I decided to read Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs mysteries back to back and compare.
Cornwell, Patricia
Port Mortuary
9/18/11
Kaye Scarpetti is working at Dover AFB on bodies returned from Afghanistan. She returns to her regular job to get involved in a murder involving military technology, theft thereof, and malfeasance by her second at the lab she is in charge of but has been away from for 6 months. Very tight time frame - the first half of the book covers about 24 hours, and the rest not much longer. What is a Port Mortuary and what is its significance to the plot -- never explained.
Reichs, Kathy
Spider Bones
9/20/11
Tempe Brennan is called in to investigate a body found under water in Canada. Fingerprints identify the body as a soldier reported KIA in Vietnam. Investigating takes her to NC then to Hawaii where she untangles the lives and deaths of three or four young men tangled up in the Vietnam war and misidentified bodies. Throw in gang members and a medical mystery.
Reichs vs. Cornwell
9/20/11
Both Tempe and Kaye are mixed up with the military - Kaye is a reserve Col. activated to work at Dover, and Tempe is consultant to and former employee of JPAC, commission to recover and identify remains from Asia/Pacific military operations. Kaye is concerned with her 20 something daughter, Tempe with her 20 something niece whom she raised. Kaye is married to exFBI and the marriage is happy but requires lots of patience. Tempe is involved with Ryan who is either FBI or exFBI. Kaye is very self-absorbed, Tempe less so. Both books are strictly first person, Cornwell present tense, Reichs past tense.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Barr, Nevada
Burn
Anna Pigeon series
9/9/11
Anna is on leave from the Park Service and staying with a friend in the New Orleans Frence Quarter. Investigates kidnapping, murder, child trafficing and prostitution.
Card, Orson Scott
Empire
9/10/11
Political thriller not scifi. Somebody kills the President, Vice President, and SecDef using a plan developed by Major Malik as a threat scenario. The narrator is Captain Coleman who has just started to work for Malik in the Pentagon. The two of them chase right and left wing extremists trying to split the US. The Winner is ostensibly a middle of the road professor who is plotting empire.
Harris, Charlaine
The Julius House
9/12/11
Aurora Teagarden #4
Ro and Martin get married. She buys him his childhood home as a wedding present. He buys her the Julius house. This house has been unoccupied for 6 years since all the occupants disappeared. She finds the bodies and discovers the killers.
Francis, Dick and Felix Francis
Crossfire
9/13/11
Typical Francis - fast paced, horses, mayhem, and murder. Our hero is an Afghanistan vet who lost a foot in combat. He ends up at home with his mother who trains horses.
Burn
Anna Pigeon series
9/9/11
Anna is on leave from the Park Service and staying with a friend in the New Orleans Frence Quarter. Investigates kidnapping, murder, child trafficing and prostitution.
Card, Orson Scott
Empire
9/10/11
Political thriller not scifi. Somebody kills the President, Vice President, and SecDef using a plan developed by Major Malik as a threat scenario. The narrator is Captain Coleman who has just started to work for Malik in the Pentagon. The two of them chase right and left wing extremists trying to split the US. The Winner is ostensibly a middle of the road professor who is plotting empire.
Harris, Charlaine
The Julius House
9/12/11
Aurora Teagarden #4
Ro and Martin get married. She buys him his childhood home as a wedding present. He buys her the Julius house. This house has been unoccupied for 6 years since all the occupants disappeared. She finds the bodies and discovers the killers.
Francis, Dick and Felix Francis
Crossfire
9/13/11
Typical Francis - fast paced, horses, mayhem, and murder. Our hero is an Afghanistan vet who lost a foot in combat. He ends up at home with his mother who trains horses.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
next installment - Early September
Harris, C.S.
What Angels Fear
8/14/11
1 of St.Cyr series
Misquote of Where angels fear to go. Regency murder with bad history and bad romance.
Canavan, Trudi
Ambassador's Mission
1 of Traitor Spy series
8/17/11
Two stories, Lorkin and his mother Sonea. Korkin is assistant to the Ambassador to Sachaka, which was defeated by Kyralia recently. Sonea is looking for rogue magician.
Dragoni, Robert
Bodily Harm
8/19/11
Legal thriller. Good representation of legal procedure. The good guys win.
Weber, David
Mission of Honor
8/23/11
Wordy, sets up next book. New phase of the Honor universe alignment. Haven and Manticore unite against new enemy.
Hyzy, Julie
Grace Interrupted
8/25/11
2nd in Manor House series
Civil war reenactors and murder. Love interrupted.
Jance, J.A.
Rattlesnake Crossing
8/26/11
Brady series
Early/middle of series. Serial killer. Corrupt deputy. Sheriff Brady is not remarried.
Benson, Amber
Serpent's Storm
8/28/11
3rd in Calliope Reaper Jones series
Death's Daughter becomes Death, and decides that is ok. But she loses her guy who becomes the Devil -- her rival. Demands and recieves an audience with God.
James, Steven
Pawn
1 of Bowers series
Special Agent Patrick Bowers is a geographic profiler for FBI. Works with team to derail serial killers. Makes friends with his stepdaughter and another agent.
What Angels Fear
8/14/11
1 of St.Cyr series
Misquote of Where angels fear to go. Regency murder with bad history and bad romance.
Canavan, Trudi
Ambassador's Mission
1 of Traitor Spy series
8/17/11
Two stories, Lorkin and his mother Sonea. Korkin is assistant to the Ambassador to Sachaka, which was defeated by Kyralia recently. Sonea is looking for rogue magician.
Dragoni, Robert
Bodily Harm
8/19/11
Legal thriller. Good representation of legal procedure. The good guys win.
Weber, David
Mission of Honor
8/23/11
Wordy, sets up next book. New phase of the Honor universe alignment. Haven and Manticore unite against new enemy.
Hyzy, Julie
Grace Interrupted
8/25/11
2nd in Manor House series
Civil war reenactors and murder. Love interrupted.
Jance, J.A.
Rattlesnake Crossing
8/26/11
Brady series
Early/middle of series. Serial killer. Corrupt deputy. Sheriff Brady is not remarried.
Benson, Amber
Serpent's Storm
8/28/11
3rd in Calliope Reaper Jones series
Death's Daughter becomes Death, and decides that is ok. But she loses her guy who becomes the Devil -- her rival. Demands and recieves an audience with God.
James, Steven
Pawn
1 of Bowers series
Special Agent Patrick Bowers is a geographic profiler for FBI. Works with team to derail serial killers. Makes friends with his stepdaughter and another agent.
Monday, September 26, 2011
OK - I'm really catching up now
Only 18 more books to go after this.
Taylor, K.J.
Dark Griffin
1st in series
7/27/11
Very dark. DarkHeart is a black Griffin, his mother is killed shortly after his birth and he grows up without training. Arren is a griffin keeper who gets into trouble and thrown into the arena to fight rogue griffins. The two form an alliance and escape the arena. More in the next book.
Jance, J.A.
Hour of the Hunter
Walker family series
7/30/11
Diana Ladd's husband, Gary, and a psychopath, Andrew Carlisle, killed a girl 6 years ago. Gary kills himself and Carlisle goes to prison for 6 years. When he gets out he comes after Diana. Intermix of Indian culture. Diana teaches at the Indian school and lives with an Indian housekeeper.
Jecks, Michael
The Oath
Knights Templar series
8/3/11
1326 English civil war. Simon Puttock and Sir Baldwin are with different sides of the conflict, investigating the same murders.
King, Laurie
Folly
8/8/11
Kindle ebook
Woman goes to live on island in Washington state, inherited from her great-uncle. Learns about herself and about her family.
Rothfuss, Patrick
Name of the Wind
8/9/11
1st in series
Kote has retired to be a barkeeper, when he is found by the Chronicler who persuades him to tell his story. Kote says it will take three days to tell the tale, and this book is the first day of the story.
Kellerman, Jonathon
Deception
Alex Delaware series
8/12/11
Murder victim is not what she first seems. Psychologist Alex Delaware and police detective Milo Sturgis investigate.
Taylor, K.J.
Dark Griffin
1st in series
7/27/11
Very dark. DarkHeart is a black Griffin, his mother is killed shortly after his birth and he grows up without training. Arren is a griffin keeper who gets into trouble and thrown into the arena to fight rogue griffins. The two form an alliance and escape the arena. More in the next book.
Jance, J.A.
Hour of the Hunter
Walker family series
7/30/11
Diana Ladd's husband, Gary, and a psychopath, Andrew Carlisle, killed a girl 6 years ago. Gary kills himself and Carlisle goes to prison for 6 years. When he gets out he comes after Diana. Intermix of Indian culture. Diana teaches at the Indian school and lives with an Indian housekeeper.
Jecks, Michael
The Oath
Knights Templar series
8/3/11
1326 English civil war. Simon Puttock and Sir Baldwin are with different sides of the conflict, investigating the same murders.
King, Laurie
Folly
8/8/11
Kindle ebook
Woman goes to live on island in Washington state, inherited from her great-uncle. Learns about herself and about her family.
Rothfuss, Patrick
Name of the Wind
8/9/11
1st in series
Kote has retired to be a barkeeper, when he is found by the Chronicler who persuades him to tell his story. Kote says it will take three days to tell the tale, and this book is the first day of the story.
Kellerman, Jonathon
Deception
Alex Delaware series
8/12/11
Murder victim is not what she first seems. Psychologist Alex Delaware and police detective Milo Sturgis investigate.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Ghost Ship
3rd in Fledgling series, Liaden universe
Baen ebook
7/18/11
Nothing much gets accomplished in this book, except ensuring that there will be another book. At least in mysteries, the murder usually gets solved.
Sandford, John
Storm Prey
Lucas Davenport "Prey" series
7/20/11
It's been a while since I've read any of the "Prey" books. For that matter, it's been a while since I read this one. Lucas is married, and working with, not for, the police. His wife is involved as a witness.
McIntosh, Fiona
King's Wrath
3rd in series
7/23/11
The userper King and the King-in-Exile are joined by two more pretenders to the throne. All are tested and most proved unworthy of the throne. The ones most worthy want it the least. The right prevails. Most of the threads get tied off.
Newman, Sharan
Heresy
Catherine LeVendeur series
7/25/11
Catherine and family go to Reims for the Council of Reims, to try to protect Astrolabe, Heloise and Abelard's son from an accusation of heresy. Very good historical detail, as always.
Ghost Ship
3rd in Fledgling series, Liaden universe
Baen ebook
7/18/11
Nothing much gets accomplished in this book, except ensuring that there will be another book. At least in mysteries, the murder usually gets solved.
Sandford, John
Storm Prey
Lucas Davenport "Prey" series
7/20/11
It's been a while since I've read any of the "Prey" books. For that matter, it's been a while since I read this one. Lucas is married, and working with, not for, the police. His wife is involved as a witness.
McIntosh, Fiona
King's Wrath
3rd in series
7/23/11
The userper King and the King-in-Exile are joined by two more pretenders to the throne. All are tested and most proved unworthy of the throne. The ones most worthy want it the least. The right prevails. Most of the threads get tied off.
Newman, Sharan
Heresy
Catherine LeVendeur series
7/25/11
Catherine and family go to Reims for the Council of Reims, to try to protect Astrolabe, Heloise and Abelard's son from an accusation of heresy. Very good historical detail, as always.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
early July -- Almost caught up!!
Weber, David
A Mighty Fortress
4th in Safehold/Charis series
7/10/11 -- Yes, it really took that long to read.
This book is 1100 pages long, and I cut it in half this time (literally). Much easier to hold. Weber has a tendency to over-explain, resulting in very long books, but there is not too much of that this time. I really enjoy the characters in this series, Cayleb and Sharleyan make a good ruling couple for the good guys, and Vicar Clyntahn is a villainous (thank you Google "spell check") a villain as you could want. Couple of complaints -- Names are usually almost recognizable but always twisted with alternate spellings (Clinton anyone?) (Hauwerd, Wylsynn,...). And lots of action, but not much progress. I guess that means I get to enjoy more of them.
Kellerman, Faye
Hangman
Decker/Lazarus series
7/12/11
Decker chases two bad guys, and he and Rina take in a stray 14 year old boy. Interesting police/crime investigation and family dynamics that are real and healthy.
Carey, Jacqueline
Namah's Curse
2nd book of Namah series. 2nd book of third trilogy of D'Angeline world.
7/14/11
Moirin chases her soulmate Bao across Ch'in (China), Tartar territory, Vralia (Russia?, German empire?), and Bhodistan (India). They are finally reunited, but learn her quest has one more book to go.
King, Laurie
The Art of Detection
Martinelli series, with Holmesian overtones
A Sherlock Holmes fan (or fanatic) is murdered, with a unpublished manuscript narrated by Holmes set in San Francisco as the probable motive. Story within a story.
A Mighty Fortress
4th in Safehold/Charis series
7/10/11 -- Yes, it really took that long to read.
This book is 1100 pages long, and I cut it in half this time (literally). Much easier to hold. Weber has a tendency to over-explain, resulting in very long books, but there is not too much of that this time. I really enjoy the characters in this series, Cayleb and Sharleyan make a good ruling couple for the good guys, and Vicar Clyntahn is a villainous (thank you Google "spell check") a villain as you could want. Couple of complaints -- Names are usually almost recognizable but always twisted with alternate spellings (Clinton anyone?) (Hauwerd, Wylsynn,...). And lots of action, but not much progress. I guess that means I get to enjoy more of them.
Kellerman, Faye
Hangman
Decker/Lazarus series
7/12/11
Decker chases two bad guys, and he and Rina take in a stray 14 year old boy. Interesting police/crime investigation and family dynamics that are real and healthy.
Carey, Jacqueline
Namah's Curse
2nd book of Namah series. 2nd book of third trilogy of D'Angeline world.
7/14/11
Moirin chases her soulmate Bao across Ch'in (China), Tartar territory, Vralia (Russia?, German empire?), and Bhodistan (India). They are finally reunited, but learn her quest has one more book to go.
King, Laurie
The Art of Detection
Martinelli series, with Holmesian overtones
A Sherlock Holmes fan (or fanatic) is murdered, with a unpublished manuscript narrated by Holmes set in San Francisco as the probable motive. Story within a story.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Cook, Dawn
Princess at Sea
2nd in Princess/Players series
6/10/11
Child, Lee
Worth Dying For
6/11/11
Reacher novel, follows 61 hours
Sometimes these novels make me wonder how someone so survival oriented can be so stupid. Picks a fight with local bully. Cleans up the county.
Moon, Elizabeth
Oath of Fealty
Paksenarrion world, first of new series
Follows the Paksenarrion series with several of the other characters from the first series. Ends in the middle, the sequel is Kings of the North, scheduled for release Spring 2011.
Gordon, Alan
Thirteenth Night
6/16/11
First in Fools Guild series
This was published in the 90's, but I just discovered the series. While set in historical period, is not historically accurate. The characters are from Shakespeare's Twelvth Night.
Lackey, Mercedes
Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, Arrow's Fall
6/17/11
reread, see JayZee blog.
Had a quiet day in Clovis, NM, needed a comfort read.
Jance, J.A.
Queen of the Night
6/20/11
4th in Walker Family series
This series involves the TLC Foundation -- The Last Chance -- who work on cold cases. There are many interconnections of the characters which at times make the story hard to follow. There are two cases being solved, a cold case, and a current case.
Stross, Charles
The Clan Corporation
3rd in Merchant Princes series
6/22/11
Miriam discovers secrets about the Clan and attempts to use them to her advantage. Instead she is caught and set up to marry the younger (and brain damaged) heir to the Kingdom. She escapes to the second world when his older brother stages a coup.
Peters, Elizabeth
A River in the Sky
Amelia Peabody series
6/24/11
Set between some of the earlier books, it is just before WWI and the Emersons are working in Palestine. Ramses and Emerson are on separate sites, and uncover a German spy.
Reeve, Laura
Pathfinder
3rd in Ariane Kedros series
6/26/11
Having saved the world, Ariane now has to deal with the fallout.
Newman, Sharan
To Wear the White Cloak
Catherine LeVendeur series
6/29/11
Catherine and family have returned to Paris from Germany, to find someone has left a body in their house. They continue to be haunted by Jehan.
Stross, Charles
The Merchant's War
4th in Merchant Princes series
7/1/11
Miriam has escaped to the second Clan world. The Americans are trying to duplicate the Clan's abilities. Story ends on another cliff hanger.
Princess at Sea
2nd in Princess/Players series
6/10/11
Child, Lee
Worth Dying For
6/11/11
Reacher novel, follows 61 hours
Sometimes these novels make me wonder how someone so survival oriented can be so stupid. Picks a fight with local bully. Cleans up the county.
Moon, Elizabeth
Oath of Fealty
Paksenarrion world, first of new series
Follows the Paksenarrion series with several of the other characters from the first series. Ends in the middle, the sequel is Kings of the North, scheduled for release Spring 2011.
Gordon, Alan
Thirteenth Night
6/16/11
First in Fools Guild series
This was published in the 90's, but I just discovered the series. While set in historical period, is not historically accurate. The characters are from Shakespeare's Twelvth Night.
Lackey, Mercedes
Arrows of the Queen, Arrow's Flight, Arrow's Fall
6/17/11
reread, see JayZee blog.
Had a quiet day in Clovis, NM, needed a comfort read.
Jance, J.A.
Queen of the Night
6/20/11
4th in Walker Family series
This series involves the TLC Foundation -- The Last Chance -- who work on cold cases. There are many interconnections of the characters which at times make the story hard to follow. There are two cases being solved, a cold case, and a current case.
Stross, Charles
The Clan Corporation
3rd in Merchant Princes series
6/22/11
Miriam discovers secrets about the Clan and attempts to use them to her advantage. Instead she is caught and set up to marry the younger (and brain damaged) heir to the Kingdom. She escapes to the second world when his older brother stages a coup.
Peters, Elizabeth
A River in the Sky
Amelia Peabody series
6/24/11
Set between some of the earlier books, it is just before WWI and the Emersons are working in Palestine. Ramses and Emerson are on separate sites, and uncover a German spy.
Reeve, Laura
Pathfinder
3rd in Ariane Kedros series
6/26/11
Having saved the world, Ariane now has to deal with the fallout.
Newman, Sharan
To Wear the White Cloak
Catherine LeVendeur series
6/29/11
Catherine and family have returned to Paris from Germany, to find someone has left a body in their house. They continue to be haunted by Jehan.
Stross, Charles
The Merchant's War
4th in Merchant Princes series
7/1/11
Miriam has escaped to the second Clan world. The Americans are trying to duplicate the Clan's abilities. Story ends on another cliff hanger.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
May and early June
Card, Orson Scott
Hidden Empire
sequel to Empire
5/29/11
Political sci fi. Plague in Africa allows American President to redraw the political lines in Africa. I have not read the first in the series. This is not related to the Ender series for a change.
Bowen, Rhys
Her Royal Spyness
first in Royal Spy series
5/31/11
Victoria is 34th in line for the throne of England. Spies on Bertie and Mrs. Spencer for HM Queen Mary. Makes her living as a high class charlady (in disguise).
Stross, Charles
The Hidden Family
2nd in Merchant Princes series
6/3/11
Miriam discovers a second locket that allows her to travel to a second world, technology early 20th century. The American colonies are still ruled by England. She sets about making a fortune by importing technology to this world.
King, Laurie R.
Night Work
4th in Kate Martinelli series
Kate and Al tangle with the Ladies of Perpetual Disgruntlement and a killer taking out rapists and wife beaters.
Reeve, Laura E.
Vigilante
2nd in Major Ariane Kedros series
6/6/11
Ariane is a partner in a space exploration business and a reserve Major in Intelligence. Terrorists capture a Time Distortion weapon and attempt to destroy a sun with it. Ariane and her partner discovered this sun and have leased out exploration rights to several competing empires.
Robb, J.D.
Fantasy in Death
Eve Dallas series
6/8/11
One of my guilty pleasures. Eve is investigating the locked room murder of a e-gaming mogul.
Hidden Empire
sequel to Empire
5/29/11
Political sci fi. Plague in Africa allows American President to redraw the political lines in Africa. I have not read the first in the series. This is not related to the Ender series for a change.
Bowen, Rhys
Her Royal Spyness
first in Royal Spy series
5/31/11
Victoria is 34th in line for the throne of England. Spies on Bertie and Mrs. Spencer for HM Queen Mary. Makes her living as a high class charlady (in disguise).
Stross, Charles
The Hidden Family
2nd in Merchant Princes series
6/3/11
Miriam discovers a second locket that allows her to travel to a second world, technology early 20th century. The American colonies are still ruled by England. She sets about making a fortune by importing technology to this world.
King, Laurie R.
Night Work
4th in Kate Martinelli series
Kate and Al tangle with the Ladies of Perpetual Disgruntlement and a killer taking out rapists and wife beaters.
Reeve, Laura E.
Vigilante
2nd in Major Ariane Kedros series
6/6/11
Ariane is a partner in a space exploration business and a reserve Major in Intelligence. Terrorists capture a Time Distortion weapon and attempt to destroy a sun with it. Ariane and her partner discovered this sun and have leased out exploration rights to several competing empires.
Robb, J.D.
Fantasy in Death
Eve Dallas series
6/8/11
One of my guilty pleasures. Eve is investigating the locked room murder of a e-gaming mogul.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
April and May
Realized I had read 6 more books since starting the post on the last seven.
Hodgell, P.C.
Seeker's Bane
2nd in Kencyrath series
Baen ebook
5/12/11
This series is enjoyable, but somewhat confusing as there are time sequence changes, and location changes unpredictably. The Kencyrath are not native to the world of Rathskellian, they are world travelers who move from world to world at the direction of their gods. They don't interact much with the natives, they have staked out their own territory. The primary character is Jame, sister to the High Lord of the Kencyrath. She is the personification of one segment of the triune god, that of Nemesis. Her brother represents another segment -- the Creator. The world of Rathskellian has its own elemental beings, Earth Mother, Fire, Water, and Air.
It's complicated, but fun.
Cook, Dawn
The Decoy Princess
1st in Princess series
5/14/11
Tess discoveres she is not the princess she thought she was. Instead, she was adopted at birth to be risen by the King and Queen while their real daughter is being raised in a convent to avoid assassins. The prince who has come to marry the princess is really a evil and ambitious second son who kills the king and queen and tries to take over the country. Tess escapes with her bodyguard and becomes his apprentice, to save the kingdom.
Newman, Sharan
The Difficult Saint
6th or so in Catherine LeVenduer series
5/17/11
I read this several years ago. Hadn't seen any in this series for several years and found them on Amazon. Catherine's sister marries a German lord, sight unseen. When he is poisoned shortly after their marriage, she is accused of his murder. Catherine and her family travel to her to solve the mystery. This is set against the backdrop of the beginning of the second Crusade, and Jews are in a precarious position. Catherine and her family are Christian, but her father was born Jewish and they have many Jewish friends. The historic detail is very interesting, and the mystery is intriging.
Bishop, Anne
Shalador's Lady
Black Jewels series, sequel to The Shadow Queen
5/19/11
Persons with magic have jewels, color of jewel determines strength of magic. Queens rule the land, aided by their court. Lady Cassidy has been hired to be the queen for a region that is in need of a change. One member of her court is attracted to a different queen and splits the land. All's well that ends well.
Hodgell, P.C
Bound in Blood
3rd in Kencyrath series
5/19/11
Continues to be confusing and fun. The trinity is still not complete at the end of this book, so presumably there is one more.
Stephenson, Neal
Cryptonomicon
5/24/11
Many books start slow, then get moving as you get into it. This was rather the reverse. It would have been vastly improved by paring its 1100+ pages by at least 600. It has two parallel time tracks, the present (in 1999) and World War 2. There is generally one set of characters in the present -- a small high tech firm involved in data encryption. In the World War 2 time frame there are several parallel sets of characters, including a collegue of Alan Turing. The first part of the book is very interesting, especially the discussions of the early computer development. But it really drags on much longer than needed.
Hodgell, P.C.
Seeker's Bane
2nd in Kencyrath series
Baen ebook
5/12/11
This series is enjoyable, but somewhat confusing as there are time sequence changes, and location changes unpredictably. The Kencyrath are not native to the world of Rathskellian, they are world travelers who move from world to world at the direction of their gods. They don't interact much with the natives, they have staked out their own territory. The primary character is Jame, sister to the High Lord of the Kencyrath. She is the personification of one segment of the triune god, that of Nemesis. Her brother represents another segment -- the Creator. The world of Rathskellian has its own elemental beings, Earth Mother, Fire, Water, and Air.
It's complicated, but fun.
Cook, Dawn
The Decoy Princess
1st in Princess series
5/14/11
Tess discoveres she is not the princess she thought she was. Instead, she was adopted at birth to be risen by the King and Queen while their real daughter is being raised in a convent to avoid assassins. The prince who has come to marry the princess is really a evil and ambitious second son who kills the king and queen and tries to take over the country. Tess escapes with her bodyguard and becomes his apprentice, to save the kingdom.
Newman, Sharan
The Difficult Saint
6th or so in Catherine LeVenduer series
5/17/11
I read this several years ago. Hadn't seen any in this series for several years and found them on Amazon. Catherine's sister marries a German lord, sight unseen. When he is poisoned shortly after their marriage, she is accused of his murder. Catherine and her family travel to her to solve the mystery. This is set against the backdrop of the beginning of the second Crusade, and Jews are in a precarious position. Catherine and her family are Christian, but her father was born Jewish and they have many Jewish friends. The historic detail is very interesting, and the mystery is intriging.
Bishop, Anne
Shalador's Lady
Black Jewels series, sequel to The Shadow Queen
5/19/11
Persons with magic have jewels, color of jewel determines strength of magic. Queens rule the land, aided by their court. Lady Cassidy has been hired to be the queen for a region that is in need of a change. One member of her court is attracted to a different queen and splits the land. All's well that ends well.
Hodgell, P.C
Bound in Blood
3rd in Kencyrath series
5/19/11
Continues to be confusing and fun. The trinity is still not complete at the end of this book, so presumably there is one more.
Stephenson, Neal
Cryptonomicon
5/24/11
Many books start slow, then get moving as you get into it. This was rather the reverse. It would have been vastly improved by paring its 1100+ pages by at least 600. It has two parallel time tracks, the present (in 1999) and World War 2. There is generally one set of characters in the present -- a small high tech firm involved in data encryption. In the World War 2 time frame there are several parallel sets of characters, including a collegue of Alan Turing. The first part of the book is very interesting, especially the discussions of the early computer development. But it really drags on much longer than needed.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Jance, J.A.
Trial by Fire
5/5/11
5th in Ali Reynolds series
There is corruption in the sheriff's office and Ali is requested to be media relations consultant on a temporary basis. She gets involved in a case and helps to solve it. The characters are very interesting, from a burn victim, to a nun communicating with the victim, to a friend in the waiting room.
Pratchett, Anne
Bel Canto
5/7/11
OK this is a book club book that I really liked. A group is gathered for a Japanese industrialist's birthday party being held in a South American country with a concert by an American soprano. At the end of the performance, the lights go out, and when they come up, the ballroom is filled with kidnappers. The interaction of guests/hostages from many countries and the kidnappers is compelling.
Harris, Charlaine
Dead Over Heels
5th in Aurora Teagarden series
5/9/11
A body falls out of the sky and lands in the back yard. Ms. Harris doesn't seem to understand that women can exist with men. Her series seem to follow a pattern, two or three books to find the characters voice, then they fall into a committed relationship. Fun, but predictable.
Trial by Fire
5/5/11
5th in Ali Reynolds series
There is corruption in the sheriff's office and Ali is requested to be media relations consultant on a temporary basis. She gets involved in a case and helps to solve it. The characters are very interesting, from a burn victim, to a nun communicating with the victim, to a friend in the waiting room.
Pratchett, Anne
Bel Canto
5/7/11
OK this is a book club book that I really liked. A group is gathered for a Japanese industrialist's birthday party being held in a South American country with a concert by an American soprano. At the end of the performance, the lights go out, and when they come up, the ballroom is filled with kidnappers. The interaction of guests/hostages from many countries and the kidnappers is compelling.
Harris, Charlaine
Dead Over Heels
5th in Aurora Teagarden series
5/9/11
A body falls out of the sky and lands in the back yard. Ms. Harris doesn't seem to understand that women can exist with men. Her series seem to follow a pattern, two or three books to find the characters voice, then they fall into a committed relationship. Fun, but predictable.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Saltation
Local Custom
Scout's Progress
Conflict of Honors
Agent of Change
Carpe Diem
Plan B
I Dare
A while ago -- In March, presumably
Read all of these back to back on my iPad, from Baen. Now I'm ready for the new one that comes after Saltation and I Dare which end at approximately the same place.
Murphey, C.E.
Coyote Dreams
3rd in Walker Papers series
Further exploration of Joanne Walker's shaman abilities. There is a magical sleeping sickness going around in Seattle, and Joanne has to figure it out. She gets a rival for the attentions of her boss and they settle their attraction.
Crombie, Deborah
And Justice there is None
Kincaid/James series
Gemma and Duncan are moving into a new home together, and Gemma is pregnant. Gemma's investigation of the murder of a pregnant, unfaithful wife brings feelings out. Duncan gets in the act by investigating a similar murder which turns out to be related.
Modesitt, L.E.
Arms-Commander
Recluse series
A story of early on in the Recluse saga, follows the expulsion of Nylan and Ayrlyn from the Roof of the World. The arms-commander of the angels, Saryn, is not happy with how the Marshal, Ryba, is running things. She is sent to help out in a neighboring kingdom, and ends up in charge and shifting the relations between men and women.
King, Laurie R.
With Child
4th in Kate Martinelli series
Very intense. Kate's life-partner leaves to visit her aunt, and Kate explores being alone. She takes care of her work partner's step-daughter when he goes on his honeymoon. Today's life complicates relationships. The step-daughter is kidnapped and the search is frantic.
Scalzi, John
Agent to the Stars
4/ /11
A very funny scifi set in the world of Hollywood agents. When aliens come to earth, they determine they have a PR problem, so they hire an agent to introduce them to the world.
Stross, Charles
The Family Trade
4/ / 11
First in series
Reporter, raised as an orphan, discovers her birth family -- in an alternate universe. They, likewise discover her. The meeting is not entirely amicable, particularly because she is the long lost heir to a lot of power and doesn't particularly approve of how that power is obtained and being used.
King, Laurie R.
A Monstrous Regiment of Women
4/ /11
2nd in Mary Russell series
Occurs some time after the first book. Mary has graduated from University, and attains her majority. She investigates a cult in London that supports poor women, and gets rich women to leave their money to them.
Smith, Sherwood
Treason's Shore
4th in Inda series
4/28/11
Inda goes to be Shield Arm for King Evred. He is dispatched to defend against the Venn at sea and ends the war,but refuses the King's order to take over all the smaller kingdoms on the coast. This causes a split between the two and he retires to his home territory. This book covers several years in a sort of off hand manner. I recommend reading the first in the series first (Inda) because the (personal) titles are not easy to understand otherwise.
Wells, Rebecca
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
4/30/11
Very well written story of a woman and her mother and her mother's friends -- the Ya-Ya sisterhood. Not my usual cup of tea, Book club book. It was fun to read about rural Louisiana in the 50's.
Jecks, Michael
No Law in the Land
5/2/11
28 or so in the Knight's Templar series
The later books in this series are tracking the reign of Edward II and his pal Despenser. This book is set in the fall of 1325, when law and order were breaking down due to the cronyism of Despenser. To be his friend was to be above the law, his enemies were in danger of their lives. A minor crony is taking over all in his area, killing and stealing whatever comes his way. Our heros run afoul.
Saltation
Local Custom
Scout's Progress
Conflict of Honors
Agent of Change
Carpe Diem
Plan B
I Dare
A while ago -- In March, presumably
Read all of these back to back on my iPad, from Baen. Now I'm ready for the new one that comes after Saltation and I Dare which end at approximately the same place.
Murphey, C.E.
Coyote Dreams
3rd in Walker Papers series
Further exploration of Joanne Walker's shaman abilities. There is a magical sleeping sickness going around in Seattle, and Joanne has to figure it out. She gets a rival for the attentions of her boss and they settle their attraction.
Crombie, Deborah
And Justice there is None
Kincaid/James series
Gemma and Duncan are moving into a new home together, and Gemma is pregnant. Gemma's investigation of the murder of a pregnant, unfaithful wife brings feelings out. Duncan gets in the act by investigating a similar murder which turns out to be related.
Modesitt, L.E.
Arms-Commander
Recluse series
A story of early on in the Recluse saga, follows the expulsion of Nylan and Ayrlyn from the Roof of the World. The arms-commander of the angels, Saryn, is not happy with how the Marshal, Ryba, is running things. She is sent to help out in a neighboring kingdom, and ends up in charge and shifting the relations between men and women.
King, Laurie R.
With Child
4th in Kate Martinelli series
Very intense. Kate's life-partner leaves to visit her aunt, and Kate explores being alone. She takes care of her work partner's step-daughter when he goes on his honeymoon. Today's life complicates relationships. The step-daughter is kidnapped and the search is frantic.
Scalzi, John
Agent to the Stars
4/ /11
A very funny scifi set in the world of Hollywood agents. When aliens come to earth, they determine they have a PR problem, so they hire an agent to introduce them to the world.
Stross, Charles
The Family Trade
4/ / 11
First in series
Reporter, raised as an orphan, discovers her birth family -- in an alternate universe. They, likewise discover her. The meeting is not entirely amicable, particularly because she is the long lost heir to a lot of power and doesn't particularly approve of how that power is obtained and being used.
King, Laurie R.
A Monstrous Regiment of Women
4/ /11
2nd in Mary Russell series
Occurs some time after the first book. Mary has graduated from University, and attains her majority. She investigates a cult in London that supports poor women, and gets rich women to leave their money to them.
Smith, Sherwood
Treason's Shore
4th in Inda series
4/28/11
Inda goes to be Shield Arm for King Evred. He is dispatched to defend against the Venn at sea and ends the war,but refuses the King's order to take over all the smaller kingdoms on the coast. This causes a split between the two and he retires to his home territory. This book covers several years in a sort of off hand manner. I recommend reading the first in the series first (Inda) because the (personal) titles are not easy to understand otherwise.
Wells, Rebecca
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood
4/30/11
Very well written story of a woman and her mother and her mother's friends -- the Ya-Ya sisterhood. Not my usual cup of tea, Book club book. It was fun to read about rural Louisiana in the 50's.
Jecks, Michael
No Law in the Land
5/2/11
28 or so in the Knight's Templar series
The later books in this series are tracking the reign of Edward II and his pal Despenser. This book is set in the fall of 1325, when law and order were breaking down due to the cronyism of Despenser. To be his friend was to be above the law, his enemies were in danger of their lives. A minor crony is taking over all in his area, killing and stealing whatever comes his way. Our heros run afoul.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Most of March
I fully intend to update this weekly. Actions unfortunately do not follow intent.
Harris, Charlaine
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse
3/2/11
Fun. Ro tries to work in her mother's real estate agency and ends up finding bodies instead. She finds a new beau, better suited than the minister.
Hoyt, Sarah
Darkship Thieves
3/5/11
ebook
I liked the first paragraph, and then it took an unexpected twist. I still liked it, but it was a fairly predictable boy-girl, culture clash plot.
Asaro, Catherine
Diamond Star
3/8/11
ebook
I always like Asaro, and this did not disappoint. Boy runs away from home (not exactly, home sort of ran away from him) and finds fulfillment as a rock star. This is third generation of the Skolia Imperial Family.
Butcher, Jim
First Lord's Fury
3/11/11
6th and final in Fury series.
Tavi having defeated the Cane now elists them to save the rest of the world. I didn't find this as enjoyable as the previous in the series. If you like battles, you will enjoy the final 150 page battle.
Stabenow, Dana
A Night Too Dark
3/12/11
Latest in the series. Gold mining in the Park causes troubles.
Shepherd, Mike
Kris Longknife: Redoubtable
3/13/11
8th or so in series
Another planet rescue and helping Vicki Peterwald come into her own.
Bujold, Lois McMaster
Sharing Knife: Passages
3/16/11
Third of 4 in series
I had read book four earlier, not sure how I missed this one. I enjoyed it. It filled in a lot of blanks and developed three interesting characters: Fawn's brother Whit, and two young Lakewalkers. Also introduced Boss Berry and her flatboat. Gave a view of a different subculture on the planet.
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Mouse and Dragon
3/19/11
ebook
Liaden universe
Story of Alianna and Daav, Delm Korval.
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Scout's Progress
3/19/11
ebook
Liaden universe
Early story of Alianna and Daav. I read this one quite a long time ago, and when reading the beginning of Mouse and Dragon kept saying "I've read this before." Discovered I had indeed. The last chapters of this one are the first chapters of that one.
Diaz, Junot
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
3/19/11
book club
Lots of discussions of Dominicans. Pretty stupid book.
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Fledgling
3/20/11
ebook
This is something of a sequal to Mouse and Dragon, main character Theo is daughter of alter identy of Daav after he has left Liaden to pursue a scholarly career and hide out from enemies.
Woods, Stuart
Lucid Intervals
3/21/11
Stone Barrington series
real book for a change
Stone alternates between two clients: HM government wanting him to find a traitor in the US, and a stupid lottery millionaire who insists on getting into trouble. Guns and sex and airplanes.
Harris, Charlaine
Three Bedrooms, One Corpse
3/2/11
Fun. Ro tries to work in her mother's real estate agency and ends up finding bodies instead. She finds a new beau, better suited than the minister.
Hoyt, Sarah
Darkship Thieves
3/5/11
ebook
I liked the first paragraph, and then it took an unexpected twist. I still liked it, but it was a fairly predictable boy-girl, culture clash plot.
Asaro, Catherine
Diamond Star
3/8/11
ebook
I always like Asaro, and this did not disappoint. Boy runs away from home (not exactly, home sort of ran away from him) and finds fulfillment as a rock star. This is third generation of the Skolia Imperial Family.
Butcher, Jim
First Lord's Fury
3/11/11
6th and final in Fury series.
Tavi having defeated the Cane now elists them to save the rest of the world. I didn't find this as enjoyable as the previous in the series. If you like battles, you will enjoy the final 150 page battle.
Stabenow, Dana
A Night Too Dark
3/12/11
Latest in the series. Gold mining in the Park causes troubles.
Shepherd, Mike
Kris Longknife: Redoubtable
3/13/11
8th or so in series
Another planet rescue and helping Vicki Peterwald come into her own.
Bujold, Lois McMaster
Sharing Knife: Passages
3/16/11
Third of 4 in series
I had read book four earlier, not sure how I missed this one. I enjoyed it. It filled in a lot of blanks and developed three interesting characters: Fawn's brother Whit, and two young Lakewalkers. Also introduced Boss Berry and her flatboat. Gave a view of a different subculture on the planet.
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Mouse and Dragon
3/19/11
ebook
Liaden universe
Story of Alianna and Daav, Delm Korval.
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Scout's Progress
3/19/11
ebook
Liaden universe
Early story of Alianna and Daav. I read this one quite a long time ago, and when reading the beginning of Mouse and Dragon kept saying "I've read this before." Discovered I had indeed. The last chapters of this one are the first chapters of that one.
Diaz, Junot
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
3/19/11
book club
Lots of discussions of Dominicans. Pretty stupid book.
Lee, Sharon and Steve Miller
Fledgling
3/20/11
ebook
This is something of a sequal to Mouse and Dragon, main character Theo is daughter of alter identy of Daav after he has left Liaden to pursue a scholarly career and hide out from enemies.
Woods, Stuart
Lucid Intervals
3/21/11
Stone Barrington series
real book for a change
Stone alternates between two clients: HM government wanting him to find a traitor in the US, and a stupid lottery millionaire who insists on getting into trouble. Guns and sex and airplanes.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
End of February
I am way behind here. The dates below are approximations. So, for that matter, are the dates above.
King, Laurie
To Play the Fool
2/13/11
Kate Martinelli series # 2
Kate and her partner investigate the death of a homeless man in a San Francisco park. The investigation is complicated by a Fool, who speaks only in quotations. The side information about the Holy Fool movement makes the story very interesting.
Ishiguro, Kazuo
Never Let Me Go
Kindle ebook
2/15/11
Very creepy. Carers and donors grow up in a institution where they are given many privileges, excellent education, encouraged to develop artistic abilities. As the book progresses, a much darker picture emerges.
Hodgell, P.C.
God Stalker Chronicles
2/17/11
Started in Baen ebook, decided to get paper after a bit. Good fantasy, interesting creatures.
Child, Lee
Persuader
2/20/11
Typical Reacher. You keep asking "so how is he going to get out of this one."
Dietrich, William
Napoleon's Pyramids
2/22/11
American former assistant to Benjamin Franklin in Paris joins Napoleon and his army as they attempt to conquer Egypt. History is a distant second to adventure in a "Raider's" ripoff.
Spencer, Wen
Tinker
Baen ebook
2/24/11
As a result of the Chinese opening a gate to Elfholm, Pittsburg is semi-permanently transfered to Elfhome. Tinker, aka Alexander Graham Bell, (female, 18 years old) rescues a Elf lord - Wolfwind, and much chaos ensues. Lots of fun.
Spencer, Wen
Wolf Who Rules
Baen ebook
2/26/11
Wolfwind and Tinker continue their merry adventures.
Reeve, Laura E.
Peacekeeper
2/28/11
SciFi. Space Opera. Works as a murder mystery also. Special Reserve Major Ariane Kedros is activated to investigate a series of murders. She has a civilian partner in space exploration who is left behind and gets into trouble of his own. Lots of side issues, possibly not the best integrated book I've read, but I'm ready to get the next in the series.
Next up: the third Aurora Teagarden mystery, and Lord Protector's Fury by Jim Butcher.
King, Laurie
To Play the Fool
2/13/11
Kate Martinelli series # 2
Kate and her partner investigate the death of a homeless man in a San Francisco park. The investigation is complicated by a Fool, who speaks only in quotations. The side information about the Holy Fool movement makes the story very interesting.
Ishiguro, Kazuo
Never Let Me Go
Kindle ebook
2/15/11
Very creepy. Carers and donors grow up in a institution where they are given many privileges, excellent education, encouraged to develop artistic abilities. As the book progresses, a much darker picture emerges.
Hodgell, P.C.
God Stalker Chronicles
2/17/11
Started in Baen ebook, decided to get paper after a bit. Good fantasy, interesting creatures.
Child, Lee
Persuader
2/20/11
Typical Reacher. You keep asking "so how is he going to get out of this one."
Dietrich, William
Napoleon's Pyramids
2/22/11
American former assistant to Benjamin Franklin in Paris joins Napoleon and his army as they attempt to conquer Egypt. History is a distant second to adventure in a "Raider's" ripoff.
Spencer, Wen
Tinker
Baen ebook
2/24/11
As a result of the Chinese opening a gate to Elfholm, Pittsburg is semi-permanently transfered to Elfhome. Tinker, aka Alexander Graham Bell, (female, 18 years old) rescues a Elf lord - Wolfwind, and much chaos ensues. Lots of fun.
Spencer, Wen
Wolf Who Rules
Baen ebook
2/26/11
Wolfwind and Tinker continue their merry adventures.
Reeve, Laura E.
Peacekeeper
2/28/11
SciFi. Space Opera. Works as a murder mystery also. Special Reserve Major Ariane Kedros is activated to investigate a series of murders. She has a civilian partner in space exploration who is left behind and gets into trouble of his own. Lots of side issues, possibly not the best integrated book I've read, but I'm ready to get the next in the series.
Next up: the third Aurora Teagarden mystery, and Lord Protector's Fury by Jim Butcher.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Early February
Viehl, S.L
A Plague of Memory (reread)
Omega Games
2/6/11
Rereading Plague of Memory clarified some of Rebel Ice. Resa was a friend of Cherijo and they both crashed on the Ice Planet. Cherijo suppressed her memory and ended up with the Dead Handlers -- outcast women. Resa was cared for by the tigers of the world, came to be in one of the Iisleg camps, and eventually ended up with the Dead Handlers. When she comes to the Dead Handlers, Cherijo starts speaking and is given the name Jarn.
Omega Games has Jarn and Reever leaving Marel on Joren and taking off in a two person scout ship. They are forced down on Trellus, a very sparsely populated planet, by one of Reevers "friends" so that they can recapture a creature that lays a spore in people and eats them from the inside out. They have a close encounter with the Black Crystal that Maggie has been trying to get them to fight.
Hoyt, Sarah A.
Draw One in the Dark (Baen ebook)
Gentleman Takes a Chance
2/9/11
Kyrie is a panther shifter, her boyfriend (at least by the end) Tom is a dragon shifter. They are drawn to Goldport, Co by a beetle shifter looking for a mate. In the first book, the beetles kill a bunch of people, Kyrie and Tom deal with the Lord of the Dragons, and Tom reconciles sort of with his father.
In Gentleman Takes a Chance, they deal with another shifter who has decided to eat people, and an ancient shifter who wants to kill them because they killed the beetles babies.
Very good, deals with practical aspects of shape shifting -- such as what happens to their clothes, and relative size between a under 6 foot man and a much larger dragon.
Harris, Charlaine
A Bone to Pick
2/11/11
Second in Aurora Teagarden series
Better than the first in the series. Ro inherits a house and lots of money from a former member of the Murder club in the first book. She also inherits a mystery which she solves.
I am currently reading three books: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, God Stalker Chronicles by P.C. Hodgell (both on the iPad), and To Play the Fool by Laurie King. I have to have at least one on paper, so I can read it in the bathtub. I will finish the Laurie King tonight and probably the Ishiguro book club book tomorrow.
A Plague of Memory (reread)
Omega Games
2/6/11
Rereading Plague of Memory clarified some of Rebel Ice. Resa was a friend of Cherijo and they both crashed on the Ice Planet. Cherijo suppressed her memory and ended up with the Dead Handlers -- outcast women. Resa was cared for by the tigers of the world, came to be in one of the Iisleg camps, and eventually ended up with the Dead Handlers. When she comes to the Dead Handlers, Cherijo starts speaking and is given the name Jarn.
Omega Games has Jarn and Reever leaving Marel on Joren and taking off in a two person scout ship. They are forced down on Trellus, a very sparsely populated planet, by one of Reevers "friends" so that they can recapture a creature that lays a spore in people and eats them from the inside out. They have a close encounter with the Black Crystal that Maggie has been trying to get them to fight.
Hoyt, Sarah A.
Draw One in the Dark (Baen ebook)
Gentleman Takes a Chance
2/9/11
Kyrie is a panther shifter, her boyfriend (at least by the end) Tom is a dragon shifter. They are drawn to Goldport, Co by a beetle shifter looking for a mate. In the first book, the beetles kill a bunch of people, Kyrie and Tom deal with the Lord of the Dragons, and Tom reconciles sort of with his father.
In Gentleman Takes a Chance, they deal with another shifter who has decided to eat people, and an ancient shifter who wants to kill them because they killed the beetles babies.
Very good, deals with practical aspects of shape shifting -- such as what happens to their clothes, and relative size between a under 6 foot man and a much larger dragon.
Harris, Charlaine
A Bone to Pick
2/11/11
Second in Aurora Teagarden series
Better than the first in the series. Ro inherits a house and lots of money from a former member of the Murder club in the first book. She also inherits a mystery which she solves.
I am currently reading three books: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, God Stalker Chronicles by P.C. Hodgell (both on the iPad), and To Play the Fool by Laurie King. I have to have at least one on paper, so I can read it in the bathtub. I will finish the Laurie King tonight and probably the Ishiguro book club book tomorrow.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Viehl, S.L.
Endurance
1/22/11
Third in StarDoc series. I went out to Amazon used books and got the whole series, so I'm going through them rapidly. This starts directly after Beyond Varallan, with our heroine captured by the Hsktskt. I am finding Cherijo less than admirable -- she jumps to conclusions about people and is very unforgiving.
Hyzy, Julie
Buffalo West Wing
1/24/11
Fourth in White House Chef series. I do like series. A new family has moved into the White House, and Ollie is uncertain whether she will keep her job. Complications ensue, with the new First Family bringing their own chef, who is a major jerk. There are now children in the First Family and they are the cause of the suspense in the story.
Vielh, S.L.
Shockball
1/26/11
Fourth in StarDoc series. Cherijo is recaptured by her progenitor and we learn more about her early life. Escapes him to end up in a Navaho underground. Cherijo and Reever get a surprise when finally rescued by Cherijo's adoptive family.
Viehl, S.L.
Eternity Row
1/27/11
Fifth in StarDoc series.
The gang are for a change not seriously threatened or imprisoned by anyone. Find a cure for two opposite species, one which cannot die, one dying early. Turns out they are symbiots.
King, Laurie R.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
1/29/11
First in Mary Russell series. Very different from her other series. Mary Russell, 16 year old heiress, while wandering the countryside while escaping her odious aunt and guardian, encounters Sherlock Holmes who has retired to the country with Mrs. Hudson (but not Dr. Watson). She becomes his apprentice and eventually partner.
Viehl, S.L.
Rebel Ice
1/31/11
Sixth in StarDoc Series.
Very confusing. Cherijo has crashed on an ice world, after various adventures is rescued by Reever, but has changed personalities and is now Jarn.
Shepherd, Mike
Kris Longknife: Intrepid
2/2/11
Sixth in series
Series reminds me of Honor Harrington (Weber) and Lt. Leary. Kris is Navy officer and daughter of political head, granddaughter of elected King. She and her various companions participate in a planetary war in the boondocks, uncover a plot to assassinate the rival political boss to be blamed on her, save him, and extricate themselves from the resulting mess.
These books are very easy and enjoyable to read.
Endurance
1/22/11
Third in StarDoc series. I went out to Amazon used books and got the whole series, so I'm going through them rapidly. This starts directly after Beyond Varallan, with our heroine captured by the Hsktskt. I am finding Cherijo less than admirable -- she jumps to conclusions about people and is very unforgiving.
Hyzy, Julie
Buffalo West Wing
1/24/11
Fourth in White House Chef series. I do like series. A new family has moved into the White House, and Ollie is uncertain whether she will keep her job. Complications ensue, with the new First Family bringing their own chef, who is a major jerk. There are now children in the First Family and they are the cause of the suspense in the story.
Vielh, S.L.
Shockball
1/26/11
Fourth in StarDoc series. Cherijo is recaptured by her progenitor and we learn more about her early life. Escapes him to end up in a Navaho underground. Cherijo and Reever get a surprise when finally rescued by Cherijo's adoptive family.
Viehl, S.L.
Eternity Row
1/27/11
Fifth in StarDoc series.
The gang are for a change not seriously threatened or imprisoned by anyone. Find a cure for two opposite species, one which cannot die, one dying early. Turns out they are symbiots.
King, Laurie R.
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
1/29/11
First in Mary Russell series. Very different from her other series. Mary Russell, 16 year old heiress, while wandering the countryside while escaping her odious aunt and guardian, encounters Sherlock Holmes who has retired to the country with Mrs. Hudson (but not Dr. Watson). She becomes his apprentice and eventually partner.
Viehl, S.L.
Rebel Ice
1/31/11
Sixth in StarDoc Series.
Very confusing. Cherijo has crashed on an ice world, after various adventures is rescued by Reever, but has changed personalities and is now Jarn.
Shepherd, Mike
Kris Longknife: Intrepid
2/2/11
Sixth in series
Series reminds me of Honor Harrington (Weber) and Lt. Leary. Kris is Navy officer and daughter of political head, granddaughter of elected King. She and her various companions participate in a planetary war in the boondocks, uncover a plot to assassinate the rival political boss to be blamed on her, save him, and extricate themselves from the resulting mess.
These books are very easy and enjoyable to read.
Friday, January 21, 2011
early January
If I'm going to do this thing, I'd better keep going.
King, Laurie R.
A Grave Talent
12/28/10
Very good mystery, set in San Francisco Bay area. Interesting characters: Kate Martinelli, new detective, primary narrator; other detective, experienced, assigned Kate as assistant for political reasons, partnership works well. Set in an isolated community which is kept deliberately low tech.
Pratchett, Terry
Pyramids
12/30/10
Typical Pratchett commedy/satire/fantasy.
Barr, Nevada
13 1/2
12/31/10
Two parallel stories: a family killing by a child in the 70's, and a contemporary romance in New Orleans. Reminds me of Carol O'Conner. Not a Anna Pigeon story.
Britain, Kristen
The High King's Tomb
1/3/11
Third book in Green Rider series, fourth upcoming this year. There has been a long break between publication of books 2 and 3.
Jecks, Michael
The Bishop Must Die
1/10/11
I've been busy. And I may have missed a book. This is 28th in the Knights Templar series. Jecks is a historian and very concerned with historical accuracy of events. This book is set in 1326, in the reign of Edward II in England, a time of tension with France. The main character is a former Templar, back from the Crusades.
Viehl, S. L.
Beyond Varallan (and StarDoc)
1/16/11
This is the second in the StarDoc series. Our heroine doctor goes from one fire to another, chased by the League and her nasty father/progenetor. She is a genetic construct, forbidden by the League, and experiment to her father. She and her adopted family escape the League, only to be caught by another group of nasties -- the Hkskt or something like that. I don't worry much about names that are all consonants. Book begins and ends on cliff hangers.
Butcher, Jim
Turn Coat
1/20/11
11th in Dresden series. Harry rescues his enemy Warden, Morgan; fights a nasty Navaho shapeshifter; and exposes the bad guy in the White Council.
The nasties are prominent this week.
King, Laurie R.
A Grave Talent
12/28/10
Very good mystery, set in San Francisco Bay area. Interesting characters: Kate Martinelli, new detective, primary narrator; other detective, experienced, assigned Kate as assistant for political reasons, partnership works well. Set in an isolated community which is kept deliberately low tech.
Pratchett, Terry
Pyramids
12/30/10
Typical Pratchett commedy/satire/fantasy.
Barr, Nevada
13 1/2
12/31/10
Two parallel stories: a family killing by a child in the 70's, and a contemporary romance in New Orleans. Reminds me of Carol O'Conner. Not a Anna Pigeon story.
Britain, Kristen
The High King's Tomb
1/3/11
Third book in Green Rider series, fourth upcoming this year. There has been a long break between publication of books 2 and 3.
Jecks, Michael
The Bishop Must Die
1/10/11
I've been busy. And I may have missed a book. This is 28th in the Knights Templar series. Jecks is a historian and very concerned with historical accuracy of events. This book is set in 1326, in the reign of Edward II in England, a time of tension with France. The main character is a former Templar, back from the Crusades.
Viehl, S. L.
Beyond Varallan (and StarDoc)
1/16/11
This is the second in the StarDoc series. Our heroine doctor goes from one fire to another, chased by the League and her nasty father/progenetor. She is a genetic construct, forbidden by the League, and experiment to her father. She and her adopted family escape the League, only to be caught by another group of nasties -- the Hkskt or something like that. I don't worry much about names that are all consonants. Book begins and ends on cliff hangers.
Butcher, Jim
Turn Coat
1/20/11
11th in Dresden series. Harry rescues his enemy Warden, Morgan; fights a nasty Navaho shapeshifter; and exposes the bad guy in the White Council.
The nasties are prominent this week.
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