I enjoy the Mike Bennett series coauthored by Patterson and Micheal Ledwidge. I would have rated this book 4 stars - it was certainly a pleasant few hI enjoy the Mike Bennett series coauthored by Patterson and Micheal Ledwidge. I would have rated this book 4 stars - it was certainly a pleasant few hours of driving, and the family is settling back into New York - the kids are all happy to be home, finally, and Mary Katherine has everything humming along. Bennett's return to NYPD is not the hero's welcome he should have gotten though - instead, he learns his nemesis is now Chief of Detectives, and his new assignment is a political dead end full of misfit cops. Soon though, major crimes pulls Bennett back into a serious case, and he refuses to abandon his new team, so he is juggling both units. The bad guys are interesting - cannibals, jewel thieves, murderers - oh my!! - the multiple cases Bennett has going keep him running. IN fact, none of them are sold when the book ends - which is exactly why this book only gets 3 stars. The one thing I hate most about Patterson's writing - worse than the short chapters, huge typefaces, and dialogue driven stories - is the non-ending. a third of the next book will be recaps of these cases, and a retelling of the current family crisis (Will Seamus' health hold? Will Mary Katherine return from Ireland? Will Krissy's day in court come out ok for the Bennet clan?) I hate that style . . . hate it.
Merged review:
I enjoy the Mike Bennett series coauthored by Patterson and Micheal Ledwidge. I would have rated this book 4 stars - it was certainly a pleasant few hours of driving, and the family is settling back into New York - the kids are all happy to be home, finally, and Mary Katherine has everything humming along. Bennett's return to NYPD is not the hero's welcome he should have gotten though - instead, he learns his nemesis is now Chief of Detectives, and his new assignment is a political dead end full of misfit cops. Soon though, major crimes pulls Bennett back into a serious case, and he refuses to abandon his new team, so he is juggling both units. The bad guys are interesting - cannibals, jewel thieves, murderers - oh my!! - the multiple cases Bennett has going keep him running. IN fact, none of them are sold when the book ends - which is exactly why this book only gets 3 stars. The one thing I hate most about Patterson's writing - worse than the short chapters, huge typefaces, and dialogue driven stories - is the non-ending. a third of the next book will be recaps of these cases, and a retelling of the current family crisis (Will Seamus' health hold? Will Mary Katherine return from Ireland? Will Krissy's day in court come out ok for the Bennet clan?) I hate that style . . . hate it....more
Bear is found nearly dead somewhat off the road by two WW2 era Marines, Leo and Denny, who are heading home - for a little pre war leave. They bring tBear is found nearly dead somewhat off the road by two WW2 era Marines, Leo and Denny, who are heading home - for a little pre war leave. They bring the dog on home, and Leo's little sister is instantly in love. She's got troubles of her own, and a dog might help her get past them. Her Aunt Doff ins't convinced but finally concedes the dog can stay until he's healed up. Billie and Denny both have a strong bond with Bear - and before it's all done, Bear saves them both . . . dogs save us every time, even when we are convinced we are rescuing them.
This novel presents the reality of how America kidnapped and mistreated the Diné children, and later depended on those same kids to be Navaho code talkers, shows us the the horrors of war, and the life of rationing coupons and war bonds back home, all within the context of the story of Bear. Kirby Larson is very good at telling an entertaining story while bringing the reader into the daily life of the historic period of the story.
Merged review:
Bear is found nearly dead somewhat off the road by two WW2 era Marines, Leo and Denny, who are heading home - for a little pre war leave. They bring the dog on home, and Leo's little sister is instantly in love. She's got troubles of her own, and a dog might help her get past them. Her Aunt Doff ins't convinced but finally concedes the dog can stay until he's healed up. Billie and Denny both have a strong bond with Bear - and before it's all done, Bear saves them both . . . dogs save us every time, even when we are convinced we are rescuing them.
This novel presents the reality of how America kidnapped and mistreated the Diné children, and later depended on those same kids to be Navaho code talkers, shows us the the horrors of war, and the life of rationing coupons and war bonds back home, all within the context of the story of Bear. Kirby Larson is very good at telling an entertaining story while bringing the reader into the daily life of the historic period of the story....more
Sandford’s writing is as sharp and clear as ever. In this book, everyone has at least a brief cameo appearance. Of course, Lucas and Virgil are centraSandford’s writing is as sharp and clear as ever. In this book, everyone has at least a brief cameo appearance. Of course, Lucas and Virgil are central to the story, and make all the correct connections as they figure out the murder spree of The Five. Weather and Frankie have their parts to play to, including an interview about guns that includes a strong anti- bump stock, anti- ghost gun, anti proliferation of guns message that was clear, concise and to the point, and I doubt well represents the opinions of most law enforcement spouses and officers. Letty shows up, to check on everyone, and even Kidd has an important though brief role. An excellent entry, and fyi, if you are one of those anti gun regulation asshats, be prepared to disagree politely, or don’t bother reading this book, because it will trip your triggers. ...more
I really love Chet. Quinn gets dogs, and he can write - a wonderful combination! This one is a complex mystery, and one of the things I love about theI really love Chet. Quinn gets dogs, and he can write - a wonderful combination! This one is a complex mystery, and one of the things I love about these books is that Quinn can carry the story forward even as Chet gets bored with whatever is going on and naps, wakes up and tries to get himself caught up with whatever Bernie is up too. A lot of writers would lose the narrative thread, but Quinn never does....more
I forget how engaging these Mike Bowditch novels are. - this one presents a complex story involving rich people hellbent on buying up huge hunks of woI forget how engaging these Mike Bowditch novels are. - this one presents a complex story involving rich people hellbent on buying up huge hunks of woods with the intention of making them a national park. Noble though that idea is, the local lumber industry, the hunters and fisherman. The plot line is somewhat convoluted, and the presentation is great. ...more
It's been yers since I read the first book, and this one picks up the timeline within a few weeks. Meg and her new friend Micheal are trying to get awIt's been yers since I read the first book, and this one picks up the timeline within a few weeks. Meg and her new friend Micheal are trying to get away for a romantic weekend, and decide to head to Aunt Phoebee's remote Maine island cabin. To their surprise, they fine her parents, Aunt Phoebee and her friend, and Meg;'s brother Rob all had the same get away from it all idea - so much for romance. To complicate the weekend, there's a hurricane in the Atlantic, and the ferry has stopped running. They try taking a walk, in the pre-hurricane winds and rain, to find some alone time and perhaps some romance - and then they find a dead man floating in tidal pool. Meg can't help but try to investigate how he became un-alive, and the first thing she finds is a note written by her father. The idea of her father as a suspect puts Meg in high gear, and we all go along for the ride.
I really like this cozy series. I love that Meg is an artist who blacksmiths wrought iron accessories for home and garden. And I love her family of characters. I'll be looking for more and add this series to my 'I need a break from hard and serious reading' cozy list....more
I really enjoy Quinn's ability to write Chet, the dog partner in the Little Detective Agency. He's just so accurate to what I think dogs think - and tI really enjoy Quinn's ability to write Chet, the dog partner in the Little Detective Agency. He's just so accurate to what I think dogs think - and that is why I read these books. I mean, the story is always engaging, the plots interesting, Bernies concern for water use, especially in desert areas, is right on point, but it is Chet that brings me back, book after book....more
Nobody writes the haunting and lyrical language of James Lee Burke - and while the language is beautiful, the stories are so often dark and disturbingNobody writes the haunting and lyrical language of James Lee Burke - and while the language is beautiful, the stories are so often dark and disturbing, accentuating the fact that monsters walk amongst us. In both these Holland family stories and the Dave Robicheaux books, the spiritual world and the daylight world intertwine - you can see things, learn things, experience things that simply can not be explained by daylight physics. The demons, the spirits in the mist - they are real, they are terrifying, and they very well might be out to get you....more
I will always enjoy a Lucas and Virgil story, and this was no exception. Sanford weaves such complex and exceptional tales, and when he has both protaI will always enjoy a Lucas and Virgil story, and this was no exception. Sanford weaves such complex and exceptional tales, and when he has both protagonists he can double the pattern he weaves. This is great stuff, right here. ...more
I love Christopher Moore’s quick wit and quirky storytelling. This one has it all: an old blues man, a sea monster, a warrior queen, incompetent and cI love Christopher Moore’s quick wit and quirky storytelling. This one has it all: an old blues man, a sea monster, a warrior queen, incompetent and corrupt cops, bionic bar owner, and so much more!! Classic Moore!...more
Laurell K. Hamilton proves here that she is not hopelessly stuck in paranormal polyamory with a side dish of gore. Havock Havelock, angelic expert in Laurell K. Hamilton proves here that she is not hopelessly stuck in paranormal polyamory with a side dish of gore. Havock Havelock, angelic expert in the paranormal branch of the local police, is about as far from Anita as he can get - although, now thinking about it, they do share some interesting traits. Both are believers - G-d, angels and demons, all real. This book lays an intriguing ground in a new world - I'll look forward to the next one....more
In this book, Chet helps Bernie solve two murders, one a very old case, and right the wrongs of decades, plus, bonus, fix the financial future of a siIn this book, Chet helps Bernie solve two murders, one a very old case, and right the wrongs of decades, plus, bonus, fix the financial future of a singer and songwriter who had the rights to her most popular song stolen from her. Wonderful storytelling, and as usual, Quinn’s dogs are the best. Go Chet, go!...more
I love Chet. Quinn really can think like a dog, and in this story, the most important moment comes at the very end, when a shaft of light temporarily I love Chet. Quinn really can think like a dog, and in this story, the most important moment comes at the very end, when a shaft of light temporarily gives Bernie a tail. Chet is so happy for him! It's a pleasant hour of reading....more
Very fun short story that has Iggy, Chet’s little dog pal from across the street, right in the middle of a case. Lucky for Iggy, Bernie and Chet are oVery fun short story that has Iggy, Chet’s little dog pal from across the street, right in the middle of a case. Lucky for Iggy, Bernie and Chet are on the case, and Iggy comes through in fine shape!!...more
This one was a bit less - everything. Still, an excellent story, and filled with the usual Sydney Rye details: innocent victims, an undeniably bad guyThis one was a bit less - everything. Still, an excellent story, and filled with the usual Sydney Rye details: innocent victims, an undeniably bad guy that you want to see brought down, and some unexpected helpers who are ready to assist Syd as she brings down the bad guy(s). ...more
Oh please, dear Diana, tell us number 10 is already in editing. I adore this world - the characters are so many, and there is so much depth to them alOh please, dear Diana, tell us number 10 is already in editing. I adore this world - the characters are so many, and there is so much depth to them all. It isn't just Jamie and Claire. Nor Brianna and Roger and their brood of grandchildren, nor Ian and his Quaker wife, and thier kids from the mohawk to the not yet born, nor Jenny, nor Fergus and Masali and their kids - nor Lord John, William and his continuing identity crisis, Hal and his heirs - nor the villains (there are always villains) - it's the entire deep and rich world they inhabit. And this one, this ninth book - the cliffhanger endings are too numerous to name. ...more
I’m . . . This story took a few unexpected turns, and some were - how can I put this without a spoiler? Lucas Davenport seems more like a rogue lone wI’m . . . This story took a few unexpected turns, and some were - how can I put this without a spoiler? Lucas Davenport seems more like a rogue lone wolf than most US Marshalls and he’s getting more rogue all the time.
Sandford’s writing is still tight as a drum, and carries the story forward at a breakneck pace. ...more
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