*****

jwmichael2002@hotmail.com
Darkness Take My Hand by Dennis Lehane. 5 stars.
Angel Fire by Lisa Miscione. 5 stars.
Debut novels really have an impact on me, something about discovering things for the first time. These are two of around 5 debut novels I have read so far this year, and both get my vote.

*****

Bibliobabe2@aol.com
The Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid. 4 stars.
This is a continuation of a series begun with "The Mermaids Singing." (5 stars. Flat-out one of the best books I've read in a long, long time). Dr. Tony Hill, a criminal profiler, and Detective Chief Inspector Carol Jordan team up again to try to find the man responsible for the gruesome execution of Detective Constable Shaz Bowman. The killer thinks he's too clever to be caught, taunting Hill and Jordan with his superiority. But Hill takes the murder of Bowman, one of his protégés, personally. You may think this is familiar ground, but in the hands of McDermid, a fabulous crime novelist who is only beginning to get the recognition she deserves, the familiar becomes new and menacing. Be warned: this is a graphic, hard-boiled novel, and not for everyone, but if you can stand some grit in your teeth, this may be for you.

*****

Bitteroot@aol.com
Foamers by Jon Berson.
Unknown 1st time author --this is well written, has good characters, and a great plot-I learned an incredible amount about railroads and railroads buffs and got a good suspense story to boot. I hope he writes more books.

Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen.
I had avoided this book because of its theme of abuse which is sometimes painful to read. However, The Author of the book dealt with the issue of spousal abuse by concentrating on the mind and feelings of the protagonist and her attempt to find a different life and another self, and ultimately to accept a new life and the loss of her child to her former husband. It was a great read, and one for continuous thought.

Another City Not my Own by Dominick Dunne.
I've just read this by audio book, read by the author. I hadn't bothered with it before because I thought it would be too show biz. I ended up fascinated by the narrator, who is the author, reading this work which had such deep personal meaning to him. Its not one to read a second time, but I'm glad I read it.

When The Sacred Gin Mill Closes by Lawrence Block.
This is the fourth or fifth time I've read this book. To me it is the best of Block's writing though of course I've got everything he has written with Matt Scudder as the protagonist and many of his other works as well. His development of this character and its angst touched me to the bone. This is a great story with great characters, and a study in the human condition.

*****

Yourbookdeal@aol.com
Grand Avenue by Joy Fielding. 5 stars.
A wild ride from beginning to end.

Asking For Trouble by Elizabeth Young. 4 stars.
A great Brit Lit book.

Losing Julia by Jonathan Hull. 5 stars.
A gripping tale of love lost.

Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray. 4 stars.
Love is grand at any age.

The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 5 stars.
A wonderful coming of age book.

*****

violintig@yahoo.com
The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus. 5 stars.
A book with believable characters that will have you laughing out loud and touch your heart.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. 5 stars.

*****

DKRnj@aol.com
John Adams by David McCullough. 5 stars.
Very fascinating book. The story revolves around thousands of letters between John Adams and his wife Abigal, and others as well. Makes us realize our second president was a very nice guy and very instrumental in the formation of our country.

*****

Bungalowmom@aol.com
The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve. 4 stars.
I like the way she gives the reader a flash back of the main character's memories as the book proceeds along in it's present tense. Well chosen words and rhythm.

*****

BEVBOOKS@aol.com
Never Fade Away by William Hart. 4 stars.
I didn't hold out much hope for this book. I usually don't like books that are written as journal entries or letters. This one was a very pleasant surprise. It's about a Vietnam war veteran with lots of psychological demons to contend with, that is a teacher of English as a Second Language at a California College. The other main character is a Vietnamese girl who escaped during the Communist takeover. This author is absolutely brilliant in his portrayal of these two characters, and of the politics of the College that doesn't allow minority students to pass the course.

*****

dthomson@ric.edu
Hidden Treasures: Searching for Masterpieces of American Furniture by Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno.
These twin brothers who appear frequently on Antiques Roadshow tell an informative and entertaining story of their experiences as antiques dealers and the great pieces of American furniture that they have encountered along the way.

*****

susanrjensen@yahoo.com
Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy. 5 stars.
It is well written. Maeve Binchy has a knack for excellent character and setting development; you feel as if you really know the characters and the places in her novels. The plotting is also well paced.

*****

HEAVYLENNY@aol.com
English Assassin by Daniel Silva.
Great, quick reading and the continuation of a terrific character. Some critics were less impressed than the average readers, but that's what happens when your first novel is everyone's pick of the year...it is hard to follow it. Currently midway through the new Jack Higgins installment of Sean Dillon and comrades in Midnight Runner. Truthfully, if I had a choice of any author who could present me with a new novel with one day to live, Jack Higgins would be my first choice.

*****

Carosp@aol.com
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer. 4 stars.
I'm only one-third through it. If it's as good through the end, I'd raise the rating. Very, very few books make me laugh out loud, or look around for someone to whom I can read parts of them. It's funny, and whimsical, and very enjoyable to read.

*****

Crittalicious@aol.com
Daddy's Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark.
It was definitely one of her best in the past few years. The past two or three that I have read have been a little predictable and just a little stale. This was a fun read that kept my attention the entire time. I liked it!

*****

Loveajoy@aol.com
Dying To Please by Linda Howard. 4 stars.

*****

BettyB6768@aol.com
Naked Once More by Elizabeth Peters. 5 stars.
I am a Peters fan from her series about the husband/wife team who are archeologist and amateur sleuth, but this one is a departure. It is about the publishing industry and a winner. It moves. keeps the reader guessing who the culprit is and why. The female writer in this novel is funny and gives us some laughs also.

*****

mysticvws@aol.com
A Year By The Sea by Joan Anderson. 5 stars.
I absolutely loved this book. What an inspiring story she has to tell. It left me wanting more. Thank goodness her next book, An Unfinished Marriage is now out. I am enjoying this book very much. They are both non-fiction which makes them even more special.

*****

Njm629@aol.com
The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini. 4 stars.
Using quilting as a backdrop in this first book of the Elm Creek Quilts series, Jennifer Chiaverini introduces the reader to Sylvia Compson and Sarah
McClure, two women who are each in desperate need of companionship. Just as pieces of fabric are stitched together to make a quilt, so too are the parts of Sylvia's and Sarah's lives pieced together to make this lovely story. Now that their history has been shared and other characters introduced, I look forward to reading the next novel in the series, Round Robin.

*****

MJW51@aol.com
The Assistant by J. Patrick Law. 5 stars.
A real page turner.

*****

rhodavictor@aol.com
Stone Monkey by Jeffrey Deaver.
I find Mr. Deaver's latest to hold my interest and at times find it difficult to put down. The subject of Chinese migration to the U.S. had not been dealt with too much. He handles the subject well, weaving a mystery to the end. The reader learns of the plight the Chinese endure to escape the suffering in their homeland.

*****

Swooman@aol.com
On Writing by Stephen King. 4 stars.
I was pleasantly surprised at this book. This book gave me a very good picture of who King is, his values, his motivation to write his genre, and how really unassuming he is about his success, but rather how passionate he is about writing and his family. I "ear read" this book and it was read by King, which added to the fullness of his words. And yes, I did learn about writing as well.

*****

Ggrbug@aol.com
Circle of Confusion by April Henry. 3 stars.

Simple Justice by John Morgan. Wilson 4 stars.

Closet by R.D. Zimmerman. 3 stars.

*****

PattiPurple@aol.com
Everything's Eventual by Stephen King. 4 stars.

Blackwater Sound by James W. Hall. 5 stars.

Big Trouble by Dave Barry. 5 stars.
Light, hilarious.

*****

ReoneK@aol.com
Everything's Eventual by Stephen King. 5 stars.
I truly enjoy short story collections, and this is one of the very best. Each story is tightly written, terrifying (though with a striking sense of humor in some) and most enjoyable.

*****

WSeanor@aol.com
The Ice Child by Elizabeth McGregor. 4 stars.
I became interested after reading a review on Bookreporter.

Endurance by Alfred Lansing. 4 stars.
Though they deal with the same subject-Arctic expeditions, they are very different. The Ice Child has a unique style, intertwining 3 different stories that merge into one. It is not purely adventure as is Endurance. It is an astounding book.

*****

j.stienstra@quicknet.nl
The Summons by John Grisham. 1 star.
In my opinion Grisham thinks: "Every book I write will be liked and read by a lot of people." So he is right. But I don't like this one. Halfway I knew
how it would end.

*****

DBrass1940@aol.com
Fay by Larry Brown.
He's a new author I've discovered whom I like very much. Reviewers refer to his "Faulknerian" style and I agree. He writes about ordinary people who have numerous foibles and gets you to care about them. I also enjoyed his prequel, "Joe", and "Father and Son".

*****

Narcoticgrl1@aol.com
The Descent by Jeff Long. 5 stars.
This book was incredible. First one I've read by him, but I am definitely looking forward to more. This story tells of an "underworld" or a literal "hell" right underneath us. The characters are brought out well, and the action doesn't stop until the very end. I highly recommend this read to anyone who likes to think, and loves suspense.

*****

Goombats@aol.com
A Nasty Bit Of Rough by David Feherty. 4 ½ stars.
Hilarious yarn about an old rivalry between an English and Scottish clan revolving around the mystique (?) of golf. Rather bawdy (a terrier has many a romantic encounter with animate and inanimate objects), a laugh out loud well written fiction. It's not John Steinbeck, and also not an Oprah club selection either. But this tongue in cheeker is a riot.

*****

NCBengt@aol.com
The Hours by Michael Cunningham. 5 stars.
This two hundred eighty-eight page, Pulitzer prize winning novel is rich in description and character as it boldly takes us on a curious and mind tingling journey. Three women are unknowingly intertwined through a brilliant novel. One is the author herself who lived in the WWll era, another is a ravenous reader and confounded homemaker of post WWll, and the third is a not quite successful author and loyal friend who lives in present day America. The impact of these three lives woven together through written word, time and history, is pure seratonin for the brain.

*****

MAGLORO76@aol.com
The Jerusalem Scrolls by Bodie & Brock Thoene. 5 stars.

*****

cleas@earthlink.net
Gould's Book of Fish. 4 stars.
What an odd, engaging book and beautifully done too (full-color plates, different ink colors). Very strange, strangely compelling....

*****

JDONAHEY@aol.com
Echo Burning by Lee Childs.
I haven't started it yet but I have read his other books: Killing Floor, Die Trying, Tripwire and Running Blind and I love them and would rate them with 5 stars. When I see a new book by him I don't even read what it's about. I like his main character Jack Reacher & I have no fear that any book by Lee Childs will be great.

*****

AutoJC999@aol.com
Final Gifts (Understanding The Special Awareness, Needs, and Communications of the Dying) by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley. 5 stars.
This is a truly helpful book which will bring comfort and assistance to those who have loved ones with terminal illness.

A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis. 3 stars.

*****

AME218@aol.com
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. 5 stars.
I am really enjoying this book. As soon as I pick it up, I have a hard time putting it down. This author really knows how to hook you.

*****

Alanh2062@aol.com
The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull.
A great ripping yarn of love, greed and intrigue in Africa after WWI. Bull invokes the beauty and majesty of Africa, its tribes and wildlife with a simple direct prose style that stimulates your imagination. The sequel, A Cafe on the Nile, continues the tale in Cairo with focus on Bull's most interesting character, the dwarf Olivio Alavedo.

Schmidt Delivered by Louis Begley.
Schmidt is one of those rare characters in literature that everyone knows and can identify with - a curmudgeon with a heart. Continues the story begun in About Schmidt. Both books have readers' guides for book clubs.

The New Taste of Chocolate by Maricel Presilla.
A mouth watering treat of a book that takes you thru the history of chocolate from seed pod to confection with recipes. Who knew that something so yummy starts out so ugly?

*****

Mlauerba@aol.com
Falling Angels by Tracey Chevalier. 5 stars.

Never Change by Elizabeth Berg. 5 stars.

What You Owe Me by Bebe Moore Campbell. 5 stars.

*****

raharris@c-logic.net
Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris. 5 stars.

*****

The Horus Killings by P.C. Doherty. 3 ½ stars.
This is the second in a series of mysteries set in ancient Egypt during the reign of Hatshepsut. It portrays the Pharaoh Queen in a more positive light than other books that I have read. The Chief Judge of Thebes, Amerotke is the protagonist in these tales. It is a quick read (less than 300 pages) and interesting story.
I would prefer my contribution remain anonymous.

*****

BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
Flesh And Blood by Jonathan Kellerman. 4 ½ stars.
Fast-paced and a good read!

*****

robmedcalfjr@earthlink.net
Masque of Dreams by Bruce Boston. 5 stars.

White Space by Bruce Boston. 5 stars.

*****

MNBOYLAN@HOTMAIL.COM
Match Made For Murder by Pamela James And Merry Stahl. 4 stars.

The Color Of Water By James McBride. 4 stars.

Kiss Of The Bees By Ja Jance. 2 stars.

*****

dbelk105@adelphia.net
The Women Of Brewster Place by Gloria Naylor. 4 stars
Seven stories about women who live in an apartment building in Harlem; how they came to be in this poor run-down building and how they interact.

Five Fortunes by Beth Gutcheon. 4 stars.
Five women meet at a spa during a vacation there. What happens there and the next year as their lives change because of that meeting is this novel's story. Not earth shaking, but very readable.

Mother Of Pearl by Melinda Haynes 3 stars.
I found this book, (an Oprah pick), very difficult to stay with. Set in 1950's Mississippi, about both the black and white communities, the author rambles on quite a bit about spirits and magic, often to the point of losing the reader.

*****

smarba42@hotmail.com
My Life on a Plate by India Knight 4 stars.

Practically as much fun as Bridget Jones Diary, and definitely in the same vein. There seems to be a genre that's developed since Jones, of wacky British, generally single, frequently overweight women who are the subjects of fiction. I've also enjoyed Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella, but the sequel was as anemic as the Bridget Jones sequel. I'm almost hoping there isn't a Plate sequel...

*****

Tjr32230@aol.com
Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy. 5 stars.
Enjoy Maeve Binchy's books about Ireland. This had romance, intrigue, pathos, and she brings you right in to Ireland through the front door. You are one of the family. Hated to put it down.

*****

webgirl227@hotmail.com
2nd Chance by James Patterson. 5 stars.
I love the way Mr. Patterson "weaves" his stories, and this one is hard to put down. The ladies of the Women's Murder Club are back in action trying to solve murders committed by a killer who resorts to different means of murder. Not predictable, and as a retiree from that profession I can say Mr. Patterson really does his homework! Give us more:)

*****

Gregthegreat@aol.com
A live Coal In The Sea by Madeline L' Engle.
This book captures your interest from the first page...you will not want to put it down. The story takes several unexpected but believable twists, the plot development is educational as well as entertaining.
It is the story of how complicated human relationships can be for both parents and children and lovers. It also explores the place of love and mercy in those relationships. The story is told realistically and dramatically without being soap opera-like in the development. This is definitely a woman's book told from a woman's point of view, but it is not a romance novel.

*****

Christophercherd@aol.com
Dialogues of the Dead by Reginal Hill. 4 ½ stars.
Witty and erudite, have your dictionary close.

*****

phoebe4sure@hotmail.com
Dreams and Other Ailments/Sueños y otros achaques by Teresa Bevin. 5 stars.
I recommend this short story collection. Pages alternate between English and Spanish.

*****

johno99@comcast.net
The Embers by Sandor Marai.
Translated from the Hungarian, is a little gem. Thank goodness that the manuscript, lost since the World War II era, was recently found. In loving detail, Marai unfolds, bit by careful bit, the mysterious events that separated two men, former soldiers, who haven't seen one another for 41 years until they come together at a climactic two-man dinner party. Their relationship limns the changes that came over Europe in that hellish half-century, and what those changes did to people as empires collapsed and barbarians emerged. A classic and a high-class read. They ain't writin' 'em like this one any more!

*****

brady538_91208@yahoo.com
Wild Ginger by Anchee Min. 4 stars.
By page 3 you're off and running in this novel and it is about two young girls attending school during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. An attractive young man gets in the way of the girl's 100% attention to Chairman Mao and his thoughts/red book. There is also a female bully that makes the two girls life miserable. My interest was kept throughout and I always wonder how millions of people were hoodwinked by Mao...as you follow the story line.

*****

Cipsi2@aol.com
The Nanny Diaries by McLaughlin and Kraus. 4 stars.
At first I thought I might be really bored with the book, but I have found myself delighted with the story. What good storytellers these ladies are! I'm half way through and am having trouble putting it down.

*****

Vikkivand@aol.com
The Passion of Artemesia by Susan Vreeland. 5 stars.
The story is about the life of the Artemisia Gentileschi, a painter, who was raped by Agostino Tassi, an assistant in her father's painting studio in Rome. There was a humiliating trial, she marries and then moves on to become the first woman elected to the Accademia dell' Arte in Florence. I thought this was an excellent story and well written.

Househusband by Ad Hulder.
I'm reading this now and I'm about 1/2 way done. Very much enjoying it so far.

*****

Dochenry10@aol.com
Up Country by Nelson DeMille. 5 stars.
Excellent book. Also loved his 5-star books Charm School and The Lion's Game. He is a great writer.

*****

shifel02@aol.com
Up Country by Nelson DeMille.
It's a dragging a little so far. Hope it improves.

*****

Lucky4750@aol.com
Silent Lady by Catherine Cookson. 5+ stars.
This was one of the best reads I have read in a long time. I would tell everyone to read this story about a woman who marries into high society and ends up a vagrant because of her husband's sadistic and evil temperament. I cried openly while reading this due to happiness, sorrow, etc., etc. You have to read it yourself. I won't give anything away.

*****

ebp4@webtv.net
The Virgin of Bennington by Kathleen Norris. 4 stars.
This memoir chronicles the author's years at the unconventional New England college in the late 1960s, and her subsequent move to New York
City and involvement in the poetry world of the early '70s.

*****

fro993@aol.com
Song Of The Dodo by David Quammen. 5 stars.
Non-fiction. David Quammen tells a fascinating story of nature and endangered and extinct plants and animals. From such exotic places such as the Galapagos Islands, Madagascar, the Komodo Islands, Guam, and Hawaii, we learn how the isolation of these places as well as man's impact have a direct effect on the lives and possible extinction of many species. I highly recommend this book.

*****

Bchica33@aol.com
Black House by Steven King and Peter Straub. 3 stars.
I do not feel the writers gave their all to this.

*****

Britadon@aol.com
The Visitant by Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear. 4 stars.
A wonderful and unique mystery billed as the first in an Anazasi mystery series. Definitely a different style as it weaves two different time periods
together.

White Teeth by Zadie Smith. 2 stars.
Has received reviews as very funny and is my book club's choice but just is not my kind of book. Reminds me of Saul Bellow so I suppose that it is very well written; just not my kind of book.

Princess Sultana's Circle by Jean Sasson. 4 stars.
A continuation of the series in which life as a woman in Saudi Arabia is revealed. As a woman, I can definitely say, No Thanks! to living there!! Very readable and unfortunately, believable. We are so lucky to be Americans!

*****

zrem@earthlink.net
The Fixer by Jon F. Merz. 5 stars.
Okay, so it's my novel, but it's really a lot of fun. It's also the first in a new series from Pinnacle Books. So, if you like action, thrills, spies, and vampires...check this out!

*****

dawnsunrise@excite.com
Religion that Harms, Religion that Heals by Celia M. Murray Dunn. 5 stars.
This is a profoundly insightful description of how religions create both love and war, and is destined to keep scholars and laymen debating for years.

*****

Ain't Misbehavin by John Wright. 4 stars.
An excellent book on the behavior and care of cats and dogs. It addresses all of the most common problems and issues pet owners are likely to face.

Little Altars Everywhere by Rebecca Wells. 4 stars.
Precursor to Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. Not as lighthearted as I had been led to believe, but still a terrific book.

*****

txbookworm@zipmail.com
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. 3 stars.
I liked it but didn't love it. The concept of turning the Bible into historical fiction is a good one.

Eden Close by Anita Shreve. 4 stars.
I liked this title far more than the Pilot's Wife. The story of childhood friends who are reunited after both have been damaged by life. The secret is revealed at the end. It kept me reading until I finished (almost in one sitting).

Contract Surgeon by Dan O'Brien. 3 stars.
Historical fiction telling the story of the last day in the life of Crazy Horse.

Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross. 5 stars.
Historical fiction telling the story of a girl disguised as a boy who becomes Pope in the dark ages. Fact or fiction?? Read the book and decide for yourself.

Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister by Gregory Maguire. 2 stars.
An embellished story of Cinderella. It reminded me of Fractured Fairytales from Rocky and Bullwinkle.

The Quality of Mercy by Faye Kellerman. 3 stars.
An older title and a departure from her regular mysteries. Set in the late 1500s with William Shakespeare as a character and the main love interest of the heroine. A bit of a bodice ripper. I like Kellerman's mysteries better.

*****

Bjglu@aol.com
Bias by Bernard Goldberg. 4 ½ stars.
A scathing indictment of television "journalists" and their biased reporting. Goldberg did his homework -- his proof is irrefutable.

When the Elephants Dance by Tess Holthe. 5 stars.
Wonderful novel which intersperses Phillipine mythology with true remembrances of WW II survivors. But more a character study and story of the strength of the human spirit than "war novel". You won't be sorry you chose it.

*****

AnnRumsey@aol.com
Blood by Patricia Traxler. 5 stars.
This book builds to a crescendo with deep insight into the mind and relationships of a gifted painter, with her married lover and her art.

*****

Kufungee@aol.com
Word of Honor by Nelson DeMille. 5 stars.
While it's sure not his most recent (it was written in the mid '80's), it is a fascinating, intriguing story about leadership, values, morals, and most of all what happens to men in war. And after plowing through almost 900 pages (oversized paperback), I think that I finally do know what did happen in the incident during the Vietnam War which results in a court-martial 20 years later.

*****

GnMountain@aol.com
Perfect Match by Jodi Piccoult. 5 stars.
This new novel by Piccoult arrived Friday afternoon and I read it straight through. And, I'm still thinking about it. It was too good to put down. I have read all of Piccoult's novel and would rank this with The Pact and Harvesting the Heart. The story is timely.... almost prescient ... and the subject matter one of import. While some of the editorial devices are obvious, the characters are incredibly well drawn and well spoken. A super combination of good story line and good characters with great writing.

Snow Island by Katherine Tower. 2 1/2 stars.
This is a first novel by New Hampshire writer. I enjoy regional, New England, writers (think Annie Proulx, Frank Mosier, Chris Bohaljian, Jodi Piccoult) and so was drawn to this book. It is a slow.... almost dreamy.... read. Sweet and quirky. I have not yet finished it, but wish that it had a bit more oomph!

*****

Tjbwawczak@aol.com
Sula by Toni Morrison. 3 stars.
Thank goodness the last Oprah selection. Sometimes her readings were just too way intense. Not too far through Morrison's novel, but so far (as with Paradise) it just is not my style

*****

katfever1121@aol.com.
Daddy's Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark. 5 stars.
It is a real page turner. You can not put it down. I wanted to read it in one sitting.

*****

MIGHTYHAMSTER666@aol.com
Lord Of The Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. 5 stars.
I'm talking the book...not the movie. This Book is great for the imaginative type of person. I loved it. Creative, new, and full of adventure and fun.

*****

Gbet63@aol.com
Stupid White Men by Michael Moore. 5 stars.
If you are interested in what is going on in our country today as opposed to reading fairy tales, STUPID WHITE MEN is at times funny, at times scary, but at all times an eye-opener. Mr. Moore does not bypass calling names right from the head of the White House on down. He knocks the Dems AND the Republicans when it is called for. He doesn't hit below the belt, he just knocks them squarely where they need be knocked. The book is easy readying, and once you get into it, it is very difficult to put down. It is more than entertaining, it is educational.

*****

Stebie2003@aol.com
DreamCatcher by Stephen King. 5 stars.
One of his best thrillers. The story begins with 5 boys who have been childhood friends since high school. The plot starts off a little slow and methodical but then picks up when four of the boys, now men in their thirties, rendezvous at a hunting lodge up in Bangor Maine one cold winter day. While hunting, they stumble upon two people who were abducted by aliens. From there the story builds to the climactic battle between human life and a possible alien take-over. I don't intend to reveal the conclusion because it will spoil the ending for those who have not yet read the book.
If you are an avid Stephen King fan, science fiction lover or just like to read suspenseful, macabre genre, this is the book for you.

*****

alison@acenet.net.au
Come Together by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Reese. 5 stars.

Come Again by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees. 5 stars.

Big Bother by Toni Johnson-Woods. 4 stars.

*****

City of Bones by Michael Connelly. 5+ stars.
Loved every minute of it!

Don't Say A Word by Andrew Klavan. 4 stars.
Great Read!!

People of Darkness by Tony Hillerman. 5 stars.
Wonderful!

Corruption by Andrew Klavan. 2 stars.
So far... BIG disappointment.

*****

falbo@villa.edu
Sidetracked: A Kurt Wallander Mystery by Henning Mankell. 4 stars.
Swedish crime fiction offers a dark look at Scandinavian life.

*****

Emkbee@aol.com
Blue Diary by Alice Hoffman. 5 stars.
Beautiful language which gives birth to emotions familiar to most humans-unless perhaps they have been in a cloister. Unique plot with character evolvement or maybe I should say dissolvement. Point of view varies between first and second chapter which is only momentarily jarring and then becomes intrigue. Alice Hoffman always seems to have a mystical air which hovers like thin strands of Spanish Moss.

*****

bapistachio@yahoo.com
Beyond Stone and Steel: A Memorial to the September 11, 2001 Victims by Brian W. Vaszily. 5 stars.
I have seen nothing but outstanding reviews for this little masterpiece, and this time, the reviews are all true. An incredibly powerful book, one that (like some of the reviews have said) every American should read, because it will inspire you to focus on what is truly important about being alive. Not just another account of 9/11 by any means, this is a unique and very well written book that should be around long after the other accounts have faded away, and should be the start of a great career for this writer. The book bills itself as the first fiction related to 9/11, though it is only fiction in the sense that the characters represent all of the victims (who, of course, represent all of us). Through each phase of the attacks on 9/11, it tells the stories of who these people really were, and by extension, what is truly worth focusing on in life. It is hard to put down -- I read it in one sitting -- yet the type of book you want to read twice. Of course, it is short -- maybe being too short is its one drawback -- but it is also inexpensive. Proceeds go to charity, and trust me, this book will move you, if not change you!

*****

OATESFAN@aol.com
Dead Sleep by Gregory Iles. 5 stars.

*****

LDragonreader@aol.com
Blackbird by Jennifer Lauck. 5 stars.
This book lives up to all the hype you read on others. Triumphant, engrossing, empowering. I picked it up at a used book store because the title intrigued me. Jennifer's struggle's with the trauma of losing both parents and being mistreated by a classic "evil" stepmother, surviving rape at a young age-it was one of the best books I have read in a long time.

The Visitant and The Summoning God by Kathleen O'Neal and W. Michael Gear. 4 stars.
After reading and enjoying many of their People series, I was very happy to discover a serial murder mystery by this husband and wife team. Based in 1200 AD and the late 20 and early 21st centuries, they flawlessly move from one time period to another. Browser and Catkin are Anazasi Native Americans caught in a terrifying mystery. A serial killer, believed by the people to be a witch, is murdering the women and children. In the present day, the site they lived on is being excavated by a white archeologist who was raised by Native Americans. He is assisted by a young woman from Canada who is Seneca-he believes in Native spirituality, she is a devout Catholic. As Browser and Catkin struggle to solve the murders in their time, Dusty and Maureen struggle to figure out what happened in the present. Dusty and Maureen have a history of serious dislike of each other, Catkin, a woman warrior, and Browser love each other, but cannot be together. All in all, both books are a wonderful read and I look forward to more from these creative authors.

*****

IdaPearl@aol.com
House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III.
Wonderful character development. You won't be able to put it down.

*****

Ajoway20@aol.com
Daddy's Little Girl by Mary Higgins Clark. 4 stars.
The younger sister of a girl murdered 22 years ago returns to her hometown when the convicted killer wins parole. Her goal: to put him back behind bars forever. But is he really the culprit? He's nasty enough and, of course, filthy rich, but the townsfolk seem to think there may be two others who could have done the deed. A fractured family, a "love-me-love-me-not" heroine and a quintessential locale combine for a fast-paced enjoyable read. I'm not a dyed-in-the-wool Mary Higgins Clark fan, and I think I picked up on a few inconsistencies in plot points, but all in all this is a good beach book.

*****

RMacint463@aol.com
Everything’s Eventual by Stephen King. 4 stars.
Buy the book, and go straight to "Autopsy Room Four." Too good.

*****

Shkipasu@aol.com
Silent Scream by Crea Martin. 5 stars.
New author, published by iuniverse available at most online book stores or can be ordered at Barnes & Nobel. Several sites I visited gave Silent Scream 5 stars. A taunt and suspenseful story. The characters are interesting and the plot line chilling. A psychological rollercoaster. Good read. I hope to read more novels by Crea Martin.

Summer of Nights by Dan Simmons. 5 stars.
I'd about given up on Dan and here he comes with a book that out does Stephen King. I loved this truly horrifying tale.

*****

AutumnBlue@aol.com
Sex, Death & Other Distractions by Kensington Ladies Erotica Society. 4 stars.
Not getting any younger myself, I appreciate the variety of sensual and tasteful short stories these ladies have written and shared with us.

*****

Terrytward64@aol.com
Zoya's Story by Zoya. 5 stars.

My Forbidden Face by Latifa. 5 stars.

*****

Dizzheart@aol.com
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly. 5+ stars.
Best historical romance I've read in years, the sort that makes you think.

Saucer by Stephen Coonts. 4 stars.
Exciting adventure story.

Widow's Walk by Robert B. Parker. 4 stars.
Twistier than the usual Spenser.

The Fortune Hunter by Diane Farr. 4 stars.
How can she tell if he really loves her or just desperately needs her money?

*****

j.stienstra@quicknet.nl
The Summons by John Grisham. -1 star.
This afternoon I just finished reading this book. When I was half-way I knew the plot and in my opinion Grisham is famous and he thinks that we accept everything he writes. Well I do not! This is the last book of him I read.

*****

DIANWILLY@aol.com
Midnight Runner by Jack Higgins. 5 stars.
If you like Higgins books you will also like this one. Theme enjoyed is suspense, language is fairly clean and no sex. Maybe I'm old fashioned but most other books today have too much sex and harsh language. I enjoy this one.

*****

SheilaD@aol.com
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.

Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani. 4 ½ stars.
You know that all-too-rare feeling you get when you hit on a really good read? That little shiver of delight, knowing you're about to dive into something wonderful? I had that feeling after the first page of Big Stone Gap -- and the author never let me down. Trigiani writes with real wit and warmth about love, family secrets and a sense of community. Set in a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the book gives us wonderful characters and a good story. I hated to see it end. But thank goodness Big Cherry Holler was waiting in the wings. A good book in its own right, although a bit more serious and adult, the sequel takes an honest look at relationships and intimacy. More than once I thought, "She's got it exactly right."

*****

BREEZYWRITER@aol.com
2nd Chance by James Patterson. 4 ½ stars.
The second "Lindsay Boxer" story, this is exciting and fast-moving.

*****

ENDIYA112@aol.com
Caramel Thoughts by Sheavonne Harris. 5 stars.
A book of poetry by a new author I recently purchased on B&N.com.

*****

don.demore@worldnet.att.net
Undressing the Moon by T. Greenwood. 3 ½ stars.
After her mother abandons the family the 14 year old protagonist of this novel has to deal with her dysfunctional father. Interesting main character.

A Winter Haunting by Dan Simmons. 4 stars.
Another of the prolific Simmons' gems. If you enjoy literate, well constructed plots in a not too gory horror story this one is for you.

Tumbling After by Susan Parker. 5 stars.
(Non-fiction) Susan Parker is a mid-forties modern woman who, along with her husband, is an avid outdoor activity enthusiast. They spend their time rock climbing, bicycling, etc. with a group of friends with similar interests. One day she receives a call to inform her that her husband has been injured in a bicycling accident. That phone call ends life as she has known it. With her husband paralyzed from the neck down she must learn how to cope with situations she had never even contemplated, situations which are explained in a raw and frank manner. Parker is no "Oprah" heroine, and that statement is not a criticism of her character. She is a human being, and must deal with her crises as she is able. This is a fascinating, well written memoir. There is much to learn from this book. Its searing honesty and reality will stay with me forever.

City of Bones by Michael Connelly. 5 stars.
The latest in the eagerly awaited Harry Bosch series from Connelly. Another great mystery from one of the masters of the genre. Harry is heading up the investigation of the death of a young boy whose partial skeletal remains are discovered twenty years after his murder. Excellent read!

Bias by Bernard Goldberg. 4 stars.
(Non-fiction) Goldberg, a CBS newsman for twenty some years, cites chapter and verse on the often unconscious liberal slant presented by the news media in this country. He makes a persuasive argument with uncontested evidence. Those interested in current events in this country should read this.

Dewsweepers by James Dodson. 3 stars.
(Non-fiction) A rumination on a year in the life of Dodson, author of the outstanding memoir about his trip to Scotland with his dying father (FINAL ROUNDS). The premise of the book is to chronicle Dodson's return to the purity of the game of golf. It includes too many other extraneous matters such as the fraud perpetrated by his brother and sister-in-law and his girlfriend's divorce woes. For true golf fanatics, like me, only.

In the Little World by John Richardson. 4 stars.
(Non-fiction) While on a magazine writing assignment Richardson found himself staying in a hotel with about a thousand "Little People" there for a convention. Fascinated by what he has seen Richardson immerses himself in the world he has discovered, developing personal relationships with several people whose lives he details. He highlights the often turbulent psychological history of the families he meets and allows them to voice their feelings about life as "midgets" in a tall world.

1st to Die and 2nd Chance by James Patterson. 4 stars.
The first two books in what should be a successful new series for Patterson. With four female protagonists (Homicide Lt., Medical Examiner, Assistant District Attorney, Newspaper Reporter) this crime series should appeal to all readers who love a good police story, especially one with a "female" point of view.

No Stone Unturned: The Story of Necrosearch by Steve Jackson. 4 stars.
(Non-fiction) Frustrated with the difficulty of finding the bodies of those who have been lost in the wilderness or those who have been murdered and their bodies hidden, a disparate group of individuals develop an organization designed to react to these situations. From their burying of pig carcasses and studying how the surrounding area responds over time, to the use of ground radar to detect bodies hidden under concrete this is a fascinating read for those interested in the forensic sciences. Real life successes and failures are discussed.

UnCivil Wars by David Horowitz. 5 stars.
(Non-fiction) When Horowitz attempted to publicize his opposition to "slavery reparations" on college campuses a fire storm of controversy followed. This book covers that controversy in detail. Horowitz's charge is that free speech seems to be honored in theory only on college campuses if you are a conservative commentator. A persuasive read.

*****

lindaharriet@msn.com
In a Dark Wood by Amanda Craig. 4 stars.
An insightful allegory of a man's search for the reasons behind the suicide of his mother as figuratively depicted in her fairy tales; very funny adventure of a man's re-acquaintanceship with his children after a divorce, as well; full of darkness and light. I love it.

*****

Itzgestme@aol.com
The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve. 5 stars.

*****

smazzei@sprintmail.com
Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani. 5 stars.
This is the sequel to Big Stone Gap. I enjoyed Big Cherry Holler a little bit more.

*****

GGurlyGGirl@aol.com
Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen. 5 stars.

*****

June528@aol.com
Roses are Red by James Patterson.
It is a great book from the first page and I can't put it down.

*****

Lgluhani@aol.com
Nickel and Dimed by Barbara Ehrenreich. 3 stars.

Tell No One by Harlan Coben. 4 stars.
Great mystery yarn.

The Prize Winner of Defiance Ohio by Ryan. 3 1/2 stars.
Sweet book that would be a good Mother's Day gift.

*****

GandmaRI@aol.com
The Lions Game by Nelson DeMille. 5 stars.
I can tell I'm going to have to go back and read his previous book Plum Island also. When I started this book, I told my husband that it was going to be a face-in-book weekend and it certainly has been that.....this book is a page turner.

*****

Vikkivand@aol.com
Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles. 5 stars.
Great story and I loved the main character Adair Colley. Well written. I was pleasantly surprised because I didn't think I would be interested, but it was well worth reading.

To Tell A Stranger by Karen Robards. 2 Stars.
Quick read and not a very original story.

*****

PatG233@aol.com
The Testament by John Grisham. 5 stars.
Excellent book. Well written. I couldn't put it down.

*****

smb341@prodigy.net
The Eugenics Wars, vl 1 by Greg Cox. 5 stars.
Great fun for Star Trek fans, as it brings back Gary Seven et al., as well as Kirk and Spock, and Khan; also mentions of others in Trek history.

*****

marychambers@yahoo.com
In The Fall by Jeffrey Lent. 3 stars.
This is a great story of several generations from Virginia. It is also a story about searching out your family's history.

The Highlander's Last Song by George MacDonald. 3 stars.
This story was originally written in the 19th century by a very prolific author. I've read several of his books and enjoy reading a birds eye view of early Scotland.

Jesus the One and Only by Beth Moore 5 stars.
This is one of the best Bible studies I have ever done. Beth Moore has a fresh and unique way of looking a scripture and events. I highly recommend it.

We Wish You Well by David Baldacci. 4 stars.
This is the story of a brother and a sister and the trials they face after an automobile accident. The family have several authors in their line. David Baldacci was inspired to write about his own ancestors. It is fiction, however, so I don't know if there is much fact in it. But it was a great read.

*****

camurray@webtv.net
The Scandalous Summer of Sissy LeBlanc by Loraine Despres. 5 stars.
I enjoyed this book; it would make a great beach book.

*****

Kes251018@aol.com
Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier. 5 stars.
This is book three of the Sevenwaters Trilogy. The first two books, Daughter of the Forest, and Son of the Shadows were excellent. This one is already obvious that it will be a true escape book also. Marillier is a wonderful storyteller and you are easily transported to old Ireland and a time of sorcery and magic.

*****

Lankford0714@aol.com
Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B. Ross.
I was in the mood for something light and Miss Julia fill the bill, perfectly!

*****

TonyBrandin@peoplepc.com
In Awe by Scott Heim. 2 stars.
A way-too-gothic story of sex and loss set in Lawrence, Kansas in I think the early nineties. Boris is in high school and in lust with a redneck cowboy, Rex, who does NOT reciprocate. Sarah is twice Boris' age but pals around with him and the grandmother, Harriet, of her best friend, Marshall, who died of AIDS. Certain paragraphs are brilliantly written, but the story as a whole is way too over-the-top in its depiction of violence. And when you figure out the over art--gross!

*****

OSA258@aol.com
Ordinary Lives by Eliasbeth Berg. 5 stars.
She is a wonderful writer and I don't usually like short stories, this is an exemplary work!

*****

Euroky@aol.com
Widow's Walk by Robert Parker. 4 stars.
After the Spenser-out-West failure (which I'm sure he whipped off while he was out here researching his Wyatt Earpe book), Parker seems to be back on track with "Widow's Walk." Parker's best when his dialogue is flip and his hero's most pleased with himself, and though he getting strong competition from Robert Crais' Elvis Cole, Spenser's still 'da man' when it come to throwaway remarks and involved plots.

South Of Reason by Cindy Eppes. 3 stars.
I'm enjoying South Of Reason a lot! It's a nice mix of The Last Picture Show and To Kill A Mockingbird — a quiet little coming-of-age novel that examines the eccentricities of two south Texas families.

Quietus by Vivian Schilling. 3 stars.

Quietus is well-written and eerie; a genre I don't usually enjoy, though I found Ms. Schilling's novel fast-paced and easy to get into. It's a great late-night read when the wind blows.

The Man Who Ate The 747 by Ben Sherwood. 3 stars.
"The Man Who..." is a quirky, well-told story about quirky, well-drawn characters we'd like to meet and rarely do. It's been on enough best seller lists it hardly needs my recommendation, but I can add it's one of those books that's easy to stuff in your backpack for the beach or park, and pleasant enough to reread sections from time to time and again.

*****

dralo@juno.com
The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop. 5 stars.
This three book series explores a world created by Anne Bishop that uses psychic powers and fantasy beings. In book one, Daughter of the Blood, you learn of a prophecy that brings hope to two men and the young girl they both swear to protect. In book two, Heir to the Shadows, you watch a young girl come to power amid her own personal nightmare. In book three, Queen of Darkness, you learn the price of power to those of honor and how a family you choose can be better than that you are born into. This series of books is enthralling for those who enjoy the use of fantastical creatures and psychic powers with an excellent story line. Her writing brings in a sensual aspect also, that is surprising in a fantasy book.

*****