Everybody Rise
by Stephanie Clifford
Ladies Who Lunch... (3/2/2015)
"Everybody Rise" is compulsively readable, though the main character is unlikable. Evelyn is her parents' daughter and yet she criticizes them for their social climbing and crass (criminal) ways. Clifford's writing is sharp and quick paced and she captures NYC 2006 well, punctuating the pages with designer bags, dresses and society parties. Evelyn will do anything to fit in. It's painful to be in her mind as she lies her way to the top. Strangely, I enjoyed reading this book, but I was so turned off by Evelyn, that I was cheerfully rooting for a cab to run her over.
The Mark Inside: A Perfect Swindle, a Cunning Revenge, and a Small History of the Big Con
by Amy Reading
A Depressing Con (6/20/2012)
Maybe it was the nature of "The Con", but this book was depressing to read. The details were excellent and showed great research. I wanted to enjoy it and learn something, but I simply felt bad for Norfleet as "the Con" unfolded, occasionally confused by the amount of details and bored by the subsequent search for justice. Not for book clubs; maybe good for a historical non-fiction reader with lots of time on his/her hands.
Bury Your Dead: A Chief Inspector Gamache Novel, #6
by Louise Penny
Nesting Dolls (9/22/2010)
Quite good and as involved as Nesting Dolls...3 mysteries within a mystery, just like walled Quebec City itself...as is mentioned in the book. Good pacing & character development and very atmospheric. Recommend this to all readers...mystery lovers, travelers, and history buffs alike because you feel like you are in snowy Quebec for Carnival and learn much of its compelling history. Loved the "brave" loyal dog, Henri.
The Language of Secrets
by Dianne Dixon
The Language of Loss (2/6/2010)
If you want a well written, depressing story, jump in. There is no hero, no redemption...only mistakes, loss and damage. The ending is supposed to offer hope, but after a life of abandonment (for Justin), smothering (for Amy), sadness & anger for Justin's family...there is no safe ground. Very frustrating to read the sad life of an innocent, little boy...and the equally sad life of all around him.
Murder in Mykonos
by Jeffrey Siger
Summertime Slaying (11/3/2008)
Mykonos Island is a Grecian gem, so when a body is discovered all the politicians want to keep it quiet. A sharp, handsome Athenian detective, "banished" to sleepy Mykonos, is teamed up with an old homicide chief to solve the murder...but bodies keep popping up. With time running out, the pages turn to the beat of spectacular sunrises, nude beaches, plenty of suspects and wild Grecian nights. Characters are real and the action moves. Fun!
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