston. This time she is investigating the corruption behind knock-off designer hand bags. Turns out there is big money in fake purses, even the FBI is involved. Charlie's relationship with Josh, the handsome English professor is getting more serious. Although, Josh feels like he plays second fiddle to Charlie's career. Will Charlie be forced to choose between the two?

Air Time is another excellent addition to the Charlotte McNally series. Once again the mystery is all encompassing and gripping. There are a lot of twists and turns to keep fans of the cozy mystery happy. Although, it is in the back of my mind how coincidental that Charlie always happens to be in the right place at the right time. Still I thought the mystery was very good.

One of my complaints about the book would have to be Charlie's relationship with Josh. Josh feels neglected by Charlie, because she tends to put her job before him. I completely feel where he is coming from and if I had to take a side, it would be his. Since I am a romance reader first and foremost, the relationship part of the book is disappointing. I would like to have the relationship be in the foreground, not the background. But hey, that's just me and my own personal preferences. I still really enjoy this series and highly recommend it to fans of the cozy mystery.

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Dead to the World

Title: Dead to the World
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publication Date: 2004
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: A friend bought me this book for my birthday.

Dead to the World is book four in the Sookie Stackhouse Southern Mystery Series. In this book, as Sookie is driving home from Merlotte's bar, where she waitresses she finds the vampire Eric on the side of the road, naked. Eric has no recollection of who he is so Sookie being the sweet southern girl that she is, takes him to her home and calls his vampire friends. It turns out Sookie will need to hide Eric because a Witch Coven has come to town. These aren't just any ordinary witches either. These are very powerful shifter witches who happen to be addicted to vampire blood.

Dead to the World is another fine addition to the Sookie series. I personally find Sookie to be a nice, practical girl. Though, she will let her claws show if provoked enough. In this story, she has broken up with Bill and Bill has gone off to South America to work more on his vampire directory. Sookie finds herself in the middle of vampires, witches and shifters when she is tasked with hiding Eric. Eric is not the same since he can't remember his past. He is much nicer and Sookie can't help but be drawn to this new personality.

Personally, I missed the old Eric with his sense of humor. Although, I did like how the new Eric treated Sookie, with much more respect and as an equal. There are new shifter characters, most notable were Calvin Norris and his clan. There has been too much inbreeding amongst Calvin's clan and he'd like Sookie to mate with him to add new genes. Alcide and his group also show up to help defeat the witches. There is quite a lot going on, but it all comes to an exciting conclusion. The book definitely leaves this reader ready for more.

Here is what others had to say:

Reading with Tequila
Bailey's and Books
Mindful Musings
nomadreader
Well-Read Reviews
I'm Booking It
My Reading Room

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Face Time

Title: Face Time
Author: Hank Phillippi Ryan
Publishing Date: August 2009
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: Received this book free from the publisher.

Face Time is book two in Hank Phillippi Ryan's Charlie McNally mystery series. Charley McNally is an investigative reporter for a Boston news station. She's won numerous Emmy's for her ability to uncover a story. This time Charley and her producer Franklin have been asked to investigate the likelihood that just maybe the infamous Dorinda Sweeney didn't kill her husband, even though she confessed to the murder. Meanwhile in Charlie's personal life, her mother is getting remarried. But before she ties the knot, she goes in for a face lift. Charlie's mother keeps insisting she should consider plastic surgery. Even though Charlie is 46, she isn't quite sure she wants to go under the knife just yet. Also, Charlie's relationship with Josh is starting to become serious. Serious enough that Charlie is having problems bonding with Josh's eight year-old daughter, Penny.

Face Time is told in first person through Charlie's point of view. Charlie is a character that readers will easily sympathize with right away. She has a no-nonsense way about her, but she also pokes fun at herself. Her tone of voice is an easy one to follow with a descriptive narration. The main focus of this book is Charlie's investigation in to Dorinda Sweeney's murder confession. Yet, the book is also balanced by events happening in Charlie's personal life.

Face Time focuses less on the romance between Josh and Charlie and instead focuses on Charlie's relationship with her mother and Josh's daughter Penny. I personally would have liked more romance, seeing as I am a big squeeing fan girl of romance in my novels, however I really enjoyed seeing Charlie work through her issues with her Mom, which gave a little more insight in to Charlie's character. The mother/daughter relationship was a theme centered throughout the book. Not just the relationship between Charlie and her Mom, but also Dorinda and her daughter and then with Charlie and Penny. Fans of mystery won't want to miss out on this series.

Here is what others had to say:

Reviews by Cindy
My Book Views
Meritorious Mysteries
Mystery Books News

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon

Review - Club Dead

Title: Club Dead
Author: Charlaine Harris
Publishing Date: 2003
Genre: Urban Fantasy (Mystery)
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: Received as a gift from a co-worker for my birthday

Club Dead is the third book in Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire Mystery Series featuring Sookie Stackhouse. Bill is working on a secret project. He is required by his Queen to take a trip and ends up kidnapped by the King of Mississippi. Eric comes to Sookie with a plan to rescue Bill, but Sookie will have to go undercover and see what she can learn by reading the minds of humans working with the Mississippi vampires. Alcide, a werewolf who owes the vampires a favor is tasked with keeping Sookie safe. He also provides a way for Sookie to get close to the Mississippi vampires.

In Club Dead I was slightly frustrated with Sookie and Bill. Sookie was quick to believe the worst in Bill. I was surprised that she took what Eric told her at face value instead of waiting until she had the facts straight from Bill. And then there is Bill. I was a fan of Bill, but now I am not so sure. His behavior in this book was very strange. Since the story is told from Sookie's point of view the reader doesn't really know why Bill acted the way he did. It was touched on very briefly, but I would have liked an in depth explanation from Bill. It could have been just a way for Harris to further Sookie's relationship with Eric. At this point, I might be rooting for Sookie to hook up with someone more "alive".

What I really enjoy about Sookie is she is just such a refreshing character to read. She has a really big heart, and is very loving and soft, but cross her or show bad manners and be prepared to be knocked down a peg or two. When backed into a corner she comes out fighting.

Ms. Harris does a great job of creating diverse and very intriguing characters. Her writing is vivid and descriptive. My personal favorite was Bubba. I don't want to spoil it for those of you who haven't read the book. Let's just say he is a famous character. Readers will love immersing themselves in the world she has created. I for one, easily finished this book in a day. I can't wait to see where Sookie is headed for her next adventure.

Here is what others had to say:

Avid Book Reader
J. Kaye's Book Blog
Thrifty Reader
The Book Smugglers

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format at Amazon.

Review - Prime Time

Title: Prime Time
Author: Hank Phillippi Ryan
Publishing Date: July 2009
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Kisses

Prime Time is the first book in a new mystery series by Hank Phillippi Ryan. Charlotte McNally is an Emmy winning investigative reporter for a leading Boston television station. At age 46 she feels she is loosing her edge. This is a big source of stress for her as she has devoted her whole life to being a journalist. She isn't married and she has no children. When she thinks about it, she doesn't have many close friends either.

Sweeps is coming up and she needs a humdinger of a story to present to the station or she fears she will be fired. With the help of her producer Franklin Parrish, she begins investigating the death of a man that was labeled a suicide, who worked for a pharmaceuticals company . This same pharmaceutical company is being investigated for fraud. She wonders if there is a connection.

At first when I started reading Prime Time and I realized that the heroine was 46 years old I felt my red flag go up. I don't typically read books with the heroine older than myself (32) and I wasn't sure if I would be able to relate to her. Turns out I didn't need to worry because Charlotte or Charlie as her friends call her, is a sympathetic character. Sure she is older, but older isn't necessarily bad in this case. I would think of it like a fine wine, after a few years the wine's flavors become bolder and more fragrant. Charlie grows on you. She is a good mixture of sarcasm and vulnerability topped off with a generous helping of whit and intelligence.

It is very obvious that Ms. Ryan is an expert in the field of television reporting. Her descriptions of newsroom antics and politics are very vivid and ring true. Also, the mystery was very creative and was executed with precision. I found myself engrossed as Charlie uncovered clues leading her one step closer to unraveling it all. As far as the romance is concerned there was a little, but probably not enough to satisfy fans of romance. I think as long as you are a fan of romantic suspense or mystery and readers keep in mind that the romance is not the focus, then they will enjoy this book. I will definitely be reading the next book Face Time in the future.

Here is what others had to say:

Long and Short Reviews
My Thoughts...your thoughts?
Romance B(u)y the Book
Single Titles

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Hard Eight and To the Nines

Title: Hard Eight
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date:
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Warm

My dear sweet friend Dana, who works at a Barnes & Noble in southern Florida was kind enough to send me a box of books. In it were several of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum books. Seeing as I have been in a reading slump these past few weeks, Stephanie and the gang were looking rather darn appealing. Evanovich has a great thing going with this series and it was fun reading about Stephanie's penchent for finding herself in the midst of trouble.

This time Stephanie is looking for Evelyn Sodor who has run off with her little girl. Evelyn's Grandmother and her ex-husband are looking for her. Stephanie suspects there is more going on than meets the eye when she runs into Eddie Abruzzi, who all but threatens her to mind her own business. Of course Stephanie is never one to shy away from a case.


****************************SPOILERS********************************


Stephanie and Joe are on a break in this story and Ranger calls in his marker. I'll tell you straight up, I am a Joe girl, myself. It is obvious to me that Joe and Stephanie love each other even though they can't seem to work out their differences. So when Ranger called in his marker and Stephanie and he had sex, I was actually surprised. For some reason I didn't think that they would ever do it. Then, to top it all off after all the sexual tension and leading up to the big event - it was so uneventful. I mean it was like wham, bam... see ya, Babe. I was expecting there to be fireworks and well... maybe a few more details than I was given in the bedroom. I mean, jeez - three's a crowd? I guess it didn't seem in keeping with the way the rest of the books flowed. But I do think it was necessary for Stephanie to explore her interest in Ranger, otherwise wouldn't she always wonder? Plus, THEY WERE ON A BREAK (I am channeling Ross from Friends).




Title: To the Nines
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date:
Genre: Mystery
Rating: A
Sensuality: Warm

In To the Nines Stephanie is investigating a missing man, Samuel Singh who is in America on a temporary visa. Stephanie quickly discovers that there is fowl play involved and she becomes a target in a sociopaths game of murder. Ranger and Joe team up to protect Stephanie from this creep. Meanwhile the case takes Stephanie and Lula to the Vegas strip and more mayhem and hi jinks ensue.

Aside from Four to Score, which had my favorite secondary character, the cross dresser Sally Sweet, I think To the Nines is her best yet. The mystery part of the book was very tight and extremely well executed. I figured out who the killer was, but the suspension was still gripping. There was an urgency to Stephanie's situation and I felt like something bad could really happen.

The laughs were just a good, if not better. Lula has some shining moments in this book. She was dieting to be "supermodel thin" and there were some hilarious scenes with her and a pork chop, or her and a rotisserie chicken. There is also a really fun scene when she is in Vegas at a Wayne Newton concert. It is really priceless. As I was reading it, I couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of the antics.

Review - The Back Passage

Title: The Back Passage
Author: James Lear
Publishing Date: 2006
Genre: Gay Fiction/Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Burning

I got the itch to give James Lear a try when Caroline from The Thrillionth Page held a contest and interview with Mr. Lear. I don't normally read gay fiction, but because of the high praise Caroline gave Mr. Lear I was certainly intrigued enough to give him a try. I decided on the first Mitch Mitchell mystery, The Back Passage.

The Back Passage is told in the first person point of view from Edward "Mitch" Mitchell. He is a young American studying medicine at Cambridge University in 1925. He has been attracted to his roommate, Harry "Boy" Morgan (everyone seems to have a nickname) and even though Morgan is engaged to be married Mitch is convinced he can persuade Morgan to sample what Mitch is offering - a delightful romp in the hay. Boy takes Morgan with him to his fiance's home during a long vacation and a murder takes place. Mitch having a flair for cozy mysteries, finds himself on the case, while dabbling in quite a few sexual romps on the side.

First of all I just have to chuckle at the title, The Back Passage. How apropos, shall we say?! Nothing like a subtle allusion to get things started. I found this book to be quite entertaining. Mitch is quite the character. I love his frankness with his own sexuality and his opinion of others. He narrates the book with well placed humor and sincerity.

One thing that I did find odd, was that it seemed like everyone Mitch encountered was either gay or had a predilection towards it. Let's see, by page 80 Mitch had already had three sexual encounters with three different men. So some suspension of disbelief will be needed. The sex scenes are very descriptive and might be a tad too graphic for more conservative readers. The erotic sexuality of the book did overshadow the mystery to a degree, but over all I found the book to be quite entertaining. Mitch is a fun, appealing character.

Here is what others had to say:

This Gaudy Guilded Stage
Cathode Ray Tube
Tours Books Blog
Streamlining
Rain on the Roof

You can purchase this book in print or kindle format from Amazon.

Review - Hot Six and Seven Up

Title: Hot Six
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: 2000
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Kisses

Hot Six is book six of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series. In this book Stephanie teams up with vice-cop/boyfriend Joe to find Ranger. Ranger was Stephanie's mentor when she first started her bounty hunter job. Now she is trying to find him and clear his name because he is the number one murder suspect in the death of a local gun runner. Stephanie has more problems than just finding Ranger, though. Her Grandmother has moved in with her and if that's not enough, she has a couple of goons following her around.

After the huge cliff-hanger that ended book five, thank God book six was already published and I could start reading it right away. I don't know how fans would have lasted a year between books. I would have been so mad if I would have had to wait. Anyway, on the review. Basically, this one is more of the same from Stephanie and the gang. This time readers are introduced to Mooner and Dougie, two stoners who went to school with Stephanie. She also gets stuck with Bob, the dog. There were some pretty funny scenes involving Bob. Grandma was in rare form too. I have to say, Hot Six was another solid read.




Title: Seven Up
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: 2001
Genre: Mystery
Rating: B
Sensuality: Kisses

Seven Up starts about a month after Hot Six ended. Stephanie is on the case to bring Eddie DeChooch in after he skipped bail for trafficking stolen cigarettes. Eddie turns out to not be such an easy catch. He keeps just one step ahead of her, even though he's her Grandmother's age. He a crazy old coot and Stephanie is getting tired of him shooting at her. Dougie and Mooner go missing and Stephanie knows that something else is going on. Valerie, Stephanie's sister come to the Burg for a visit.

I am beginning to see a pattern developing. Each book in the series has a self contained mystery. A new character or two to add to the zany chaos that always surrounds Stephanie and then the book ends at a big cliff-hanger regarding Stephanie's love life. While I do enjoy the silliness and crazy antics of Stephanie and the gang, it might not be such a good idea to read four of the books back to back. Grandma and Bob, the dog are still cracking me up. There were some pretty funny parts in this book, typical of Evanovich's style. Stephanie's relationship with Ranger and Joe is starting to get complicated and I can see why fans want some sort of closure. Now it looks like it is going to get messy and again the book ended on a big cliff-hanger. I am going to wait at least a week before I start on book eight.