The Postcard by Tony Abbott

Youth Fiction Pick

   Now, if you read my Firegirl review, you know that I enjoyed Tony Abbott. The Postcard is no exception. Written for a younger audience, this "mystery within a mystery" is engaging for all readers and something I like as a mother of boys, a male protagonist.

   Jason has just begun his summer vacation when he learns that he must join his father in a visit to Florida. Jason's paternal grandmother who he doesn't know and is rarely spoken of has died. Unhappy with being there and while cleaning up, Jason unexpectedly learns something about his grandmother through an old postcard. The mystery adventure begins.

  

Favorite Quote:

"There was no fight, no rumble of berets and spatulas and walkers.

Overall Opinion:

Grab your 8-12 year olds and wow them with a good time with a good book!

Rating:

Borrow It For Your Kids

Touching the Dark by Jane A. Adams

   A mystery. Tally Palmer is a blind, ex-police officer who, along with her lover and friends, is trying to find another friend's attacker. The book is easily read, the characters are likeable. Unfortunately the mystery was easily solved before the book was finished.

Overall Opinion:

It's not a complete waste of time, but it is almost pointless when you figure it out before you're halfway through.

Rating:

5  

The Exodus Quest by Will Adams

   The second book to follow Daniel Knox, The Exodus Quest is another historical mystery/archeological thriller. After the time lapse between the actual reading and the review, I'm not sure that the book stood the test of time. 

   There are other authors who follow the same basic model for their books, Patterson, Clancy, Evanovich, who keep their characters familiar yet engaging and their stories fresh. It didn't feel like Mr. Adams was able to make that same jump.

   Hmmm, check The Alexander Cipher for more information on this particular series.

Overall Opinion:

I would give Mr. Adams a third chance; I think leaving a bigger lapse between books would help.

Rating:

6

A Cat on Stage Left by Lydia Adamson

   Being prepared for Alice Nestleton made A Cat on Stage Left much more palatable (follow the link for elaboration). Good mystery and I liked Sam Tully much more than any of the other characters, including Alice. Something about her keeps me at a distance, she's likeable enough to read, but not one of those characters you feel you'd like to actually meet.


Favorite Quotes:

"It was crowded, as usual, and the many intense low conversations created a carpet of buzz, punctuated occasionally by a raucous laugh."

"The place was so seedy I felt that unseen forces were about to steal my shoes."


Overall Opinion:

Eh. If there's another one on the shelf, well, things could be worse.


Rating:

Take It Or Leave It

A Cat Under the Mistletoe by Lydia Adamson

   Mystery time! This was odd; the mystery was good, the writing was done well enough, the characters were mostly enjoyable, except for the niggling trouble I had with the protagonist, Alice Nestleton. Alice is an out of work actress and a cat-sitter. I couldn't figure out where the crime solving fit in.
   Once I got past the first chapter or two and realized there wasn't going to be an explanation or reason for her to stick her beak in people's business (not to mention why the police would tolerate/ignore it), the question was like a neon sign flashing on and off throughout the book. If she was Stephanie Plum, Jim Quilleran, Kinsey Millhone, or even Father Tim, I would get it.
    I don't know, this is apparently the 13th book in the series so perhaps the issue, along with her equally apparent ability to live with no real discernable income or need to pay rent, were addressed earlier on.


Overall Opinion:

The mystery itself was good. There's another book on the shelf/in my borrowed possession. Qualms will make no never mind until the shelf picks are exhausted.


Rating:

6-Would have been higher if not for the questions. And the disturbing lack of actual police involvement in a murder.

The Rainaldi Quartet by Paul Adam

   The Rainaldi Quartet is a thriller that follows Gianni Castiglione and policeman Antonio Guastafeste as they attempt to solve the murder of their friend. Set in Italy, the case can only be solved by following their friend Rainaldi's mysterious search for "The Messiah's Sister", a lost violin made, they believe, by Stadivari himself.
   How intriguing can a story of luthiers, violins and grandfathers be, you ask? Very, I answer.
   Mr. Adam weaves a tale of history, mystery and myth that adds up to a satisfying story. I liked the characters, the descriptions of places and the use of historical personages and violin history the author blended so well. As a bonus, Mr. Adam used foreign spelling and word usage to enhance the feeling of foreign people in foreign places. (Think "tyre", "kerb" and "windscreen".)


Favorite Quotes:

"That is the romantic view, of course, a guidebook description of St. Mark's. In fact, when you get to the square you find it brimming over with braying foreigners, unscrupulous street sellers and overfed pigeons which spatter droppings on your head as you fight your way through the throng."

"There was a flurry among the cooing carpet of pigeons in the centre of the Piazza."

"She was caked in orange make-up and around her shoulders-despite the warm evening- she was wearing what appeared to be the last surviving North American buffalo."

"...I am aware that the years are ticking away. In my more morbid moments I feel the darkness drawing nearer. Perhaps He does not have me in his sights just yet, but I am acutely conscious that I am within range."

"...insignificant settlements that are almost too small to be flattered with the title "village"- a one-horse town where the nag has long since keeled over and been consigned to the dogmeat factory."


Overall Opinion:

I hope there are more Paul Adam books on the shelves.


Rating:

A Thrilla You Don't Want To Milla (Alright, I know it makes no sense, but "miss" doesn't rhyme with "thrilla")

Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams

   Here is a classic example of oversight. It didn't even occur to me that Down the Rabbit Hole was written by the same Peter Abrahams who wrote Delusion. Not until I had both books in front of me to write my reviews did I notice the similarity. If I'm being totally candid, it took me until I checked the author's picture in both books to figure it out. Eep.
   If you already read my posted review of Delusion, you will know that I was ambivalent, though willing to give him another shot. Well, this was his other shot (though, who are we kidding, if there's another one on the shelf I'll be reading that too).
   Down the Rabbit Hole was an enjoyable mystery. It began well and ended well. It is written for teens without dumbing down to reach its audience. I liked Ingrid, or Griddie as she prefers to be called, though she is the only one to call herself that. I liked the story and I liked the connection to Alice in Wonderland, that isn't what you might believe it to be if you go by the book's title.
   It's the first book in the Echo Falls Mystery series and I'm looking forward to getting to know more about the characters in the series. There are plenty of threads left to be pulled that Mr. Abrahams was kind enough to place. It was a smart move that is sure to invest the reader with a desire to make Echo Falls a place they would like to visit.


Favorite Quotes:

"He was the kind of dog that in a cartoon would harrumph a lot and play second fiddle."

"What was crimson? Just a mealymouthed color that didn't have the guts to be red."


Overall Opinion:

It's one of those teen books that kids will enjoy and adults will forget is for kids.


Rating:

8

Delusion by Peter Abrahams

   In the mystery/suspense genre, Delusion began better than it ended. The book follows Nell Jarreau as she learns that the man she testified against and whose conviction her testimony was instrumental in winning might be released from jail due to new, exonerating evidence.
   Peter Abrahams does lead to wonder about the veracity of the evidence, the motive(s) behind its hidden whereabouts and the secrets of the characters. However, the mystery soon unravels and the reader is left with the sneaking and sinking suspicion that they've read this story or seen the movie before. When the reader starts to figure out the answer without any evidence to the contrary, it becomes difficult to want to read the rest of the story for any other reason than just to see its inevitable conclusion.
   I found myself scanning toward the end of the book instead of enjoying the words on the page. Mr. Abrahams kept me interested enough in the first half of the book that I my interest is piqued sufficiently to give him another shot.


Favorite Quote:

"That sounded all right to Pirate. A Jew would have been better, of course, as everyone knew. But, hey! No reason this specialist woman couldn't be a Jew. He almost asked."


Overall Opinion:

A beginning strong enough to leave me disappointed with its obviousness. Disappointed. Maybe next book.


Rating:

6

murder suicide by Keith Ablow

   Alrighty-roo. If there is another Keith Ablow book on the shelves when I go back to the library, I won't be disappointed. murder suicide takes place earlier in Frank Clevenger's (the protagonist) chronology than The Architect. Going backwards with a serial character can sometimes be a little off putting for me because the later you find the character, the more he/she is usually developed. I still liked Frank. Granted I have only read two books that feature him, but still, I like him.
   Dr. Ablow does another fantastic job of keeping the suspense keen enough that you can't wait to solve the mystery without drawing the tension so tight that you just want to get it over with. Kudos. There are enough possible suspects that it could be anyone which eliminates conclusion jumping. It's more like conclusion hopping, you change your mind back and forth as the story progresses.
   Well developed characters (definitely rooting for Billy), no skimping on the psychological analysis (Clevenger is, after all, a forensic psychiastrist), strong visual imagery that enhances the drama and suspense.


Favorite Quotes:

"Snow's wife had never seen him undress, scarcely seen him naked. Their sex was something stolen from one another under the covers by night."

"'It's early,' Billy blurted out, then looked down self-consciously, as if he'd dropped his veneer of cool somewhere near his feet."


Overall Opinion:

Is it suicide or is it murder? I'm not telling. Read the book and find out for yourself.


Rating:

Read it!

The Architect by Keith Ablow

   Keith Ablow is a forensic psychiatrist. When I see him on the news expounding on this or that I find him to be intelligent and straightforward. As a writer I find him to be an entertaining author with an engaging protaganist. It is fitting that his main character is also a forensic psychiatrist, write what you know indeed.
   The Architect is the first of two Dr. Ablow books that I checked out in this week's haul. It was smartly written and features Dr. Frank Clevenger, a personable good guy who does his job well and seems to be doing his darndest to tread water in his personal life. I was definitely rooting for him. Ablow's book reminded me of James Patterson's (one of my favorite thriller/detective go to authors) Michael Bennett and/or Alex Cross series; also personable good guys treading water.
   This book kept me turning pages, the characters were well developed, the storyline was intriguing and the tension was good. I love me a surprise ending and was thrilled to find that this book had one. (So often the books I've read in this genre don't.) Good relaxing day read.


Favorite Quotes:

"Bright white Chiclets for teeth."

"He had visited the prisoners at Middleton many times. The three officers behind the huge plate glass window in the lobby, cashiers of humanity, knew him well."


Overall Opinion:

I'm thinking about adding Ablow to my Patterson lineup.


Rating:

Definitely a Read Worth Reading

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

   Okay, I love the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. Plum Lucky is one of her Between the Numbers novels. It is the first Between book that I've read. I'm not sure how much I liked it. I felt the same way about the Sookie Stackhouse short story collection A Touch of Dead; I really like the characters and the stories, but there just wasn't enough in the book. 
   Plum Lucky felt too abbreviated. The whole time I was reading I was waiting for the story to happen. I think, had this been my first introduction to Stephanie Plum, the story might have whet my appetite to get to know her better. We'll see. There are other Between the Numbers novels that I have yet to read. When I get to the "E" section in the library, we'll find out if they have them.

Favorite Quotes:

"It's usually when I'm in the shower that I think of things spiritual and mystical and wonder about the unknown. Like is there life after death? And just what, exactly, is collagen? And suppose Wonder Woman actually exists. If she was discreet, you might not know, right?"

"Fortunately, since I was born and raised in Trenton, I'm good at selecting bimbo clothes."

"For the second time, people scurried for the money like roaches on pie."

Overall Opinion:

I really like Stephanie Plum, and because of that, I'm holding my nose at what was missing here.

Rating:

Bit Disappointing for This Established Stephanie Plum Fan/Nice Introduction for New Fans

"D" is for Deadbeat by Sue Grafton

   *Alphabet Series - See "B" is for Burglar earlier in the blog for a complete review of my thoughts on this series.*

   Kinsey Millhone is at it again. In Deadbeat, Kinsey is looking for the client who stiffed her with a $400 check for services. The book picks up a thread that is left at the end of "C" is for Corpse.

Favorite Quotes:

"At intervals, I try to behave like a person with class, which is to say I drink wine from a bottle instead of a cardboard box."

"Altogether, I came perilously close to boring myself insensible with my own mental processes..."

"The air smelled of chocolate and made me wish I had a mother."

"Eugene, in a dark suit, steered her by the elbow, working her arm as if it were the rudder on a ship."

"I tend to place kids in a class with dogs, preferring the quiet, the smart, and the well trained."

Overall Opinion:

I liked it.

Rating:

Lazy Day/Beach Read

Death of the Party by Carolyn Hart

   Mysteries! I love mysteries!! Carolyn Hart was a discovery I made at the library over a year ago; I purely judged that book by its cover when I was choosing. (Alack, overdue fines and a lost book kept me away. Something I'll be avoiding if I am to continue my venture in future.) I picked up Death of the Party for fun. It was.
   Her characters are mystery bookstore owner Annie and her husband Max Darling, a professional mystery solver. They are a completely in love and adorable. In Death, the Darlings agree to assist Britt Barlow. Britt has hidden a murder for a year; at first to avoid unpleasantness for her ill sister, and later because what are you going to do? it's been a year.
   Carolyn Hart keeps the ball rolling, spices her writing with references to other mystery writers, some familiar to me, some not. I enjoy the other references. They intrigue me when I don't know them and allow me to feel insufferably smug when I do.
   It appears, from the two books that I have read, that there is a continuity in her stories and major and minor characters from the tourist town the Darling's live in. I always appreciate that as it makes me feel more connected to the characters. It's an easy way to find yourself invested in their outcome.

Favorite Quotes:

"She strolled away from Britt, arrogant as a peacock, but she forgot it's men as has the fancy feathers."

"Their brightness was cheerless as splotches of makeup on the cheeks of an old woman."

Overall Opinion:

I liked it.

Rating:

Beach Read

Bury Me Deep by Megan Abbott

   Bury Me Deep was fantastic! Written with breathless, run-on sentences and wonderful fragments, Megan Abbott draws you in and keeps you reading until the book is done. The story is based on a true one that took place in 1931.
   The tale stars Marion, a sheltered young wife, left alone in a strange city while her husband works in Mexico. In smaller billing are Lousie and Ginny, two good-time girls with well earned, questionable reputations and no qualms about earning a living and "Gent" Joe Lanigan, the obligatory man's man who runs the town behind and in front of the scenes. A pivotal cameo is put in by Dr. Seeley, Marion's husband.
   Marion, at first naively drawn into the circle, later purposely shuts her eyes so that she can stay in it. There is no good ending for any of the characters. There are no good characters, though some of them have redeeming traits that keep you from despising them.
   Ms. Abbott's writes the way people think; a healthy contempt for the proper use of commas, semicolons and periods, not to mention a callous disregard for complete sentences. Her style makes Marion come off the pages in a way that allows you to feel her awe, uneasiness, doubt and grasping. All of the characters snap with realism and never fall flat.
   If you're wondering what the story is actually about, well, c'mon, I told you there was a lonely married woman befriended by girls determined to thumb their noses at all things polite, who also know someone named Gent Joe. What you think is going to happen will, what you think couldn't happen don't be too sure of.

Favorite Quotes:

"Ride a while and smile the while, dontcha know."

"The music hammered at her and the floors felt sodden with champagne and maybe it wasn't so different from Louise and Ginny's and yet it was. It was. It was because that was their party and this was not. This was not. It was something else and it felt a little bit like these girls had, stiff-faced and cold-eyed, punched a clock."

"The feckless words whistling in her ear, and before she could think, her arm lifted again and she pointed this time at him, trying to rise, shirtfront showgirl-spangled."

Overall Opinion:

Did I say it was fantastic?! Ms. Abbott also offers the additional gift of a synopsis of the true story her book is based on. Yay.

Rating:

Recommended Reading

"C" is for Corpse by Sue Grafton

   The third book in Sue Grafton's alphabet series. I am thinking that, unless something radically changes in one of the books, will not be reviewed for each reading beyond the first one. I can think of a few other book series that will fall into the category of fun reading, same story.
  
For an introduction of Kinsey Millhone, P.I., see my "B" is for Burglar review.

Favorite Quotes:

"He was already slathering Miracle Whip on that brand of soft white bread that can double as a foam sponge. I kept my eyes discreetly averted as if he were engaged in pornographic practices."

"There was so much lyrical music playing overhead, I felt like the heroine in a romantic comedy."

"This was his version of small talk, I assumed. I sat down and let him ramble briefly. He seemed anxious and I couldn't imagine what had brought him in. We made mouth noises at each other, demonstrating goodwill."

"People always love it when you say their dogs are nice. Just shows you how of touch they are."

"I'm not that fast at subtraction so it's probably fortunate that I don't lie about how old I am."

"'Besides, "stupid" is after the fact. I always feel smart when I think things up.'"

Overall Opinion:

The Kinsy Millhone series; always a fun, quick read.

Rating:

Definitely needs one.

B is for Burglar by Sue Grafton

   Okay, this is one of my fun series. I read a couple of the other books in this series before by chance. They were titles that found their way into my hands by chance at one time or another. Sue Grafton's alphabet books feature Kinsey Millhone, a 30-something private detective.
   Kinsey is pretty no nonsense and tenaciously gets the job done. In B is for Burglar, Kinsey initially takes a routine missing person case that turns into...dun, dun, duuunnn, murder! Seriously though, Kinsey is pretty good reading. Light and funny, without losing anything in character or story development.

Favorite Quotes:

"Insecure people have a special sensitivity for anything that finally confirms their own low opinion of themselves."

"There's no place in a P.I's life for impatience, faintheartedness, or sloppiness. I understand the same qualifications apply for housekeeping."

"The television set was turned off, its blank gray face oddly compelling in a room so filled with memorabilia."

"I can say taco and gracias but I'm real short on verbs."

"Well, it's hard to seem upset on the message side of a postcard, you know. There isn't but that much room."

Overall Opinion:

When you're looking to do nothing for the day, Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series is an excellent thing to spend it on. Plus, it has the added bonus of the occassional Alpha Beta, digging for 20 cents for the pay phone and office smoker references.

Rating:

Always a good borrow.