This latest book in Gerritson's Rizzoli and Isles fits smoothly in the series. It does not have much of the romantic sub-plot that has been an element in many of the books, also it does exist. This is pretty much straight detective work. Jane and Maura spend most of the book working in parallel paths rather than together.
Much of the setting is in up state New York. Gerritson is more frequently bringing other settings into her plots than just the Boston area. It makes for a nice change in "feel" (not really affective the mood or tone of the story--just a nice change in backdrop and minor plot complications).
The plot centers around three children who seem to be extremely unlucky. Their families keep getting killed. Maura and Jane together discover this strange pattern and of course begin to follow it. A dangerous path indeed. The Mephisto society (from previous books) also becomes involved.
Also interesting to me is that part of the plot involves a boarding school. Gerritson does a good job writing about kids and schools. It is evident that she has had a personal interest in the ins and outs of school and adolescent life.
As I read the comments left on the book seller websites I am reminded that this is one series that is hard to read out of order. If you haven't been reading the series this might not be the best book to begin with. However, if you are a detective fiction book this is a good series to begin. Gerritson is (?was?) a medical doctor who turned to writing after beginning a family. The forensic details are excellent.
Note, those of you who follow the television series will find a slightly different set of characters and plot points. The two series are in alternate universes. Similar to the "Bones" series, in that the original characters but not necessarily specific murders or villains drive the television series. I sort of like it--I can get two different "fixes" in both.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
The Reluctant Assassin, by Eoin Colfer
I am generally an Eoin Colfer fan. However, this book did not really grab me. Typically I really like books set in the Victorian Era. But this one didn't really seem to settle down.
The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other. Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough. I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line. Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast.
The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine. I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page. I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader. The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership. There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.
Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:
91% of people liked it
The basic plot line has to do with time travel, the FBI, and folks trying to kill each other. Basically the Victorian aspects were quite authentic enough for me and the time travel/ FBI plotting wasn't compelling enough. I think sometimes Colfer gets too involved with the sci-fi gizmos and loses a strong plot line. Perhaps in the second book the characters will be more fully developed as was the case with the Artemis Fowl cast.
The reviews from the professional reviewers were much more positive than mine. I will admit that I was listening to an audio book rather than reading words on the page. I could be that I was just too distracted by intruding thoughts to become an involved reader. The reviews on Barnes & Noble suggest that this book is perhaps not getting much readership. There are only 11 reviews with a 4.5 (out of 5) average.
Good Reads had similar results to my own with a larger sample size:
| rating | frequency | % | # |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 19% | 21 | |
| 4 | 38% | 41 | |
| 3 | 32% | 35 | |
| 2 | 6% | 7 | |
| 1 | 2% | 3 |
| All editions: | 3.69 average rating, 1017 ratings, 189 reviews, added by 5286 people, 870 to-reads |
| This edition: | 3.70 average rating, 847 ratings, 141 reviews, added by 4241 people |
Divergent, by Veronica Roth
I had hesitated to begin this series. It felt too much like it was going to be "just another" dystopian novel. I'm a little weary of the genre (with a few exceptions). I may be one of the few who didn't really like The Giver.
This book was a wonderful surprise! The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention. The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to find her way and her future in a complex world. She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life. This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story.
To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago. In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing). The factions were formed based on personality characteristics: Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity. On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction. You can stay with your family's faction, or join another. Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family. They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good. At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless. In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.
Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless. She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training.
The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series. I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it. The publisher suggests ages 14-17.
This book was a wonderful surprise! The plot line was not the expected for a dystopian work. Or at least that wasn't the plot line that grabbed my attention. The main character, Beatrice, is really an adolescent trying to find her way and her future in a complex world. She has complicated relationships with almost everyone in her life. This nuanced interplay of trust/mistrust, friendship/betrayal, and belonging/ostracism plays out very well in the story.
To pull you in a bit--Beatrice lives in a post-something (apocalypse?) Chicago. In this world you can be part of one of five factions or be factionless (not at all a good thing). The factions were formed based on personality characteristics: Erudite, Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, or Amity. On your 16th birthday you have to choose a faction. You can stay with your family's faction, or join another. Beatrice was raised in an abnegation family. They dress plainly (mostly grey) and try to minimize the concern for self and instead think of the greater good. At 16 Beatrice surprises everyone by choosing Dauntless. In doing so she has to learn to be physically strong and fearless in all ways.
Much of the book chronicles "Tris's" training in Dauntless. She develops some very uncomfortable suspicions during her training.
The ending of the book is thrilling and is likely to push you out the door to buy the next book in the series. I expect that this is best for high school readers, but some junior high readers could tackle it. The publisher suggests ages 14-17.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Plugged, by Eoin Colfer
I've done a mini Colfer institute with myself this last few days. I've read both a YA and adult book by Colfer. This is the book for the adult market.
I'm liking the character and voice in this one a lot. The main character and narrative voice is Daniel McEvoy who is a former serviceman with the NATO peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. He is also originally from Ireland but now lives in New Jersey. He ends up sort of falling into detective work because his girlfriend at the seedy nightclub/casino where he is working as a bouncer is killed. Of course, being New Jersey--the mob is involved!
Daniel is haunted by voices--those of people who are dead, but also some who may or may not be alive. He is also plagued by masculine insecurities. I'm really drawn to this character/voice. In some ways it reminds me of Janet Evonovich's early works. There is also the gritty sort of atmosphere/settings that make detective work a bit more realistic than some of the more affluent detectives/clients.
I'll be reading more of this series!
I'm liking the character and voice in this one a lot. The main character and narrative voice is Daniel McEvoy who is a former serviceman with the NATO peacekeeping forces in the Middle East. He is also originally from Ireland but now lives in New Jersey. He ends up sort of falling into detective work because his girlfriend at the seedy nightclub/casino where he is working as a bouncer is killed. Of course, being New Jersey--the mob is involved!
Daniel is haunted by voices--those of people who are dead, but also some who may or may not be alive. He is also plagued by masculine insecurities. I'm really drawn to this character/voice. In some ways it reminds me of Janet Evonovich's early works. There is also the gritty sort of atmosphere/settings that make detective work a bit more realistic than some of the more affluent detectives/clients.
I'll be reading more of this series!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Hexed: The Iron Druid Chronicles, by Kevin Hearne
The Iron Druid Chronicles has been one of my reading "accidents." I listened to "Hammered" first because of a special promotion through Audible. I enjoyed that book and decided to try a print version of another title from the series. I expect I will be reading all eight in the series.
The main character, Atticus O'Sullivan, is as suggested a Druid. In fact, he is the last Druid. He does have an apprentice in the works and we're all pulling for Granuaile to succeed in her apprenticeship program. However, given the trouble that Atticus seems to attract, that is not guaranteed!
Atticus has a great group of friends--vampires, werewolves, and a wonderful Irish Wolfhound with whom he can "talk" telecommunicatively.
Hearne is from Arizona and the geographic connections are fascinating. He, like Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Michael Scott; brings a wide range of gods and mythological figures into his books. I'm enjoying learning a lot about Irish gods and mythology as well as other traditions. I think I'm going to have to dust off a book about druids that I got long ago and didn't finish. Now I have a reason to want to dig in more deeply. Hearne also connects to the Gaelic, Polish and German languages.
I like the entire series a lot and would recommend them to "mature" young adults. There is occasional reference to sex, but nothing particularly graphic. I think this series would be a good one for readers who like series like The Seven Realms, Chima or Codex Alera, Butcher.
In addition to enjoying the series I also believe in supporting Hearne. Before he was able to turn to writing full-time he was a high school English teacher.
The main character, Atticus O'Sullivan, is as suggested a Druid. In fact, he is the last Druid. He does have an apprentice in the works and we're all pulling for Granuaile to succeed in her apprenticeship program. However, given the trouble that Atticus seems to attract, that is not guaranteed!
Atticus has a great group of friends--vampires, werewolves, and a wonderful Irish Wolfhound with whom he can "talk" telecommunicatively.
Hearne is from Arizona and the geographic connections are fascinating. He, like Neil Gaiman, Rick Riordan, and Michael Scott; brings a wide range of gods and mythological figures into his books. I'm enjoying learning a lot about Irish gods and mythology as well as other traditions. I think I'm going to have to dust off a book about druids that I got long ago and didn't finish. Now I have a reason to want to dig in more deeply. Hearne also connects to the Gaelic, Polish and German languages.
I like the entire series a lot and would recommend them to "mature" young adults. There is occasional reference to sex, but nothing particularly graphic. I think this series would be a good one for readers who like series like The Seven Realms, Chima or Codex Alera, Butcher.
In addition to enjoying the series I also believe in supporting Hearne. Before he was able to turn to writing full-time he was a high school English teacher.
Suspect, by Robert Crais
I've been a long-time follower of Crais. His police and private detective novels are always compelling reads. Suspect, kept me going! I "read" this on my iPod. I got lots of housekeeping and garden work done so that I could finish the book!
There are two main characters in the book; Scott James, a LA Policeman and Maggie, a German Shepherd who has retired from military work. They work together to attempt to solve the murder of James' partner.
Crais tells the story with three narrative voices. Each is strong and pulls the reader into their perspective on the events (I'm avoiding spoilers here--I don't want anyone's enjoyment of this gripping story diminished by "tells.) My favorite are the narrations by Maggie the dog. I am a dog owner and can enjoy greatly the accurate description of the dog's point of view. Of course we are always tied to the human imagination--but I think Crais has the dog view pretty accurately captured here. My dogs are more "sight" dogs--miniature Australian Sheperds, so I really enjoyed learning more about a scent dog's perspective.
Even if you're not a dog lover you will enjoy the plot line. Classic police detective work!
There are two main characters in the book; Scott James, a LA Policeman and Maggie, a German Shepherd who has retired from military work. They work together to attempt to solve the murder of James' partner.
Crais tells the story with three narrative voices. Each is strong and pulls the reader into their perspective on the events (I'm avoiding spoilers here--I don't want anyone's enjoyment of this gripping story diminished by "tells.) My favorite are the narrations by Maggie the dog. I am a dog owner and can enjoy greatly the accurate description of the dog's point of view. Of course we are always tied to the human imagination--but I think Crais has the dog view pretty accurately captured here. My dogs are more "sight" dogs--miniature Australian Sheperds, so I really enjoyed learning more about a scent dog's perspective.
Even if you're not a dog lover you will enjoy the plot line. Classic police detective work!
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