I'd read a blurb about this book months ago, added it to my wish list, and was very happy when I won an Advanced Reader's Copy for review. I expected to be wowed by this winner of the Japanese Naoki prize which is similar to the National Book Award.

What I got instead, was a slow, boring and unimaginative read. I had to really push myself to finish it because nothing about the book engaged me - not the story, the characters, and especially not the writing. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.

It's been a long while since I visited with Tess Monaghan and her beloved city of Baltimore. A short novella, reminiscent of Rear Window, that was a quick and easy read. Bedridden in her final months of pregnancy, Tess watches a woman in a green raincoat walk her dog in the park across the street everyday. When she doesn't show up for a few days and her dog is found loose in the park, Tess is determined to find out what happened to her. I was immediately pulled into the story. An engaging read, whose ending I never saw coming.

I hadn't realized that this book was part of a continuing series when I requested it. I prefer to read a series in order, and while this is the 19th entry in the Alan Banks series, I'm happy to say that it works very well as a stand alone book. I did not feel cheated that I didn't know any of the backstory for each character.

The story grabbed me from the first page and never let go. it is an outstanding example of a British police procedural with an interesting story line, believable characters, and solid police work.

I was so impressed with Peter Robinson's writing and his characters, that I picked up 10 of his earlier books over the weekend. Thanks BookBrowse, for the introduction to a terrific new author.

Very highly recommended for all lovers of crime fiction, mysteries and thrillers.

Irish author Maggie O'Farrell writes stories about love in all its permutations, and I am a big fan.

As in her previous novels, this one takes a little time to get into the story and then, suddenly, it becomes a page turner. Told in alternating voices, decades apart, it is the story of two women and the men in their lives. Their stories are connected, but we don't immediately know how.

There is much to like and discuss in this wonderful exploration of love, motherhood and loss. Would recommend for book clubs.

Ron Rash is a master storyteller. This book is even better than the last book of his that I read - Saints at the River. Serena grabs you from the first page and never lets go. The characters are vivid and very well written. Serena just leaps off the page. The story, set in 1929, is about greed. lust, the destruction of natural resources, wealth, and the sometimes destructive power that comes with it .

Quite compelling and beautifully written, I can't wait to see what Mr. Rash does next. Recommended for book clubs and all readers of gorgeous prose.

I read the advanced reading copy of Mr. North's new book on the heels of his debut novel "The Long Walk Home". The way Mr. North handles a story remains the same - beautiful descriptions of the landscape (this time, Cornwall), engaging characters who have suffered loss and find true love later in life, and interesting secondary characters. Mr. North's characters fall in love within days of meeting and readily recognize it as such.

I really enjoyed the story, but not as much as his first novel. With this one, I found myself skimming through some of the narrative regarding the hedge building, witchcraft and the devastating storm.

Nevertheless, there is plenty to ponder here and I recommend it for readers of contemporary fiction and book clubs. I'm looking forward to the author's next effort.

I am a long time fan of this author and was very happy that she did not disappoint with this story. As always, Ms. Delinsky's strength lies in her ability to write realistically about relationships, mother/daughter, siblings and the love/hate relationship that we sometimes have with our family.

The book hooked me from the first page even though the storyline is heartbreaking. It made me think a lot about my own relationships with my mother and sister, and how I would react to such a sudden and devastating loss. A wonderful story of family, love, loss, forgiveness and understanding, I was sorry to see it end. I very highly recommend.