Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

When I was a kid I went to Atlantic City, NJ.  I was really little, under three.  No, Atlantic City wasn't the party place it is today, well I guess it could have been.  Who knows at three?  My parents took me to something called the Steel Pier.  I had no idea what was about to happen.  Suddenly a horse appeared and walked up this tall ramp.  Now I don't mean tall, like reach the old yellow Tupperware that you never use, in the top of your pantry. Nope.  I'm talking forty feet.  Now let's think about the room you are in right now.  Do you have high ceilings?  Nine or ten feet?  Well, this was four times that!  Yep, four stories high.  So, the horse gets to the top, and a young woman is waiting.  She climbs on his back and they jump.... you heard, well read, that correctly.... the woman and the horse JUMP into a small pool of water.  The pool is not only small, but it is only fourteen feet deep. I have a favorite Bugs Bunny cartoon, where Yosemite Sam is expecting a high dive show.  He wants Bugs to jump from the top of this diving board into a bucket of water.  I can hear him saying "You're-a-jumpin'." right now.  That is how this horse diving was.  It was actually pretty famous.  As an adult, it strikes me as cruel.  Those days were different.

I recently read Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano. Having read and enjoyed the three other Finlay Donovan books, I was very excited to read Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice. I am happy to say, again Elle Cosimano delivers an entertaining story. While this book could be read as a standalone, the reader definitely benefits from knowing all the crazy history of Finn and Vero.

This story wraps up past story lines, of course adding many wrinkles along the way. Finn and Vero are the Lucy and Ethel of the book world. They are endearing, loveable, smart, capable, sassy, sarcastic and hilariously funny. As they head to Atlantic City, NJ to try and clear Vero of past complications, they are joined by an unending cast of characters. Not too many to keep track of, but if you are a fan of the series, characters you will be happy to see and read more about.

This is hijinks at its finest. The dialog is perfection and will have you laughing out loud throughout the book. The plot moves quickly, making for a fast read. This latest Finlay Donovan was day brightening and a joy to read. I was literally teary when it was over, not wanting it to end.

Many thanks to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Publishers for providing an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. It was a pleasure!

Cold Record by Eric Ferguson

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

As I've said before, hubby thinks I missed my calling.  He thinks I should have been a lawyer.  I am always watching court cases.  When someone in politics gets indicted or the supreme court makes a ruling, I download the actual orders. I find them so fascinating.  I think maybe what interests me is not only the rule of law, but the strategy used by lawyers.  It is kind of like they are the ultimate storytellers.  They tell a true story and must do so in the most compelling way possible.  A lot like thriller writers, although they have to have a devious imagination. Apparently, my legal leanings have rubbed off on hubby, as he grabbed another book from my tbr list.  His thoughts are below.

I recently read Cold Record by Eric Ferguson. This is a nearly forensic look at an investigation, prosecution, and its effects on those involved. The writing is far from technical, however, and I felt myself yearning to visit the scenic California I once travelled to for work. Setting aside, there was a serious crime committed, and the efforts seeking justice are not romanticized. Those with interest in the legal system will not want to miss Cold Record. 

I actually took part of a practice test from the LSATs, the test necessary for law school. The questions are like a cross between annoying math word problems and stuff passed around Facebook.  I got them all, but it took me about 30 minutes per question.  To get into law school, you have to arrive at the correct answer in 30 seconds.

The Guest by B.A. Paris

Hello everyone.  I hope your day is perfection.

Have you ever had company that stayed too long?  Frankly, I would have no problem telling my sisters it was time to leave.  What is the movie line, after a while they start to stink "like yesterday's diapers?"  That has never happened.  Despite them being total brats, even as adults, I still can't get them to stay for long enough when they visit. I know, it is crazy. I'm begging for trouble. Speaking of people overstaying their welcome, my husband is always amused by a restaurant name.  On the Outer Banks, in Kill Devil Hills, there is a restaurant named "Eat and Get the Hell Out."  I don't know, sounds like the kind of place that would charge you for a napkin. In reality it is supposed to be very good. If you are there on vacation, I'm sure they would treat you right, just don't stay too long.

I recently read The Guest by B.A. Paris.  I've read many books from this author and have enjoyed them.  The Guest is the story of a married couple, Iris and Gabriel.  They come home from a trip to discover their friend, Laure, living in their house.  She has had a falling out with her husband, Pierre, who is also their good friend. Pierre has confessed to Laure that he had an affair that resulted in a child.  This betrayal adds additional sting because Laure wanted to have children, but Pierre did not.  Naturally, this fills Laure with rage, resentment and questions about their future.  Iris and Gabriel do their best to be good hosts but as Laure's stay wears on, stress abounds and questions mount.

This book somehow feels different from Paris' others.  The story is complicated, yet simple.  She is excellent at misdirection, guiding us through one situation to the next.  Characters are well developed and likeable, leaving just enough room for a bit of suspicion.  I became entrenched in the twists and turns which last until the satisfying end.  A very fun read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this early copy of The Guest and supporting my B.A. Paris addiction.

The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner

Hello everyone. I hope you are having a great day.

When I was a kid all the mothers in our neighborhood stuck together.  If you crossed the street without looking both ways and another mom saw you, you better believe by the time you got home you'd be in trouble.  Likewise, if it was hot, regardless of where you were a child would be treated to an ice-cold cup of Kool-Aid.  (Oh yeah!) (Get it? That is what the Kool-Aid man said.) If you were at someone's home on Sunday night, watching The Wonderful World of Disney, popcorn was the protocol as was lying on your stomach in front of the TV. 

One of my favorite neighborhood moms learned I disliked tomatoes.  She, Mrs. C, was completely offended. Mrs. C always had a beautiful garden and quite the green thumb.  She insisted I just hadn't had the "right" tomato and made me climb into her garden with her.  She plucked a ruby red cherry tomato off the vine and popped it into my mouth.  It was unlike anything I'd ever tasted.  Mrs. C was right, I loved tomatoes.  

Mrs. C and my mom would have birthday lunches and exchanged gifts.  I still have a copper Paul Revere tea kettle she gave my mom.  I still cook Mrs. C's Italian chicken. While most of the moms on our street were equally nurturing, Mrs. C was a little extra beloved.  Although she's gone now, sadly, I hope she knew how much she meant to so many.

I recently read The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner.  This is the story of a young mother, Tash, who has been invited into a desirable playdate group.  The members of this group are perfect moms.  They are wealthy with delightful houses and experiences.  Far different than that of Tash, whose young family is struggling financially. Once exploring this tight knit group of young women, Tash discovers a link between the group and a recent suspicious death.  As a journalist, this mystery is too great for her to resist.

This book was a quick read. The chapters are short, often ending on a reveal.  This makes it so easy to read just one chapter more, then just one more.  There are many characters, but they are fairly well defined, so there is no confusion.  The writing itself, is wonderful.  There are no unneeded words, yet scenes are set perfectly.  Dialogs are natural and flowing.  It was very pleasant to read.  The neighborhood mystery/thriller is fairly common, there is nothing really new here.  However, if you like that kind of story, like I do, this one really works.  The appeal for this is as it is with others set in common life....it could happen to you.  A solid, well told story, this was a fun book.

By the way, if Mrs. C was there, she would protect you from anyone evil, apply a Band-Aid to your knee and give you a snack.

The Proof of the Pudding by Rhys Bowen

Hello everyone.  I hope you've had a great day.

A few weeks ago, I received an interesting book from Berkley publishing.  They were so kind to send it to me.  In short, this is the story of a chef who works at one estate that gets "lent" to another for an event.  Someone ends up dead, and others sickened from the dinner prepared by the chef.  I read hubby the jacket and he physically grabbed the book (gently with affection, he says).  He has been reading a lot of special forces type thrillers and thought this book sounded like a great break.  He finished it quickly, really seemed to enjoy it, and is interested in more by this author. Hubby's thoughts are below!

I recently read The Proof of the Pudding by Rhys Bowen, my first in the Royal Spyness Mystery series. This novel was a delight to read, a classic whodunit with a colorful cast of characters and no one is above suspicion. It was if I had stepped into a classic black and white film from the late 1930's and was guaranteed a seat in the room as the guilty party was revealed. The Royal Spyness series should not be overlooked by those seeking a little historical sleuthing.  

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Hello everyone.  I hope you've had a good month.

I know you probably think I'm off jet setting to wild, exciting locations for long luxurious vacations.  I'm not.  I've been reading like crazy.  I've been lucky to have received many advanced copies from blockbuster authors.  I have read their upcoming books but don't want to post about them because you can't purchase them yet.  Honestly, I would feel like someone is teasing me, dangling a great book in front of me then whisking it away.  Kind of like what my husband does with bacon.  Anyway, smoky pork products aside I will tell you that the books coming this year are fantastic.  I don't know what is going on, but my favorite author's books being released this spring and summer are their best ever!  I can see how people improve at their craft; I would hope we all do.... but wow!  Just you wait...not a stinker in the bunch.  We are talking about authors like Peter Swanson, Sarah Pekkanen, Beatriz Williams, Christina Lauren, Megan Miranda, Sally Hepworth, Elle Cosimano and more.  You are going to be so happy with your reading this year!  My point is, I haven't abandoned you.  

I recently read The Fury by Alex Michaelides.  This is my third book from him.  I have enjoyed them all.  This story is different than his others.  It is about an ex-movie star, Lana, who takes her friends to a private island off Greece.  The isolation makes for great privacy, also a great place for a murder, which, of course, is what happens.  Who is responsible?  A stranger on the island or one of the group of friends?

The construction of this story is different from the rest of Michaelides' books.  It is more complicated, more creative.  I can't imagine the work that went into writing this.  It is told in a nonlinear timeline.  Sometimes that can be annoying or difficult to follow.  It is done here in a very clear and thoughtful way.  Each time we go back and learn more, the story becomes sweeter and also much more sinister.  If this kind of storytelling bothers you, and you want a book that shoots straight thru A to Z, then this might not be for you. However, the way the story evolves is masterful and extremely effective, guiding the reader to the resolution of the mystery. This is not only a mystery but also a thriller and even a love story. The pacing moves quickly, enhanced by short chapters.  The characters are interesting, some more well developed than others, as needed.  A solid and entertaining offering.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Hello everyone.  I hope you are having a great day.

A few years ago, we took a quick trip to the mountains of North Carolina.  We went to see a huge family mansion that still belongs to the Vanderbilts.  The Biltmore.  The grounds were as stunning as the house.  The twisting road, little bridges, hills, hidden waterways, all designed by the same designer as Central Park in NYC.  We were so fortunate, we signed up for a behind the scenes tour which included only one other person beside the guide.  We got to go, peek and snoop into rooms that weren't normally allowed because of our small group size.  Given my propensity to be a nosey-nellie when it comes to historic places, I was in all my glory.  Afterword, we toured the gardens, greenhouse and winery.  Then we enjoyed a delightful lunch in the restaurant that used to be the stable.  When telling my sisters about such a wonderful day, all they could focus on was the stable.  How could I eat a salad where horses had pooped.  Really?  After all that, the focus was on non-existent poop that would have been gone for decades.  I joke my sisters a lot, now you know why!

I recently read The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins.  I've read and reviewed three other books by this author: Reckless Girls, The Villa, and The Wife Upstairs.  I have enjoyed them all.  Hawkins latest offering, The Heiress is by far my favorite.  This time the story focus' on a prominent wealthy family, known for its lavish mansion (Ashby) in the hills of North Carolina. This family has suffered many tragedies, the worst when toddler Ruby McTavish is lost in the woods and later found to be kidnapped.  Although little Ruby is recovered, she is plagued by the doubt of others that she is the real missing McTavish.  Now, decades later, following the death of his uncle, Ruby's estranged adopted son, Camden decides it is time to return.  Having lost his mother and now his uncle, Camden and his wife travel cross country to what is left of his dysfunctional family.  As the couple's experiences unfold, we learn about the life of the recently passed matriarch, Ruby. The truth has been elusive for this family, and everyone has secrets.

I loved the character development in this book. I was rooting for some members of the McTavish family and was disgusted by others, only to remember they all have secrets.  The plot moves quickly with twists coming often making this a very addictive read. Absolutely mesmerizing, my new favorite.  Cannot wait for the next!

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for an early copy of this novel.  Of course, all my views are my own.  Who else's would they be?