184. Thai Die by Monica Ferrris

about the book

As full-time owner of the Crewel World needlework shop and part-time sleuth, Betsy Devonshire has become skilled at weaving suspicious threads. But when one of her regulars unwittingly becomes involved in a deadly delivery of exotic antiquities, Betsy fears something is seriously warped

This is book 12 in the series. I really enjoyed this one. It is nice catching up with Betsy and the rest of the gang.

2008 Chunkster Challenge

Chunkster Challenge(2008)
1. Almost Dead By Lisa Jackson 419p
2. The Collectors by David Baldacci 436p
3. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult 447p
3. Beyond Reach by Karin Slaughter 401p
4. Die For Me by Karen Rose 558p
5. Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub 476p
6. Blue Smoke and Murder by Elizabeth Lowell 404p
7. Scream For Me by Karen Rose 436p
8. Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge 437p
9. Broken Window by Jeffrey Deaver 414p
10. Judgement Day by Sheldon Siegel 413p
11. Tailspin by Catherine Coulter 405p
12. A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand 404p
13. Guilty by Karen Robards 408p
14. Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs 439
15. Intent to Kill by James Grippando 401p
16. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult 455p
17. High Noon by Nora Roberts 423p
18. Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards 538p
19. Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly 427p
20. Killing Spree by Kevin O'Brien 443p

2009 TBR Challenge

To remind you of the rules:
* the challenge is to read 12 TBR books in 12 months -- you can read those all in one month if you want, or one a month, or however you wanna do it.
* you need to have a list posted somewhere for others to see (even if it's in a comment here)
* you CANNOT change your list after January 1st, 2009!!!
* you can create an Alternates list of MAXIMUM 12 books, if you want, in order to have options to choose from (you can read these in place of books on your original list).
* audiobooks and e-books ARE allowed
* re-reads are NOT allowed, as they aren't TRUE "TBRs"
* you CAN overlap with other challenges
* OPTIONAL: you can join the Yahoo! Group created for participants of the TBR Challenge, if you want to have a place to keep your list, or just to share with others about how you're doing! :)

Okay! The countdown is on!!! Get your list(s) ready, and make sure you post the link to it in the Mr. Linky! ;)

EXTRA 2009 BUTTONS (feel free to use on your own blog!):

My Books

Main Selections

Murder Can Crash Your Party by Selma Eichler
If You Ever Tell by Carlene Thompson
Betrayal by John Lescroat
Curse of the Spellmans by Lisa Lutz
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swanson
Ghost and the Femme Fatale by ALice Kimberly
Alls Well That Ends by Gillian Roberts
Blood Orange Brewing by Laura Childs
Carbs and Cadavers by JB Stanley
Deadly Appraisal by Jane K Cleland
String of Lies by Mary Ellen Hughes
False Impression by Jeffrey Archer

Alternate Choices
Dry Ice by Stephen White
Book Of Fate by Brad Meltzer
What is Mine by Anne Holt
Simple Genisus by David Baldacci
Fit To Die by JB Stanley
Enchanted Ink by Shanna Swedson
Dead and Buried by Karen MacInerrey
One Last Scream by Kevin O'Brien
A Time To Die by Beverly Barton
Murder Game by Beverly Barton
Death Dealer by Heather Graham
Whole Truth by David Baldacci

Pub Reading Challenge

Here are the rules

Here are the 2009 rules:

Read a minimum of 9 books first published in 2009. You don’t have to buy these. Library books, unabridged audios, or ARCs are all acceptable. To qualify as being first published in 2009, it must be the first time that the book is published in your own country. For example, if a book was published in Australia, England, or Canada in 2008, and then published in the USA in 2009, it counts (if you live in the USA). Newly published trade paperbacks and mass market paperbacks do not count if there has been a hardcover/trade published before 2009. Any questions on what qualifies? Just leave a comment here, and I’ll respond with the answer.
No children’s/YA titles allowed, since we’re at the ‘pub.’
At least 5 titles must be fiction.
Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.
You can add your titles as you go, and they may be changed at any time.
Sign up below using Mr. Linky.
Have fun reading your 2009 books!

I love this challenge. I love reading books when they are newly published and this will give me an excuse to buy some new ones. I know I can use library books but any excuse to buy a book works for me. FOr this challenge I plan on reading 20 books

Killing Spree by Kevin O'Brien

About the book

O'Brien's heroine, Gillian McBride, is herself a midlist Seattle writer of serial killer books. Her personal life has been thrown into turmoil since the disappearance of her husband, Barry, two years ago, which triggered a series of intimidating visits from some unsavory business associates. Those threats, however, pale in comparison with the violence wreaked by a cross-country murderer patterning his savage crimes on the fictional ones in McBride's books. As the murders pile up, getting increasingly grisly and personal, Gillian is forced to play sleuth and soon finds herself suspecting everyone-in particular, the members of a writing class she taught at a local college before her husband disappeared.

I found this one to be very predictable. I have enjoyed all of his other books, I recently received his new one to review. I hope the new one is back to his usual keep me guessing style.

182. A catered Christmas By Isis Crawford

About the book

Libby and sister Bernie take on a group of cutthroat chefs competing on a local TV program after the murder of the show's host.

Not my favorite book in the series. I have one left to read so I hope that one is better. However, there are lots of good sounding recipes.

Olivia

The new love of my life. Since my next youngest grandchild is 10, I thought the grandbaby days were over. I am really enjoying getting to know her. Now if only I could quit work and spend more time visiting her.

more 2008 challenges

Jenn's Paperback Challenge
1. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin2/08
2. Something Blue by Emily Giffin2/08
3. Eat Drink and Be Wary by Tamar Myers4-08
4. Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson1-08
5. Killing Spree by Kevin O'Brien
6. Helen Hath No Fury by Gillian Roberts 2-08
7. Till The End Of Tom by Gillian ROberts3/08
8. Getting Old is The Best Revenge by Rita Lakin5/08
9. On Thin Ice by Alina Adams 4-08
10. Adam and Evil by Gillian Roberts 1/08
11. Claire and Present Danger by Gillian Roberts2-08
12. The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library by ALice Kimberly 1/08
13. Faux Finished by Peg Marberg4-08
14. Steamed by Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant
15. Death On Demand by Carolyn Hart8/08
16. Uncommon Grounds by Sandra Balzo
17. Murder on The Rocks by Karen MacInerney8/08
18. A murderous Glaze by Melissa Glazer
19. A Catered Murder by Iris Crawford 1/08
20. Scene of the Grime by Suzanne Price3/08
21. Virgin River by Robyn Carr7/08
22. Death on the Flop by Jackie Chance
23.A Peach of a Murder by Livia J Washburn 1/08
24.The Prey by Allison Brennan
25. The Crepes of Wrath by Tamar Myers6/08
26. Who Creamed Peaches, Anyway by Stevi Mittman 3/08
27. Murder With Peacocks by Donna Andrews 9/08
28. Murder at the PTA Luncheon by Valerie Wolzien
29. Death Drop by ALina Adams5/08
30. Alls Well That Ends by Gillian Roberts
31. Axel Of Evil by ALina Adams 5/08
32The Fright of the Iguana by Linda O. Johnston2/08
33. Die for Me by Karen Rose 4/08
34Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr7/08
35.Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr7/08
36.Don't Scream by Wendy Corsi Staub 5/08
37Last Seen Alive by Carlene Thompson 5/08
38.Lye in Wait by Cricket McRae7/08
39. Feint of Art by Hailey Lind7/08
40. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
41. Tutu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts 9/08
42. A Time To Die by Beverly Barton
43. Luscious Lemon by Heather Swain6/08
44. Knit Fast, Die Young by Mary Kruger
45. Kiss of Death by Meryl Sawyer
46. Whose Number is Up Anyway, by Stevi Mittman 3/08
47. What Goes With Blood Read Anyway by Stevi Mittman 2-08
48. Summer Dreams by S. Mittman, Jennifer Greene, Kate Austin3/08
49 The Cracked Pot by Melissa Glazer 8/08
50. Through a Glass, Deadly by Sarah Atwell8/08
51. The Jasmine Moon Murder by Laura Childs4-08
52. Rusty Nail by JA Konrath
53. Since You're Leaving ANyway Take out the Trash Dixie Cash
54.Why Is Murder on The Menu Anyway by Stevi Mittman3-08
55. InFerno By Karen Harper7/08
56. Dead Reckoning by Linda Castillo
57. Dying to Sell by Maggie Sefton9/08
58. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner6/08
59. The Remains of the Dead by Wendy Roberts
60. In Plain Sight by Tara Taylor Quinn 5/08
61. Death on Demand by Carolyn G Hart 8/08
62. Something Wicked by Carolyn G. Hart dnf 9/08
63. Honeymoon WIth Murder by Carolyn G Hartdnf 9/08
64. Slightly Psychic by Sandra Steffen 5/08
65. Drop Dead Blonde by Nancy Martin. Elaine Viets, Denise Swanson and Victoria Laurie
66. Out of Reach by Patricia Lewin8/08
67. Out of Time by Patricia Lewin8/08
68. Dixieland Sushi by Cara Lockwood8/08
69. Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods 6/08
70. A Slice of Heaven by Sherryl Woods 6/08
71. All The Right Moves by Stef Ann Holm
72. Feels Like Family by Sherryl Woods 6/08

First In A Series Challenge for 2008 Hosted by Joy
1. Steamed by Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant
2. Death On Demand by Carolyn Hart 8/08
3. Uncommon Grounds by Sandra Balzo
4. Murder on The Rocks by Karen MacInerney8/08
5. A murderous Glaze by Melissa Glazer 1/08
6. A Catered Murder by Iris Crawford 1/08
7. Scene of the Grime by Suzanne Price3/08
8. Virgin River by Robyn Carr7/08
9. Death on the Flop by Jackie Chance
1o.A Peach of a Murder by Livia J Washburn1-08
11 Faux Finished by Peg Marberg 4-08
12 The Prey by Allison Brennan

2008 TBR Challenge List
1. Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin2-08
2. Something Blue by Emily Giffin2-08
3. Eat Drink and Be Wary by Tamar Myers4-08
4. Women In Red By Eileen Goudge 7/08
5. Edge of Evil by JA Jance7/08
6. Web of Evil by JA Jance7/08
7. Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard1/08
8. What is Mine by Anne Holt
9. The Collectors by David Baldacci1-08
10. Dry Ice by Stephen White
11 The Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer
12. Stripped by Brian Freeman 1-08
Alternate Books
1. False Impression by Jeffrey Archer
2. High Noon by Nora Roberts10/08
3. Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs8/08
4. Simple Genius by David Baldacci
5. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult8/08
6. Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson1/08
7. Killing Spree by Kevin O'Brien
8. Helen Hath No Fury by Gillian Roberts 2/08
9. Till The End Of Tom by Gillian ROberts3/08
10. Getting Old is The Best Revenge by Rita Lakin5/08
11. On Thin Ice by Alina Adams4/08
12. Adam and Evil by Gillian Roberts1/08
13, Claire and Present Danger by Gillian Roberts2-08
14 The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library by ALice Kimberly 1/08
15. Faux Finished by Peg Marberg4-08

2008 Challenges

8 books published in 2008
1. Remember Me by Sophie Kinsella3/08
2. The Appeal by John Grisham2-08
3. Stalked by Brian Freeman 3/08
4. Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper 1-08
5. 7th Heaven by James Patterson2-08
6. Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs7/08
7. Too Pretty to Die by Susan McBride 1/08
8. Demons Are a Ghoul's Best Friend by Victoria Laurie3/08

Amateur Sleuth reading Challenge
French Pressed by Cleo Coyle -- Coffeehouse mystery5/08
Alibi in High Heels by Gemma Halliday--Shoe Designer 3-08
Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke -Bakery owner 2-08
Scene of the Grime by Suzanne Price-A Grime Solvers Mystery 3/08
Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris--owns a knitting shop 1/08
A Peach Of A Murder by Livia J.Washburn A Fresh Baked Mystery 1-08
A-Z Reading Challenge

A-Z Reading Challenge
Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson
Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper
Claire and Present Danger by Gillian Roberts
Death of a Garage Sale Newbie by Sharon Dunn
Eat Drink and be Wary by Tamar Myers
Stalked by Brian Freeman
Getting Old is The Best Revenge by Rita Lakin
Hold Tight by Harlan Coben
In Plain Sight by Tara Taylor Quinn
Judgement Day by Sheldon Siegel
Killer Heat by Linda Fairstein
Luscious Lemon by Heather Swain
Mercy Street by Mariah Stewart
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
Obedience by Will Lavender
Killer View by Ridley Pearson
Queen Of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Remains of the Dead by Wendy Roberts
Shoots to Kill by Kate Collins
Tutu Deadly by Natalie M Roberts

On The Porch Swing


What Goes With Blood Red, Anyway by Stevi Mittman 2-08
Adam and Evil by Gillian Roberts 1/08
Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods 6/08
Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs7/08

181. A Catered Wedding by Isis Crawford

about the book

In Isis Crawford's A Catered Wedding: A Mystery with Recipes, the lively sequel to her debut, A Catered Murder (2003), kindhearted caterer Libby Simmons and her savvy sister, Bernie, investigate the murder of 27-year-old Leeza Sharp, shot through the heart with an arrow, shortly before Leeza's wedding to the boring 53-year-old scion of an Estonian caviar dynasty. The sisters' playful rivalry, clever dialogue and an eccentric supporting cast make for plenty of cozy fun.

I read the first in this series awhile ago and figure it is time to get caught up.Trouble always seems to find Bernie and Libby. The books make me hungry. I will have to try some of the recipes.

180. Virgin River Christma By Robyn Carr

about the book

Last Christmas Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband, Bobby. This Christmas she's come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him.
Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby's shattered body onto a medical transport in Fallujah four years ago, then disappeared as soon as their unit arrived stateside. Since then, Marcie's letters to Ian have gone unanswered.
Marcie tracks Ian to the tiny mountain town of Virgin River and finds a man as wounded emotionally as Bobby was physically. But she is not easily scared off. As Marcie pushes her way into his rugged and reclusive life, she discovers a sweet but damaged soul beneath a rough exterior.
Ian doesn't know what to make of the determined young widow who forces him to look into the painful past and, what's worse, the uncertain future. But it is, after all, a season of miracles and maybe, just maybe, it's time to banish the ghosts and open his heart.

A nice Christmas read. I love this series. I am anxiously awaiting the next installments in Feb, March and April. I would be a happy camper if this series went on for years.

179. Christmas Cookie Killer by Livia J Washburn

About the book

Yuletide is here—and retired teacher cum amateur sleuth Phyllis Newsom looks forward to finishing up this unlucky year. But she won’t be hanging up her apron just yet—because this year’s Christmas bake-off is going to be cutthroat.
Phyllis would like to think she’s entering the Christmas cookie contest for the fun of it—but that’s not exactly true. She can’t imagine anyone beating her snowflake-shaped lime sugar cookies. Then, during her annual Christmas cookie exchange, Phyllis heads over to the elderly Mrs. Simmons’s home and finds her dead, in a pile of lime sugar cookies. But with a number of names on Santa’s naughty list, this case may be a hard cookie to crumble.

A fun series and lots of good sounding recipies. With the way this one ended I can't wait to see what happens in the next one.

177. Devil May Ride by Wendy Roberts

about the book

When Sadie and her sexy partner Zack stumble on evidence of a chilling cult ritual in an abandoned meth lab, Sadie comes face to face with an evil spirit unlike any she's ever seen before. And it's no coincidence that a bundle of stolen cash turns up at her next crime scene just in time to convince a biker gang that Sadie made off with their money. She knows the threads are connected-but how?

This is the second book in a series that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. The only problem with reading this book in a day is now I have to wait 1 year to find out what happens next.

177. A Fatal Slip by Melissa Glazer

About the book

When a building inspector is found drowned in a bucket of liquid clay slip, potter Carolyn Emerson's husband Bill is the prime suspect. It's up to Carolyn to clear his name and not let the real killer give her the slip.


I really enjoy this series. This was a nice installment. However, I am getting worried that this series will fade away into the sunset like the rest of his series.
Tim Myers I really want to know what is going on with Alex,Harrison,Benjamin and Jennifer. I really hope this series continues. If not I am sure he will write another one under a different name.

176. Shot Girl by Karen E Olson

About the book

New Haven police reporter Annie Seymour has a talent for running into trouble. So it should come as no surprise when her co-worker's bachelorette party at a local club quickly turns into a crime scene. What is surprising is that the dead club manager in the parking lot happens to be Annie's ex-husband-and

I was going to put off reading this one. I figured that even though this is the last in the series,it is not really over until I read it. However, since I love this series I had to read it. A wonderful installment. We get some insight as to why Annie is the way she is. I will miss this series. I truly enjoyed reading these books. I wish there was going to be another. Who knows maybe someday. I am looking forward to reading Karen's new book when it comes out next year. Something to look forward to.

175. Cross Country by James Patterson

About the book

When the home of Alex Cross's oldest friend, Ellie Cox, is turned into the worst murder scene Alex has ever seen, the destruction leads him to believe that he's chasing a horrible new breed of killer. As Alex and his girlfriend, Brianna Stone, become entangled in the deadly Nigerian underworld of Washington D.C., what they discover is shocking: a stunningly organized gang of lethal teenagers headed by a powerful, diabolical man-the African warlord known as the Tiger. Just when the detectives think they're closing in on the elusive murderer, the Tiger disappears into thin air. Tracking him to Africa, Alex knows that he must follow

Interesting concept. Makes you think about what is really going on in other country's. Pretty gruesome at times. But I kept turning the pages. I enjoyed it.

174. Dashing Through The Snow by Mary and Carol Higgins Clark

About the book

In the picturesque village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, the townsfolk are all pitching in to prepare for the first (and many hope annual) Festival of Joy. The night before the festival begins, a group of employees at the local market learn that they have won $160 million in the lottery. One of their co-workers, Duncan, decided at the last minute, on the advice of a pair of crooks masquerading as financial advisers, not to play. Then he goes missing. A second winning lottery ticket was purchased in the next town, but the winner hasn't come forward. Could Duncan have secretly bought it?
The Clarks' endearing heroes -- Alvirah Meehan, the amateur sleuth, and private investigator Regan Reilly -- have arrived in Branscombe for the festival. They are just the people to find out what is amiss. As they dig beneath the surface, they find that life in Branscombe is not as tranquil as it appears. So much for an old-fashioned weekend in the country.

I keep saying I am not going to read this series anymore and then when it comes out I end up picking it up at the library. One of these days I hope this series has more depth to them. A predictable and quick read.

173. Bodies left Behind by Jeffery Deaver

about the book

When a night-time call to 911 from a secluded Wisconsin vacation house is cut short, offduty deputy Brynn McKenzie leaves her husband and son at the dinner table and drives up to Lake Mondac to investigate. Was it a misdial or an aborted crime report?
Brynn stumbles onto a scene of true horror and narrowly escapes from two professional criminals. She and a terrified visitor to the weekend house, Michelle, flee into the woods in a race for their lives. As different as night and day, and stripped of modern-day resources, Brynn, a tough deputy with a difficult past, and Michelle, a pampered city girl, must overcome their natural reluctance to trust each other and learn to use their wits and courage to survive the relentless pursuit. The deputy's disappearance spurs both her troubled son and her new husband into action, while the incident sets in motion Brynn's loyal fellow deputies and elements from Milwaukee's underside. These various forces race along inexorably toward the novel's gritty and stunning conclusion.

Good read. Lots of twists and turns and some things you did not see coming

172. Ceder Cove Christman by Debbie Macomber

about the book

Mother-to-be Mary Jo Wyse arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby's father. David Rhodes had said he'd be in town. But he isn't. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there's no room at the local inn.…
So Grace Harding brings Mary Jo home to her nearby ranch. She and her husband, Cliff, have a houseful of guests, but they offer her a room over their stable (currently sheltering the animals—including a donkey and a camel—for Cedar Cove's Nativity pageant!).
When Mary Jo goes into labor that night, a young man named Mack McAfee, a paramedic, comes to her rescue, just as her brothers—the three Wyse men—show up in town. The people of Cedar Cove join them in celebrating the birth of baby Noel. But no one has more to celebrate than Mack. Because this Christmas brings him faith, hope and love…

Five pages into this book you knew how it was going to end up. But it was a cute book.

171. Dead of the Day by Karen E Olson

about the book

A soggy April has hit New Haven, Connecticut-along with an unidentified body in the harbor. The strange fact that there were bee stings on the floater gives New Haven Herald police reporter Annie Seymour an intriguing excuse to put off her profile of the new police chief-a piece that becomes a lot more interesting when the subject is gunned down.
But this is only the beginning of a killer exposŽ-because as she connects the dots between the John Doe, the police chief, and the city's struggling immigrant population, Annie's drawing a line between herself and someone who doesn't want her to learn the truth, or live to report it...

This was a very busy book and I loved it. I love Annie. I am so bummed that there is only 1 book left in the series. It is sitting here taunting me. I want to read it but I want the series to last and if I hold off on reading the last book then to me the series has not ended even though it really has.

I have a library book that I need to read first then I will have to decide when to read the last Annie

Read Your Own Books 2009 Challenge

I have joined my first challenge for 2009. The rules to this one are easy.
1.Set a goal of how many of your own books you want to read in 2009
2. Read from your own collection between January 1st and Dec 31st. 2009
Follow this link to sign up http://readingwise.wordpress.com/ryob-2009/

170. Chocolate Snowman Murders by JoAnna Carl

About the book

Lee McKinney Woodyard knows that being in the luxury chocolate business isn't all sweetness and light, and neither is the holiday season. But she tries to draw the line at cold-blooded murder.
As treasurer of WinterFest, Lee is up to her elbows in the arguments, egos, and last-minute mix-ups that happen behind the scenes. But she's coping, even when the guest juror of the art show shows up drunk. Lee leaves him to sleep it off, and is stunned the next day when her husband, Joe, discovers someone has put the visiting dignitary into a permanent state of repose...

I really enjoy this series. I liked this one. I miss not buying them since they are now in hardback instead of paperback.

169. Christmas Jars by Jason F Wright

About the book

Where had it come from? Whose money was it? Was I to spend it? Save it? Pass it on to someone more needy? Above all else, why was I chosen? Certainly there were others, countless others, more needy than me...
Her reporter's intuition insisted that a remarkable story was on the verge of the front page.
Newspaper reporter Hope Jensen uncovers the remarkable secret behind the "Christmas Jars", glass jars filled with coins and bills anonymously left for people in need. But along the way, Hope discovers much more than the origin of the jars. When some unexpected news sets off a chain reaction of kindness, Hope's greatest Christmas Eve wish comes true.

A nice warm Christmas story. I loved it. Even though it is a short book you find yourself reading slower so that it will not end.

168. Murder With All the Trimming by Elaine Viets

About the book

Mystery shopper Josie Marcus doesn't get the appeal of the year-round Christmas shop. But when three such holiday houses pop up within two blocks, she's assigned to rate them anonymously.
Easy enough, Josie thinks, until she realizes that shoppers at one store are finding a strange-even deadly-secret ingredient in their holiday cake. And Josie must get to the bottom of it all before someone else becomes a Christmas spirit.

A very interesting installment. I enjoyed this one and I am already looking forward to the next one.

167. Dark Summer by Iris Johansen

About the book

It begins with a single shot.
Devon Brady is a devoted veterinarian working in a makeshift hospital on a remote search and rescue mission. When a man arrives with his wounded black Lab, Ned, she has no idea that she is about to be plunged into a whirlwind of terror and destruction.
Jude Marrock is out for revenge and has no choice but to involve Devon in a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with an escalating body count. She doesn’t trust him one bit, but when the shots start flying and friends start falling, she finds herself with nowhere else to run. And there are innocent lives, both human and animal, at stake, including Ned and his mysterious pack. Is Jude her salvation or her damnation? Are the secrets he’s protecting worth killing for . . . or dying for?

An interesting book. Some twists along the way.

166. Rough Weather by Robert B Parker

about the book

Heidi Bradshaw is wealthy, beautiful, and well connected–and she needs Spenser’s help. In a most unlikely request, Heidi, a notorious gold digger recently separated from her latest husband, recruits the Boston P.I. to accompany her to her private island, Tashtego, for her daughter’s wedding. Spenser is unsure of what his role as personal bodyguard will entail, but he consents when it’s decided that he can bring his beloved Susan Silverman along.
It should be a straightforward job for Spenser: show up for appearances, have some drinks, and spend some quality time with Susan. Yet when his old nemesis Rugar–the Gray Man–arrives on Tashtego, Spenser realizes that something is amiss. With a hurricane-level storm brewing outside, the Gray Man jumps into action, firing fatal shots into the crowd of wedding guests and kidnapping the bride–but Spenser knows that the sloppy guns-for-hire abduction is not Rugar’s style. Unable to prevent the attack, Spenser will stop at nothing to recover the kidnapped bride and figure out how the Gray Man is connected. It’s up to Spenser to decide who the real enemy is . . . before more people end up dead

I used to really love his books. If you want to read this one, borrow it from the library. This book could have been summed up in 2 chapters. I hope the next book is better.

165. Burn Out by Marcia Muller

About the book

Traumatized by a recent life-or-death investigation, Sharon McCone flees to her ranch in California's high desert country to contemplate her future. Deep depression shadows her days and nights, and a chance encounter with a troubled, highly secretive Native American woman begins to haunt her dreams. Even though she is determined not to investigate anything during her stay--and perhaps not ever again--McCone is drawn into the plight of the young woman and her dysfunctional family. A murder and traces of violence at a deserted resort lead her across the desert and into Nevada, and finally to a remote and isolated ranch, where danger lies closer that she expects and where her future and life itself may hang in the balance.

The lastest installment in the Sharon McCone series. An enjoyable read. Not the best in the series but I liked it.

164. Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly

About the book

Things are finally looking up for defense attorney Mickey Haller. After two years of wrong turns, Haller is back in the courtroom. When Hollywood lawyer Jerry Vincent is murdered, Haller inherits his biggest case yet: the defense of Walter Elliott, a prominent studio executive accused of murdering his wife and her lover. But as Haller prepares for the case that could launch him into the big time, he learns that Vincent's killer may be coming for him next.
Enter Harry Bosch. Determined to find Vincent's killer, he is not opposed to using Haller as bait. But as danger mounts and the stakes rise, these two loners realize their only choice is to work together.

I loved this book. Michael Connelly is one of my favorite authors. Also a very interesting ending.

163. Death Swatch By Laura Childs

About the book

Jekyl Hardy is hosting a Mardi Gras party in his French Quarter apartment, amid Zydeco rhythms and popping champagne corks. On a wild night like this, anything can happen. The guests—including scrapbook-store owner Carmela Bertrand—never imagine it will be murder. But as the evening progresses, Jekyl's neighbor, float designer Archie Baudier, is found on the balcony choked to death with a barbed wire garrote. Buried up to her neck in strange clues, Carmela is sure of only one thing: whoever killed Archie is now following her— straight into the madness of Mardi Gras.

I am so happy to be up to date on this series. A nice installment. Some interesting twists and turns along the way

162. Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards

About the book

With nine years and a turbulent childhood between them, Kendra and Jamie have never been storybook sisters. After a long estrangement, they've finally begun to heal their hurts and forge a new bond.

Now Jamie is offering a gift Kendra has long since given up hoping for, the fondest wish of her heart—a baby. Already raising two young girls on her own, Jamie wants to become a gestational surrogate for Kendra and her husband, Isaac, giving birth to a child the husband and wife have created together. Despite some lingering misgivings about her once-wayward younger sister's commitment, Kendra agrees, and soon Jamie is pregnant.
In addition to this amazing gift of life, Jamie has designed a new house for Kendra and Isaac and is overseeing its construction on Isaac's ancestral property along the Shenandoah River, with the help of Cash Rosslyn, one of the most attractive men Jamie has known. By giving her sister both a home and a family, Jamie hopes to prove to Kendra that she deserves absolution for her past mistakes. But when a medical crisis threatens her health and her promising new relationship with Cash, Jamie learns that the most difficult choice in her life is yet to come—and its cost may be beyond calculation.

I loved this book and this series. A great installement. I hope there is another one.

161. 8 Sandpiper Way by Debbie Macomber

about the book

Dear Reader,
I have something to confide in you. I think my husband, Dave, might be having an affair. I found an earring in his pocket, and it's not mine. I'm also worried because some jewelry was recently stolen from an old woman—and Dave used to visit her a lot.
You see, he's a pastor. And a good man. I can't believe he's guilty of anything, but why won't he tell me where he's been when he comes home so late?
Reader, I'd love to hear what you think. I also want to tell you what's going on with your other friends in Cedar Cove. Like Sheriff Troy Davis, to mention one. His long-ago love, Faith Beckwith, just moved here!
So come on in and join me for a cup of tea.
Emily Flemming

I love this series. I look forward to each book it is like catching up with old friends.

160. A Jolly Good Fellow by Stephen Masse

A few weeks before Christmas, Duncan Wagner has a plan that he is going to kidnap the son of his enemy,Win Booker.Duncan is driving down the road in Gabriel's neighborhood when he sees him hitchhiking and he picks him up and kidnaps him. Duncan is not the typical kidnapper you get a sense early on that he has not thought every thing thru. Gabriel does not act like someone who has been kidnapped. It is safe to say that they both have issues.

When I was asked to review this book, I was told it was suspenseful fiction. I love suspense so I had to give this book a try. I figured out pretty quick that the kidnapping was just not about the money. This is more a book of feelings and discovery and filling a void.

I thought the book was ok. I had issues with a few parts, but they are my issues that probably would not bother anyone else. I also think that I would have liked it better if I would have read it during the holiday season. I had a hard time getting into the right frame of mind. But again this is my issue. I enjoyed Stephen Masse's writing and would like to read something else by him.

159. High Noon by Nora Roberts

About the book

Lt. Phoebe MacNamara, the chief hostage negotiator for the Savannah, Ga., PD, meets Duncan Swift, a sports bar owner, as they both try to prevent a suicidal bartender Duncan fired from jumping off a roof on St. Patrick's Day. In the aftermath, a romance develops between Phoebe and Duncan, After Phoebe survives a vicious attack within her own precinct house by an unknown assailant, it becomes clear that someone is intent on harming Phoebe and those close to her.

I usually love her books. Her books usually suck me in from page one and I can't stop reading until I finish. Not the case with this one. This book has been sitting here for awhile, this was my second attempt at reading it all the way through, so I am glad that I was able to stick with it and finish it. It had a few redeeming parts but not enough of them.

158. It Only Takes A Moment by Mary Jane Clark

about the book

Eliza Blake, host of the top-rated KEY News morning show, has witnessed tragedy and danger in her career. But nothing the accomplished professional has experienced has prepared her for when her seven-year-old daughter, Janie, is snatched from summer camp. The country's viewers are glued to their television sets, anxiously awaiting the news that their favorite morning-television personality's little girl has been found.
With each passing day, the FBI and local authorities track down every lead: A profile of the kidnapper's most likely characteristics is developed, every fan letter written to Eliza over the last six months is scrutinized, every sex offender registered within a fifty-mile radius is interviewed, and psychics from around the country appear on Eliza's doorstep offering their help.
But Eliza isn't going to sit around and wait for answers. She and the rest of the Sunrise Suspense Society—brilliant producer Annabelle Murphy, cameraman extraordinaire B.J. D'Elia, and psychiatrist Dr. Margo Gonzalez—will band together

I love catching up with this series. Kept me reading for once I could not figure out who the bad people were.

157. Hot Mahogany by Stuart Woods

about the book

One night at Elaine's, Stone Barrington—back in Manhattan after chasing down the bad guys in the Caribbean—meets Barton Cabot, older brother of his sometime ally, CIA boss Lance Cabot. Barton's career in army intelligence is even more top secret than his brother's, but he's suffering from amnesia following a random act of violence. Amnesia is a dangerous thing in a man whose memory is chockfull of state secrets, so Lance hires Stone to watch Barton's back. As Stone discovers, Barton is a spy with a rather unusual hobby: building and restoring antique furniture. The genteel world of antiques and coin dealers at first seems a far cry from Stone's usual underworld of mobsters, murderers, and spies. But Barton also is a man with a past, and one event in particular— in the jungles of Vietnam more than thirty years earlier— is coming back to haunt his present in ways he'd never expected. Stone soon finds out that Barton, and some shady characters of his acquaintance, may be hiding a lot more than just a few forged antiques.

Why do I keep reading these. The premise of the book is good. I just wish Stone was not such a sleaze.

156. Exposed by Alex Kava

about the book

Agent Maggie O'Dell and Assistant Director Cunningham believe they're responding to a threat made at Quantico. Instead they walk into a trap. Before they realize it, they've both been exposed to a killer who can strike at anyone, at any time, and no one can predict who might be next…until it's too late.
The killer's tactics suggest he's an aficionado of criminal minds. He uses bits and pieces from those he admires: a phrase from the Beltway Snipers, a clue from the Unabomber, a delivery method similar to the Anthrax Killer. His weapon is a deadly virus, virtually invisible and totally unexpected. His victims appear to be random but, in fact, they are chosen with a revengeful precision. The vaccine is limited and untested.
Maggie knows dangerous minds—from hauntingly perverse child predators to cunningly twisted serial killers. Now she faces a new opponent from inside an isolation ward at a biosafety containment hospital. Maggie must help Agent R. J. Tully find clues to catch the killer—while waiting to see if the deadly strain is already multiplying in her body. With every new exposure there's the potential for an epidemic. And Maggie knows she and Cunningham may not live long enough to discover who is the deadliest, most intelligent killer they've ever profiled.

I love this series. I really enjoyed this book. But it really makes you think about what could happen....

155. Smoke Screen by Sandra Brown

About the book

When newswoman Britt Shelley wakes up in bed with the handsome and hard-partying Jay Burgess, a rising star detective in the Charleston PD, she remembers nothing of how she got there...or of how Jay wound up dead.

Five years earlier, Jay was a hero of a disastrous fire at Charleston's police headquarters, which would have been even deadlier if not for the bravery of Jay and three other city officials who led others to safety. Firefighter Raley Gannon, Jay's lifelong friend, had been assigned to investigate the fire, but the investigation ended in a scandal that shattered Raley's world, and forced him to surrender the woman he loved and the work to which he'd dedicated his life. For five years his resentment has festered, but he was helpless to set things right. That changes when he learns of Jay's shocking death.
As suspicion against Britt Shelley mounts, Raley realizes that the newswoman might be his only chance to get personal vindication -- and justice for the seven victims of the police station fire. But there are powerful men who don't want to address unanswered questions about the fire, and will go to any lengths to protect their reputations. As Raley and Britt discover more about what happened that fateful day, they realize that they're not only chasing after the truth but running for their lives.

An enjoyable read. I had some of it figured out but there were a few surprizes along the way.

154. Last Breath by George D Shuman

About the book

A ruthless serial killer with an unthinkable MO has left a trail of tortured, murdered women in western Maryland and seems to have gone to ground in the backwoods of Pennsylvania. With no leads or any sign of a suspect, investigators must call on the now-famous blind psychic Sherry Moore, a woman whose talent inspires skepticism, but whose results are unparalleled. When she is put in contact with the hand of any dead body, she relives the memory of the departed's final experience. While investigating this case, she is privy to the most savage and terrifying scenes imaginable. However, because the killer is aware of her methods, he keeps his identity just beyond her reach until she resolves to put herself directly in harm's way. When the fiend sets his sights on Sherry, this seemingly helpless woman must demonstrate an almost inhuman strength of will and of body as she attempts to capture the deranged killer without having to pay the ultimate price in exchange.

I loved this book. Looking forward to reading the next book. He is quickly becoming a favorite author.

153. Mercedes Coffin by Faye Kellerman

About the book

Billionaire genius Genoa Greeves never got over the shocking death of her favorite teacher, Bennett "Dr. Ben" Alston Little, murdered execution-style and stuffed into the trunk of his Mercedes-Benz. No arrests were ever made, no killer charged for the brutal crime. Fifteen years later, the high-tech CEO reads about another execution-style murder; this time the victim is a Hollywood music producer named Primo Ekerling. There is no obvious connection, but the case is eerily similar to Little's and Genoa feels the time is right to close Dr. Ben's case once and for all—offering the L.A.P.D. a substantial financial "incentive" if justice is finally served for Little.
Lieutenant Peter Decker resents having to commit valuable manpower to a fifteen-year-old open case simply because a rich woman says "Jump!" Still, the recent murder of Primo Ekerling does bear a disturbing resemblance to Little's case, even though two thug suspects are currently behind bars for the Ekerling murder. Decker can't help but wonder about a connection. His first phone calls are to the two primary investigators in the Little case, retired detectives Calvin Vitton and Arnie Lamar. Lamar is cooperative, but Vitton is not only reluctant to talk, he winds up dead of a suspicious suicide twelve hours later. Plunging into this long-buried murder, Decker discovers that even though the two slayings are separated by a decade and a half, there is still plenty of greed, lust, and evil to connect the dots.
Decker's team of top investigators not only includes his favorite homicide detectives, Scott Oliver and Marge Dunn, but also his newly minted Hollywood detective daughter, Cindy Kutiel, whose helpproves to be invaluable. His wife, Rina Lazarus, continues to be his backbone of support, offering a cool, rational outlook despite her growing concern for her husband's welfare and safety. Rina's worries and fears begin to build at a fevered pitch as past and present collide with a vengeance, catapulting an unsuspecting Peter Decker closer and closer to the edge of an infinite dark abyss.

Once I had the time to keep all the characters sorted out I enjoyed this book. It was nice catching up with the Decker's however, I think some of her previous books were better

152. Lost Souls by Lisa Jackson

About the book

Kristi Bentz wants to write true crime. All she needs is that one case that will take her to the top. She finds it when she enrolls at All Saints College after learning that three troubled girls have disappeared in one term. When the bodies are found, all blood drained from their bodies, rumors abound that vampires are on the loose. Are they? Or is there a new serial killer in New Orleans - one more cunning than any that her father, Detective Rick Bentz, and his partner, Detective Reuben Montoya, have gone up against before?
Now, as Kristi gets deeper into her investigation, she crosses paths with a killer who has selected her for membership in a cult of death from which there is no escape . . .

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of twists and turns and things happening that I did not see coming.

Cozy Mystery Challenge

I planned on reading 20 books for the challenge. I read 17 of them. I probably would have finished another one. But I received a non cozy book from the library that I had to read and return. I also ran into a couple of cozy's that took me forever to read them. Not sure if it was me, the book or if I was burnt out from reading cozy's. I think for the one in April that I will not choose as many so that I can also read some regular mysterys.

I enjoyed this challenge and cleared out some books. I will have to do some book shopping and fill in the holes.

I have had my fill of cozies for awhile. Now it is back to thrillers and mysteries.

A Tisket, A tasket, A fancy stolen Casket by Fran Rizer
Wreath of Deception by Mary Ellen Hughes
Shoots to Kill by Kate Collins
Murder by the Slice by Livia Washburn
Tacked to Death by Michelle Scott
Double Dog Dare by Lindo O Johnston
Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews
Tutu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts
Decorated to Death by Peg Marberg
The Remains of the Dead by Wendy Roberts
Dying to Sell by Maggie Sefton
Consigned to Death by Jane K Cleland
The Cracked Pot by Melissa Glazer
Murder Can Crash Your Party by Selma Eichler
Weeding out Trouble by Heather Webber
A vintage Murder by Michele Scott
Murder of a Chocolate Covered Cherry by Denise Swanson
Shooting Gallery by Hailey Lind
Brush With Death by Hailey Lind
Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

151. Murder With Peacocks by Donna Andrews

About the book

Three Weddings...And a MurderSo far Meg Langslow's summer is not going swimmingly. Down in her small Virginia hometown, she's maid of honor at the nuptuals of three loved ones--each of whom has dumped the planning in her capable hands. One bride is set on including a Native American herbal purification ceremony, while another wants live peacocks on the lawn. Only help from the town's drop-dead gorgeous hunk, disappointingly rumored to be gay, keeps Meg afloat in a sea of dotty relatives and outrageous neighbors.And, in whirl of summer parties and picnics, Southern hospitality is strained to the limit by an offenseive newcomer who hints at skeletons in the guests' closets. But it seems this lady has offended one too many when she's found dead in suspicious circumstances, followed by a string of accidents--some fatal. Soon, level-headed Meg's to-do list extends from flower arragements and bridal registries to catching a killer--before the next catered event is her own funeral...

I was not impressed with this book. It dragged on and on and then finally the author started wrapping things up. If I don't like the first book in a series I usually don't read the second one. However, at some point I will read the second just to see if it was me or the book. I read this book as part of a cozy mystery challenge and since it was the last one I read. I might have been cozied out...

150. Final Justice by Fern Michaels

About the book.

The last installment of The Sisterhood Rules of the Game series. There will be 5 more Sisterhood books starting sometime in 2009.

I enjoy these books. This one was a bit confusing since I read the book jacket(something I very rarely do)and what was printed about the book had nothing to do with the story I was reading. I did find out from the authors website that there was
a printing mixup. So once I figured out I was not losing my mind. LOL I really enjoyed the book,even though somethings are a bit far fetched.

149. Brush With Death by Hailey Lind

About the book

Former-forger turned faux-finisher Annie Kincaid hopes that if she can help return an alleged masterpiece to Italy, her sketchy reputation will finally be redeemed. But when a sexy art thief-and murder-enter the picture, Annie realizes that it won't be so easy to put things to rest

Loved it. I am going to miss this series. Especially since on the relationship issue there is no conclusion.... I really hope the publisher changes their mind and continues the series.

I am off to write my letter on complaint.

148. Shooting Gallery by Hailey Lind

About the book

Modernism isn't Annie's thing, but even she is surprised to discover that the "sculpture" in a prestigious gallery's grisly new exhibition is an all-too-real corpse-the artist's. Meanwhile, a Chagall painting is stolen from the Brock Museum, and Annie's old friend Bryan is accused of being in on the fix. To track down the missing Chagall, she'll need the dubious assistance of a certain sexy art thief. And if Michael-or whatever his real name may be-isn't distraction enough, Annie's mother shows up in town, acting strangely. Annie's got to solve these mysteries, and fast-because art is long, but life can be very, very short.

I love this series. Annie and company are so much fun. They always manage to get into situations but also find their way back out again.

There are currently 3 books in this series. I am reading the third and enjoying it. I recently found out that even though the author has written the 4 book, the publisher has pulled the plug. I am so annoyed. I don't understand publishers and I never will.

I read lots of cozy mysteries. The first two books came out in 2006 and the third one in 2007. I just recently discovered this series. They have been out for 2 years which leads me to believe that not a lot of promotion was done in the beginning. If it had been maybe the sales would have been better. So who is really at fault for the poor sales. I think the publisher/marketing dept is at fault.

147. A Vintage Murder by Michele Scott

About the book

When things in the land down under start to heat up, murder steps in.
Nikki and her boss-turned-boyfriend came to Australia to visit the Hahndorf Winery, but it seems they've also walked onto a movie set. And when lead actress Lucy Swanson is found dead in her trailer, bitten by a poisonous snake, Nikki must comb the vineyards of the valley to catch a killer with a venomous streak—before she's struck herself.

A few twists and turns along the way. Very enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next one.

146. Murder by The Slice by Livia J. Washburn

About the book

At this year's school carnival fund-raiser, the obnoxious president of the Parent Teacher Organization is found stabbed through the heart


This is the second book in the Fresh Baked Mystery Series. I enjoy this series.
All the talk of sweets can make you hungry while reading. Looking forward to the next installment which comes out soon.

145. Tutu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts

About the book

Meet the dance instructor who puts criminals behind bars.
Meet Jenny T. Partridge, founder of Ogden, Utah's premier school for budding prima-and not-so-prima-ballerinas. For Jenny, dealing with difficult stage mothers is business as usual...until murder cuts in.
When the obnoxious mother of Jenny's most talented student meets her maker-courtesy of poisoned cookie dough purchased through the Academy's fund-raiser-Jenny must dance as fast as she can to clear her name.

I am not sure yet how I feel about this new series. I enjoyed the dance part and the crazy moms. There are parts of the book that I found to hard to believe. I am sure at some point I will read the second one in the series. I think I have to give Jenny a second chance before I call it quits.

144. The Remains of the Dead by Wendy Roberts

About the book

Sadie Novak cleans up grisly crime scenes. Shes also a medium who can see ghosts.

I read lots of cozy mystery series. After awhile some of the plots seem to be be the same... The Remains of The Dead is a totally different approach. I loved this book. I really enjoyd Sadie and Zack. I can't wait for the next one to come out in Dec. I really hope that this is a long series.

143. Dying To Sell by Maggie Sefton

about the book

Real estate agent Kate Doyle knew divorce was messy especially when mixed with business, but she didn't expect it to be bloody. Kate agrees to sell the home of old friends who're locked in bitter wrangling and manages to keep the peace long enough to get signatures on contacts. She congratulates herself on what will be an easy sale in this upscale Colorado college town. However, Kate's celebration turns to horror when she walks into the lawyer-client's study to find him brutally murdered—stabbed in the throat.
Kate's real estate license helps her dig into the clever lawyer's dealings as she sifts clues from cyber space to crawl space. Unfortunately, her snooping tempts the killer to exercise his own license—to kill.

I really enjoyed this book.. However, I was annoyed to find out it was the only book written in the real estate mysteries. The author has another cozy series that are knitting mysterys. I guess I will have to give one a try one of these days.

142. Consigned To Death by Jane K. Cleland

About the book

Josie Prescott’s friends thought she was nuts when she left her high-paying New York auction house job and her boyfriend to live on the rugged and beautiful New Hampshire coast. Truth is, Josie wondered a little herself—never mind that her peripheral involvement in a well-publicized price-fixing scandal made the possibility of a new start incredibly enticing.
Things are looking better, though, now that she’s got her own auction business up and running and has made something of a success of her new life. That is, until she gets mixed up in murder, and the supremely eligible but emotionally distant local police chief seems to think she’s the prime suspect.
Josie has suddenly got a lot to lose and no desire to leave her new life—or the possibility of a little romance—behind. So she sets her mind on identifying the killer and making the best out of her unfortunate circumstances. After all, Josie is grateful for her second chance in life and knows a third is just too much to ask…especially with a vicious killer on the loose.

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of fun. I have the next one in the series to read.

141. Decorated to Death by Peg Marberg

About the book

Patterns of a deadly kind emerge when the wealthy new client of decorator Jean Hastings is murdered, in this second title in a new series. Includes decorating tips.


This month I am reading books for a cozy mystery challenge. I was rolling right along until I decided to read this book. I was not happy with the first one but since I love cozy mysteries I had to give the second one a try. In the future if there are any more books in this series I think I will be passing on them...There is to much mentioning of the same things over and over. I feel like I have been going around in circles.

140. Wreath of Deception by Mary Ellen Hughes

About the book

Recently widowed, Jo McAllister has set up Jo's Craft Corner in the small town she now calls home. But when the clown she's hired for opening day is murdered at the store, Jo realizes that no town is too small for secrets, scandal-even murder.

The first in a new to me series. I enjoyed it. I thought it was a bit slow at times...But that was probably just me. I have the next two books in the series, so I will be reading them

139. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

About the book

The streets of Stoneham, New Hampshire are lined with bookstores...and paved with murder.
When she moved to Stoneham, city slicker Tricia Miles met nothing but friendly faces. And when she opened her mystery bookstore, she met friendly competition. But when she finds Doris Gleason dead in her own cookbook store, killed by a carving knife, the atmosphere seems more cutthroat than cordial. Someone wanted to get their hands on the rare cookbook that Doris had recently purchased-and the locals think that someone is Tricia. To clear her name, Tricia will have to take a page out of one of her own mysteries-and hunt down someone who isn't killing by the book.

This is the first book in a new series. I loved it. I hope there will be lots more books in the series. There are also some recipes that I will have to try.

138. The Cracked Pot by Melissa Glazer

About the book

When the body of a new potter with a mysterious past is found in Carolyn Emerson's raku firing pit, she calls upon her studio's pottery club, The Firing Squad, to dig up evidence and crack the case.

A very enjoyable read. This series is starting to grow on me.
However I wish Melissa Glazer would write some more books in the other series that he started under the name Elizabeth Bright and under his real name Tim Myers. I love his 4 previous series but they all seemed to stop after a few books. WHY!!
I am looking forward to the next book in this series that comes out in Nov.

137. Double Dog Dare by Linda O Johnston

About the book

Kendra's boyfriend, Jeff, is missing, his car submerged in a canal. Panicked inquiries lead her to Jeff's aunt, whose dog died when someone attempted to clone it. Now, Kendra is hounded by questions...


An enjoyable read. Not my favorite but that happens. I will read the next one. I figured out the mystery long before Kendra did.

136. Shoots to Kill by Kate Collins

About the book

Eight years ago, Abby Knight babysat for a problem teen named Elizabeth. Today, Elizabeth's back, with a new name (Libby) and a whole new life (stolen)—namely, one that already belongs to Abby. Libby's even trying to steal Abby's boyfriend, Marco. But imitation really becomes the sincerest form of trouble when Abby finds herself the accused dupe in a bizarre murder plot.

A very satisfying read. I love catching up with Abby. She is one of my favorite sleuths. Now the long wait for the next one.

135. Weeding Out Trouble by Heather Webber

About the book

Landscaper Nina Quinn would do anything for her employees. After all, Taken by Surprise, her garden makeover business, wouldn't be blooming if it weren't for them. So when Kit Pipe, her right-hand handyman, goes missing, Nina immediately starts digging into his disappearance. But all she finds is Daisy Bedinghaus, Kit's ex—and she's dead as dirt.
An ex-con who'd been dumped by Daisy not long before her murder, Kit's the prime suspect. But Nina's determined to prove his innocence and nip this whole thing in the bud. After all, it'll get her out of her all-too-crowded house, where her ex-husband the cop is recovering from a gunshot wound on her couch and her thorny new stepson is giving her the evil eye. But as she comes closer to unearthing the truth, Nina will find that facing the frost in her home is nothing compared to confronting the real killer's ice-cold stare.

I have enjoyed this series and I am bummed that this is the last book in the series.
I will miss reading about Nina and the rest of the gang.

Cozy Mystery Time

I am unhappy that Sept is a day away. Cause I know there is snow lurking around
some corner. Ok so it will probably be a few months before the snow comes but I hate seeing the leaves fall of the trees and the weather turning colder....

But I am thrilled that it is time to read cozy mysteries for Kris's challenge. Can't wait to see how many I make it thru.

So it is off to the swing to read and enjoy the warm weather.

134. Tacked To Death by Michele Scott

About the book

A new tack shop and a gala polo match are reasons to celebrate for horse trainer Michaela Bancroft—until equestrian Sterling Tabor is found clubbed to death with a polo mallet. Worse yet, suspicion falls on Michaela...
The weapon belongs to Michaela, her prints are all over it, and rumors of her alleged affair with the victim aren’t helping. With her boyfriend Detective Jude Davis out of town, Michaela doesn’t stand a chance of proving her innocence and clearing her name unless she delves into Tabor’s mysterious life—and death—on her own. But in unearthing a real suspect and a motive, she discovers a deadly past. And Tabor’s shady friends are more than willing to throw Michaela off the track—for good.

I really love this series. This is a great installment. I loved the ending can't wait to see what happens in the next book

133. Death Perception by Victoria Laurie

About the Book

It took a while for Abby Cooper's FBI agent boyfriend, Dutch Rivers, to accept her psychic gifts as the real deal. But these days he knows better than to question Abby's visions. So when his favorite cousin Chase is kidnapped in Vegas, they both catch the next flight to Sin City. Abby's inner eye insists that Chase is still alive, but nothing else about the case adds up—especially Dutch's reluctance to involve his own Bureau.
On top of everything, Dutch is battling a mysterious illness, and Abby keeps having disturbing dreams that predict his death. Dutch wants Abby to promise that if the investigation goes south, she'll head home to safety. But when the chips are down, Abby won't fold without a fight...

I loved this book and I love the series. Now I have to wait a year for the next one.

132. Secondhand Smoke by Karen E Olson

About the book

Awakened by a loud commotion, New Haven reporter Annie Seymour wanders outside to discover a favorite Italian eatery engulfed in fire. Even more shocking is the bullet-ridden body found in the debris. Then things get personal. Annie's father, a Vegas casino boss, suddenly arrives in town and the restaurant hires hunky private eye Vinny DeLucia, with whom she has some unfinished business. Now trying to cut through the smoke to uncover the real story, Annie questions her father's connection to the crime. Between the FBI, her would-be hero Vinny, and some raucous animal rights protestors, Annie must peer through the familiar town houses, worn-out sidewalks, and back alleys of her youth to determine a killer's motives-and avoid being burned next...

I loved this book as much as the first. I am so bummed that there are only 2 more books in this series. I love Annie. The third one is sitting here calling my name but it will have to wait a bit. I need to make the series last as long as possible

131. Fractured by Karin Slaughter

About the book

With its gracious homes and tree-lined streets, Ansley Park is one of Atlanta’s most desirable neighborhoods. But in one gleaming mansion, in a teenager’s lavish bedroom, a girl has been savagely murdered. And in the hallway, her horrified mother stands amid shattered glass, having killed her daughter’s attacker with her bare hands.
Detective Will Trent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation is here only to do a political favor; the murder site belongs to the Atlanta police. But Trent soon sees something that the cops are missing, something in the trail of blood, in a matrix of forensic evidence, and in the eyes of the shell-shocked mother. Within minutes, Trent is taking over the case—and adding another one to it. He is sure that another teenage girl is missing, and that a killer is on the loose.
Armed with only fleeting clues, teamed with a female cop who has her own personal reasons for hating him, Trent has enemies all around him—and a gnawing feeling that this case, which started in the best of homes, iscutting quick and deep through the ruins of perfect lives broken wide-open: where human demons emerge with a vengeance.

A very interesting read. Pulled me in from the first page and would not let me go until I finished it. (Good thing I was off today) There was one part that I found to be kindof unbelievable...but I guess it could happen.

130. The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski

About the book

After a car accident in which her passenger, Marissa, dies, June Parker finds herself in possession of a list Marissa has written: “20 Things to Do by My 25th Birthday.” The tasks range from inspiring (run a 5K) to daring (go braless) to near-impossible (change someone’s life).
To assuage her guilt, June races to achieve each goal herself before the deadline, learning more about her own life than she ever bargained for.

I really enjoyed this book. A fun but thoughtful read. I might have to consider making a to do list.

129. Out of Time by Patricia Lewin

About the book

a shaken CIA officer returns to the field, drawn not by duties but by the chance to save a man's life . . . and to meet the father she hasn't seen in years.
Though Erin Baker has left the CIA, the people who once directed her career tap her to penetrate a medical aid group that may be hiding a sinister purpose. In Cuba, the organization's head doctor is Emilio Diaz, Erin's estranged father. Erin has the skills and a perfect cover to penetrate Castro's shadow world. She also has another reason to take the assignment. An ex-mentor, previously on the case, has vanished somewhere in Cuba.
Full of emotional landmines, this mission comes at a time when Erin's life is at a crossroads. Alec Donovan, a colleague at the FBI, is pushing for more than friendship, and he wants Erin out of the Agency's clutches. But Erin is already in- and though wanting to trust her charismatic father, she suspects that a dark plot is unfolding. Not knowing whom to trust or whom to believe, Erin fights her way deeper undercover until she is ultimately forced to make life-and-death decisions

I really enjoyed this book and the previous one that I read. I would like to read more about Erin and Alec or even more by the author. But it looks like Out of Time is the last book that she wrote.

128. Out of Reach by Patricia Lewin

About the book

A rising star in the CIA, Erin Baker is driven by tragedy from her past. When she was a child, her eight-year-old sister, Claire, was kidnapped. Though Claire was miraculously found, she was changed forever. As was Erin, who now just might get what she's always wanted: the chance to make a difference in someone's life. But she must be willing to risk everything she holds dear.
When a child disappears near her home, Erin is certain there is a link to her sister's cold kidnapping case. She meets Alex Donovan, an FBI agent on the hunt to find the missing boy, whose record for locating missing children is unquestioned. Suddenly Alex and Erin find themselves on a desperate pursuit - from the streets of America's most peaceful neighborhoods to a horrifying underworld where children are stolen and trafficked. And as they get closer to the truth, they make their own lives, and the lives of everyone they love, into perfect targets for a killer.

This author was recommeded to me about 2 years ago...I finally picked this one up, even though the newer books were saying read me instead, I really enjoyed this book. A fast paced quick read. I started this book this morning and kept on reading until I finished it.

127. Death on Demand by Carolyn G Hart

About the book

At Annie Laurance's Death On Demand bookstore on Broward's Rock Island, South Carolina, murder most foul suddenly isn't confined to the well-stocked shelves. Author Elliot Morgan's abrupt demise during a weekly gathering of famous mystery writers called the Sunday Night Regulars is proof positive that a bloody sword is sometimes mightier than a brilliant pen.With Annie in the unenviable position of primary police suspect, the pretty young mystery maven and her wealthy paramour, Max Darling, embark on an investigation into a classic locked-room mystery with high stakes. For failing to unmask a brutal and ingenious killer could mean prison for Ms. Laurance. While success could mean her death.


Someone told me a couple of years ago that they thought I would like this series. So I have been collecting them from PBS and the used bookstore. I finally decided to read the first one. It took me longer to read this 195 page book than it takes me to read a 400 page book. It is usually very easy for me to get pulled into a book from page 1. Did not happen this time. Something was off for me. It could be the fact that the first book was written 21 years ago and I have tons of newer books that I would rather be reading. Or it could be that I was not fond of the 2 main characters. I do have more in the series to read and will be reading some of them before the end of the year.

126. Dixieland Sushi by Cara Lockwood

About the book

Jen Nakamura Taylor thought she left behind her awkward past of growing up half-Japanese, half-white in a small Southern town when she moved north to produce a popular Chicago television show. But when she gets word that her Southern Belle cousin is marrying Kevin Peterson, the very boy Jen loved-with-a-capital-L for years, she realizes she can't run from her past forever. Not only does the news conjure up sticky memories of growing up with a mixed heritage in the South (soy sauce on chicken fried steak, anyone?) but now the very single and very busy Jen has got to find a date for the wedding -- a grand affair that could put Scarlett O'Hara to shame.
Wax off....
Riley -- Jen's cute British friend from work -- seems just the ticket; even his girlfriend thinks it's a good idea. But as Jen and Riley whistle on down to Dixie, sparks start to fly. Add to the fire the grown-up but still charming Kevin Peterson, who appears to have a soft spot for Jen, and, well, whoa. It's going to take everything Jen has (and a lot of help from the Karate Kid-wisdom of her pop culture hero Mr. Miyagi) to survive the meeting of past and present, and of North and Far East and South...where Jen finally learns to come to terms with her heritage, her love life, and herself.

An ok read, funny at times. Not my favorite book by her. But glad I finally read it.

125. Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs

About the book

At Charleston's Spoleto festival, tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is far from festive when the Poet's Tea is forced indoors by rain. But rain proves to be the least of her problems after a local auction house owner plummets from a balcony to his death-and it looks like someone helped him over the edge.
With a full kettle of suspects, Theodosia investigates and uncovers a criminal enterprise of art forgery, fraud—and murder—that leads her into the murky swamps of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Now, she's hot on the heels of a criminal who plans on showing her just how dangerous it is to stick her sensitive nose where it doesn't belong.

A very nice installment in the series. I love reading these even though I can't stand tea. The food sounds so good, I will have to attempt one of the recipes.

Murder On The Rocks by Karen MacInerney

About the book

Trading Texas heat for Maine's tangy salt air, Natalie Barnes risked it all to buy the Gray Whale Inn, a quaint bed and breakfast on Cranberry Island. She adores whipping up her signature blueberry coffee cake and killer cranberry scones for her guests. But when her guests start turning up dead, the police and most of the townspeople think Natalie has added murder to the mix.
Now, Natalie must get cooking to solve the mystery and find the true killer before she loses the Gray Whale Inn. Or her life...

The first book in a new series that has been sitting here for 2 years. I am very glad I finally picked it up and read it. A light and fun book. Natalie makes the best sounding breakfasts, I was so happy to get to the end and find recipies. I will be reading more by her

123. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

About the book

In nineteen minutes, you can mow the front lawn, color your hair, watch a third of a hockey game. In nineteen minutes, you can bake scones or get a tooth filled by a dentist; you can fold laundry for a family of five....In nineteen minutes, you can stop the world, or you can just jump off it. In nineteen minutes, you can get revenge.
Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until the day its complacency is shattered by a shocking act of violence. In the aftermath, the town's residents must not only seek justice in order to begin healing but also come to terms with the role they played in the tragedy. For them, the lines between truth and fiction, right and wrong, insider and outsider have been obscured forever. Josie Cormier, the teenage daughter of the judge sitting on the case, could be the state's best witness, but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. And as the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show, destroying the closest of friendships and families.

I really enjoyed this book. Ok maybe enjoy is the wrong word to use since how can you enjoy a book about a school shooting. I thought it was very well done and some things that happened I did not see until they did.

Cozy Mystery Challenge

I am so happy that Kris is hosting the Cozy Mystery Challenge in Sept. I am trying to decide on a good number of books to post. I don't want to get to crazy.. But since they are cozy books they should be quicker reads.
If you want to join here is the link hopefully it will really work as a link. LOL
http://notenoughbooks.blogspot.com/

Finished Challenges or ones I almost finished

Title Master reading Challenge ended July 1.
Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts
Faux Finished by Peg Marberg4-08
Luscious Lemon by Heather Swain6/08
Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews5/08

I read 3out of 4 not to shabby

Amatuer Sleuth Challenge

French Pressed by Cleo Coyle -- Coffeehouse mystery5/08
Alibi in High Heels by Gemma Halliday--Shoe Designer 3-08
Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke -Bakery owner 2-08
Scene of the Grime by Suzanne Price-A Grime Solvers Mystery 3/08
Knitting Bones by Monica Ferris--owns a knitting shop 1/08
A Peach Of A Murder by Livia J.Washburn A Fresh Baked Mystery 1-08

I had all year to do this challenge and made it thru pretty quickly.

122. Intent To Kill by James Grippando

About the book

Ryan James, a minor league baseball star, was poised for the major leagues until the hit-and-run death of his beloved wife, Chelsea. destroyed his dream. Now he’s a popular “shock jock” at a Boston radio station trying to raise his 6-year-old daughter on his own. His life is somewhat coming back to normal when prosecuting attorney Emma Carlisle contacts him about an anonymous note sent to her on this third anniversary of Chelsea’s death, claiming the hit-and-run driver, who’s never been found, intended to kill her. Ryan can’t help wondering whether Chelsea’s brother, Babes, who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, sent the note and may know something about what really happened at the scene of the crime.
After a second communication reaches Emma, Babes suddenly goes missing, only to call into Ryan’s radio show and announce—on the air—that he was the one who killed his sister. Now the police are hunting down Babes, unaware that a well-paid hired gun is determined to find him first. And Ryan and Emma are racing against the clock to not only find Babes before he can hurt himself, but to uncover the real killer, who’s made it clear that nothing, not even life, is worth more than his reputation.

I normally love his books. I enjoyed this one but found it a bit slow

121. Twisted by Andrea Kane

About the book

Former FBI Special Agent Sloane Burbank survived a life-threatening injury sustained in the line of duty, only to face leaving a job she loves in order to recuperate. As an independent consultant, she now uses her specialized skills to train law enforcement and private organizations in crisis resolution. But when one of her closest childhood friends mysteriously disappears, and the woman's devastated parents beg for her help, Sloane takes the case—even though her ex-lover Derek Parker is the FBI agent in charge.
Special Agent Derek Parker, now assigned to the Asian Criminal Enterprise Task Force in the FBI's New York Field Office, has no time to spare for a year-old case he sees as a dead end—especially since it would mean working with a woman he never expected to see again. He's pursuing the leader of a Chinese gang and trying to solve a series of grisly murders in Chinatown, so he initially offers Sloane the case files and minimal cooperation.
But as more women disappear and others turn up brutally murdered, Derek's priorities shift, and he and Sloane come to the sickening realization that these random crimes are linked to the samecrazed killer. No one can anticipate when he will strike again, but when Sloane becomes the target of the killer's twisted obsession, it's clear that his ultimate fantasy is even more psychotic than either of them ever imagined.

Excellent book. She keeps you guessing.

120. Damage Control by J A Jance

About the book

On a beautiful sunny day in the Coronado National Monument, an elderly couple's car goes off the side of a mountain and into oblivion. The terrain is so rocky that a helicopter must be flown in to retrieve the bodies, and to make matters worse, a thunder-storm is looming on the horizon. Hours later and miles away, the subsiding rain reveals gruesome evidence: two trash bags containing human remains.
It's just another day in the life of Cochise County sheriff Joanna Brady.
Back at home, Joanna has a newborn baby, a teenage daughter, a writer husband, and a difficult mother to deal with. But in the field, it turns out that she has much more on her hands. The remains are those of a handicapped woman who had wandered away from a care facility with a suspicious track record. Another resident, with whom the woman may have been involved, has also been reported missing.
Meanwhile, a note is found in the glove compartment of the car lying twisted down the mountainside, stating that its occupants intended to take their own lives. Yet a contradictory autopsy report surfaces, and when the deceased's two daughters show up to feud over their inheritance, Joanna knows there is more to this case than just a suicide pact.
And she will go all out to find the truth—no matter where it leads

I enjoyed this book. I love this series and can't wait for the next installment.

119. Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner

about the book

Come into my parlor . . .

For Kimberly Quincy, FBI Special Agent, it all starts with a pregnant hooker. The story Delilah Rose tells Kimberly about her johns is too horrifying to be true—but prostitutes are disappearing, one by one, with no explanation, and no one but Kimberly seems to care.

Said the spider to the fly . . .

As a member of the Evidence Response Team, dead hookers aren’t exactly Kimberly’s specialty. The young agent is five months pregnant—she has other things to worry about than an alleged lunatic who uses spiders to do his dirty work. But Kimberly’s own mother and sister were victims of a serial killer. And now, without any bodies and with precious few clues, it’s all too clear that a serial killer has found the key to the perfect murder . . . or Kimberly is chasing a crime that never happened.
Kimberly’s caught in a web more lethal than any spider’s, and the more she fights for answers, the more tightly she’s trapped. What she doesn’t know is that she’s close—too close—to a psychopath who makes women’s nightmares come alive, and if he has his twisted way, it won’t be long before it’s time for Kimberly to . . .

I love this authors books, i think this one topped all of her other books. Very enjoyable read it has lots of suspense and twists and turns. Very creepy at times. If you like suspense you have to read this book

118. Through A Glass, Deadly by Sarah Atwell

About the book

Glassblower Emmeline Dowell has made a home for herself among the artists of Tucson's Warehouse District. But her friendship with troubled newcomer Allison McBride takes a dangerous turn when Allison's husband turns up dead in Em's studio.
Now Emmeline is involved in a murder investigation that reaches beyond the sunny Southwest. And when the killer acts again, it's up to her to pick up the shards of Allison's life before it's too late.

This is the first of a new series. I am still undecided on it. I enjoyed learning about glass-blowing. The main character is ok. The mystery was a bit slow at times. Not sucked in like I thought I would be but I will give the second a try when it comes out.

117. Killer View by Ridley Pearson

About the book

When a skier goes missing at Sun Valley's Galena Summit, Sheriff Walt Fleming quickly assembles his crack search-and-rescue team and heads out into the snowy night. Despite the treacherous conditions, Walt and his group, including deputy Tommy Brandon and Walt's best friend, Mark Aker, set off on skis, accompanied by highly trained search dogs. Within minutes, something goes horribly wrong: a shot rings out, and one of their team is dead. By morning, Mark Aker has disappeared.
Torn between professional responsibility and the desperate urge to find his friend, Walt is further challenged by an unexplained illness at a local water-bottling plant that sends workers to the hospital and sets off biohazard warnings. Following threads of questionable evidence through the glitter of Sun Valley leads Walt to an unlikely—and darker—source, and reveals a crime played out on a much larger scale than he originally envisioned. Waist-deep in snow and knee-deep in lies, the life of his friend in the balance, Walt begins to suspect that the whole operation is controlled by people of great wealth and power, which leaves him where he started: out in the cold.

Not my favorite book by him but it was very interesting.

116. SNowfall At Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

About the book

International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a hostage situation, she remembers what matters most—the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.
There Sophie discovers the surprising rewards of small-town life—including an unexpected passion for Noah Shepherd, the local veterinarian. Noah has a healing touch for anything with four legs, but he's never had any luck with women—until Sophie.
Snowfall at Willow Lake speaks from the heart about all the loves that fill a woman's life, and all the ways that love is tested and made to grow. It's the story of what comes after a woman survives an unspeakable horror and finds her way home, to healing and redemption and a new chance at happiness.

I love this series. So of course I loved this book. It might be predictable at times but I still thought it was a very good read.

115. Trace Evidence by Elizabeth Becka

About the book

In Unknown Means, Evelyn James is called to investigate two different murders of women in very high-security penthouse suites. When her best friend Marissa, the DNA analyst, is attacked by the same man, things get personal. She's distracted by pressure from her homicide detective boyfriend about their future together and also by a harrowing crime scene in the salt mine underneath Lake Erie. A third murder convinces her that the killer's choice of victim is anything but random.

Even though this is only the second book in the series, it had become a favorite of mine. I was so caught up in the story that is kept me guessing as to who the bad guy was. Can't wait for the next one.

114. Sacred Cows by Karen E Olson

About the book

After a late night on the town, New Haven police reporter Annie Seymour is yanked from her bed by an early morning phone call from her editor. Soon she's shivering on a wet, dark city street, staring down at the once beautiful, now broken body of a Yale University coed." "Paid to observe and get just the facts before writing up her stories for the New Haven Herald, Annie finds herself drawn to the story of an Ivy League sophomore whose secret moonlighting led to her violent murder. But after Annie links the girl's death to a network of vice and fraud buried deep in the city's shadows, the cynical reporter is shocked to discover her own mother is involved." "With help from a sexy private investigator, Annie investigates but stumbles upon one obstacle after another. Her cop lover stonewalls her, her editor pulls her off the assignment to cover a surreal parade of fiberglass cows grazing throughout the city, and an overeager cub reporter nips at her heels to get the scoop for himself."

I loved this book. Annie is great. I love how she speaks her mind without thinking about the outcome. I have been doing that for years. I am sorry that there are only three more books in this series.
Sometimes I really think the publishers get it wrong.
Now I am off to track down the second book in the series. I ordered No 3 and pre-ordered No 4. None of my usual haunts to buy books has No 2, I will have to check with some used book sites.

113. Hand of Evil by J.A.Jance

About the book

Ali, still recovering from the murder of her not-quite-ex-husband, is aided by her parents and her old high school chum, newly divorced detective and marine reservist Dave Holman. Meanwhile, wealthy, reclusive Arabella Ashcroft, whose family's college scholarship program supported Ali as an undergrad, has read Ali's grief-filled blog, cutlooseblog.com, and wants Ali's help in writing an incest memoir: elderly Arabella says that her childhood was despoiled by a late stepbrother, Bill, and that she's being threatened by his son should she go through with writing about it. Soon after, Dave's daughter Crystal disappears from the Las Vegas home of his ex- and her new husband; Dave seeks Ali's counsel before barreling out there. Jance crowds the book with subplots, and her characters air a lot of opinions about sexual abuse and health care. But sparks between Ali and Dave and an upbeat ending keep this latest Ali outing on track.

Still undecided about this series, I like them but I am not waiting for the next one to be released like I do with so many other series that I read. I will continue to read them. Ali finds more trouble.

It has been a busy morning the inlaws stopped by, the house is clean, the grass is cut. So it is time to take a shower and head out to the porch swing and start Sacred Cows by Karen E. Olson. More later...

112. Web OF Evil by J.A.Jance

About the book

Ali's husband, Paul Grayson, is killed on the eve of their divorce-by a train that hits the car where he's tied up in the trunk somewhere near Palm Springs, Calif. Ali, Paul's legal beneficiary, becomes the chief murder suspect. A popular blogger and former Los Angeles TV news anchor who's suing the station where she used to work for wrongful dismissal, Ali initiates her own investigation, enlisting the help of her mother, grown son Chris and high school friend Dave Holman, a homicide detective in Sedona, Ariz., where Ali now lives. In a series of clumsy plot developments involving Paul's fianc e, April Gaddis, and April's greedy mother, Monique Ragsdale, Ali learns that Paul was financing a performance variety of the sumo sudoku puzzle fad.

I am not a big fan of this series. I prefer her other 2 series. However, I am enjoying the books. I especially love the blog parts. Had I started this series before I started blogging I probably would not like them as much. I really thought there would be a lot more dark mystery to them. But they have grown on me. I already started Hand of Evil which is currently the last one in the series. I do believe another one comes out later this year.

111. Edge of Evil by J.A. Jance

About the book

The end of her high-profile broadcasting career came too soon for TV journalist Alison Reynolds, bounced off the air by executives who wanted a younger face. With a divorce from her cheating husband also pending, Ali is summoned back home to Sedona, Arizona, by the mysterious death of a childhood friend--and the killer may be hunting her next.

I thought this book would be a lot darker than it was. Overall a very enjoyable read. Next up is Web of Evil the next book in the series.

110. Guilty by Karen Robards

About the book

Kate White, a single mother and Philadelphia ADA, is embarrassed in court when her cellphone goes off during a trial. Just then the defendantA pulls out a pistol and starts shooting, killing the judge. The terror-stricken Kate fears for her life and the future of her young son, Ben, should she die in the melee. After being taken hostage, Kate escapes, supposedly by killing her captor. Kate soon discovers that her past as a troubled foster child has caught up to her. Someone tries to break into her home, while someone else follows her, threatening her and Ben. Det. Tom Braga, who investigates the courtroom shooting, is firmly convinced that Kate didn't kill her captor. Kate's vulnerability appeals to Tom's protective nature, drawing the pair together in a heated affair. Robards once again shows her flair for coupling first-rate suspense with multidimensional characters.

I will admit I have a love/hate relationship with Karen Robards books. I very rarely buy them for this reason. For some unknown reason I did buy this one from of of the book clubs. I am happy to say that I really enjoyed this book. It kept me turning pages long into the night, when I should have been sleeping. I think at first I was looking for the "thing" that was going to annoy me but it did not happen and I was then caught up in the story. It is nice to feel good after reading one of her books.

109. Rogue by Danielle Steel

About the book

Meet Maxine Williams, a dedicated doctor with three great kids, a challenging career, and the perfect new man in her life. Her only problem? Her irresistibly charming, utterly infuriating ex-husband, aka the . . .

Being married to Blake had been an amazing adventure for Maxine. Brilliant, charismatic, and wholly unpredictable, Blake Williams made millions and grabbed headlines as a dot-com entrepreneur. His only shortcoming was as a husband—first his work and then his never-ending quest for fun kept him constantly on the move, far away from Maxine and his family. For five years Blake and Maxine have worked out an odd but amicable divorce, with friendly though infrequent visits, a yacht he lends her every summer, and three children they both adore. Blake enjoys his globe-trotting lifestyle—dating a succession of beautiful, famous, and very young women—while Maxine raises their kids in Manhattan and pursues her passion, working as a psychiatrist, a world-renowned expert on childhood trauma and adolescent suicide. Then everything changes….

For Maxine it starts when she falls in love with Dr. Charles West, a man who is everything Blake is not—mature, grounded, and present. For Blake it begins when a devastating earthquake strikes near one of his palatial foreign homes and he sees hundreds of orphaned children in need of shelter. Now Blake wants Maxine in his life again—as a partner in a humanitarian project that could change countless lives. For Maxine the choice is clear. But Blake’s sudden transformation—from carefree playboy to compassionate, responsible grown-up—raises questions she’s never managedto answer . . . and some she’s afraid to ask. After all, Maxine is on the cusp of a new life, about to marry Charles, and almost certain that Blake Williams, aka the Rogue, is a man capable of doing anything—except change….

Some friends from an online group, read this book and were talking about it without giving anything away. They made me curious and I had to read it. Why did I give in. LOL It is a very quick read. I also found it to be very predictable. I kindof figured from the beginning how this book would end. Sometimes Danielle Steel surprises me, not this time

108. Lye In Wait by Cricket McRae

About the book

Cocoa butter soap, check. Lemon lip balm, check. A dead body?
That's just what Sophie Mae Reynolds finds in her workroom: the corpse of Walter Hanover, the neighborhood handyman. He died from drinking lye, something she has in good supply. But the police don't suspect Sophie Mae, a thirty—something widow who makes and sells beauty products. Instead they call it a suicide. But why would a man with lottery cash and a loving fiancée kill himself?
No one can stop the impulsive Sophie Mae from answering this riddle, not her sensible best friend Meghan or Detective Ambrose, who incites annoyance as well as stomach flutters. Sophie Mae's big mouth and sharp nose lead her to a peppermint—scented trail of arson, bigamy, and a shocking family secret that reveals a personal connection to Walter . . . and his killer.
This crafty new series features real recipes and a blundering, yet lovable, amateur sleuth who brings a fresh face to cozy mysteries.

Something seemed off but it was probably me. I did enjoy it. I will try the next one. Lately I am leary of new series.. Especially if I fall in love with the series and the author only writes a few books and disappears into the sunset which has been happening alot lately.

107. Whispering Rocks by Robyn Carr

About the book

The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years—and there's always room for more . . .

A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town's first cop, he does so knowing it's time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she's got some fears she can't escape—but now she has someone who will show her just what it means to trust again.
Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she's so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

I can't wait for the next installment in this series to come out.

106. Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr

About the book

John "Preacher" Middleton is about to close the bar when a young woman and her three-year-old son come in out of the wet October night. A marine who has seen his share of pain, Preacher knows a crisis when he sees one—the woman is covered in bruises. He wants to protect them, and he wants to punish whoever did this to her, but he knows immediately that this inclination to protect is something much more. Paige Lassiter has stirred up emotions in this gentle giant of a man—emotions that he has never allowed himself to feel.
But when Paige's ex-husband turns up in Virgin River, Preacher knows his own future hangs in the balance. And if there's one thing the marines' motto of Semper Fidelis—always faithful—has taught him, it's that some things are worth fighting for.

I really love this series. Even though you can figure out in advance what is going to happen

105. Virgin River by Robyn Carr

About the book

Wanted: Midwife/Nurse Practitioner in Virgin River, Population Six Hundred. Make a Difference Against a Backdrop of Towering California Redwoods and Crystal-Clear Rivers. Rent-Free Cabin Included.
When the recently widowed Melinda Monroe sees this ad she quickly decides that the remote mountain town of Virgin River might be the perfect place for her heartache, and to reenergize the nursing career she loves. But her high hopes are dashed within an hour of arriving: the cabin is a dump, the roads are treacherous and the local doctor wants nothing to do with her. Realizing she's made a huge mistake, Mel decides to leave town the following morning.
But a tiny baby, abandoned on a front porch, changes her plans . . . and a former marine cements them into place.

What a great start to the series.I really loved this book and have the next 2 sitting here. I have a feeling I will be reading them back to back. I want to find out what happens. I will admit that parts are very predictable, but it was still a great story.

104. Don't Tell A Soul by David Rosenfelt

About the book

Tim Wallace’s wife died in a boating accident several months ago. Tim was the only eye witness, and one New Jersey cop is sure he killed her. He didn’t, but even if the police eventually clear his name, he’ll never get over this terrible tragedy.
On New Year’s Eve, his two best friends and business partners finally convince him to go out for the first time since Maggie’s death, and at their neighborhood pub just a few minutes before midnight, things in Tim Wallace’s life go from bad to worse. “Can you keep a secret? A really big one?” a drunken stranger asks him. Before Tim can say anything or turn away, the man confesses to a months-old murder, even offering as proof the location of the woman’s body. “Now it’s your problem,” he says and walks away.
When the man turns out to have been telling the truth, Tim’s life and work are put under the microscope again by the cops, and this time they’re not giving up. But neither is Tim, even when things keep getting worse for him, and eventually he realizes he’s the only person who can figure out what’s really going on---even if it kills him.

David Rosenfelt is an automatic read for me. When I picked this one up I thought it was part of his series, which I enjoy,I quickly got over my disappointment. This is a wonderful stand alone book. He kept me guessing for a long time about what was really going on.

103. Phantom Prey by John Sandford

about the book
A widow comes home to her large house in a wealthy, exclusive suburb to find blood everywhere, no body—and her college-aged daughter missing. She's always known that her daughter ran with a bad bunch. What did she call them—Goths? Freaks is more like it, running around with all that makeup and black clothing, listening to that awful music, so attracted to death. And now this.
But the police can't find the girl, alive or dead, and when a second Goth is found slashed to death in Minneapolis, the widow truly panics. There's someone she knows, a surgeon named Weather Davenport, whose husband is a big deal with the police, and she implores Weather to get him directly involved. Lucas begins to investigate only reluctantly—but then when a third Goth is slashed in what is now looking like a 'Jack the Ripper' series of killings, he starts working it hard. The clues don't seem to add up, though. And then there's the young Goth who keeps appearing and disappearing: Who is she? Where does she come from and, more important, where does she vanish to? And why does Lucas keep getting the sneaking suspicion that there is something else going onhere . . . something very, very bad indeed?

Not my favorite Lucas book. This one had a lot going on. Some of it was a bit out there in my opinion. However, I will read the next one.

102. Obedience by Will Lavender

About the book

When the students in Winchester University’s Logic and Reasoning 204 arrive for their first day of class, they are greeted not with a syllabus or texts, but with a startling assignment from Professor Williams: Find a hypothetical missing girl named Polly. If after being given a series of clues and details the class has not found her before the end of the term in six weeks, she will be murdered.
At first the students are as intrigued by the premise of their puzzle as they are wary of the strange and slightly creepy Professor Williams. But as they delve deeper into the mystery, they begin to wonder: Is the Polly story simply a logic exercise, designed to teach them rational thinking skills, or could it be something more sinister and dangerous?
The mystery soon takes over the lives of three students as they find disturbing connections between Polly and themselves. Characters that were supposedly fictitious begin to emerge in reality. Soon, the boundary between the classroom assignment and the real world becomes blurred—and the students wonder if it is their own lives they are being asked to save.

When I first finished this I want to wall bang it because of the ending. However, I could not do that since it was a very good book that sucked me in from the beginning and kept me reading until the end. I can usually spot the twists and turns that are coming but he got me with this one. I never saw anything. I will have to keep an eye out for his next book