Three novellas. The first features Jake Brigance. It is an ambiguous tale about a criminal fleeing justice. The second tale is an inmate on death row.Three novellas. The first features Jake Brigance. It is an ambiguous tale about a criminal fleeing justice. The second tale is an inmate on death row. The third story is about a father and two sons, all lawyers, who plot against each other.
Grisham was smart to not stretch any of these tales to novel length. None are memorable. The audio readers did much to enhance my enjoyment....more
It’s 1967 and sixteen year old Estella lives in the swinging London of Carnaby Street. Estella is an aspiring fashion designer and a thief. She also hIt’s 1967 and sixteen year old Estella lives in the swinging London of Carnaby Street. Estella is an aspiring fashion designer and a thief. She also has an alter-ego her mother named Cruella.
Apparently intended as a prequel to the upcoming Disney film, we follow Estella’s early forays into London society. The story works well as a YA novel. I doubt Dodie Smith would recognize this Cruella. However, the plot is clever and well paced. A fun read.
I would like to thank netgaeey for providing an advance copy of this novel....more
Another private boarding school for unusual students. An interesting premise but it needs to be lighter and brighter paced. We ran into mother’s brut Another private boarding school for unusual students. An interesting premise but it needs to be lighter and brighter paced. We ran into mother’s brutal boyfriend once too often. I gave up halfway....more
When talking with friends about books, we often drift into a discussion of favorite authors. My top five have remained unchanged for forty years: AlisWhen talking with friends about books, we often drift into a discussion of favorite authors. My top five have remained unchanged for forty years: Alistair MacLean, Desmond Bagley, Helen MacInness, Anne McCaffrey and Dick Francis. Unfortunately they have all passed away.
I was stunned recently by the publication of a NEW Bagley novel. A completed first draft with notes by both the author and his editor from 1972 has been “completed”.
So, how is it?
In my mind, Bagley was at his zenith in 1970-1975. The novels published in this era were The Spoilers, Running Blind, The Freedom Trap, Landslide, and The Tightrope Men. I am pleased with this novel. The book is not quite on par with the others named, but is very good. The novel is part murder mystery, part political thriller, and part heist. It is definitely a product of the seventies and should be read as such.
I enjoyed the narrator of the audio book. A name I didn’t recognize.
An amusing diversion. The plot is thin with some over-the-top elements. However, this book is designed to provide light entertainment. Elements are boAn amusing diversion. The plot is thin with some over-the-top elements. However, this book is designed to provide light entertainment. Elements are borrowed from numerous pop culture themes.
I chuckled several times and read it with a smile on my face....more
Well, the blurb for this short tale is accurate, but I wasn’t expecting the resolution, which is disappointing. The author(s) are intent on making eveWell, the blurb for this short tale is accurate, but I wasn’t expecting the resolution, which is disappointing. The author(s) are intent on making everyone either vengeful or a scumbag....more
A very tidy little caper featuring Lando. There is nothing particular tying this story to the Star Wars universe other than Lando, a brief mention of A very tidy little caper featuring Lando. There is nothing particular tying this story to the Star Wars universe other than Lando, a brief mention of the emperor and sabaac. Still, it was well crafted and fun....more
Interesting, but a difficult read. Deighton can break continuity as a style device. He does it here in two ways. First each of the three protagonists Interesting, but a difficult read. Deighton can break continuity as a style device. He does it here in two ways. First each of the three protagonists narrate the novel in first person. Second each gets locked into flashbacks that disperse the narrative. In addition, our characters are not smart enough to be effective con artists. Overall, a disappointment. I reached the halfway point when I gave up. I just didn’t care....more
A well crafted anthology. The stories are a mixture of mystery, murder and heist. There were two that I didn’t care for, but I suspect it was partly bA well crafted anthology. The stories are a mixture of mystery, murder and heist. There were two that I didn’t care for, but I suspect it was partly because of the way I was feeling. The last two were particularly clever....more
This is one of those series where the characters grow on you, becoming old friends. The strengths of this series are the interesting characters, the aThis is one of those series where the characters grow on you, becoming old friends. The strengths of this series are the interesting characters, the art world setting, and the light tone of the narrative.
This is probably my favorite so far. The mystery is interesting, but inevitable. It is the journey that makes this book fun. I also enjoyed the Chris Norgren cameo....more
I am always amused by.Grisham readers who get upset when he doesn't write a legal thriller. Get over it. Grisham is a great wrter. While his scumbag lI am always amused by.Grisham readers who get upset when he doesn't write a legal thriller. Get over it. Grisham is a great wrter. While his scumbag lawyers are wonderful, few of them reach the intensity of The Pelican Brief. Some of his most delightful work icludes Calico Joe, Playing For Pizza, and the Ford County stories.
So now we come to Camino Island. Sorry legal lovers, but this is, in my opinion, Grisham's best book. It displays his mature style, even pace, believable characters, a heist, menacing villains, con artists, and background depth. If you've never read Grisham, this is a great place to start....more
Fun, but I expect a bit confusing for newcomers as Kay's extended family continue to show up. We also only get to see the actual con in action. The seFun, but I expect a bit confusing for newcomers as Kay's extended family continue to show up. We also only get to see the actual con in action. The set-up is often part of the fun. It could easily been novel length, but at least we had Heist Society for the holidays....more
Because I like the Fox and O'Hare novels, I elected to give this a try. It is a querky book. It starts with a prologue worthy of Clive Cussler. Then oBecause I like the Fox and O'Hare novels, I elected to give this a try. It is a querky book. It starts with a prologue worthy of Clive Cussler. Then our heroine visits Mysterioso Manor. And then the fun begins.
This would make a bad movie, can't be taken seriously, and has a goofy ending. The villains are cartoonish, predictable and revealed early.
Sooo, why read it? Because its fun. Emmerson, Riley, and their odd families (an Evanovich speciality) make you chuckle. The plot rolls at a steady pace and keeps you engaged, even when you can see where its going.
Highly recommended for Ashley, Kent, and Doc. I think Louise would even like it--if she suspends belief....more
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