Books I Read

Books I Read in 2005

Books I Read in December 2005

Dating is Murder, by Harley Jane Kozak (2005). Doubleday, N.Y. 342 pp. www.doubleday.com Greeting-card artist Wollie Shelley, contestant on a reality show, searches for her au pair friend Annika's disappearence--misadvanture and hillarious. (Dec 23-31, 2005)
Panic, by Jeff Abbott (2005). Dutton, N.Y. 353 pp. www.jeffabbott.com Documentary filmmaker Evan Casher met his new girlfriend Carrie and then suddenly met his fate--his mother was muddered. He found out that his entire life was a lie--full of suspense and powerful. (Dec 20-23, 2005)
School Days, by Robert B. Parker (2005). GP Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 295 pp. www.penguin.com Spencer is hired by the grandmother of a boy in a school shoot-out and finds a web of blackmail--fast action (Dec 18-20, 2005)
Las Vegas, by Michelle Ferrari (2005). Bulfinch Press, N.Y. 265 pp. www.bulfinchpress.com Historial and pictorial aspects of Las Vegas. (Dec 16-17, 2005)
Dancing in the Dark, by Mary Jane Clark (2005). St. Martin's Press. 339 pp. www.maryjaneclark.com KEY correspondent Diane Mayfield is assigned to investigate the so-called "girls who cry wolf" in a small New Jersy town--full of twists and turns. (Dec 15-17, 2005)
Fiddlers: The 87th Precinct, by Ed McBain (2005). Harcourt Books, N.Y. 259 pp. www.harcourtbooks.com Serial murders striking five times with a same gun in two weeks lead Steve Carella and his colleagues in the 87th Precint to the the common ground--full of wise cracks and fun. (Dec 10-14, 2005)
The Rogues' Game, by Milton T. Burton (2005). Tomas Dunne Books, N.Y. 296 pp. In 1947, high-stakes poker games, oil-stike fever, a secret Nazi past and revenge set in past-World War II West Texas--fast moving and detail in card games. (Dec 9-10, 2005)
Cape Perdido, by Marcia Muller (2005). MP, N.Y. 305 pp. www.merciamuller.com California Cape Perdido community fights against the future water pumping stations with the aid of environmental groups--murders and greed. (Dec 5-8, 2005)
Fury, by Robert K. Tanenbaum (2005). Atria, N.Y. 486 pp. www.simonsays.com Very complicated and unable to finish. (Nov 29-Dec 4, 2005)

Books I Read in October and November 2005
Mr. Lucky: A Tony Valentine Novel, by James Swain (2005). Ballantine Books, N.Y. 354 pp. www.jimswain.com A small towner, Rick Smith, is suspected of scams in winning everything in Las Vegas is Mr. Lucky. Consultant Tony Valentine is hired to investigate and ends up the whole small town is against him--very powerful with many details of poker scams. (Nov 20-25, 2005)
Nervous Water: A Brady Coyne Novel, by William G. Tapply (2005). St. Martin's Minotaur, N.Y. 292 pp. www.williamtapply.com Attorney Coyne looks into the dispearence of his cousin to help his uncle--very complex. (Nov 16-19, 2005)
Crusader's Cross: A Dave Robicheaux Novel, by James Lee Burke (2005). Simon and Shuster, N.Y. 325 pp. DAve is rehired as detective and with his brother Jimmy looks into the murder decades ago--conspiracy. www.simonsays.com (Nov 7-15, 2005)
Solving Deer Problem, by Peter Loewer (2003). Lyons Press, Connecticut. 218 pp. Decribes of deer favored and resistent plants. (Nov 4-8, 2005)
Deer Proofing Your Yard and Garden, by Rhonda Hart (1997). Storey Pub., Vermont. Deer deterrents and plants deer avoid eating. (Nov 4-8)
Shadows, by Edna Buchanan (2005). Simon and Schuster, N.Y. 257 pp. www.ednabuchanan.com The historic Shadows becomes the fight between reservation and development--cold case murder.(Oct 30-Nov 3, 2005)
Not A Girl Detective: A Cece Caruso Mystery, by Susan Kandel (2005). William Morrow, N.Y. 294 pp. www.susankandel.com (Oct 28-29, 2005)
Die A Little, by Megan Abbott (2005). Simon and Schuster, N.Y. 241 pp. www.simonsays.com Complication between a sister and the wife ends up a tradigy in L.A. in 1950s.(Oct 26-27, 2005)
What Goes Around Comes Around, by Con Lehane (2005). , Thomas Dunne Books, N.Y. 295 pp. www.conlehane.com Bartender Brian McNulty is offered a job in Manhattan and encounters murder that links to his old days in Atlantic City and his old buddies with complex plot.(Oct 23-25, 2005)
Bubbles Betrothed, by Sarah Strouhmeyer (2005). Dutton, N.Y. 289 pp. www.sarahstrohmeyer.com Hairdresse turned investigative reporter Bubbles interviews murder suspect in jail and ends up finding herself to turn over her notes--hirarious and dramatic. (Oct 14-22, 2005)
Broken Prey, by John Sanford (2005). G.P. Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 385 pp. www.johnsanford.org Minnesota State cop Lucas Davenport seeks a serial killer related to a mental prison hospital--intrigue and surprises. (Oct 11-13, 2005)
Lost Lake, by Phillip Margolin (2005). Harperscollins, N.Y. 321 pp. www.phillipmargolin.com Portland attorney Ami Vergano is defending her tenant Dan Morelli for his violence at her son's little league game and ends up against a presidential candidate--dramatic. (Oct 3-8, 2005)
Case of Lies, by Perri O'Shaughnessy (2005). Film Ideas Inc., Il. 390 pp. www.perrio.com Lake Tahoe attorney Nina is hired to find the killer of a wife two years ago--prime numbers and casino. (Sep 28-Oct3, 2005)

Books I Read in September 2005
Sudden Death, by David Rosenfelt (2005). Warner Group, N.Y. 306 pp. www.davidrosenfelt.com A wealthy lawyer, Andy Carpenter, is drawn into defending a murder suspect, New York Giant star Kenny Shilling--with mobs trailing. (Sep 25-27, 2005)
Killer Swell: A Noah Braddock Mystery, by Jeff shelby (2005). Dutton, N.Y. 245 pp. www.jeffshelby.com San Diego PI Noah Braddock is hired by the parents of his high school girl friend to look into her past when she was murdered. (Sep 23-24, 2005).
The Poet's funeral, by John M. Daniel (2005). GP Poisoned Pen Press, N.Y. 238 pp. www.poisonedpenpress.com At the annual convention of the American Booksellers Association held at Las Vegas, the world-famous poet Heidi Yamada was murdered. The first person bookman Guy Mallon started to solve the murder case. (Sep 20-22)
Denial: A Lew Fonesca Mystery, by Stuart M. Kaminsky (2005). Tom Doherty Associates, N.Y. 268 pp. Sarasota Process operator Lew fonesca is hired to investigate two related murder cases and is threatened to get killed. (Sep 17-19, 2005)
Spain (Basque)in DVD (2002). Delacorte Press, N.Y. 25 min. www.filmideas.com fantastic scenery. (Sep 16, 2005)
Resurrection Road: A Bay Tanner Mystery, by Kathryn R. Wall (2005). St. Martin's Minotaur, N.Y. 294 pp. Bay Tanner suffers from the unexpected event of being a suspect of two murders--suspenseful. www.kathrynwall.com (Sep 13-16, 2005)
Two Dollar Bill: A Stone Barrington Novel, by Stuart Woods (2005). GP Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 296 pp. Stone encounters mishaps by letting a client with bunch of two-dollar bills to stay in his house--wise-cracks and fun. www.stuartwoods.com (Sep 8-12, 2005)
This Dame for Hire, by Sandra Scoppettone (2005). Ballantine, N.Y. 253 pp. www.sandrascoppettone.com New York PI Faye QuickA in 1943 is hired to find the killer of a female college student--strange old English.(Sep 4-7, 2005)
No Place Like Home, by Mary Higgins Clark (2005). Simon and Shuster, N.Y. 368 pp. www.simonsays.com A girl committed killing her mother is back to her old house 24 years later and encountered hostile acts--with different perceptions from different people and many surprises especially at the end.(Aug 29-Sep 3, 2005)

Books I Read in August 2005
The Broker, by John Grisham (2005). Doubleday, N.Y. 357 pp. www.jgrisham.com A notorious Washington Broker is pardoned by the outgoing President and into hiding by the CIA in Italy, waiting to be killed--intrigue. (Aug 22-28, 2005)
Owls Well that Ends Well: A Meg Langslow Mystery, by Donna Andrews (2005). Thomas Dunne Books, N.Y. 293 pp. www.donnaandrews.com Mag and her boyfriend Michael bought an old house and auction off all the junks with the help of all her relatives--hilarious, but I didn't finish reading the whole book due to boredom. (Aug 21-22, 2005)
Close Case: A Samantha Kincaid Mystery, by Alafair Burke (2005). Henry Holt and Company, N.Y. 350 pp. West coast Portland ADA Sam Kincaid prosecutes murderers and cops in the same time. www.henryholt.com (Aug 15-20, 2005)
4th of July, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro (2005). Little, Brown and Company, N.Y. 392 pp. SFPD Lieutenant Lindsay Boxer encounters serial killers dating back a decade ago--some stupidity involved with a surprising ending. www.jamespatterson.com (Aug 12-15, 2005)
Wildcat Wine, by Claire Matturro (2005). William Morrow, N.Y. 295 pp. www.clairematturrol.com A vegetarian laywer Lily Cleary encounters murders and threats--hilarious. (Aug 10-11, 2005)
The Smoke Room, by Earl Emerson (2005). Ballantine Books, N.Y. 308 pp. www.earlemerson.com Capturing a thin line that separates a hero from a criminal, firefighter Jason Gum in Seattle is drawn into theft, lie, and murder--short chapter with fast pace. (Aug 8-9, 2005)
Appaloosa, by Robert B. Parker (2005). GP Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 276 pp. In 1800's old West, deputy Everett Hitch as first person helped marshal virgil Cole to fend off renegade ranger Randall Bragg and his handymen in Appaloosa--vivid characters and surprise ending. (Aug 7, 2005)
Mission Road, by Rick Riordan (2005). Bantam Books, N.Y. 293 pp. www.bantamdell.com San Antonio PI Tres Naavarre tries to help his old friend Ralph Arguello for a murder charge against his wife Ana DeLeon, who is SAPD detective. They encounter mobs and look back decades ago.(Aug 5-6, 2005)
Exact Revenge, by Tim Green (2005). Warner Books, N.Y. 354 pp. www.twbookmark.com Framed for murder and sentenced for life, he escaped to freedom to exact revenge. (Aug 1-4, 2005)

Books I Read in July 2005
Vineyard Prey: A Martha's Vineyard Mystery, by Philip r. Craig(2005). Scribner, N.Y. 235 pp. www.simonsays.com Retired cop J.W. Jackson investigates assassins involved with his buddy Joe Begay--his best so far with a very fast-paced drama. (July 30-31,2005)
Tai Chi for Health and Vitality, by Robert Parry (2005). Hamlyn, London. 140 pp. www.orientalexercise.wanadoo.co.uk Models Jackie Chan and Mark Fletchen demonstrate the 37-posture short form. (July 26-, 2005)
Dead Man's Bones, by Susan Wittig Albert (2005). Berkeley Prime Crime, N.Y. 317 pp. www.mysterypartners.com Ex-lawyer and curent herbalist China Bayles digs into past and prest of Jan Oberman who donates a new community theater--dramatic and funny. (July 26-28, 2005)
Little Black Dress: A Peter MacKlin Novel, by Loren D. estleman (2005). Ex-hitman Peter MacKlin investigates his mother-in-law's new boyfriend, suspicious to be a mob--a little bored until the last chapter. (July 24-25, 2004)
T'ai Chi for the Health (VCR Recording): Yang Short Form 37 Postures, by Terence Dunn. Healing Arts. 120 minutes. Good postures with a little bit of left side postures. (July 24-25, 2005)
The President's Assassin, by Brian Haig (2005). Warner Books, N.Y. 404 pp. www.brianhaig.com Army lawyer Sean Drummond is pulled to CIA Special Project and gets involved in the investigation of the intended president's assasin--funny dialogs with wisecracks and powerful.(July 19-23, 2005)
Cut and Run, by Ridley Pearson (2005). Hyperion, N.Y. 368 pp. www.ridleypearson.com Witness Proction Marshal Roland Larson looks for a protected witness and encounters danger--very fast paced.(July 17-18, 2005) murder
Cold Burn, by Kit Ehrman (2005). Poisoned Pen Press, N.Y. 321 pp. www.kitehrman.com Steve Cline moved to Warrenton to work at a horse breeding farm to investigate a missing person--intrigue and full of foaling procedure. (July 13-17, 2005)
Speak Now, by Margaret Dumas (2004). Poisoned Pen Press , N.Y. 318 pp. www.margaretdumas.com Rich theater owner Charley married in Europe and back to San Francisco with her new husband Jack. She encountered murders and tried to find out the reason behind it--very entertaining. The more you read it, the more you want it.(June 29-July 12, 2005)
Cold Service, by Robert B. Parker (2005). GP putnam's Sons, N.Y. 305 pp. www.penguin.com Hawk is almost killed by Ukranian mobs and seeks to revenge with the help of Spencer. (July 5-10, 2005)
Savage Garden, by Denise Hamilton (2005). Scribner, N.Y. 323 pp. www.denisehamilton.com LA Times reporter Eve Diamond babysits a new hire to investigate a missing person case--intense. (July 4-5, 2005)
Eleven On Top: A Stephanue Plum Novel, by Janet Evanovich (2005). St. Martin's Press, N.Y. 312 pp. www.evanovich.com Bounty hunter Stephenie Plum quits her job as bounter hunter and ends up more hazarous then ever--hilarious. (June 30-July 3, 2005)

Books I Read in May-June 2005
Nightcrawlers: A Nameless Detective Novel, by Bill Pronzini (2005). Tom Doherty, N.Y. 301 pp. PI and his partner investigate the children kipnaping. (June 26-28, 2005)
Qi Gong: the Chinese Art of working with Energy, by Barbara Brown and Gunter Knoferl (2001). Thorson, London. 153 pp. History and the practice of Tai Chi energy. (June 25, 2005)
Secrets of Qi Gong, by Angus Clark (2001). DK, N.Y. 215 pp. Chi Chi energy. (June 26, 2005)
A Killing Night: A Max Freeman Novel, by Jonathon King (2005). Dutton, N.Y. 287 pp. www.jonathonking.com P.I. Max Freeman helps a detective to investigate an ex-cop suspected of killing woman bartenders in south Florida--intense and entertaining. (June 22-26, 2005)
The Forgotten Man, by Robert Crais (2005). Doubleday, N.Y. 342 pp. www.robertcrais.com P.I. Elvis Cole and his sidekick investigate a murder in Los Angeles, relating his past--very intense. (June 19-22, 2005)
War at Home: A Smokey Dalton Novel, by Kris Nelscott (2005). St. Martin's Minotaur, N.Y. 336 pp. www.kristinekathrynrusch.com Refugee and PI Smokey Dalton and his foster son Jimmy hide in Chicago and travel to Boston and New York to search for a missing Yale student.(June 13-19, 2005)
How to Talk to a Liberal, by Ann Coulter (2004). Crown Forum, N.Y. 344 pp. With a conservative view, the author suggests many ways to counter liberals. www.anncoulter.com (June 10-13, 2005)
Taking On Heart Disease, by Larry King (2004). Rodale, N.Y. 275 pp. www.rodalestore.com The descriptions by many celebrates of the occurences, symptons, and cures of heart attacks, including doctors' dianogses.(June 9-11)
Velocity, by Dean Koontz (2005). Bantam, N.Y. 400 pp. www.deankoontz.com Bartender Billy Wills is framed by a psycho serial killer. (June 6-10, 2005)
Honeymoon, by James Patterson and Howard Roughan (2005). Little, Brown, and Company, N.Y. 390 pp. www.twbookmark.com FBI agent John O'Hara investigates Nora Sinclair for the suspicion of murders. (May 29-June 1, 2005)
Murder Artist, by John Case (2004). Ballantine Books, N.Y. 435 pp. www.ballantinerbooks.com Reporter Alex Callahan quits his job to find the kidnapper of his twin sons--quite entertaing with origami rabbit, voodoo, magician world, and Las Vegas.(May 18-28, 2005)
Counting to Infinity: Featuring Jack Diamond, by J.L. Abramo (2004). Thomas Dunne Books, N.Y. 229 pp. www.minotaurbooks.com PI Jack Diamond is forced by a mobster to locate a missing person--hilarious. (May 10-17, 2005)
Entombed, by Linda Fairstein (2005). Scribner, N.Y. 400 pp. www.simonsays.com Prosecutor Alex Cooper encounters murders related to Edgar Allan Poe--history and mind game.(Apr 30-May 9, 2005)

Books I Read in April 2005
Because He Could, by Dick Morris and Eileen McGann (2004). ReganBooks, N.Y. 270 pp. www.reganbooks.com It's quite entertaining to read this book right after I finished reading My Life--all about Clinton's empathy toward everything, a gift and also a defect. The author was Clinton's pollster since 1976.(Apr 25-29, 2005)
A Pictorial Biography, by Anna C. Chennault (2004). Hongkong Dayuan Pub House, Hongkong (in Chinese). 267 pp. Very previous precious, colorful, and impresive--her struggle in the United States after her husband died and made it into the main society and politics. (Apr 24, 2005)
All the Flowers are Dying, by Lawrence Block (2005). William Morrow, N.Y. 288 pp. www.lawrenceblock.com Quite sad to read and I stopped reading after third chapter.(Apr 21-24, 2005)
My Life, by Bill Clinton (2004). Alfred A. Knopf, N.Y. 957 pp. www.clintonpresidentialcenter.org From Hope to Hot Spring to Little Rock, Clinton relates his childhood to adult life with vivid stories.(Mar 23-Apr 24, 2005)
Iguana, byElizabeth Simon (2005). Weigl Pub. Inc., N.Y. 32- pp. www.weigl.com How to take care of Iguana as pet for children. (Apr 20, 2005)
The Pearl Diver, by Sujata Massey (2004). Harper Collins, N.Y. 335 pp. www.sujatamassey.com Back to Washington D.C. from staying in Japan, antiques dealer Rei Shimura is involved in designing a new Japanese restaurant and encounters kidnaps--no boring moment. (Apr 16-20, 2005)
A Matter of Character: Inside the White House of George W. Bush (2004). Sentinel, N.Y. 290 pp. www.ronald-kessler.com Through interviewing, the former Washington Post investigative reporter reports inside information of President Bush in the Oval Office--very entertaining and informative. (Apr 4-14, 2005)
Second Sight: A Brady Coyne and J. W. Jackson Novel, by Phillip R. Craig and Willaim G. Tapply (2005). Scribner, N.Y. 305 pp. www.simonsays.com Lawyer Brady Coyne and retired cop J. W. Jackson join forces to solve terrorism mystery in Marcer's Vineyard. (Apr 4-13, 2005)
False Profits, by Patria Smiley (2004). Warner Books, N.Y. 292 pp. www.patriasmiley.com Management consultant Tucker sinclair is caught up with schemming business and murders--suspenseful, fast and crazy. (Apr 2-4, 2004)
Start Late, Finish rich, by David Bach (2005). Random House, N.Y. 514 pp. www.finishrich.com Personal finance including mutual funds, stocks, real estate and retirement. (Apr 1, 2005)
Hard, Hard City, by Jim Fusilli (2004). GP Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 278 pp. www.penguin.com PI Terry Orr, through his daughter's friend, searches for a missing person and encounters a series of mischieves. (Mar 27-Apr 1, 2005)

Books I Read in February-March 2005
London Bridges, by James Patterson (2004). Little, Brown and Company, N.Y. 391 pp. www.jamespatterson.com Alex Cross at FBI serches for the Wolf for his trying to destroy the whole world. (Mar 23-26, 2005)
Fall Guy: A Rachel Alexander Mysterry, by Carol Lea Benjamin (2004). William Morrow, Washington D.C. 257 pp. www.carolleabenjamin.com PI , English teacher and dog-trainer Rachel Alexander was named as an executor of a a deceased stranger and found a violent past. (Mar 18-22, 2005)
Till the End of Tom: An Amanda Pepper Mystery, by Gillian Roberts (2004). Ballantine Books, N.Y. 244 pp. www.gillianroberts.com English teacher and part-time PI Amanda Pepper found her client dead at her school during her wedding planning. (Mar 15-18, 2005)
Jack: The Life and Many Loves of Jack Nicholson, by Edward Douglas (2004). HarperCollinsPublishers, N.Y. 363 pp. www.harpercollins.com Jack didn't know that his older sister actually was his mother until he was 37 years old. He earned three academy awards and nine nominations. While he gets older, his girls get younger. (Mar 14-15, 2005)
Dead For the Winter, by Betsy Thornton (2004). Thomas Dunn Books, N.Y. 260 pp. Arizona Victim advacate Chloe Newcombe became a suspect in a murder case while the victim's brother asked her to find the murderer. (Mar 10-15, 2005)
The World War II Memorial, by Douglas Brinkley (2004). Smithsonian Books, Washington D.C. 287 pp. www.sipress.si.edu Pictorial description of the memorial and history.(Mar 11-13, 2005)
The Surrogate Thief: A Joe Gunther Mystery, by Archer Mayor (2004). MP, N.Y. 294 pp. www.twbookmark.com Vermont investigator Joe Gunther reopens a murder case over 30 years ago and encounters more murders. (Mar 6-10, 2005)
The Last Dark Place: An Abe Lieberman Mystery, by Stuart M. Kaminsky (2004). Tom Doherty, N.Y. 254 pp. www.tor.com Abe went to Arizon to bring back a criminal and encountered an old man to kill this criminal handcuffed with him at the airport--a lot of Jewish events happening, but boring. I didn't finish reading even half of this book.(Mar 2-6, 2005)
Society, by Michael Palmer (2004). Bantam Books, N.Y. 351 pp. www.michaelpalmerbooks.com Sergeon Will Grant and detective Patty Moriarity join forces to fight a conspiracy of MPO mergers--dynamic.(Feb 27-Mar 1, 2005)
Nobody Runs Forever: A Parker Novel, by Richard Stark (2004). MP Books, N.Y. 295 pp. www.donaldwestlake.com Parker and his friends plan to rob an armored car with an inside information--intrigued. (Feb 24-26, 2005)
Me, by Katharine Hepburn (1991). Knopf, N.Y. 413 pp. Born in 1907, Kat recalled her childhood in Hartford, Connecticut. She was married to Luddy Smith when she was twenty, divorced, stayed with Howard Hughes, and romanced with Spencer Tracy for thirty years until his death in 1967 without his wife's knowledge. (Feb 23-24, 2005)
California Girl, by T. Jefferson Parker (2004). Harper Collins Pub, N.Y. 370 pp. www.tjeffersonparker.com Three brothers--detective, priest, and reporter--solve a murder case from different angles in 1960's. (Feb 15-23, 2005)
Skyscraper, by Zane (2003). Atria Books, N.Y. 289 pp. www.simonandshuster.com In first-person fashion, the story accounts for sexual activities at an automobile manufacturer Wolfe Industries in Washington D.C.--hilarious. (Feb 14-15, 2005)
Flat Crazy, by Ben Rehder (2004). St. Martin's Minotaur, N.Y. 308 pp. www.benrehder.com Texas Blanco game warden John Marlin encounters errie events involving strnage animals in a comic fashion. (Jan 30-Feb 11, 2005)

Books I Read in January 2005
Bitch Creek, by William G. Tapply (2004). The Lyons Press, Conn. 292 pp. www.lyonspress.com Stoney Calhoun, unable to remember his past, moved from the South to Maine, built a home, and joined a store as a fishing guide. He encounters murder, was shot at, and solved a sixty-year-old murder. Very entertaining. (Jan 26-29, 2005)
Kill the Messenger, by Tami Hoag (2004). Bantam Books, N.Y. 419 pp. www.tamihoag.com Bike messenger Jace Damon is caught in the murder case while he tries to proctect his baby brother with detective Parker in LA Chinatown--Intense and funny. (Jan 23-26, 2005)
Hear No Evil, by James Grippando (2004). Happer Collins Pub., N.Y. 308 pp. www.jamesgrippando.com Miami attorney Jack defends a widow for a murder charge. Jack went to Cuba to find his root and looks for witness at Guantanamo Bay. Very dramatic. (Jan 19-22, 2005)
The Dangerous Hour: A Sharon McCone Mystery, by Marcia Muller (2004). Time Warner, N.Y. 290 pp. www.marciamuller.com PI Shar found her investigation company in turmoil.(Jan17-19, 2005)
Metro Girl, by Janet Evanovich (2004). Harper Collins, N.Y. 296 pp. Barney Barneby flew from Baltimore to Miami Beach to search for her baby brother--hilarious. www.evanovich.com (Jan 14-17, 2005)
Trace: A Scarpetta Novel, by Patricia Cornwell (2004). GP Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 435 pp. www.patriciacornwell.com In Florida, Scarpetta is called back to Richmond to investigate the death of a teenager--a lot of medical terms that are hard to understand. (Jan 12-13, 2005)
Sam's Letters to Jennifer, by James Patterson (2004). Little Brown and Company, N.Y. 263 pp. Jennifer reads letters from her grandmother, Sam, and changes to a new person. www.jamespatterson.com (Jan 9-10, 2005)
Alice In Jeopardy, Ed McBain (2004). Simon and Schuster, N.Y. 292 pp. www.simonandschuster.com After the death of her husband, Alice in Florida rescues her two kidnapped children.(Jan 8-9, 2005)
Tonight I Said Goodbye, by Michael Koryta (2004). Thomas Dunne Books, N.Y. 290 pp. PI investigates another PI's death and encounters Russian mobs--great dialogs. The author is a 21-year-old college kid, done well.(Jan 6-8, 2005)
Dark Justice, by Jack Higgins (2004). GP Putnam's Sons, N.Y. 276 pp. British intelligence fights agaist Muslim evils--Sean Dillon vs. Russian mobs. (Jan 3-5, 2005)
The Prince of Beverly Hills, by Stuart Woods (2004). GP Gutnam's Sons, N.Y. 321 pp. www.stuartwoods.com Nick Barron, detective-turned-Hollywood-security-director, protects movie industry from mob's takeover--with romance, wits and action.(Jan 3, 2005)
The Complete Book of Tai Chi, by Stewart McFarlane (1997, 1999, translated into Chinese 2002). DK, N.Y. 116 pp. Professor Cherng's 37 short forms in pictorial postures--very enlightening. (Jan 1-3, 2005)
Skinny-Dipping, by Claire Matturro (2004). William Morrow, N.Y. 247 pp. www.clairematturro.com Attorney Lily Cleary in Sarasota, Florida, law firm defends malpractice suits--unorthodox and funny. (Jan 2, 2005)
Past Due, Willaim Lashner (2004). Warner Books, N.Y. 472 pp. www.williamlashner.com Attorney Victor Carl encounters murders and threats, going back to twenty years--sas and powerful. (Dec 29, 2004-Jan 1, 2005, 2004)