books

Book Review: Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

- Barb 1 Comment

Five Little Pigs (Hercule Poirot, #24)Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Agatha Christie’s “Five Little Pigs” does not make into my Top 10 Hercule Poirot mysteries, although I’m still rating it here on Goodreads with 4 stars. Why? Because, for me, it’s still a classic Christie and Poirot doesn’t disappoint — he’s brilliant and I adore his sleuthing style even when he’s solving a murder in retrospect. “Murder in Retrospect” actually is the original title and personally, I prefer it. I think it fits better, despite the fact that Christie uses the children’s rhyme about the “little pigs” (…this one went to market, etc) throughout the book.

Poirot is taxed with the job of solving a murder mystery for a death that happened sixteen years ago. A famous painter was poisoned by his wife, who apparently was jealous of her husband’s infidelity. She was convicted of the crime, sent to prison, and eventually died there, but not before penning a letter to her only daughter professing her innocence. Now the daughter, a grown woman who was just child at the time of her father’s murder, wants to know the truth. Did her mother kill her father as the court declared or was her mother truly innocent? It’s up to Hercule Poirot to uncover the truth.

I did find this particular story to move a bit slow, primarily because it’s told in retrospect from the point of view of the different suspects. While it’s interesting to hear Poirot’s interviews with each and then read the letters detailing their movements on the day of the murder, this story does not have the same sort of pace of books like “Death on the Nile” or “Murder on the Orient Express” where we are thrown in to the action with Poirot while he’s tracking clues and employing his “little grey cells”.

For any Agatha Christie fan, I do recommend “Five Little Pigs”. The mystery is good, she delivers her signature red herrings and Poirot is a delight as always. However, I did feel that the story began to drag a bit in the middle, bogged down as she delivered the perspectives of each suspect. Overall, I liked it and most likely will read it again at a later date.

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Book Review: “Cradle and All” by James Patterson

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Cradle and AllCradle and All by James Patterson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Cradle and All” by James Patterson was unlike many of the books I typically read, having heavy religious themes. I’m not sure it’s accurate to say that I “enjoyed” reading this book, but it definitely held my attention and at many times I was riveted. I had to keep reading, I had to know what was going to happen instead of putting it down and pouring myself another cup of coffee.

The basic premise is good and evil. Not some abstract form or supernatural myth of good and evil, but down-and-dirty Satan vs. God. The story centers on two young teenage girls: Kathleen and Colleen. One in America, the other in Ireland. Both girls are virgins; both are pregnant. According to the prophecies made at Fatima more than 100 years ago, one of these girls is carrying the child of God, while the other is carrying the child of Satan. It looks to be End of Times, especially as the world of this story is battling plagues, famine, and other devastating disasters.

As a reader, we get to experience the first-hand account of these events through Anne, a former nun turned Private Investigator. Her sections of the story are told in first-person, while the rest of the book is in third. At times, I found the switching of the tenses a bit jarring, but for the most part, once I was about a 1/3 of the way in, it became smoother for me.

I found this to be a quick read, primarily because Patterson kept the reader in suspense, waiting to find out until the very end which girl is carrying The Beast and how it will all play out. There’s definitely disturbing subject matter in “Cradle and All” including suicide, violent death, and assault, so although it’s classified YA, I wouldn’t recommend it for younger teens.

As for adults who shy away for YA because it’s “too young” — this book is not. It definitely is mature subject matter.

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Book Review: Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

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Uninvited (Uninvited, #1)Uninvited by Sophie Jordan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It was one of those days when I was looking through the library on my Nook and I stumbled across a few titles I didn’t remember downloading. After reading the blurbs for about three different books, I settled on “Uninvited” by Sophie Jordan. This is the first book I’ve read by Jordan and I’m very glad it was on my eReader. “Uninvited” was an entertaining quick read and I’m ready to read its sequel.

“Uninvited” is set in the near future where U.S. residents are screened for the “kill” gene, also known as HTS. Those with the gene are considered “carriers” and the authorities and public just know that these carries will eventually do something violent, most likely murder.

Davy lives a normal life, fairly privileged. She’s well-liked, has a hot boyfriend, and is a music prodigy — until the unthinkable happens. She tests positive for HTS. She’s labeled a carrier and her whole life changes. She’s forced to enter a national registry, “uninvited” from her prestigious private school, shunned by her friends, and sent to the local public high school where others like her attend classes in the “Cage”.

In the Cage, Davy learns that while society sees her as a predator, among other carriers she’s more prey. She has to figure out the rules quickly or she may not make it to graduation. Fortunately, she does find unlikely allies with quiet Gil and somewhat scary Sean. Unfortunately, things nationwide worsen and those with the kill gene are rounded up and sent away.

Not a traditional dystopian YA book, “Uninvited” actually is quite unsettling when you think about the possibility of that kind of level of governmental influence in citizens personal lives. Author Sophie Jordan gives the reader a fast-paced story with strong characters that grow throughout the chapters. The action scenes are intense, while the romantic moments between Davy and Sean are a nice break in the pace.

I liked Sophie Jordan’s “Uninvited” and recommend it to anyone who enjoys YA and dystopian themes.

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Book Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

- Barb 1 Comment

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two are based on an original new story by  J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne.

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This eighth story featuring J.K. Rowling’s character Harry Potter takes place almost two decades after the Battle of Hogwarts. Harry Potter is 37, Head of Magical Law Enforcement, and watching his children begin their journeys at Hogwarts.

How often as readers to we long for the chance to see familiar and beloved characters after that final “The End”? Even multi-book series have an end — but author J.K. Rowling has given fans the opportunity to see what happened to her famous characters years after the final curtain of The Deathly Hallows fell. In “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” we follow not only the struggles of an adult Harry who’s past won’t seem to stay, well, in the past. We also get to experience the ups and downs of young Albus Severus Potter, Harry and Ginny’s middle child .

I loved reading about Albus and I especially enjoyed his friendship with Scorpius, Draco Malfoy’s son. This story is much more than a glimpse into the continuing saga of Potters and Malfoys, it’s a story about family, friendship, loyalty, and legacies. Rowling gives readers chance to revisit favorite characters from the original series including Hermione, Ron, Minerva McGonagall, Draco Malfoy, and more — even a few unexpected characters show up.

Unlike the first seven books, “Harry Potter and Cursed Child: Parts One and Two” are presented in stageplay format or as a script. The Special Rehearsal Edition Script, which is widely available is based on the original new story from J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany. It’s the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. Its world premiere was July 30, 2016 in London.

Overall, I liked this story. However, I had two moments where as a reader I just shook my head and said, “Nope, that doesn’t work for me.” But that’s okay. As readers, we all bring our own personal expectations to a story like this, especially if we are long-time fans of these characters and J.K. Rowling’s magical world. Were these two moments deal breakers for me? Absolutely not. I’ll read the book again and enjoy it equally as much. I won’t/can’t tell you what two things bugged me because I don’t do spoilers.

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then I definitely recommend picking up a copy of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two.”

You can check out the website for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” playing on stage in London here. There are some great pictures and lots of fun stuff to read. I’d love to be able to see this on stage!

Book Review: Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie

- Barb 3 Comments

I love a good mystery. I really love an Agatha Christie mystery, especially when it’s a Hercule Poirot mystery. “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” checked all the boxes for me:

  • Agatha Christie mystery featuring her one and only Belgian detective
  • Murder in a big old house
  • Locked room murder
  • Holiday murder — always more fun when it’s the holidays

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The Plot

Ridiculously wealthy Simeon Lee has invited all his children, even those estranged, home for the holidays. Every family member has a secret and old Simeon has several secrets of his own as well. On Christmas Eve Simeon Lee is brutally murdered in his own bedroom and a fortune in uncut diamonds goes missing. Everyone has a motive.

Enter the infamous Hercule Poirot to solve not only the mystery of who murdered the elder Mr. Lee, but to unearth the location of the missing diamonds and unmask the suspects for who they really are. A case like this could only be solved by the meticulous Belgian detective and his “little grey cells.”

“The character of the victim always has something to do with his or her murder.”

This has to be one of my favorite Poirot quotes from this Christie novel.

I thoroughly enjoyed “Hercule Poirot’s Christmas” by Agatha Christie and recommend it to any lover of classic mysteries and/or the work of Agatha Christie.

Want to know more about Poirot? Discover his origins here at www.AgathaChristie.com.

Book Review: Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts

- Barb 1 Comment

I’ve been reading Nora Roberts for more than 20 years and she never fails to entertain and delight me as a reader. Bay of Sighs is book 2 of her Guardians Trilogy — and a Nora Roberts trilogy that mixes supernatural, fantasy, romance, and mystery is my favorite kind of trilogy!

z Bay of Sighs

In a trilogy set up like The Guardians, Roberts gives us three couples. In book 1, Stars of Fortune, we were introduced to Sasha and Bran, Annika and Sawyer, and Riley and Doyle. While book 1 focused on the relationship that developed between Sasha and Bran, book 2 brings us the romance of Annika and Sawyer.

If you haven’t read book 1 yet, then mini-SPOILER ALERT. Each of the six guardians, tasked with locating and protecting three magical stars created long ago by three goddesses, are unique and not all are entirely human. These chosen six must find the stars and keep the dark goddess Nerezza from claiming the stars and killing/capturing any of their group.

Bay of Sighs features the search for the second star and the blossoming romance between Annika the mermaid and Sawyer the traveler. Yes, Annika is a mermaid (which you knew if you read book 1). I adore the character of Annika. She’s so sweetly innocent and yet quite sage. Sawyer is a darling and one of the most honorable male characters I’ve ever read. For me, they are the perfect couple.

Nora Roberts does a masterful job interweaving romantic interludes, heart-stopping action sequences, fun and witty dialogue (LOVE the multiple pop culture references — Hulk Smash), and a magical story that entrances the imagination. There are a few disturbing scenes including one with torture but Roberts writes with power and strength that swiftly move the action and the plot forward.

Bay of Sighs: Book 2 of The Guardians Trilogy was fantastic and I highly recommend to any fan of Nora Roberts or any reader who enjoys romance/fantasy/action all in one book.

BUT, reading Book 1: Stars of Fortune is a must.

Look for Book 3 of The Guardians Trilogy: Island of Glass to hit bookstore shelves in December 2016.

I also had to share just how gorgeous the inside flap of the book is. Check it out.

To see other great books by Nora Roberts, please visit her website here.

Book Review: Bloodline by Claudia Gray

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I have officially added Bloodline by Claudia Gray to my collection of Star Wars books. Being a huge Expanded Universe fan (Expanded Universe is now known as Legends), I admit to having a few reservations about this book — I bought it anyway and I have no regrets.

z Bloodline

Claudia Gray’s book Bloodline is a prequel story to the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens and is set about six years before we meet Rey, Finn, Poe, and BB-8. It’s Leia’s story and Gray did a great job with Leia Organa — princess, senator, wife, mother, and granddaughter of Darth Vader.

Bloodline follows Leia while she’s serving in the New Republic Senate. There’s conflict between the Populists and the Centrists as well as a greater threat to the star systems lurking just around the corner. Han is off doing his thing, Leia is trying to save the New Republic (no surprise there) and Gray even teases readers with a hint of the great Luke Skywalker who’s busy training the Solo’s son in the Jedi arts.

Bloodline gives readers a classic Star Wars adventure with heroes to cheer for, bad guys to boo, politicians with an agenda, starship pilots not afraid to take chances, and a nicely balanced combination of familiar faces mixed with new, exciting characters. Bloodline has intrigue, some great dialogue, a solid story that helps set up some of the events in the movie The Force Awakens, and quite a bit of action. It’s great to see Leia getting her hands dirty and kicking ass. There’s also a poignant moment as Leia comes to a startling realization about her father, Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker — you’ll have to wait for it, as it comes almost at the end, but it’s good.

I like author Claudia Gray’s style for moments like this:

“Someday was the sun disappearing behind a cloud, a morning lost to darkness long before night should have come.”

And

“They lifted their glasses and clinked them together, and the darkness in their pasts seemed farther away than it had before.”

And my favorite:

“The sun is setting on the New Republic. It’s time for the Resistance to rise.”

I recommend Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray to any fan of the Star Wars books and/or movies. You can check out more Star Wars books here. My personal favorite is the X-Wing series.

Find out more about author Claudia Gray here.

Book Series I Love to Reread

- Barb 4 Comments

I’ve always been a reader who regularly rereads favorite books. At least once a year I pull out my copy of “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie and my equally tattered copy of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” These well-worn and beloved books have yellowing pages, cracked spines, and are as wrinkled as a shar-pei puppy. Don’t care. I love these books — although I may have to concede and treat myself to new copies.

Death on the Nile battered

Reaching for a favorite book to reread is comforting. A chance to escape the doldrums of daily life and venture into a different world to visit old friends. Isn’t that what our favorite literary characters are? Old friends? I think so.

I’m right there on the Karnak with Hercule Poirot sailing down the Nile. Of course after reading the book dozens of times, I know who the victim will be and who the murderer is, but it doesn’t stop me from rereading “Death on the Nile.” I pick it up time and time again, because of Poirot and the other characters as well as the setting and Christie’s distinctive voice.

Beyond rereading individual books, I have several series I also enjoy reading over and over. It takes a bit more time to reread a series, but I still find it immersive and as enjoyable as the first time I read the books. My top favorite book series I love to reread are:

  • Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (have read the series a total of 13 times)
  • The Gone Series by Michael Grant (have read series 7 times)
  • The Starcrossed Series by Josephine Angelini (have read series 5 times)
  • Sign of Seven Trilogy by Nora Roberts (have read series 6 times)

The latter two actually are trilogies but I still consider them a series. I’ve also reread the Star Wars X-Wing series three or four times — it’s my favorite set of books in the Star Wars Expanded Universe.

So why all this rereading when there are so many amazing new books out there to discover? In one word: characters. It’s the characters for me. Each of these series has characters I love to love and that I love to hate. From their witty dialogue to the way they deeply feel, how they lead, and their flaws that make them believable, the characters in these books series leap from the pages and stay with me long after the last page has been read.

Someday, I hope I can create characters that resonate with readers the way the ones in my favorite book series resonate for me.

What’s your favorite book or book series to reread? I’d love to know so go ahead and share it in the comment section below. Maybe you’ll help me find my next book series to read, love, and reread.

Book Review: Starstruck by Brenda Hiatt

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Starstruck by Brenda Hiatt is a YA fantasy/sci-fi/romance and the first book in a series. I picked this book up as free Kindle read because the blurb caught my attention. Author Hiatt gives readers a slightly nerdy astronomy lover named Marsha — called M by her best friends. She’s not overly popular (actually she has a school nemesis by the name of Trina) and her home life is less than conventional. M has never known her parents, she was adopted, and then her adopted parents died so she’s being raised by an aunt and uncle in tiny Jewel, Indiana.

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Things are boringly ho-hum for M until the day the new guy shows up a school. He’s good looking, the new quarterback, and M finds herself drawn to him despite the fact it seems at first that he has eyes for Trina. Surprise! New guy Rigel actually is interested in M and they discover they share a strange “spark”.

Starstruck asks the question, what if aliens from another planet were living in our town and even part of some of the most important industries in the nation — like NASA? What happens if a princess from another planet was hidden on Earth and she alone may be the difference between a peaceful immigration or a violent invasion?

There were several things I liked about Starstruck, including its basic premise and characters like M’s friends and Rigel’s parents. However, there were also a few things I didn’t like. I found myself cringing a bit every time I read the name of the planet from which the aliens came. I don’t know why, but this bugged me — purely one reader’s opinion. I was able to get past it to overall be entertained by the book. I also found some of the repetitiveness of the dialogue and text tiring. I got it: Rigel was hot and they hold hands a lot.

Overall, I liked the book enough to give it 4 stars on GoodReads, but for me, it was really about a 3.5 star read. Will I read Starcrossed, the next book in the series? Possibly. My TBR list is large, but I think I’ll add it for a future read. Go ahead, give Starstruck by Brenda Hiatt a read because it is entertaining and I did like how M evolved. I’m curious to see what she does in the next book.

You can find about more about author Brenda Hiatt and her books via her website.