Category: books
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Book review: Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
Finger Lickin’ Fifteen by Janet Evanovich My rating: 4 of 5 stars You know what you’re getting with the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich–wacky characters, hilarious dialogue, improbable mystery, and a highly entertaining read. This addition to the series is no exception. While there is continuing angst over the Morelli vs Ranger romance angle,…
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Book review: Princess Elizabeth’s Spy by Susan MacNeal
Princess Elizabeth’s Spy by Susan Elia MacNeal My rating: 2 of 5 stars I had high hopes for this series after reading the debut novel, “Mr. Churchill’s Secretary.” Unfortunately, the second novel does not live up to the promise of the first. The prose has a simplistic tone, which made me feel like I was…
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Book review: Into the Night by Suzanne Brockmann
Into the Night by Suzanne Brockmann My rating: 3 of 5 stars I’ve enjoyed Suzanne Brockmann’s romances with Navy SEALS as heroes. They are wonderful mind candy reads where you know how the story will end (happily, of course, which I don’t think is a spoiler), and it’s just a question of how the hero…
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Book review: The God of the Hive by Laurie King
The God of the Hive by Laurie R. King My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really enjoy Laurie King’s series on Sherlock Holmes and his wife, Mary Russell. Her 10th book in this series is a worthy addition (which are best read in order). The main characters are well developed by this point, but…
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Book review: The Sanctity of Hate by Priscilla Royal
Sanctity of Hate by Priscilla Royal My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was beyond delighted after finishing “Sanctity of Hate.” I love this series and think very highly of the author, but the past couple of books in this series have been somewhat disappointing. This book, however, returns to the author’s usual high standards…
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Book review: The Perils of Pleasure
The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long My rating: 4 of 5 stars The ultimate in mind candy reading! But this book is surprisingly solid for a straight up historical romance. The plot is clever and well-paced. The main characters are well developed, human, and likable. And the romance, while predictable, has convincing conflicts…
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Book review: State of the Union by Brad Thor
State of the Union by Brad Thor My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is the third in a series of books revolving around Scot Harvath, former Secret Service agent and now focusing on counterterrorism. You learn a few more details about Scot’s personal life and his upbringing in this book, but the motivations and…
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Book review: Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal
Mr. Churchill’s Secretary by Susan Elia MacNeal My rating: 4 of 5 stars Having finished a trilogy of Winston Churchill’s life not too long ago, I was interested in seeing how a historical mystery set in World War II Britain would hold up in comparison. The historical details in “Mr. Churchill’s Secretary” are accurate, although…
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Book review: The Deception by Joan Wolf
The Deception by Joan Wolf My rating: 4 of 5 stars I really love Joan Wolf Regency romances (her historical fiction is good, too). I compare her Regency romances to champagne. They are light, fizzy, and enjoyable. The plots are well-crafted. The time period is drawn accurately and is well described. The hero and heroine…
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Book review: A Night Like This by Julia Quinn
A Night Like This by Julia Quinn My rating: 3 of 5 stars I love Julia Quinn books as immensely satisfying “mind candy,” whenever I need a break from more serious reading. Her characters are generally well developed, the plots are interesting, and the dialogue is always witty. “A Night Like This” continues the saga…