Book Discussion Stats

These are the statistics on the last three book discussions that we have done and they have all been done on Library Thing. I wish I had the stats from the other two sites we were on but unfortunately they disappeared when Shelfari and Leafmarks shut down. I'll just keep adding to these with completion of each book from now on.

Looking for a particular book stats? Here is the list of with each books # place.

PLEASE DON"T POST COMMENTS HERE. THANK YOU:)

2. Dark Watch by Claive Cussler & Jack DuBrul
3. Silent Voices by Ann Cleeves
4. Hour Game by David Baldacci
5. Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer
6. Caught in the Light by Robert Goddard
7. The Glass Room by Ann Cleeves
8. Skeleton Coast by Clive Cussler & Jack Du Brul
9. The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths
10 Ice Hunt by James Rollins
11. The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves
12. Telling Tales by Ann Cleeves
13. Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves
14. Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
15. White Nights by Ann Cleeves
16. Red Bones by Ann Cleeves
17. Blue Lighting by Ann Cleeves
18. Dead Water by Ann Cleeves
19. Thin Air by Ann Cleeves
20 The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths
21. The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths
22. The House At Seas End by Elly Griffiths
23. A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths
24. A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths
25. The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths
26. The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths
27. Simple Genius by David Baldacci
28. The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry
29. The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter
30. Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves
31. Beyond Recall by Robert Goddard
32. The Hunters by Chris Kuzenski
33. The Moth Catcher by Ann Cleeves
34. The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry
35 .Seeking The Dead by Kate Ellis
36. Plague Ship by Clive Cussler & Jack DuBrul
37. First Family by David Baldacci
38. Girl in the Ice by Robert Byndza
39. Long Time Coming by Robert Goddard
40. The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry
41. Natural Causes by James Oswald
42. The Distant Echo by Val McDermid
43. Playing With Bones by Kate Ellis
44. The Forbidden Tomb by Chris Kuzneski
45. The Executioner by Chris Carter
46. Corsair by Clive Cussler & Jack Du Brul
47. Last Bus to Woodstock by Colin Dexter
48 The Sixth Man by David Baldacci
49. The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry
50. Coffin Road by Peter May
51. The Prisoner's Gold by Chris Kuzneski
52. The Book of Souls by James Oswald
53. The Night Stalker by Chris Carter
54. Kissing The Demons by Kate Ellis
55. The Silent Sea by Clive Cussler
56. Take No Farewell by Robert Goddard
57. The Innocent by David Baldacci
58. The Emperors Tomb by Steve Berry
59. King & Maxwell by David Baldacci
60. The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza
61. Sandstorm by James Rollins
62. The Hangman's Song by James Oswald
63. What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
64. The Jungle by Clive Cussler
65. The Death Sculptor by Chris Carter
66. Proof by Dick Francis
67. Closed Circle by Robert Goddard
68. Watching The Ghosts by Kate Ellis
69. The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry
70. The Hit by David Baldacci
71. Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves
72. Map of Bones by James Rollins
73. Dead Men's Bones by James Oswald
74. When Gods Die by C.S. Harris
75. Mirage by Clive Cussler
76. One By One by Chris Carter
77. Darktown by Thomas Mullen
78. Frozen Stiff by Patrick Logan
79. The King's Deception by Steve Berry
80. Walking By Night by Kate Ellis (didn't read at this time see #95)
81. Black Order by James Rollins
82. The Target by David Baldacci
83. Piranha by Clive Cussler
84. The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffith
85. The Seagull by Ann Cleeves
86. Fault Line by Robert Goddard
87. The Guilty by David Baldacci
88. The Emperor's Revenge by Clive Cussler
89. The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry
90. An Evil Mind by Chris Carter
91. Prayer For The Dead by James Oswald
92. Why Mermaids Sing by C.S. Harris
93. The Judas Strain by James Rollins
94. The Medusa Amulet by Robert Masello
95. Walking by Night by Kate Ellis
96. Now You See Me by S.J. Bolton
97. The Patriot Threat by Steve Berry
98. Fool Me Once by Harlan Coben
99. End Game by David Baldacci
100 Typhoon Fury by Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison
101 A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay
102.I Am Death by Chris Carter
103.A Tap On The Window by Linwood Barclay
104.The Restless Dead by Simon Beckett
105.The Merchants House by Kate Ellis
106.Damage Done by James Oswald
107.The Last Oracle by James Rollins
108.Where Serpents Sleep by C.S. Harris
109.The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis
110.Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves (last in Shetland series)
111.The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
112.Dead Scared by Sharon Bolton (S.J.)
113.The Dark Angel by Elly Griffith
114.An Unhallowed Grave by Kate Ellis
115.Silent Scream by Angela Marsons
116.The Camel Club by David Baldacci
117.Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison
118.The Black Echo by Michael Connelly
119.The Caller by Chris Carter
120.The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis
121.The Doomsday Key - James Rollins
122.Written in Bone - James Oswald
123.The Bone Garden - Kate Ellis
124.What Remains of Heaven - C.S. Harris
125.Lost Order - Steve Berry
126.Lost (aka - Like This Forever) - Sharon Bolton
127.Evil Games - Angela Marsons
128.A Painted Doom - Kate Ellis
129.The Stone Circle - Elly Griffith
130.Final Option - Clive Cussler
131.The Collectors - David Baldacci
132.The Devil's Colony - James Rollins
133.Stone Cold - David Baldacci
134.The Black Ice - Michael Connelly
135.Divine Justice - David Baldacci
136.A Dark And Twisted Tide- Sharon Bolton
137.Hell's Corner - David Baldacci
138.The Concrete Blond - Michael Connelly
139.Lost Girls - Angela Marsons
140.The Skeleton Room - Kate Ellis
141.The Bishop's Pawn - Steve Berry
142.Where Shadows Dance - C.S. Harris
143.Bloodlines - James Rollins
144.The scent of Death - Simon Beckett
145.Zero Day - David Baldacci
146.The Last Coyote - Michael Connelly
147.Bloodline - James Rollins
148. When Maidens Mourn - CS Harris
149. The Lantern Men - Elly Griffith
150. The Plague Maiden - Kate Ellis - 2/2023
151. The Last Coyote - Michael Connelly - 3/2023
152. Play Dead - Angela Marsons - 4/13/23
153. The Bishop's Pawn - Steve Berry - 5/11/23
154. Marauder - Clive Cussler/Boyd Morrison - 6/8/23
155. The Gathering Dark - James Oswald - 7/13/23
156. Hunting Evil - Chris Carter - 8/10/23
157. The Eye of God - James Rollins - 9/14/23
158. What Darkness Brings- C.S. Harris - 10/12/23
159. The Night Hawke - Elly Griffith - 11/10/23
160. A Cursed Inheritance - Kate Ellis - 12/14/23 - moved to 1/22/24
161. The Poet - Michael Connelly - 1/24
162. Blood Lines - Angela Marson - 2/24
163. The Malta Exchange - Steve Berry - 3/24
164. Hellburner - Clive Cussler - 4/24
165. Cold As The Grave - James Oswald - 5/9
166. Written In Blood - Chris Carter - 6/13
167. The Sixth Extinction - James Rollins - 7/11
168. Why Kings Confess - C.S. Harris - 8/15

Dark Watch by Clive Cussler and Jack DuBrul

Group Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/darkwatchbookdiscuss
Series: Oregon Files Book #3
Publication Date: 2005

Book Description: Cabrillo and his motley crew aboard the clandestine spy ship Oregon have made a very comfortable and very dangerous living working for high-powered Western interests. But their newest clients have come from the Far East to ask for Cabrillo's special brand of assistance: a consortium of Japanese shipping magnates whose fortunes are being threatened by brutal pirates trolling the waters of Southeast Asia. Normally, such attacks on the high seas are limited to smaller ships and foreign-owned yachts-easy targets on the open ocean. Now, however, giant commercial freighters are disappearing. But when Cabrillo confronts the enemy, he learns that the pirates' predations hide a deadly international conspiracy-a scheme of death and slavery that Juan Cabrillo is going to blow out of the water.

Dates Read: July 8 – 12, 2016
Participants: 6 - Andrew, Lynda. Eadie, Sergei, Brenda, Carol
Ratings: Lynda 4.5; Carol 4.5; Eadie 4..5; Sergei 4.5; Brenda 4.5; Andrew 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.42

Silent Voices by Ann Cleeves

Group Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/silentvoicesbookdisc
Series: Vera Stanhope Book # 4
Publication Date: July 2014

Book Description: When Vera finds the body of a woman in the sauna of her local gym, she wonders briefly if, for once in her life, she's uncovered a simple death of natural causes. But when a closer inspection reveals bruises around the victim's throat, Vera's team start their investigation. Vera and her colleagues soon uncover details in the victim's past that may explain her untimely death. But Vera knows from experience that there's no such thing as a simple case, and this one gets more baffling by the minute.

Dates Read: July 18 – 22, 2016
Participants: (6)- Andrew, Lynda, Sergei, Eadie, Carol, Lynsey
Ratings: Carol 4.5; Eadie 5; Lynda 5; Sergei 4; Andrew 4.5; Lynsey- 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.5

Hour Game by David Baldacci

Group Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionhourga
Series: King and Maxwell Book #2
Publication Date: 2003 Reprint May 2013

Book Description: A woman is found murdered in the woods. It seems like a simple case but it soon escalates into a terrible nightmare. Someone is replicating the killing styles of the most infamous murderers of all time. No one knows this criminal's motives...or who will die next.

Date Read: July 27 –August 1, 2016
Participants: (8) - Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Jen, Bluebird, Brenda
Ratings: Brenda 3.75; Sergei 3.5; Eadie 4; Andrew 4; Bluebird 4; Lynda - 4.5 Jen, 4 Carol 5
Overall Avenge Rating: 4.09

Book of Fate by Brad Meltzer

Group Discussion: http://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontheboo
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 20, 2006 - Reprint October 1, 2011

Book Description: "Six minutes from now, one of us would be dead. None of us knew it was coming." So says Wes Holloway, a young presidential aide, about the day he put Ron Boyle, the chief executive's oldest friend, into the president's limousine. By the trip's end, a crazed assassin would permanently disfigure Wes and kill Boyle. Now, eight years later, Boyle has been spotted alive. Trying to figure out what really happened takes Wes back into disturbing secrets buried in Freemason history, a decade-old presidential crossword puzzle, and a two-hundred-year-old code invented by Thomas Jefferson that conceals secrets worth dying for.

Dates Read: August 8-13, 2016
Participants:6; 5 ratings- Andrew, Eadie, Carol, Jen, Brenda, Sergei
Ratings: Andrew 4.5, Eadie 4, Carol 4, Jen No rating yet, Brenda 3.5, Sergei 4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.1

Caught in the Light by Robert Goddard

Group Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussioncaught
Series: Standalone
Publication Date Originally Published January 1, 1998 - international reprint January 11, 2011

Book Description: "On assignment in Vienna, photographer Ian Jarrett falls desperately in love with a woman he meets by chance, Marian Esguard. Back in England, he breaks up with his wife and goes to meet Marian at an agreed rendezvous. Marian fails to show. Searching desperately for her, he stumbles on a Dorset churchyard full of the gravestones of dead Esguards. He also meets a psychotherapist, Daphne Sanger. She too is looking for someone: a former patient who has come to believe she is the reincarnation of Marion Esguard, who lived in Regency times and, it emerges, may have invented photography ten years before Fox Talbot. But if so, why is she unknown to history? And where is the woman he met in Vienna? Ian sets out to solve a mystery that may be 170 years old. At the end of his search a trap awaits him.

Dates Read: August 19- 23, 2016
Participants: (7) Andrew, Carol , Lynda, Brenda, Sergei, Eadie, Bluebird
Ratings: Carol - 4; Andrew - 4.5; Lynda - 4.5; Eadie - 4.5; Brenda - 4; Sergei - 4.5 - Bluebird -4
Overall Rating 4.29

The Glass Room by Ann Cleeves

Group Discussion:www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthegla
Series: Vera Stanhope Book #5
Publication Date: February 1, 2012

Book Description: "DI Vera Stanhope is not one to make friends easily, but her hippy neighbors keep her well-supplied in home brew and conversation so she has more tolerance for them than most. When one of them goes missing she feels duty-bound to find out what happened. But her path leads her to more than just a missing friend."

Dates Read: August 27 - 31, 2016
Participants: (7) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sushicat-3, Sergei, Lynsey
Ratings: Andrew - 3.5, Carol - 4, Eadie - 4, Lynda - 4 , Sushicat -, Sergei - 3.5, Lynsey - 3.5
Overall Average Rating: 3.75

Skeleton Coast by Clive Cussler & Jack Du Brul

Group Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionskelet
Series: Oregon Files Book #4
Publication Date: originally published October 3, 2006 Reprint January 3, 2012

Book Description: "Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the covert combat ship Oregon have barely escaped a mission on the Congo River when they intercept a mayday from a defenseless boat under fire off the African coast. Cabrillo takes action, saving the beautiful Sloane Macintyre - who's looking for a long-submerged ship that may hold a fortune in diamonds. But what surprises Cabrillo is her story about a crazy fisherman who claims to have been attacked on the open sea by giant metal snakes in the same area.What begins as a snake hunt leads Cabrillo onto the trail of a far more lethal quarry - a deranged militant and his followers who plan to unleash the devastating power of nature itself against all who oppose them."

Dates Read September 6 - September 11, 2016
Participants:(6) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Brenda, Sergei
Ratings: Andrew -4, Carol - 4, Eadie -4, Lynda - 4, Brenda - 4 , Sergei - 4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.08

The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths

Group Discussion:
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #8
Publication Date: May 3, 2016

Book Description: "a vision of the Virgin Mary foreshadows a string of cold-blooded murders, revealing a dark current of religious fanaticism in an old medieval town.

Known as England’s Nazareth, the medieval town of Little Walsingham is famous for religious apparitions. So when Ruth Galloway’s druid friend Cathbad sees a woman in a white dress and a dark blue cloak standing alone in the local cemetery one night, he takes her as a vision of the Virgin Mary. But then a woman wrapped in blue cloth is found dead the next day, and Ruth’s old friend Hilary, an Anglican priest, receives a series of hateful, threatening letters. Could these crimes be connected? When one of Hilary’s fellow female priests is murdered just before Little Walsingham’s annual Good Friday Passion Play, Ruth, Cathbad, and DCI Harry Nelson must team up to find the killer before he strikes again.

Dates Read: September 16 - September 20, 2016
Participants:(7; with 6 ratings) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi, Bluebird
Ratings: Andrew - 4.5, Carol - 4.5, Sergei -4.5, Lynda - 4.5, Eadie - 5, Sushi - 3.4, Bluebird -
Overall Average Rating: 4.4

Ice Hunt by James Rollins

Group Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionicehun
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: Originally Published July 1, 2003 - Reprint March 1, 2007

Book Description: "Carved into a moving island of ice twice the size of the United States, Ice Station Grendel has been abandoned for more than seventy years. The twisted brainchild of the finest minds of the former Soviet Union, it was designed to be inaccessible and virtually invisible. But an American undersea research vessel has inadvertently pulled too close – and something has been sighted moving inside the allegedly deserted facility, something whose survival defies every natural law. And now, as scientists, soldiers, intelligence operatives, and unsuspecting civilians are drawn into Grendel’s lethal vortex, the most extreme measures possible will be undertaken to protect its dark mysteries – because the terrible truths locked behind submerged walls of ice and steel could end human life on Earth."

Dates Read: September 24 - September 30, 2016
Participants: (6) Andrew; Carol; Sergei, Lynda; Eadie; Brenda
Ratings: Carol-5; Andrew -4.5; Sergei -5; Lynda - 4.5; Eadie-4.5; Brenda - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.58

These are the first 3 Vera Stanhope books that we read on Leafmarks.
The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves

Group Discussion: was done on Leafmark- Link no longer available
Series: Vera Stanhope Book #1
Publication Date: 1999

Book Description: "Three very different women come together at isolated Baikie's Cottage on the North Pennines, to complete an environmental survey. Three women who each know the meaning of betrayal ...Rachael, the team leader, is still reeling after a double betrayal by her lover and boss, Peter Kemp. Anne, a botanist, sees the survey as a chance to indulge in a little deception of her own. And then there is Grace, a strange, uncommunicative young woman, hiding plenty of her own secrets. Rachael is the first to arrive at the cottage, where she discovers the body of her friend, Bella Furness. Bella, it appears, has committed suicide -- a verdict Rachael refuses to accept. When another death occurs, a fourth woman enters the picture -- the unconventional Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope ."

Dates Read: February 19, 2016 - February 20, 2016
Partarticipants: (7) - Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie , Lynsey, Sushi
Ratings: Andrew - 4, Sergei 4.5, Carol 4.5, Lynda -4.5, Eadie -5, Lynsey - 4.5; Sushi -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.43

Comments:

"This was an interesting introduction to the Vera Stanhope series, who is rather a unique character. It encompassed an interesting mystery that threw in a number of twists. I didn't work out who the guilty party was until just before the end of the book. I look forward to reading on in this intriguing series."

Telling Tales by Ann Cleeves

Group Discussion: - Was done on Leafmarks - Link no longer available
Series: Vera Stanhope Book #2
Publication Date: 2005

Book Description: "It's been ten long years since Jeanie Long has been locked up for the murder of teenager Abigail Mantel. Ten long years, and now evidence has come forward that proves Jeanie's innocence. The villagers of Elvet on the East Yorkshire coast know this means Abigail's killer is still at large. Yorkshire police believe it best to bring in an investigative team from outside to re-open the case, and Northumbria's Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope finds herself among the "Yorkies" sifting through all the witnesses' stories to piece together the truth. Stanhope finds many questions that need answers. Two of the leads on the original case left the force and are now living in the area. Both of them had seemed content with Jeanie Long's conviction. The murdered girl's father is a businessman and no better than he has to be. Even the victim's best friend seems wreathed in daydreams and unsure of what really went on ten years ago. Stanhope has her work cut out for her. But if there's anyone with the patience to get to the bottom of this case, it's Vera Stanhope. A middle-aged, homely woman, she's used to being in the background and allowed to listen and observe. When she finds the loose thread of a clue, she worries and worries at it until it's pulled loose, and she follows wherever it leads."

Dates Read March 13, 2016 - March 17, 2016
Participants; (6) - Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Lynsey
Ratings: Andrew - 4, Sergei 4.5, Carol 4.5, Lynda - 4.5, Eadie - 5, Lynsey 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.42

Hidden Depths by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: Was done on Leafmarks - Link no longer available
Series: Vera Stanhope Book #3
Publication Date: 2007

Book description: "A hot summer on the Northumberland coast, and Julie Armstrong arrives home from a night out to find her son murdered. Luke has been strangled, laid out in a bath of water and covered with wild flowers. This stylized murder scene has Inspector Vera Stanhope and her team intrigued. But then a second body - that of beautiful young teacher Lily Marsh - is discovered laid out in a rock pool, the water strewn with flowers. Now, Vera must work quickly to find this dramatist, this killer who is making art out of death. Clues are slow to emerge from those who had known Luke and Lily, but Vera soon finds herself drawn towards the curious group of friends who discovered Lily's body. What unites these four men and one woman? Are they really the close-knit, trustworthy unit they claim to be? As local residents are forced to share their private lives and those of their loved ones, sinister secrets are slowly unearthed. And all the while the killer remains in their midst, waiting for an opportunity to prepare another beautiful, watery grave ."

Dates Read: May 19, 2016 - May 23, 2016
Participants: (7) Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Lynsey, Sushi
Ratings:Andrew - 4, Sergei 4.5, Carol 4.5, Lynda - 5, Eadie - 5, Lynsey 4.5; Sushi 3.6
Overall Average Rating: 4.44

The next 6 entries are the Shetland Island series that were read on Shelfari and Leaf Marks. Some information may be incomplete.

Raven Black by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: No discussion link available - Shelfari
Series: Shetland Island Book #1
Publication Date: 2006

Book Description: "Raven Black begins on New Year's Eve with a lonely outcast named Magnus Tait, who stays home waiting for visitors who never come. But the next morning the body of a murdered teenage girl is discovered nearby, and suspicion falls on Magnus. Inspector Jimmy Perez enters an investigative maze that leads deeper into the past of the Shetland Islands than anyone wants to go."

Dates Read: no dates available
Participants: (6) - Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi
Ratings: Carol -4.5 , Eadie -5 - Andrew - 4.5, Lynda - 4.5 - Sergei - 5; Sushi - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.58

White Nights by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: no discussion link available - Shelfari
Series: Shetland Island Book #2
Publication Date: 2008

Book Description: "The launch of an exhibition at The Herring House art gallery is disturbed by a stranger who bursts into tears, then claims not to remember who he is or where he comes from. The next day he's found dead. Set in midsummer, the book captures the unsettling nature of a landscape where the sun never quite sets and where people are not as they first seem.

Dates Read: May 13, 2015 - May 17, 2015
Participants: (6) Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi
Ratings: Carol -5, Eadie -5, Andrew - 4.5, Lynda- 4.5, Sergei - 4; Sushi -4.4
Overall Average Rating: 4.7

Red Bones by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: no discussion link available - Shelfari
Series: Shetland Island Book #3
Publication Date: 2009

Book description: "When a young archaeologist discovers a set of human remains, the locals are intrigued. Is it an ancient find - or a more contemporary mystery? Then an elderly woman fatally is shot and Ann Cleeves's popular series detective Jimmy Perez is called in. In Red Bones, a claustrophobic mists swirl around the Shetland Islands, and Inspector Perez finds himself totally in the dark."

Dates Read: July 10, 2015 - July 14, 2015
Participants: (6) - Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi
Ratings: Carol - 4, Eadie - 4, Andrew - 4.5, Lynda - 4, Sergei - 4.5; Sushi - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.17

Comments:
"The pace is steady but not quick, as the layers of this close knit community are peeled away."

"I have never read a book where I feel I've experienced the rain, wind and sunshine that she portrays so well on these islands."

Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: no discussion link available - Shelfari
Series: Shetland Island Book #4
Publication Date: 2010

Book Description: "Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez brings his fiancée home to Fair Isle, a birder's paradise, where strangers are viewed with suspicions and distrust. When a woman's body is discovered at the island's bird observatory, the investigation is hampered by a raging storm that renders the island totally isolated. Jimmy has to find clues the old-fashioned way, and he has to do it quickly. There's a killer on the island just waiting for the chance to strike again."

Dates Read: September 14, 2015 - September 18, 2015
Participants:(6) Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi
Ratings: Carol 3, Eadie -5, Andrew - 5, Lynda - 5, Sergei - 5; Sushi - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.5

Comments:
"Not as enjoyable as the first three. I felt the ending was unnecessarily harsh."

Dead Water by Ann Cleeves

B ook Discussion no discussion link available
Series: Shetland Island Book#5
Publication Date: 2013

Book Description: "When the body of a journalist is found, Detective Inspector Willow Reeves is drafted from outside to head up the investigation. Inspector Jimmy Perez has been out of the loop, but his local knowledge is needed in this case, and he decides to help Willow. The dead journalist had left the islands years before to pursue his writing career. In his wake, he left a scandal involving a young girl. When Willow and Jimmy dig deeper, they realize that the journalist was chasing a story that many Shetlanders didn't want to come to the surface."

Dates Read: November 5, 2015 - November 9, 2015
Participants: (6) Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi
Ratings: Carol -4, Eadie - 4, Andrew - 4.5, Lynda - 4.5, Sergei - 5; Sushi - 4.4
Overall Average Rating: 4.4

Comments:
"The setting--the Shetland Islands--makes the novel. Ann Cleeves does a wonderful job of placing you in the rugged windswept islands."

"Ann Cleeves' writing is so enjoyable and descriptive with characters you really like and feel you know personally it's always a pleasure to read."

"Another cracking read in this excellent series."

Thin Air by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion:no discussion link available - Last book discussed on Shelfari
Series: Shetland Island Book #6
Publication Date: 2014

Book Description: "a group of old university friends leave the bright lights of London and travel to Shetland to celebrate the marriage of one of their friends. But, one of them, Eleanor, disappears--apparently into thin air. Detectives Jimmy Perez and Willow Reeves are dispatched to investigate. Before she went missing, Eleanor claimed to have seen the ghost of a local child who drowned in the 1920's. Jimmy and Willow are convinced that there is more to Eleanor's disappearance than they first thought. Is there a secret that lies behind the myth? One so shocking that someone would kill--many years later--to protect?"

Dates Read: January 9, 2016 - January 12 2016
Participants: (6) Andrew, Sergei, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi
Ratings: Carol - 5, Eadie -5, Andrew - 5 , Lynda - 5 - Sergei - 5; Sushi - 4.4
Overall Average Rating: 4.9

Comments:
"This is an excellent read and works well as a stand alone novel. Different in feel from the Vera Stanhope series, but strong in its own way."

"Other characters speculate on Jimmy Perez and his grief but he seemed more of a cardboard cut out than full fledged character. Hope he gets back to his old lovable self soon."

"Excellent sense of place and a good mix of characters make this an interesting read with several who-can-you-trust? moments."

"This was yet another excellent book in this superb series. This would have to be one of my favourite series, I love the setting for the books, the main group of characters, the suspense and tension that is built up during the book and the plotting of these books. At the end of each book when you think back all the clues are there and you think why didn't I get that, but in each book you keep changing your ideas about who the killer is, but you never fully work it out until the reveal. Yet again once you know all the details it is obvious who the killer is and the killer in this book was on my radar on a few occasions. It was good to see Jimmy was in a much improved place in this book and demonstrates once again his high quality detection skills and his patience and calm. The only bad point is I've now reached the end of the books published so far in the series and I have to wait for the next two to be published - I hope she writes quickly. If you haven't read this series, what are you waiting for!"

This will be a group of books in the Ruth Galloway series by Elly Griffiths that the group has discussed and loved... but because they were discussed on Shelfari and Leafmarks there may not be a lot of information. I will add info as I get it hopefully from the participants themselves.

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion: no site available
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #1
Publication Date: 2009

Book Description: Forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway is in her late thirties. She lives happily alone with her two cats in a bleak, remote area near Norfolk, land that was sacred to its Iron Age inhabitants—not quite earth, not quite sea. But her routine days of digging up bones and other ancient objects are harshly upended when a child’s bones are found on a desolate beach. Detective Chief Inspector Nelson calls Galloway for help, believing they are the remains of Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing a decade ago and whose abductor continues to taunt him with bizarre letters containing references to ritual sacrifice, Shakespeare, and the Bible. Then a second girl goes missing and Nelson receives a new letter—exactly like the ones about Lucy. Is it the same killer? Or a copycat murderer, linked in some way to the site near Ruth’s remote home?

Dates Read:May 20-May 25, 2015

Participants:(6) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei, Sushi
Ratings: Carol - 5; Sergei - 5; Lynda - 5; Andrew - 5; Sushi - 4; Eadie -5
Overall Average Rating:

Comments: 4.8

"The Crossing Places is steeped in history, myth, and even a bit of madness... all pulled firmly into a modern setting."

"The main character, Ruth, was a pleasant break from the usual self confident professional woman portrayed by most of the books of this genre."

"Our heroine is a competent academic who is more comfortable with cats than most people...and who, every morning must deal with her own self image before she can face the challenges of the day."

"There are some nice twists here, and I admit I was hooked almost from the beginning."

The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion: no site available
Series:Ruth Galloway Book #2
Publication Date: 2010

Book Description: It’s been only a few months since archaeologist Ruth Galloway found herself entangled in a missing persons case, barely escaping with her life. But when construction workers demolishing a large old house in Norwich uncover the bones of a child beneath a doorway—minus its skull—Ruth is once again called upon to investigate. Is it a Roman-era ritual sacrifice, or is the killer closer at hand? Ruth and Detective Harry Nelson would like to find out—and fast.

Dates Read: July 25- July 30, 2015

Participants:(6) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei, Sushi
Ratings: Carol - 4; Sergei - 4; Lynda; 4; Sushi -3.6; Andrew - 4; Eadie - 5
Overall Average Rating: 4.1

Comments:

"There is plenty of action and forensic detail for thriller fans and yet mild enough for more cozy mystery people."

"This is not a thriller sort of mystery where the main characters are constantly on the run being chased by bad guys. The pace is much slower and it is more about the characters, especially the complicated relationship between Ruth and Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson."

The House At Seas End by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion: no site available
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #3
Publication Date: 2011

Book Description: Just back from maternity leave, forensic archaeologist Ruth is finding it hard to juggle motherhood and work when she is called in to investigate human bones that have surfaced on a remote Norfolk beach. The presence of DCI Harry Nelson, the married father of her daughter, does not help. The bones, six men with their arms bound, turn out date back to World War II, a desperate time on this stretch of coastland. Home Guard veteran Archie Whitcliffe reveals the existence of a secret the old soldiers have vowed to protect with their lives. But then Archie is killed and a German journalist arrives, asking questions about Operation Lucifer, a plan to stop a German invasion, and a possible British war crime. What was Operation Lucifer? And who is prepared to kill to keep its secret?

Dates Read: October 13 - October 19, 2015

Participants:(6) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Eadie, Lynda, Sushi
Ratings: Carol - 3.5; Sergei - 4; Andrew - 4; Sushi - 3; Eadie -4.5; Lynda - 4
Overall Average Rating: 3.84

Comments:

"I thought this was the weakest of the three books thus far in the series. The mystery for this book isn't as compelling as the previous volumes."

"The solution to the mystery was a little convoluted...it was just such an unlikely ending."

"One thing I did appreciate was the further development of Cathbad's character who has been proven to much more human in this entry."

A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion: no site available
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #4
Publication Date: 2011

Book Description:When Ruth Galloway arrives to supervise the opening of a coffin containing the bones of a medieval bishop, she finds the museum’s curator lying dead on the floor. Soon after, the museum’s wealthy owner is also found dead, in his stables. These two deaths could be from natural causes, but once again Ruth and DCI Harry Nelson cross paths during the investigation. When threatening letters come to light, events take an even more sinister turn. But as Ruth’s friends become involved, where will her loyalties lie? As her convictions are tested, Ruth and Nelson must discover how Aboriginal skulls, drug smuggling, and the mystery of “The Dreaming” hold the answers to these deaths, as well as the keys to their own survival.

Dates Read: December 9 - December 12, 2015

Participants:(5) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei
Ratings: Carol; 4.5; Sergei - 4;
Overall Average Rating:

Comments:

"After the three previous ones I have found that I am reading the books more and more for the characters. Each one is beginning to take one a life of their own."

"All together it is a combination that produces a well done story line in spite of this one being a little more on far fetched side. But...it's my kind of book."

"Another good read in this enjoyable series. The relationship between the characters is just as key as the crime related parts of the book. I look forward to reading on in this series."

A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion: no site available
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #5
Publication Date: 2012

Book Description: When Ruth Galloway learns that her old university friend Dan Golding has died in a house fire, she is shocked and saddened. But when she receives a letter that Dan had written just before he died, her sadness turns to suspicion. The letter tells of a great archaeological discovery, but Dan also says that he is scared for his life. Was Dan’s death linked to his find? The only clue is his mention of the Raven King, an ancient name for King Arthur.

When she arrives in Lancashire, Ruth discovers that the bones reveal a shocking fact about King Arthur—and that the bones have mysteriously vanished. The case draws in DCI Nelson, determined to protect Ruth and their eighteen-month-old daughter, Kate. But someone is willing to kill to keep the bones a secret, and it is beginning to look as if no one is safe.

Dates Read: February 2016

Participants:(5) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei
Ratings: Carol - 5; Sergei - 5; Andrew - 5; Lynda - 5; Eadie - 5
Overall Average Rating: 5.0

Comments:

"What a wonderful read - thank you, Elly Griffiths, for creating this wonderful and real woman, writing such a believable and enjoyable series."

"I've loved every Elly Griffiths novel in this series. I only wish she wrote faster, so I'd have more unread books to look forward to!"

"I learn something new with each book. I also enjoy the bits about archaeology and history and so enjoy Ruth and Cathbad's friendship immensely."

"‪Yet another great read in the Ruth Galloway Series, in fact I might have to say this is my favourite book in the series so far."

"The main character does annoy me at times but despite this I do love this series. There are good connections between this one and King Arthur. I was so close to identifying the killer but just didn't make that final leap and I've given myself a good talking to as a result of this miss. If you haven't read this series I would strongly encourage you to. Come on, what are you waiting for!‬"

The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion: no site available
Series: Ruth Galloway Book # 6
Publication Date: 2014

Book Description:Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist, uncovers the bones of a notorious Victorian murderess, Mother Hook, on a routine dig near the walls of Norwich Castle. A television program Women who Kill wants to film the find. Some members of the production company think Mother Hook was innocent of murdering her charges, others see her as a wicked hag killing children to sell their bodies to the Resurrectionists, men who collected bodies to sell to medical schools for dissection. While Ruth is involved with the television production, DCI Harry Nelson, father of Ruth's daughter, Kate, becomes in involved with the death of a baby and the kidnapping of two others. The atmosphere is charged with tension. The focus is on the mothers and their anguish as the police search for the missing children.

Dates Read: April 2016

Participants: (5) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei
Ratings: Carol 4.5; Sergei - 4.5; Lynda -5; Andrew - 4.5; Eadie -
Overall Average Rating:

Comments:

" I felt that while the plot was exciting and the history behind the dig was interesting, the author added a lot of unnecessary filler that the story didn't need to move it forward."

"There was more police presence and detection in this book than some earlier books. I found that a good contrast to the academic atmosphere surrounding Ruth and the television production."

"If you like a good mystery with interesting characters and the beautiful Norfolk scenery, you'll enjoy this book."

"Another good outing in this series, in fact this one may be one of my favourites in the series. I certainly didn't work out exactly what was happening in this book. There was some great developments in the inter-relationships between the characters in this book - this is what the real strength of this series is. I do wonder when other series have been made into TV series why this one hasn't, I do think it would lend itself well to this format. I most definitely look forward to continuing this series.‬"

The Ghost Fields by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion:no site available
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #7
Publication Date: 2015

Book Description:It’s a blazing hot summer in Norfolk when a construction crew unearths a downed American fighter plane from World War II with a body inside. Forensic archeologist Ruth Galloway determines that the skeleton couldn’t possibly be the pilot, and DNA tests identify the man as Fred Blackstock, a local aristocrat long presumed dead — news that seems to frighten his descendants. Events are further complicated by a TV company that wants to make a film about Norfolk’s deserted air force bases, the so-called ghost fields, which the Blackstocks have converted into a pig farm. As production begins, Ruth notices a mysterious man loitering at Fred Blackstock’s memorial service. Then human bones are found on the family’s pig farm and the weather quickly turns. Can the team outrace a looming flood to find the killer?

Dates Read: June 7 - June 12, 2016

Participants: (6) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei, Sushi
Ratings: Carol - 5; Andrew-4.5 ; Lynda -5; Sergei - 4.5; Sushi - 3.6; Eadie -
Overall Average Rating:

Comments:

"Another very good outing for Elly Griffiths in this seventh book in the Ruth Galloway Series. Certainly a series worth reading if you haven't already tried it."

"I really like this series, with its well-drawn characters who seem very much like real people."

"As always, the book grips from the beginning and draws the reader into a fascinating blend of crime and history."

Simple Genius by David Baldacci

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionsimple
Series: King and Maxwell Book #3
Publication Date: 2008

Book Description:Near Washington, D.C., there are two clandestine institutions: the world's most unusual laboratory and a secret CIA training camp. Drawn to these sites by a murder, ex-Secret Service agent Sean King encounters a dark world of mathematicians, codes, and spies. His search for answers soon leads him to more shocking violence-and an autistic girl with an extraordinary genius.
Now, only by working with his embattled partner, Michelle Maxwell, can he catch a killer...and solve a stunning mystery that threatens the entire nation.

Dates Read: October 7 - October 12, 2016

Participants: (8) Andrew - Carol - Bluebird - Lynda - Brenda- Eadie - Sergei - Sushi -
Ratings: Carol- 4; Andrew-3.5; Bluebird - 3; Lynda -4; Brenda - 3.75; Eadie - 4; Sergei -3.5; Sushi - 3
Overall Average Rating: 3.20

Comments:

" It wasn't a bad book: it just wasn't a good book either."

"I like the series but think this is the weakest of the three we've read."

"It was a creative plot."

"It was a readable story, and moved along quite well. Plenty of well-rounded characters."

The Alexandria Link by Steve Berry

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontheale
Series: Cotton Malone Book #2
Publication Date: Nov. 2007

Book Description:Cotton Malone retired from the high-risk world of elite operatives for the U.S. Justice Department to lead the low-key life of a rare-book dealer. But his quiet existence is shattered when he receives an anonymous e-mail: “You have something I want. You’re the only person on earth who knows where to find it. Go get it. You have 72 hours. If I don’t hear from you, you will be childless.” His horrified ex-wife confirms that the threat is real: Their teenage son has been kidnapped. When Malone’s Copenhagen bookshop is burned to the ground, it becomes brutally clear that those responsible will stop at nothing to get what they want. And what they want is nothing less than the lost Library of Alexandria. A cradle of ideas–historical, philosophical, literary, scientific, and religious–the Library of Alexandria was unparalleled in the world. But fifteen hundred years ago, it vanished into the mists of myth and legend–its vast bounty of wisdom coveted ever since by scholars, fortune hunters, and those who believe its untold secrets hold the key to ultimate power. Now a cartel of wealthy international moguls, bent on altering the course of history, is desperate to breach the library’s hallowed halls–and only Malone possesses the information they need to succeed. At stake is an explosive ancient document with the potential not only to change the destiny of the Middle East but to shake the world’s three major religions to their very foundations. Pursued by a lethal mercenary, Malone crosses the globe in search of answers. His quest will lead him to England and Portugal, even to the highest levels of American government–and the shattering outcome, deep in the Sinai desert, will have worldwide repercussions.

Dates Read: October 15 - October 20, 2016
Participants: (7) Andrew; Carol; Lynda; Eadie; Brenda; Sergei; Bluebird
Ratings: Andrew - 4.5; Carol - 4.5; Lynda - 4.5; Eadie- 4.5; Brenda -4.5; Sergei -4.5; Bluebird - 4.5 ;
Overall Average Rating: 4.5

Comments:

"Great book with a great ending! Lots of surprises, but none that made the reader feel cheated or left out."

"Great story and plot...fast moving and never a dull moment. Hope we continue to discuss this series. Hope Stevie can write fast enough for us."

"I like books mixed with history, religion and suspense. This book had it all!"

" Excellent story that was really plot filled. Can't wait to continue the series."

The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthecru
Series: Robert Hunter Book#1
Publication Date: January 2013

Book Description: When the body of a young woman is discovered in a derelict cottage in the middle of Los Angeles National Forest, Homicide Detective Robert Hunter finds himself entering a horrific and recurring nightmare. Naked, strung from two wooden posts, the victim was sadistically tortured before meeting an excruciatingly painful death. All the skin has been ripped from her face - while she was still alive. On the nape of her neck has been carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the "Crucifix Killer". But that's impossible. Because two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Could this therefore be a copycat killer? Or could the unthinkable be true? Is the real killer still out there, ready to embark once again on a vicious and violent killing spree, selecting his victims seemingly at random, taunting Robert Hunter with his inability to catch him? Hunter and his rookie partner are about to enter a nightmare beyond imagining.

Dates Read: October 27 - October 31, 2016

Participants: (9) Andrew; Carol; Lynda; Eadie; Jen; Sergei; Bluebird; Sushi, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew - 5; Carol -5; Lynda -4.5; Eadie - 5; Jen- 4; Sergei - 5 ; Bluebird- 4.5 ; Sushi - 4.2; Brenda - 4;
Overall Average Rating: 4.58

Comments:

"I hope Carter is always so sharing in his books - as a reader, being fed with so many clues made me feel 'involved', not just a bystander. So many authors leave me feeling excluded."

"Absolutely a tremendously absorbing story. Great characters. Love Robert and Garcia and like that Carter took a character that would usually be despised and mistrusted and made him likable."

"The characters, the great suspense, I haven't been this hooked on a book in a long time!"

"The totally shocking surprises and twists. Kept us on the edge of our seat and kept us guessing all the way through. Interesting characters."

Harbour Street by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionharbou
Series: Vera Stanhope Book#6
Publication Date: January 16, 2014

Book Description: As the snow falls thickly on Newcastle, the shouts and laughter of Christmas revelers break the muffled silence. Detective Joe Ashworth and his daughter Jessie are swept along in the jostling crowd onto the Metro. But when the train is stopped due to the bad weather, and the other passengers fade into the swirling snow, Jessie notices that one lady hasn't left the train: Margaret Krukowski has been fatally stabbed. Arriving at the scene, DI Vera Stanhope is relieved to have an excuse to escape the holiday festivities. As she stands on the silent, snow-covered station platform, Vera feels a familiar buzz of anticipation, sensing that this will be a complex and unusual case. Then, just days later, a second woman is murdered. Vera knows that to find the key to this new killing she needs to understand what had been troubling Margaret so deeply before she died - before another life is lost. She can feel in her bones that there's a link. Retracing Margaret's final steps, Vera finds herself searching deep into the hidden past of this seemingly innocent neighborhood, led by clues that keep revolving around one street... Why are the residents of Harbour Street so reluctant to speak?

Dates Read: November 3- November 7, 2016

Participants:(7) Andrew; Carol; Eadie; Sergei; Sushi; Lynda; Lynsey;
Ratings: Andrew -4.5; Carol - 4.5; Eadie -4.5; Sergei -4.5; Sushi -4; Lynda -4; Lynsey -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.86

Comments:

"There was an interesting cast, all of them lying to some extent and thus muddying the waters for us. It was nicely paced and I was kept engaged throughout."

"Very entertaining plot line; good mystery kept us guessing and interested; pacy writing; good character development - this time, it didn't feel as though the book was written to fit in with the TV series."

"Very entertaining plot line; good mystery kept us guessing and interested; pacy writing; good character development - this time, it didn't feel as though the book was written to fit in with the TV series."

"I really like all the characters and the writing was great."

Beyond Recall by Robert Goddard

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionbeyond
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: June 1998 - reprint February 24, 2009

Book Description: On a bright autumn afternoon in Truro, the Napier family celebrates one couple’s golden wedding anniversary and another’s marriage. But for one member of the clan, the day turns dark. Chris Napier, prodigal son, suddenly spots the ragged specter of a former friend, Nicky Lanyon—a man whose own family was ruined by the same twist of fate with which the Napiers were blessed. And the next morning, Chris is horrified to find Nicky dead, hanging from a tree where the boys once played. For Chris, the suicide opens a floodgate of doubt and suspicion. How did his family’s wealth slip out of the hands of a great-uncle, brutally murdered before he could change his will? Were the men convicted of the crime truly guilty? And who is the mysterious, seductive woman who claims to know the Napiers’ darkest secrets? As the crimes of two families are exposed, a series of violent acts shadows him and suddenly Chris knows he’s in uncharted waters…until a killer drops one last disguise for the ultimate act of revenge.

Dates Read: November 17 - November 21, 2016

Participants: (6) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Eadie, Lynda, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew 5; Carol 5 ; Sergei 5; Eadie 5; Lynda 5 ; Brenda 4;
Overall Average Rating: 4.83

Comments

"The plot was well engineered. So many different ways and means were presented that it kept us guessing. Loved all the many twists."

"The plot was very twisted and Goddard keep us guessing through all the different characters portraying Michaela that I don't know how we kept up with it at times. Excellent writing, plot and characters."

"I simply found it a great piece of writing."

"Great plot with plenty of twists, turns and double crosses. No one writes a more beautiful piece of literature than Robert Goddard."

"Kept you thinking. well written. Loved the way he blended the different timelines - very well done on that point."

The Hunters by Chris Kuzneski

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthehun
Series: The Hunters Book #1
Publication Date: July 2013

Book Description: The Team...Financed by a billionaire philanthropist, this elite team―a soldier, an historian, a computer whiz, a weapons expert, and a thief―is tasked with finding the world’s most legendary treasures.

The Mission...Fearing a German victory in WWI, the Romanian government signed a deal with Russia to protect the country’s treasures. In 1916, two trains full of gold and the most precious possessions of the Romanian state―paintings, jewelry, and ancient artifacts―were sent to the underground vaults of the Kremlin. But in the turmoil of war, the Romanian treasure was scattered and lost.

The Prize: The collection is now valued at over $3.5 billion. Despite several attempts to find it, its location has remained a mystery…until now.

Dates Read: November 26 - November 30, 2016

Participants: (6) Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew - 3.75 ; Carol - 3.5 ; Eadie - 4 ; Lynda - 3.5; Sergei - 4; Brenda - 3.5;
Overall Average Rating: 3.71
Comments

"Not overwhelmingly great read, but interesting proposition, based on true facts and Kuzneski's ancestral background. I'm feeling generous enough to give it 4 stars, because overall I enjoyed the plot and the writing could just have been a bit smoother for my liking."

"It wasn't great literature or as good as some of his other books that I've read... but there was parts of it that were really good...not good enough for 4 but tolerable and promising."

"Anyone looking for small team military action, espionage, tomb raider type treasures with several twists and turns then you cannot go wrong with this book"

The Moth Catcher by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthemot
Series: Vera Stanhope Book #6
Publication Date: October 4, 2016

Book Description:Life seems perfect in the quiet community of Valley Farm. Then a shocking discovery shatters the silence. The owners of a big country house have employed a house-sitter, a young ecologist, to look after the place while they’re away. But his dead body is found by the side of the lane―a lonely place to die. When DI Vera Stanhope arrives on the scene, she finds the body of a second man. What the two victims seem to have in common is a fascination with studying moths―and with catching these beautiful, intriguing creatures.

The others who live in Valley Farm have secrets too: Lorraine’s calm demeanor belies a more complex personality; Annie and Sam’s daughter, Lizzie, is due to be released from prison; and Nigel watches, silently, every day, from his window. As Vera is drawn into the claustrophobic world of this increasingly strange community, she realizes that there may be many deadly secrets trapped there .

Dates Read: December 9 - December 13, 2016

Participants: (6) - Andrew; Carol; Lynda; Eadie; Sergei; Sushi;
Ratings: Andrew- 4 ; Carol- 4 ; Lynda- 4; Eadie- 4.5; Sergei- 4; Sushi- 4 ;
Overall Average Rating: 3.42

Comments:

"Not the worst - that honour goes to The Glass Room - but definitely not the best. I've enjoyed others more."

"One of the weaker ones, but not the weakest. I'm with you all on The Glass Room."

"It is an excellent puzzle for the reader to try to figure out who is the murderer, of course. It is great to follow Vera's intellect as with the help of her team she follows the trail of the murderer through to the book's conclusion."

"Cleeves has a keen ear for rural dialogue, and a real gift for providing layered portraits of each of her characters, sharply delineated yet nicely nuanced, and she skillfully exploits these talents in painting a vivid picture of English country life. Structure and pace are also hallmarks of her novels, and dominating the whole is a clever plot with unexpected twists and masterful misdirection that will keep readers engaged until the final page. All in all, an excellent read."

"This is an overall excellent series, and this is another very good helping in that series. I do like Ann's books but I do wish she would give you a little more chance to work out who the killer is. In this one I felt even more was hidden until after we found out who the killer was than in other books in the series - hence only giving it four stars. "

The Venetian Betrayal by Steve Berry

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontheven
Series: Cotton Malone Book#3
Publication Date: November 18, 2008

Book Description: In 323 B.C.E, having conquered Persia, Alexander the Great set his sights on Arabia, then suddenly succumbed to a strange fever. Locating his final resting place–unknown to this day–remains a tantalizing goal for both archaeologists and treasure hunters. Now the quest for this coveted prize is about to heat up. And Cotton Malone–former U.S. Justice Department agent turned rare-book dealer–will be drawn into an intense geopolitical chess game. After narrowly escaping incineration in a devastating fire that consumes a Danish museum, Cotton learns from his friend, the beguiling adventurer Cassiopeia Vitt, that the blaze was neither an accident nor an isolated incident. As part of campaign of arson intended to mask a far more diabolical design, buildings across Europe are being devoured by infernos of unnatural strength.

And from the ashes of the U.S.S.R., a new nation has arisen: Former Soviet republics have consolidated into the Central Asian Federation. At its helm is Supreme Minister Irina Zovastina, a cunning despot with a talent for politics, a taste for blood sport, and the single-minded desire to surpass Alexander the Great as history’s ultimate conqueror.
Backed by a secret cabal of power brokers, the Federation has amassed a harrowing arsenal of biological weapons. Equipped with the hellish power to decimate other nations at will, only one thing keeps Zovastina from setting in motion her death march of domination: a miraculous healing serum, kept secret by an ancient puzzle and buried with the mummified remains of Alexander the Great–in a tomb lost to the ages for more than 1,500 years.

Together, Cotton and Cassiopeia must outrun and out think the forces allied against them. Their perilous quest will take them to the shores of Denmark, deep into the venerated monuments of Venice, and finally high inside the desolate Pamir mountains of Central Asia to unravel a riddle whose solution could destroy or save millions of people–depending on who finds the lost tomb first.

Dates Read: December 17- December 22, 2016

Participants: (8) Andrew, Lynda, Carol, Sergei, Eadie, Bluebird, Brenda, gaylbutz
Ratings: Andrew- 4; Lynda -4 ; Carol - 4 ; Sergei - 4; Eadie - 4.5; Bluebird -3.5; Brenda -4 ; gaylbitz -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.00

Comments:

"I loved learning about Alexander the Great and enjoyed Berry's writing and research. I found Irina Zovastina a fascinating character even though she was so wicked. If you love history with your adventure reads, you will definitely enjoy this series."

"I liked the story. I really want to know more about Alexader. I thought making Irina the bad guy was nice and creative. Usually the bad guy is the same character we've seen in so many books."

"I liked learning about Alexander the Great. Berry's writing and research was amazing. It was different to see a woman as the bad guy."

"I thought the ending was so unbelievable. I had to remember to keep my belief suspended."

"Too long and dragged in places."

"Didn't like Berry's portrayal of Cassiopeia or the boyfriend (gosh, I've already forgotten his name). This Cassiopeia was nothing like the woman we met in the prior book. Some of her behavior could have been explained away by her concern for what's his name, but her total meltdown, loss of common sense and lack critical thinking was too far out of character for me."

" Unbelievable ending. Cure to all the deadly viruses of the world found. Kumbaya. They all lived happily ever after (and there was even the hero and heroine fading away together into the sunset: well, taking a walk together. Same thing."

Seeking The Dead by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionseekin
Series: Joe Plantagenet Book #1
Publication Date: January 6, 2011

Book Description: When Carmel Hennessy begins a new job in North Yorkshire, she finds the historic city of Eborby gripped by fear. A killer is on the prowl - a killer who binds and asphyxiates his victims before leaving their naked bodies in isolated country churchyards. The press are calling him the Resurrection Man.

Tragic events from the past link Carmel with new-kid-on-the-block DI Joe Plantagenet, who, with his new boss, DCI Emily Thwaite, faces the unenviable task of identifying the killer before he claims another victim. The victims appear to have nothing in common but the manner of their deaths, but as Joe's investigations lead him to a pub with a sinister history, he is forced to consider that the case may have occult connections. Then Carmel becomes aware of a malevolent presence in her new flat and, when she starts to receive mysterious threats, it is Joe she turns to first. And that is when Joe is forced to get into the mind of a cunning - and scarily ruthless - killer.

Dates Read: December 26- December 30, 2016

Participants: (8) Andrew; Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Brenda, Jen, Sushi
Ratings: Andrew -4.5; Carol -4.5; Sergei - 4.5; Lynda - 4; Eadie - 4.5; Brenda - 4 ; Jen- 4; Sushi- 4 :
Overall Average Rating: 4.81

Comments:

" I've been a long time fan of Ellis's Wesley Peterson series and had only read one or two from this one. I do believe that I have enjoyed this series as much or more than the Peterson series....which came as a bit of a surprise to me."

" The characters seem to have more substance and the plots moves along at a quicker pace. The structure of the plot is interesting and we learn of events from a number of different characters, including the killer. We are taken along parallel paths until events slowly start to merge and the killer is more easily identified. Great series and I would recommend it to all Kate Ellis fans or just someone that enjoys a good who-done-it."

"This was my first Kate Ellis book but it won't be my last. I found her writing to be very enjoyable and I loved her research about the city of York. Sounds like a very unique place to visit in the future. Her characters were very well-drawn and interesting."

"The plot was good with unexpected twists that kept the pages flying. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future and highly recommend her books to those who love historical mysteries."

"I think Ellis managed to pull it all together in the end - with a nice twist about revealing the ghost's story."

"I thought it was all brought together nicely and I like the way even the ghost had a resolution."

Plague Ship by Clive Cussler & Jack DuBrul

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionplague
Series: Oregon File Book #5
Publication Date: February 24, 2009

Book Description: Captained by the rakish, one-legged Juan Cabrillo and manned by a crew of former military and spy personnel, the Oregon is a private enterprise, available for any government agency that can afford it. They've just completed a top secret mission against Iran in the Persian Gulf when they come across a cruise ship adrift at sea. Hundreds of bodies litter its deck, and, as Cabrillo tries to determine what happened, explosions rack the length of the ship. Barely able to escape with his own life and that of the liner’s sole survivor, Cabrillo finds himself plunged into a mystery as intricate – and as perilous – as any he has ever known and pitted against a cult with monstrously lethal plans for the human race . . . plans he may already be too late to stop

Dates Read: January 6, 2017 - January 11, 2017

Participants: (6) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew - 4; Carol- 4; Sergei -4; Lynda-4; Eadie - 4; Brenda -;
Overall Average Rating: 4.00 (missing 1 person)

Comments:

"I think there was too much time spent on some of the sections, like Max's escape. There was also a lot of time spent on weaponry descriptions that made to book longer, but not necessarily better."

"Great action. The authors kept us guessing what would happen next and that kept me reading. This series has a fantastic cast of characters and it was interesting to see the backgrounds of some of the lesser featured ones."

"Always an interesting ride that keeps me wanting to turn the page."

"I like reading about how they get out of tight situations and I also like the different areas they travel too."

"I enjoyed the link in with the ark and the cult link. Also enjoy the group of characters brought together and the wider group within this book."

First Family by David Baldacci

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionfirstf
Series: King & Maxwell Book #4
Publication Date: March 1 2010

Book Description: A daring kidnapping turns a children's birthday party at Camp David, the presidential retreat, into a national security nightmare.

Former Secret Service agents turned private investigators, Sean King and Michelle Maxwell don't want to get involved. But years ago Sean King saved the First Lady's husband, then a senator, from political disaster. Now the president's wife presses Sean and Michelle into a desperate search to rescue a kidnapped child. With Michelle still battling her own demons, the two are pushed to the limit, with forces aligned on all sides against them--and the line between friend and foe impossible to define . . . or defend.

Dates Read: January 14 2017 - January, 19, 2017

Participants: (9) Andrew; Carol; Lynda; Sergei; Bluebird; Eadie; sushi; gaylebutz; Brenda
Ratings: Andrew; Carol 4.5; Lynda 4.5; Sergei 4.5; Bluebird 4; Eadie 4.5; sushi 4; gaylebutz 3.5; Brenda;4
Overall Average Rating: 4.22

Comments:

"I'm not a fan of the storyline featuring Michelle's family. I think that could have been more adroitly managed in a different book."

"Baldacci is the king of the multi-plot. It's not just this series....a lot of is books have this. He usually does manage to tie everything up in the end."

"Sam was one of my favorite characters and the ending was much more compelling than I expected."

"I liked it and it had an exciting ending. Baldacci did a good job of only revealing a little bit at a time so it kept me wondering throughout the whole book. But it did have some unrealistic parts and the 2nd storyline was too long."

" I liked the story itself (taking down a sitting President?!) but also the fact that we've finally seen Michelle get rid of her demons and we've now got a cleaner path forward."

The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthegir
Series: Detective Erika Foster Book #1
Publication Date: February 16, 2016

Book Description: Her eyes are wide open. Her lips parted as if to speak. Her dead body frozen in the ice…She is not the only one. When a young boy discovers the body of a woman beneath a thick sheet of ice in a South London park, Detective Erika Foster is called in to lead the murder investigation.

The victim, a beautiful young socialite, appeared to have the perfect life. Yet when Erika begins to dig deeper, she starts to connect the dots between the murder and the killings of three prostitutes, all found strangled, hands bound and dumped in water around London. What dark secrets is the girl in the ice hiding? As Erika inches closer to uncovering the truth, the killer is closing in on Erika.

The last investigation Erika led went badly wrong… resulting in the death of her husband. With her career hanging by a thread, Erika must now battle her own personal demons as well as a killer more deadly than any she’s faced before. But will she get to him before he strikes again?

Dates Read: January 26, 2017 - January 30, 2017

Participants: (8) Andrew, Carol, Lynda, Sergei, Eadie, Bluebird, Brenda, Jaret
Ratings: Andrew 3.5, Carol - 4.5, Lynda - 4, Sergei 3.5, Eadie - 4.5, Bluebird- 3.5, Brenda- 3.75, Jaret
Overall Average Rating:3.89 (missing 1 participant)

Comments:

"I liked the writing style, the characters and the plot line, so will continue with the series; but I hope Bryndza might decide to be more 'sharing' in future."

"I think Robert Bryndza is an excellent writer who can grip your attention from the beginning and keep you guessing throughout. I think his characters are well-drawn and captivating. I like that there was a lot of dialogue."

"I thought he did a great job of moving the narrative along. There wasn't a single section where I didn't want to read on."

"It was a good, dramatic ending, but for me it didn't make up for the lack of reader involvement in the story throughout. It had started out with such promise, but failed to draw me into a partnership with the author where I felt he wanted to share the Intel. This was a good book; it could have been a very good book."

"I also really like his character development. I do look forward to spending more time with Erika and hope the rest of the police officers come with her."

"Good story. Interesting characters...really liked Erika, Moss, Peterson and Crane...even Wolff
Kept the reader guessing."

Long Time Coming by Robert Goddard

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionlongti
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: March 2, 2010

Book Description: Stephen Swan is amazed when he hears that the uncle he thought had been killed in the Blitz is actually alive. For nearly four decades, Eldritch Swan has been locked away in an Irish prison and now, at last, has been released. Shocked and suspicious, Stephen listens to the old man’s story and is caught up in a tale that begins at the dawn of World War II, when Eldritch worked for an Antwerp diamond dealer with a trove of Picassos—highly valuable paintings that later disappeared. Stephen, who finds his uncle by turns devious, charming, and brazen, then meets Rachel Banner, a beautiful American who may have inherited the Picassos—and is determined to see justice done for her family. But in this tale of revenge and redemption, justice is the ultimate illusion. Eldritch, Stephen, and the woman Stephen has fallen in love with soon find themselves fighting for their lives—against sinister forces still guarding a secret that must never be revealed.

Dates Read: February 2017 - February 2017

Participants: (9) Andrew,Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi, Bluebird, Brenda, Joni (LadyJ71) Carol(Later)
Ratings: Andrew -5; Sergei -5; Lynda -5, Eadie -5, Sushi - 4, Bluebird -4, Brenda - 4; Carol-4.5; Joni-5;
Overall Average Rating: 4.6

Comments:

"I liked the ending of the book. I was also glad that Goddard gave us the picture of when Linley and Eldritch were in college together. I thought everything was pretty well tied up in the end. Very good job by Goddard."

"Great complex plot, very interesting characters that were well-drawn, twists, turns and surprises, great history research and a visit to England, Ireland and Belgium."

"Captivating from the very beginning, loved the twists and turns that kept you guessing the whole way through. I always like books that I can learn things from and this one had lots of historical events and geography. And I agree, great storytelling!!"

"What I've come to expect from Robert Goddard: a complex plot, a mystery to unveil slowly, a bit of history, some action - in short a gripping read."

"Complex but believable plot, great characters, and an interesting glimpse into Irish history during WWII."

"interesting story - good job of weaving the past with the current. complex characters."

The Charlemagne Pursuit by Steve Berry

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthecha
Series: Cotton Malone Book #4
Publication Date: November 24, 2009

Book Description: As a child, former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone was told that his father died in a submarine disaster in the North Atlantic. But what he now learns stuns him: His father’s sub was a secret nuclear vessel lost on a highly classified mission beneath the ice shelves of Antarctica.

Twin sisters Dorothea Lindauer and Christl Falk are also determined to find out what became of their father, who died on the same submarine–and they know something Malone doesn’t: Inspired by strange clues discovered in Charlemagne’s tomb, the Nazis explored Antarctica before the Americans. Now Malone discovers that cryptic journals penned in “the language of heaven,” conundrums posed by an ancient historian, and his father’s ill-fated voyage are all tied to a revelation of immense consequence for humankind. As Malone embarks on a dangerous quest with the sisters, he will finally confront the shocking truth of his father’s death and the distinct possibility of his own.

Dates Read: February 11, 2017 - February 17, 2017

Participants: (7) Andrew, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Bluebird, Sergei, Brenda,
Ratings: Andrew-3; Carol -3; Lynda 2.5;- Eadie -3.5; Sergei - 3.5; Bluebird 2.5; - Brenda -3.25
Overall Average Rating: 3.04
Comments:

"The writing was choppy and the action moved from one subplot to another. There were several separate plot lines going on, none of them compelling. The characters are neither likable nor their motivations believable."

"Make the story shorter and more pacy; make every word move the story along."

"The story needed to be shorter. Don't jump around so much in the timeline. Put Cotton with his crew that he usually works with and give us some likable characters."

"I honestly thought that Ramsey and Smith were actually the best characters in the entire book. You could always look forward to seeing what new evil they would carry out. "

Natural Causes by James Oswald

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionnatura
Series: Detective Inspector MacLean Book #1
Publication Date: March 4, 2014

Book Description:A young girl's mutilated body is discovered in a room that has lain sealed for the last sixty years. Her remains are carefully arranged in what seems to have been a macabre ritual. For newly appointed Edinburgh Detective Inspector Tony McLean, this baffling cold case ought to be a low priority, but he is haunted by the young victim and her grisly death. Meanwhile, the city is horrified by a series of bloody killings—deaths for which there appears to be neither rhyme nor reason, and which leave Edinburgh's police at a loss.

McLean is convinced that these deaths are somehow connected to the terrible ceremonial killing of the girl, all those years ago. It is an irrational theory. And one that will lead McLean closer to the heart of a terrifying and ancient evil . . .

Dates Read: February 21 - February 25, 2017

Participants:(9) Andrew, Carol, Jen, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei, Brenda, Sushi, Bluebird
Ratings: Andrew-4, Carol-4, Jen-, Eadie-4, Lynda-4, Sergei -4, Brenda-4, Sushi -4, Bluebird-4
Overall Average Rating: 4.6 (1 missing)

Comments:

"I really liked his writing a lot and his characters were well drawn. The plot was good but I agree with what the author said that the short story from which this book was derived was more for a horror or supernatural tale."

"Good writing, likable/interesting main character (McLean) and supporting characters (Cadwaller, McBride, Emma, even Grumpy Bob), interesting story."

"Well written and some interesting characters."

"I agree that these books were very well crafted with great characterisation and an interesting plot that moved along well. Had trouble keeping up with the body count at one point. Wish Alison Kydd hadn't been killed. 😢"

The Distant Echo by Val McDermid

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthedis
Series: Karen Pirie Book #1
Publication Date: May 23, 2003

Book Description:It was a winter morning in 1978, that the body of a young barmaid was discovered in the snow banks of a Scottish cemetery. The only suspects in her brutal murder were the four young men who found her: Alex Gilbey and his three best friends. With no evidence but her blood
on their hands, no one was ever charged. Twenty five years later, the Cold Case file on Rosie Duff has been reopened. For Alex and his friends, the investigation has also opened old wounds, haunting memories-and new fears. For a stranger has emerged from the shadows with his own ideas about justice. And revenge. When two of Alex's friends die under suspicious circumstances, Alex knows that he and his innocent family are the next targets. And there's only way to save them: return to the cold-blooded past and uncover the startling truth about the murder. For there lies the identity of an avenging killer.

Dates Read: March 3, 2017 - March 8, 2017

Participants:(5) Andrew, Carol, Brenda, Eadie, Lynda
Ratings: Andrew -3.5; Carol -4; Brenda- 3.75; Eadie -4.5; Lynda -4
Overall Average Rating: 3.95

Comments:

"I thought it was very well written and easy to read. Held my interest until the very end. I loved all the characters too and thought they were well-drawn and the plot was very exciting."

"I liked the setting and the characters. They were people that the reader could care about."

"I thought it held my attention after a confusing start. I liked the setting."

"It was too easy to guess the killer of Rosie and I don't think you can really consider this book as book 1 of the Karen Pirie series as she was not in the book too much except towards the ending." (spoiler deleted from quote by Carol)

"I thought having four characters with nicknames and given names was confusing. The killer was too obvious. Karen Pirie, what little we saw of her, was not very likable."

"I liked the characters and was interested in them.
the story line was interesting and I liked how it was done through both the 1970's timeline and the present cold case."

Playing With Bones by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionplayin
Series: The Joe Plantagenet series Book #2
Publication Date: July 9, 2010

Book Description: Three seemingly separate cases quickly become entangled, and DI Joe Plantagenet must sort them out before more lives are lost. Singmass Close has a sinister past, reputedly haunted by the ghosts of children. In the 1950s it was the hunting ground of the Doll Strangler, a ruthless killer who was never brought to justice. Now DI Joe Plantagenet wonders whether a copycat killer is at work when the strangled body of teenager Natalie Parkes is found with a mutilated doll lying by her side. With the recent disappearance of a young female model and an escaped convict at large, this new, horrific murder stretches Joe’s team to their limit. But as the bodies start mounting up and Joe’s questioning brings him closer to the real strangler, he comes to suspect a shocking connection between all three cases.

Dates Read: March 15, 2017 - March 19, 2017

Participants: (6) Andrew, Carol, Lynda, Eadie, Sergei, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew-4.25; Carol-4; Lynda- 4; Eadie-5; Sergei-4.5; Brenda-4.25;
Overall Average Rating: 4.33

Comments:

"I liked all the characters and I liked the fact that all the storylines of the plot were interconnected."

"I like the characters - especially Joe. He seems to be a good cop as well as a good guy.
I warmed up to Emily in this book as she came across a little more human and caring. The style is easy to read and gave you a chance to solve the crime."

"The writing is well done, and the setting is very vivid. I'm not a fan of paranormal suspense and the author does a great job of keeping the focus on the police procedural with just a smidgen of ghostly activity."

"The characters in this series are great....especially Joe. I love the Wesley Peterson series but these two cops are so different. The supernatural aspects also a seller for me. I'm a sucker for a good ghost story but I know that not everyone shares that opinion. Ellis gives the ghost loving reader the ghost but not so much that it's the main theme of the book. I also like the way that Kate Ellis makes even the seeming opposite and irrelevant events throughout the story come together in the end."

"I like Ellis's writing style: it makes for a smooth, easy read.
I like that she gives her readers lots of information to work with, so that we have a good chance of solving the case ourselves!"

The Forbidden Tomb by Chris Kuzneski

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthefor
Series: The Hunters Book #2
Publication Date: April 24, 2014

Book Description: THE TREASURE: For nearly two thousand years, the legendary tomb of Alexander the Great—and the extraordinary riches concealed within—has remained undiscovered, but recent events may hold the key to locating the fabled vault. Only one team has what it takes to solve the mystery that has plagued historians for centuries.

THE MISSION:
The Hunters—an elite group assembled by an enigmatic billionaire to locate the world’s greatest treasures—are tasked with finding the tomb. Following clues to Alexandria, they encounter hostile forces that will do anything to stop them. Before long, the treasure hunt becomes a deadly rescue mission that will take the lives of hundreds and leave a city in ruins.

THE PRIZE:
As the danger continues to mount, will they rise to the challenge? Or will the team be killed before they find the ultimate prize?

Dates Read: March 24, 2017 - March 29, 2017

Participants: Andrew, Carol, Eadie, Lynda, Sergei, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew- 4.5, Carol-4, Eadie-4.5, Lynda 4-, Sergei - 4.25 , Brenda -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.17

Comments:

"A little bit of a slow start. Someone might lose interest before they get to the good parts.
Could have been a bit shorter of a book."

"I wish he would make his team act more like professionals..or at least more mature...instead of a bunch of teenagers. I also could have used less info about explosives and weapons...put overall there was nothing that really distracted from the enjoyment of the story."

"I always like the history element from Kuzneski. His characters have grown in this book."

"I liked the history elements. The story had lots of surprises. I like the treasure hunt aspect."

"Kuzneski needs to work on his dialogue. In addition to the snarkiness, the dialogue often seemed forced and awkward. The pacing could have been a little tighter - there were long slow spots with bursts of action."

"I liked the history elements. The story had lots of surprises. I like the treasure hunt aspect."

"Definitely the history was a strength, and the Group grew on me more in this book. Overall the plot was good, interesting to find a bit more about the links in the books which makes it more interesting."

The Executioner by Chris Carter

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontheexe
Series: Robert Hunter series Book #2
Publication Date: February 28, 2011

Book Description: Inside a Los Angeles church, on the altar steps, lies the blood-soaked, decapitated body of a priest. Carefully positioned, legs stretched out, arms crossed over the chest, the most horrifying thing of all is that the priest's head has been replaced by that of a dog. Later, the forensic team discover that, on the victim's chest, the figure 3 has been scrawled in blood. At first, Detective Robert Hunter believes that this is a ritualistic killing. But as more bodies surface, he is forced to reassess. All the victims died in the way they feared the most. Their worst nightmares have literally come true. But how could the killer have known? And what links these apparently random victims? Hunter finds himself on the trail of an elusive and sadistic killer, somone who apparently has the power to read his victims' minds. Someone who can sense what scares his victims the most. Someone who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

Dates Read: April 9, 2017 - April 13, 2017

Participants: (8) - Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Brenda, Sushi, Bluebird
Ratings: Andrew - 5; Carol- 5; Sergei - 5 ; Lynda -5; Eadie - 5; Brenda - 4 ; Sushi- 3.4; Bluebird - 4 ;
Overall Average Rating: 4.55

Comments:

"This series is not for the faint of heart or those with a weak stomach."

" All the chapters are short, so don't let the 143 chapters be a turn off. Each and every one has a cliffhanger ending that will drive you on to the next and the next and the next."

"Great writing and exciting plot. Interesting characters and a very surprise ending."

"I liked the characters and the plot was phenomenally conceived."

"It was a decent story, well written. The author kept the story moving along, no time to get bored."

"Pacing, plotting, characters, the abundance of clues (even if we picked up on the wrong ones), the whole feel of the books. Very good books overall despite the grittiness."

Corsair by Clive Cussler & Jack DuBurl

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussioncorsai
Series: Oregon Files Book #6
Publication Date: February 23, 2010

Book Description: Corsairs are pirates, and pirates come in many different varieties. There are the pirates who fought off the Barbary Coast in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, the contemporary pirates who infest the waters of Africa and Asia, and the pirates...who look like something else. When the U.S. secretary of state’s plane crashes while bringing her to a summit meeting in Libya, the CIA, distrusting the Libyans, hire Juan Cabrillo to search for her, and their misgivings are well founded. The crew locates the plane, but the secretary of state has vanished. It turns out Libya’s new foreign minister has other plans for the conference, plans that Cabrillo cannot let happen. But what does it all have to do with a two- hundred- year-old naval battle and the centuries-old Islamic scrolls that the Libyans seem so determined to find? The answers will lead him full circle into history, and into another pitched battle on the sea, this time against Islamic terrorists, and with the fate of nations resting on its outcome.

Dates Read: April 18, 2017 - April 23, 2017

Participants: (6) Andrew, Gayle, Lynda, Sergei, Eadie, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew - 3.5; Gayle - 3.5; Lynda - 3.5; Sergei - 4.5; Eadie - 4; Brenda - 3.75 ;
Overall Average Rating: 3.79

Comments:

"I thought the ending was pretty interesting and tied things up pretty well."

"I thought the ending was really rushed and I found it unbelievable. I try to suspend my belief but the whole broken jewel, drop of blood thing was just too convenient for me to believe."

"It was all just a bit of fun for me."

"The whole storyline with the jewel and the blood seemed pretty sketchy. The idea of the blood is very interesting but it did feel like it was just thrown in at the end."

"I quite enjoyed the ending of the book, but the ending of the book linked to the blood was a bit too perfect but hey it's a story. I felt the last section was a good section overall."

"I really enjoy the writing, the authors paint a great picture, easy to see in my mind's eye."

"I enjoy the writing overall and the plotting, as well as the connection to the historical event at the beginning. "

"I liked all the characters and the bits of humor here and there. The writing is good, especially about the action, creating a lot of excitement."

Last Bus To Woodstock by Colin Dexter

Book Discussion: http://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionlastbu
Series: Inspector Morse Book #1
Publication Date: January 1, 1975 - has been republished in other formats at later dates.

Book Description: Beautiful Sylvia Kaye and another young woman had been seen hitching a ride not long before Sylvia's bludgeoned body is found outside a pub in Woodstock, near Oxford. Morse is sure the other hitchhiker can tell him much of what he needs to know. But his confidence is shaken by the cool inscrutability of the girl he's certain was Sylvia's companion on that ill-fated September evening. Shrewd as Morse is, he's also distracted by the complex scenarios that the murder set in motion among Sylvia's girlfriends and their Oxford playmates. To grasp the painful truth, and act upon it, requires from Morse the last atom of his professional discipline.

Dates Read: April 27, 2017-April 30, 2017

Participants:(9) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Sushi, Brenda, Hope' Bluebird'
Ratings: Andrew- 4; Carol - 3.5; Sergei -4; Lynda - 3; Eadie - 4; Sushi - 3; Brenda -3; Hope -; Bluebird -3;
Overall Average Rating: 3.06 (don't have Hope's rating)

Comments:

"Characters were unique and plot was interesting. Short book with a lot packed into it. Some twists, turns and surprises that kept things moving. I liked the puzzle aspects of the book too."

"I thought the author did a good job of describing his scenarios."

"Intelligent writing; author not afraid to have a flawed main character; surprising outcome to the plot."

"I liked the plot overall, but was not particularly impressed with the way it was told (not so much the writing, which I liked, but rather way the story was told)."

"I would like to see Morse treating Lewis better. I didn't like the old men following after the young girls and I found Morse's behaviour undesirable."

"Slow start that stayed that way for most of the book."

"I would have liked the characters to be a bit less erratic. While I like a person to be torn between conflicting emotions, I found some behaviors less than credible. I don't think things have changed that much since the 70s."

"I would have liked to be included a bit more in the investigative process. The investigation was sloppy at the beginning, and later we were left too much in the dark as to what Morse was thinking/doing. Additionally, I wish Dexter had tried to make his character's actions more believable."

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

Book Discussion: www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthesix
Series: King & Maxwell Book#5
Publication Date: March 1, 2012

Book Description: Edgar Roy--an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins--en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered. It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: Is Roy a killer? Who murdered Bergin? With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction. Their persistence puts them on a collision course with the highest levels of the government and the darkest corners of power. In a terrifying confrontation that will push Sean and Michelle to their limits, the duo may be permanently parted.

Dates Read: May 5, 2017 - May 10, 2017

Participants: (8) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Brenda, Sushi, Bluebird
Ratings: Andrew 4, Carol 4.5, Sergei 4, Lynda 4.5, Eadie 4, Brenda 4, Sushi 3.75, Bluebird 4,
Overall Average Rating: 4.09

Comments:

"A bit plodding in places, sometimes felt like a geography lesson... Or swimming through alphabet soup..."

"I find the villains too simply drawn and they fall apart too easily."

"I thought it was a very readable story with interesting characters."

"Very complex plot with lots of action. Love the characters of King & Maxwell."

The Paris Vendetta by Steve Berry

Book Discussion: www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthepar
Series: Cotton Malone Book #5
Publication Date: July 27, 2010

Book Description: When Napoleon Bonaparte died in exile in 1821, he took to the grave a powerful secret. As general and emperor, he had stolen immeasurable riches from palaces, national treasuries, and even the Knights of Malta and the Vatican. In his final days, his British captors hoped to learn where the loot lay hidden. But he told them nothing, and in his will he made no mention of the treasure. Or did he? Former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone isn't looking for trouble when it comes knocking at his Copenhagen bookshop. Actually, it breaks and enters in the form of an American Secret Service agent with a pair of assassins on his heels. Malone has his doubts about the anxious young man, but narrowly surviving a ferocious firefight convinces him to follow his unexpected new ally. Their first stop is the secluded estate of Malone's good friend, Henrik Thorvaldsen. The wily Danish tycoon has uncovered the insidious plans of the Paris Club, a cabal of multimillionaires bent on manipulating the global economy. Only by matching wits with a terrorist-for-hire, foiling a catastrophic attack, and plunging into a desperate hunt for Napoleon's legendary lost treasure can Malone hope to avert international financial anarchy. But Thorvaldsen's real objective is much more personal: to avenge the murder of his son by the larcenous aristocrat at the heart of the conspiracy. Thorvaldsen's vendetta places Malone in an impossible quandary—one that forces him to choose between friend and country, past and present. Starting in Denmark, moving to England, and ending up in the storied streets and cathedrals of Paris, Malone plays a breathless game of duplicity and death, all to claim a prize of untold value. But at what cost?

Dates Read: May 18, 2017 - May 22, 2017

Participants: (7) Andrew, Carol, Sergei, Lynda, Eadie, Bluebird, Brenda
Ratings: Andrew - 3.5; Carol - 3.5; Sergei -3.75; Lynda -3.5 ;Eadie - 4; Bluebird - 3 ; Brenda -:
Overall Average Rating: 3.5

Comments:

"It was a good story and was told very close to the actual historical events. Cotton is always a good character and I did like Sam a lot. "

"It was an interesting concept set in an exotic locale."

"Liked The historical aspects about Napoleon."

"There were too many long, draw out descriptions of the buildings and scenery. The "good guys" had too many close calls. Henrik's revenge driven plot didn't really fit the character we've come to know. Cotton was a more of a secondary character in this adventure."

"Berry should not make the action scenes so confusing."

"I found the historical information interesting - if a bit too much as it slowed down the story too much."

Coffin Road by Peter May

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/topic/258432#6065110
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: October 4, 2016

Book Description: In his latest mystery set in Scotland and the Outer Hebrides, award-winning author Peter May spins a tale about three disparate cases that may or may not be linked...
On the remote Isle of Harris in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, a man washes up on a deserted beach, hypothermic and completely disoriented. He has no idea who he is or how he got there. The only clue to his condition is a map of the island showing a desolate, ancient path called the Coffin Road. With a sense of dread and no clear idea what lies at the other end, he knows he must follow the trail if he has any hope of discovering his identity. Meanwhile, homicide detective George Gunn makes the rough ocean crossing to a remote, sea-battered lighthouse on a rock in the northern Atlantic, twenty miles west of the Outer Hebrides, to investigate a brutal murder. Despite its isolation, the tiny island has seen its share of tragedy: more than a century earlier, three lighthouse keepers disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again. And now there is a new tragedy, and Gunn must figure out what happened.
At the same time, a teenage girl lies in her Edinburgh bedroom, desperate to discover the truth about her father's death. Two years after the discovery of the pioneering scientist's suicide note, Karen Fleming still cannot accept that her father would willingly abandon her. And the more she discovers about the nature of his research, the more she suspects that suicide had nothing to do with it.

Dates Read: May 27, 2017 - May 31, 2017

Participants & Ratings (8) Andrew - 4.5, Carol 4.5, Sergei- 4.5, Eadie - 5, Bluebird- 4.5, Lynda - 4.5, Sushi - 4.4, Brenda - 4.25
Overall Average Rating: 4.51

Comments:

"The writing was amazing, May was able to bring the reader into the story and the plot was unique and interesting."

"I loved the writing and the atmospheric feel. There was a lot of suspense, particularly at the beginning."

"Peter May has an amazing talent of bringing to reader to the story and not just the story to the reader. He also does a great deal of research and gets his facts right."

"May's writing is the best. His descriptions make you feel like you are there witnessing everything.
I like the characters too. Some goodies and some baddies. The plot was very interesting and we learned about the bees and the pesticides impacting them. Great suspense in the story with twists and turns."

"An impressive piece of writing all round, excellent picture painting and many interesting characters. At no point in the story did I feel 'This aside is boring, take me back to the main plot.I loved this reading experience."

"I felt like after the stellar first half, the second half was a bit slower. It might be because I didn't care for the Karen character that much and there was a lot of focus on her part of the story."

The Prisoner's Gold by Chris Kuzenski

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthepri
Series: The Hunters Book #3
Publication Date: October 8, 2015

Book Description: At the end of the 13th century, Chinese Emperor Kublai Khan gave an Italian merchant unfettered access to his kingdom. The traveler was Marco Polo, and his journey would become legendary. Aided by a special passport that protected him throughout the land, Polo amassed unbelievable wealth and hid it before his return to Italy. To this day, the location of his treasure remains a mystery.

Dates Read: June 7, 2017 - June 2017

Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew 4.5; Sergei; 3.5 Lynda; 4.25 Eadie; 5 Brenda 4.25;
Overall Average Rating: 4.35

Comments:

PROS:
"I liked the history, of course. There was lots of action and excitement. Great characters. Just enough humor without being silly."

"I liked learning about Marco Polo.
I liked the fact that they seemed more of a cohesive group.
I liked the fact that Papi is helping them more instead of spying on them.
I liked the areas that they traveled to: Florence, China, Tibet, and Sri Lanka.
I liked Kuzneski's humor and his writing."

"The history, the characters now, and the fact they are now a tight cohesive group."

CONS:
"Could have used less technical terms and kept the action scenes more understandable for us who are not use to the technology of war."

"I felt like there was too much jumping around from country to country."

"I wanted a bit more information about Marco Polo, quite lacking on that in the end."

The Book of Souls by James Oswald

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthebo2
Series: Inspector McLean Book #2
Publication Date: June 22, 2012 Reprint July 1 2016

Book Description: Each year for ten years, a young woman’s body was found in Edinburgh at Christmastime: naked, throat slit, body washed clean. The final victim, Kirsty Summers, was Detective Constable Tony McLean's fiancee. But the Christmas Killer made a mistake, and McLean put an end to the brutal killing spree. It’s now twelve years later. A fellow prisoner has just murdered the incarcerated Christmas Killer. But with the arrival of the festive season comes a body. A young woman: naked, washed, her throat cut. Is this a copycat killer? Was the wrong man behind bars all this time? Or is there a more frightening explanation? McLean must revisit the most disturbing case of his life and discover what he missed before the killer strikes again.

Dates Read: June 19, 2017 - June 25, 2017

Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew -4.5; Sergei-5; Lynda-4; Eadie-4.5; Brenda -4; Bluebird-4; Sushi- 4; Carol (later) 5
Overall Average Rating: 4.33
Comments:

Pros:

"The book is well-written, has a good pace and interesting characters and the storyline was interesting"

"I love the setting and the medieval feel that Oswald gives the city. The characters are very interesting and well developed. There is only a slight paranormal feel which I find more believable than most."

"I like Tony and his team and the setting and the mystery."

Cons:

"Dagwwood is way overdone."

"There were a couple of items that were left open and left me wondering."

"I found the fire plot to be less interesting than the murder plot."

"Too many things unresolved. There was really only one suspect, so rather predictable. Some characters, like Dagwood, are overdone."

The Night Stalker by Chris Carter

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionnights
Series: Robert Hunter Book #3
Publication Date: March 1, 2012

Book Description: An unidentified female body brought into the LA County morgue bears no marks except for the fact that her lips have been stitched shut. But what shocks the pathologist most is that the killer has left something inside. Detective Robert Hunter is called in to investigate.

Dates Read: June 30, 2017 - July 4, 2017

Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew-4;- Carol - 4.5; Sergei-4; Lynda- 4; Bluebird - 3; Brenda- 3.5; Eadie - 4; Sushi - 3.5;
Overall Average Rating: 4.36

Comments;

PROS:

"I like Robert's investigation skills and his ability to root out the explanations. The killers means of killing was also interesting. Overall I liked the book and I like the characters."

"I like the Hunter/Garcia relationship. The plots are very creative, albeit grisly."

"I like Hunter and Garcia - they're both interesting characters and the storylines are interesting and generally have a good pace. Also the killings are pretty unique"

"I liked learning about Hunter when he was a child. Also the relationship between Hunter and Garcia."

"I also particularly like the relationship between Hunter and Garcia. The book starts off with a bang and the pacing and storyline makes one want to keep turning pages."

CONS:

"Carter could have let us in more on what Robert was thinking and what he found out at the end of several chapters. I felt he left us in the dark for too long."

"There was a lot more focus on the gratuitous violence than putting together a mystery we could solve."

"I was okay with some of the "cliffhanger-y" suspense items at the end of the chapters but Carter could have let us in a little bit more. The books focus a lot on the gore and not as much as they could on the manhunt or investigative process."

"I prefer a book where I can try to get into the head of the lead investigator. It was hard to do with so much information being held back. I got really irritated by being told that Hunter knows something but the author won't fill in the reader until later in the book."

Kissing the Demons by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionkissin
Series: Joe Plantagenet series Book #3
Publication Date: July 1, 20111

Book Description: Thirteen Torland Place is a house with a disturbing past. When a student living there is found murdered, DI Joe Plantagenet wonders whether her death has anything to do with its grim history. Then other, similar deaths come to light and he fears that a ruthless serial killer is at work. Could the deaths be connected to Obediah Shrowton, an executed murderer whose presence still seems to linger in the house? Or is there a yet more sinister and dangerous explanation?

Dates Read: July 22, 2017 - July 2017

Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew -4.5; Carol-4 ; Lynda-4;Sergei-4.5; Brenda -3.5; Eadie -4;

Overall Average Rating: 4.08

Comments:

PROS:
"I liked the supernatural aspect...of course. The investigation was well carried out also and the cops didn't do stupid things."

"Murderers were a complete surprises. People were not who we thought they were. We learned more about Joe's relationship with his wife."

"interesting characters, good writing style, more info on Joe."

"I like the writing style, Ellis never wastes words on irrelevant stuff."

"I liked the feel of the book, the writing, the characters and the inter connectedness of both sets of events. I also quite like the ghostly element."

CONS:

"Less complicated plot."

"I didn't particularly like any of the secondary characters but I don't really have any complaints."

"maybe a little more excitement at the end?"

The Silent Sea by Clive Cussler

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthesil
Series: Oregon Files Book #7
Publication Date: February 22, 2011

Book Description: On December 7, 1941, five brothers exploring a shaft on a small island off the coast of Washington state make an exciting discovery, only to be interrupted by news of Pearl Harbor. In the present, Cabrillo, chasing the remnants of a crashed satellite in the Argentine jungle, makes a shocking discovery of his own. His search to untangle the mystery leads him first to that small island and its secret, and then much further back, to an ancient Chinese expedition, and a curse that seems to have survived for over five hundred years. If Cabrillo’s team is successful in its quest, the reward could be incalculable. If not...the only reward is death.

Dates Read: August 1, 2017 - August 2017

Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 4; - Carol 4;- Sergei 3.5; - Lynda 4; - Brenda 4; Eadie 4;
Overall Average Rating: 3.92

Comments:

PROS:

"I always like the way history and fiction combine to make an interesting story."

"I liked how all the parts came together too. Also was interesting learning about China coming before Columbus."

"There was more character growth...The story was interesting - maybe a little more so because it was a little more relatable to me than some of the ones we've read in the Middle East or Asia and
I liked the way the individual story lines connected a little faster than usual and that the opening sequence (with the Oregon) was actually part of the ongoing story line rather than a completely separate incident."

CONS:

"A little shorter action scenes. These two authors seem to run these parts on for countless pages. I also would have liked to have know how Juan got out of his scrape."

"Too much technical information but I guess it fills pages."

Take No Farewell by Robert Goddard

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontakeno
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: September 5, 2011

Book Description: Geoffrey Staddon had never forgotten the house called Clouds Frome, his first important commission and the best thing he had ever done as an architect. Twelve years before the day in September 1923 when a paragraph in the newspaper made his blood run cold, he had turned his back on it for the last time, turned his back on the woman he loved, and who loved him. But when he read that Consuela Caswell had been charged with murder by poisoning he knew, with a certainty that defied the great divide of all those years, that she could not be guilty. As the remorse and shame of his own betrayal of her came flooding back, he knew too that he could not let matters rest. And when she sent her own daughter to him, pleading for help, he knew that he must return at last to Clouds Frome and to the dark secret that it held.

Dates Read: August 11, 2017 - August 16, 2017

Participants & Ratings: (8) Andrew - 5; Carol - 5; Sergei - 5; Lynda - 5; Eadie -5 : Brenda -; Sushi -;Bluebird -;
Overall Average Rating: 5.00 (Lack 3 ratings)

Comments:

PROS: "Goddard's writing cannot be beat by any other author. The plot was believable and well written. That characters were so well developed."

"The devious plot, The fascinating characters, evil people, surprise ending and excellent writing"

"I loved the characters...even the ones that I hated. To be able to make readers feel so many emotions is a real testament to Goddard's ability to share a story. The ending bordered on shock. I
wouldn't have seen that one at all."

"Goddard is a master at his craft; excellent story, from beginning to end."

CONS:

"The authorities also could not have been so dense and seemingly incompetent. Again...emotions. Good job Mr. Goddard."

"Angela could have married Turnbull and then found out what a piece of goods he really was."

The Innocent by David Baldacci

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontheinn
Series: Will Robie Book #1
Publication Date: February 26, 2013

Book Description: It begins with a hit gone wrong. Robie is dispatched to eliminate a target unusually close to home in Washington, D.C. But something about this mission doesn't seem right to Robie, and he does the unthinkable. He refuses to kill. Now, Robie becomes a target himself and must escape from his own people. Fleeing the scene, Robie crosses paths with a wayward teenage girl, a fourteen-year-old runaway from a foster home. But she isn't an ordinary runaway-her parents were murdered, and her own life is in danger. Against all of his professional habits, Robie rescues her and finds he can't walk away. He needs to help her. Even worse, the more Robie learns about the girl, the more he's convinced she is at the center of a vast cover-up, one that may explain her parents' deaths and stretch to unimaginable levels of power. Now, Robie may have to step out of the shadows in order to save this girl's life and perhaps his own.

Dates Read: August 23, 2017 - August 28, 2017

Participants & Ratings:(8) Andrew - 4.5; Carol - 5; Sergei -4.5; Lynda -4.5; Eadie -5; Jen -5; Bluebird -; Brenda - 4;
Overall Average Rating: 4.64 without Bluebird's rating

Comments:

PROS:
"I really liked Robie, Vance and Julie. The struggle Robie was having over his job and what he still wanted to do with his life and the pace and the action."

"I loved the characters, the pace of the book, the short chapters, the action without being too much."

"I like this series and John Puller the most. I enjoy King and Maxwell, Camel Club and Amos Decker, even though I didn't care for the most recent book, The Fix."

"Good, three-dimensional characters; interesting plot; nice writing style."

"I liked Robie, Vance and Julie and found them to be be well rounded characters. I liked the plot and found it interesting. I liked Baldacci's writing and the short chapters."

CONS:
"I don't think Baldacci does as well with dialogue as he should and some of those scenes could have been cleaned up - they were too forced. This story was convoluted but once explained it made sense - maybe a little more clarity/connection."

"Maybe a little more character development, I liked them so much I wanted to know more about them."

"I like to get a workable clue now and again, just to keep me involved in the plot."

"I felt a little clueless and lost throughout the whole book and would like to have a few more clues dropped so that we have a chance to know a little about what is going on."

The Emperors Tomb by Steve Berry

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussiontheem2
Series: Cotton Malone Book #6
Publication Date: August 30, 2011

Book Description: Former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone has received an anonymous note carrying an unfamiliar Web address. Logging on, he’s shocked to see Cassiopeia Vitt, a woman who’s saved his life more than once, being tortured at the hands of a mysterious man who has a single demand: Bring me the artifact she’s asked you to keep safe. The only problem is, Malone doesn’t have a clue what the man is talking about, since Cassiopeia has left nothing with him. So begins Malone’s most harrowing adventure to date—one that offers up astounding historical revelations, pits him against a ruthless ancient brotherhood, and sends him from Denmark to Belgium to Vietnam then on to one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world: the tomb of China’s First Emperor, guarded by an underground army of terra-cotta warriors, which has inexplicably remained sealed for more than two thousand years—its mysteries about to be revealed.

Dates Read: September 8 - September 14, 2017

Participants & Ratings: (8) Andrew- 4.5; Carol - 3.5; Sergei - 5; Lynda -3.5; Eadie- 5; Brenda-3.5; Bluebird - 3.5; Colin-3
Overall Average Rating: 4.38

Comments:

PROS:
"I really liked this book and found the history of China, the tomb and the terra-cotta soldiers fascinating."

"Really loved this book from start to finish, a fascinating read."

"I enjoyed the historical backdrop and especially for a country we don't know that much about. This always makes it an interesting experience. Overall I enjoyed the plot of the book and the pacing of the book. Also enjoyed some of the humorous moments."

CONS:

"It seemed to me that Cotton was more of a secondary character than the star of the series in this one. This was not my favorite of the series by any means."

"I also felt like Cotton was a secondary character and when he appeared he didn't seem like the usual strong, solid character. The eunuch idea was just ridiculous. Viktor changed sides way too many times."

King & Maxwell by David Baldacci

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionkingan
Series: King & Maxwell series Book #6
Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Book Description: It seems at first like a simple, tragic story. Tyler Wingo, a teenage boy, learns the awful news that his father, a soldier, was killed in action in Afghanistan. Then the extraordinary happens: Tyler receives a communication from his father . . . after his supposed death. Tyler hires Sean and Michelle to solve the mystery surrounding his father. But their investigation quickly leads to deeper, more troubling questions. Could Tyler's father really still be alive? What was his true mission? Could Tyler be the next target? Sean and Michelle soon realize that they've stumbled on to something bigger and more treacherous than anyone could have imagined. And as their hunt for the truth leads them relentlessly to the highest levels of power and to uncovering the most clandestine of secrets, Sean and Michelle are determined to help and protect Tyler--though they may pay for it with their lives.

Dates Read: September 17 - September 22, 2017

Participants & Ratings: (10) Andrew- 4.5; Carol- 5; Lynda-4; Eadie-5; Sushi; Sergei- 4.75; Bluebird-4; Brenda- 3.75; LadyJ71- 3.75; Colin-4
Overall Average Rating: 4.31 (9 of 10 ratings in)

Comments:

PROS:
"For the most part it was a page turning adventure with an engaging story and familiar characters."

"I found it to be an action-packed adventure with interesting twists that kept me glued to the pages."

"I loved the book and the series. It remains my favorite of all of them although the current ones are really, really good. David Baldacci is such an easy author to read."

"It kept my interest."

"I love the relationship between Sean and Michelle and really liked that the ex-wife was brought into the mix. Dana's a great character. Also very happy that Edgar was back."

"My favourite storyline of the series."

CONS:

"It seemed like Baldacci ran out of interest three quarters of the way through the book by writing some of the worst dialogue between characters I can remember."

"I don't exactly read Baldacci for dialogue. He moves the story so well."

"I would agree that you mainly read the books for the action and the way the story is moved along, some of the dialogue was quite stilted. Interestingly I listened to one section of the book and the stilted nature of the dialogue became more apparent to me through listening."

Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/topic/270478
Series: Erika Foster series Book #2
Publication Date: June 2, 2016

Book Description: If the Night Stalker is watching, you’re already dead… In the dead of a swelteringly hot summer’s night, Detective Erika Foster is called to a murder scene. The victim, a doctor, is found suffocated in bed. His wrists are bound and his eyes bulging through a clear plastic bag tied tight over his head. A few days later, another victim is found dead, in exactly the same circumstances. As Erika and her team start digging deeper, they discover a calculated serial killer – stalking their victims before choosing the right moment to strike. The victims are all single men, with very private lives. Why are their pasts shrouded in secrecy? And what links them to the killer? As a heat wave descends upon London, Erika will do everything to stop the Night Stalker before the body count rises, even if it means risking her job. But the victims might not be the only ones being watched… Erika’s own life could be on the line.

Dates Read: September 27 - October 1, 2017

Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew 4; Carol 4; Sergei 3.5; Lynda 3.5; Eadie 3.5; Brenda 3.5; Jan
Overall Average Rating: 3.67 with out Jan's rating

Comments:

PROS:

"It was easy to read - the story flowed quite smoothly."

"I like the plot and the characters were interesting."

"The plot was excellent and the characters were good and the story was easy to read."

CONS:

"I think Bryndza has made Erika so unlikable it's hard to root for her. I'm currently reading two series with aggressive female characters who've been damaged - DI Kim Stone by Angela Marsons and Lt. Eve Dallas by J. D. Robb. Both of them often buck authority but the authors write them much more sympathetically so you can root for them despite their mistakes."

"I think Bryndza made the killer a bit too predictable and exposed the murderer too soon in the book. I agree about his making us dislike the way Erika acts. Hopefully her character will mature some in the next book. I think he made us have more sympathy for the murderer than for Erika."

"I agree that he needs to tone Erika down some....but he also needs to make Marsh and Oakley more leaders and less bullies. Erika can't be wrong all the time and Oakley especially, certainly must respect her as a trained police officer some of the time."

Sandstorm by James Rollins

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionsandst
Series: Sigma Force series Book #1
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: A freak explosion in the British museum in London ignites a perilous race for an earth-shaking power source buried deep beneath the sands of history. Painter Crowe is an agent for Sigma Force, a covert arm of the Defense Department tasked with keeping dangerous scientific discoveries out of enemy hands. When an ancient artifact points the way toward the legendary "Atlantis of the Sands," Painter must travel across the world in search of the lost city-and a destructive power beyond imagining. But Painter has competition. A band of ruthless mercenaries, led by a former friend and ally, are also intent on claiming the prize, and they will destroy anyone who gets in their way. Ancient history collides with cutting-edge science-with the safety of the world at stake!

Dates Read: October 2017 - October 2017
Participants & Rating (6) Andrew 4, Sergei 4.5, Carol 4, Lynda 4, Eadie 4, Brenda 4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.17

Comments:

PROS:

"I loved the whole plot: the mystical element with the Rohim and the pseudo-factual story surrounding a source of antimatter. Also loved all the characters."

"The story line was well done and more than interesting. Loved the characters."

"I loved the plot and all the characters. I liked learning about antimatter, Safia's heritage and her mental powers. I found the whole book very interesting."

"I thought it was a good story with an interesting mix of characters."

CONS:

"Could have been slightly shorter and not lost anything, in fact might have gained by being a more snappy read."

"It could have been much shorter with a lot less explaining antimatter and some of the other stuff. The chapters could have been shortened some also."

The Hangman's Song by James Oswald

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthehan
Series: Detective Inspector McLean Book #3
Publication Date: January 6, 2015

Book Description: The body of a man is found hanging in an empty house. To the Edinburgh police force, this appears to be a simple suicide case. But something about the scene strikes Detective Inspector Tony McLean as off. Days later another body is found hanging from an identical rope, with a noose tied in the identical way. McLean is convinced that these people are either being murdered or somehow coerced into suicide. Then a third body is found. Under pressure from his superiors to wrap the case up quickly and neatly, McLean must also deal with the fallout of his last big investigation and complications in his personal life. But the deeper he digs, the more he comes to believe that something dark and sinister is stalking Edinburgh’s streets. Will he be able to stop it before someone else succumbs to the hangman’s song?

Dates Read: October 20, 2017 - October 25, 2017
Participants & Ratings: (8) Andrew 4.75 Carol 5, Sergei 5, Lynda 4, Eadie 5; Brenda 4, Bluebird, Sushi - 3.4
Overall Average Rating: 4.45 (missing Bluebirds rating)

Comments:

PROS:
"This book had me hooked for the very beginning. I liked the elements of supernatural/occult. It was not too much over the top and was very believable. The plot had lots of twists that created a page turner that kept me guessing until the very end. Oswald's writing, dialogue and characters especially Tony, Grumpy Bob and Duguid made for a fantastic read."

"It was an entertaining read and I like to come back to the team."

"I really like this series. The supernatural aspects are as believable as such things can be. I hope the cat is okay."

"I like the characters and the supernatural part is not too overwhelming."

"I like the series - Tony, McBride, Grumpy Bob are all good characters. The plot was interesting, if a bit predictable since we all guessed early on what was going on with the Book of Souls and, of course - Mrs. McCutcheon's cat."

"I love the characterization - human and feline". :)

CONS:

"I find some of the characters to be too much caricatures, especially Duguid - though that improved towards the end of the book. I found what happened with Emma not so plausible. There are too many inconsistencies."

"I felt like the story lines were very disconnected. Too much coincidence for me."

"I had an issue with Tony in this book. As much as I like him, he was a total ass at times. The hypnosis changed his character enough that he turned me off a few times."

"I didn't like the bullying of Tony. No place in any organisation but worse because it was by senior officers in the police force."

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris

Book Discussion: https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionwhatan
Series: Sebastian St. Cry Series Book #1
Publication Date: October 3, 2006

Book Description: It's 1811, and the threat of revolution haunts the upper classes of King George III's England. Then a beautiful young woman is found savagely murdered on the altar steps of an ancient church near Westminster Abbey. A dueling pistol found at the scene and the damning testimony of a witness both point to one man-Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, a brilliant young nobleman shattered by his experience in the Napoleonic Wars.

Dates Read: October 29, 2017 - November 2, 2017
Participants & Ratings: Andrew- 4.5, Carol- 5, Sergei- 4.5, Eadie- 4.5, Sushi, Brenda-4, Jen4.5, LadyJ, Punxygal
Overall Average Rating: 4.5 (missing 3)

Comments:

PROS:
"I like the writing, characters, plot, history, everything about the book."

"Good plot line; well-written characters; author kept us guessing to the final section - don't think any of us named the actual killer in our suspect lists throughout the discussion."

"I liked everything about this book...surprise, surprise. As a matter of fact I loved it."

"I liked pretty much everything - loved the characters, thought the plot was interesting and the mystery kept me guessing."

"I loved everything about it, especially not being able to guess at all who the killer is. I hate when you know it in the first chapter."

CONS:

"The warehouse scene could have been a little shorter because it was a little bit too much description. I was anxious to get to the end of the book."

"The list of characters was quiet lengthy but that may not happen in the rest of the series. The warehouse scene seemed to go on forever."

The Jungle by Clive Cussler & Jack Du Brul

Book Discussion:https://www.librarything.com/groups/bookdiscussionthejun
Series: The Oregon Files Book #8
Publication Date: February 28, 2012 (paperback)

Book Description: Jungles come in many forms. There are the steamy rain forests of the Burmese highlands. There are the lies and betrayals of the world of covert operations. And there are the dark and twisted thoughts of a man bent on near-global domination. To pull off their latest mission, Cabrillo and his remarkable men and women must survive them all. A devastating new weapon unleashed in thirteenth-century China . . . a daring rescue in the snowbound mountains along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border . . . a woman gone missing in the jungles of northern Thailand and Myanmar . . . for Cabrillo and company, all of these events will come together leading to the greatest threat against U.S. security that the country has ever known.

Dates Read: November 2017 - November 2017
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 4, Carol 4.5, Sergei 4, Lynda 4, Eadie 4,
Brenda 4,
Overall Average Rating: 4.08

Comments:

PROS:

"I like the plot, the pacing, the characters (the introduction of Lawless) and that it wasn't all action this time."

"I liked a lot of it. The story was very fast paced with plenty of action. I liked the parts set in China and Myanmar. It was a creative plot."

"I liked Lawless from the start. I also liked the action but sometimes it went on a little too long. Overall a very enjoyable book."

CONS:

" I thought the ending was too rushed but that's my usual criticism of this series. We spend 90% of the time setting up the story and then shortchange the ending."

The Death Sculptor by Chris Carter

Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter Book #4
Publication Date: February 28, 2013

Book Description: A student nurse has the shock of her life when she discovers her patient, prosecutor Derek Nicholson, brutally murdered in his bed. The act seems senseless - Nicholson was terminally ill with only weeks to live. But what most shocks Detective Robert Hunter is the calling card the killer left behind.

Dates Read: November 19, 2017 - November 23, 2017
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 4; Sergei 3.5; Carol 4.5; Lynda 4; Eadie 5; Brenda 3.25;
Overall Average Rating: 4.04

Comments:

PROS:

"Very creative storyline, especially the sculptures. The ending was a surprise. Kept me interested."

"How the plot advanced, although at times it seemed a little out in left field. The short chapters
The big surprise at the ending. That alone earned it a another half star in my rating."

"I like the short chapters and the story moved quickly with lots of twists. I liked the addition of Alice.
I liked the clever storyline and the puzzle that needed solving. I really liked the surprise ending too."

"The feel of the book especially when I first started it. Short snappy chapters. Puzzling murder scenario. The characters along Garcia seemed to have a more minor part in this one."

CONS:

"The case was a little too "out there" in terms of the expectations of the killer. As Sergei asked earlier why would the killer assume that the police would understand or even know that there was a message in the sculptures?"

"The message wasn't obvious. It made sense after we were told but most police investigators would probably have missed it. I wish there had been more interaction between Hunter and Garcia."

"I wish that we could see more interaction between Hunter and Garcia. They compliment one another so well. I also wish that Captain Blake would loose some her attitude and work more at helping her team instead of placing unrealistic request for them to do more and do it NOW."

"We didn't need the nasty DA Bradley character as Captain Blake was nasty enough for both of them."

Proof by Dick Francis

Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: July 5, 2005

Book Description: Wine merchant Tony Beach has expertly catered his latest society soiree, but the fun's over when a team of hit men crash the party…literally. The event leaves Tony with a bitter aftertaste of suspicion—and sets off a mystery that's an intoxicating blend of deception, intrigue, and murder.

Dates Read: November 29, 2017 - December 4, 2017
Participants & Ratings:(7) Andrew 3.5, Carol 3.25, Sergei 4, Eadie 3.5, Brenda 3, Gayle 3.5, Jen 4
Overall Average Rating: 3.04

Comments:

PROS:
"I enjoyed learning about the different methods of making scotch. I liked Tony and Gerard and the crazy lady."

"I agree, a nice easy writing style and a lot of interesting information in amongst the action. I liked the plot and the way Francis developed his characters."

""I liked the easy flow of the writing style. I liked Tony a lot. I liked learning more about the liquor business."

"I learned quite a few things about liquor and horse racing which was fun. I really liked the writing style, it was nice and easy. I like Tony a lot, I think an entire series based on him would be sort of fun."

CONS:

"Dick Francis left a few things hanging in regards to the incident in the beginning of the book."

"There seemed to be a lot of descriptions of structures, e.g., a door here, a cabinet there, etc. They were needed but sometimes could've been a bit briefer."

"I guess I would spread out the action/information throughout the book better? There was the one section where I think most of us agreed it did nothing to move the story along really, it would have been nice to have something more there,"

Closed Circle by Robert Goddard

Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: January 1, 1996

Book Description: Targeting the beautiful daughter of a wealthy munitions dealer in the hopes of receiving a payoff from her father, scam artists Guy Horton and Max Wingate find their plan upset when Max really falls in love.

Dates Read: December 13, 2017 - December 18, 2017
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew 5, Carol 5, Lynda 5, Sergei 5, Eadie 5, Brenda
Overall Average Rating: 5.00

Comments:

PROS:

"Goddard's great writing and his intricate plotting. Great characters that were well-drawn."

"Gorgeous writing is a Goddard trademark. He also gave us some great characters and an interesting story. Plenty of double crosses too."

"Beautiful writing style. Believable characters and a story with loads of twists and turns. It kept us guessing."

CONS:

Watching The Ghosts by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Joe Plantagenet Book #4
Publication Date: April 1, 2013

Book Description: Boothgate House has a sinister past. Once an asylum for the insane, serial killer Peter Brockmeister was sent there on his release from prison in 1978. Three years later, it closed, and Brockmeister died in mysterious circumstances. Solicitor Melanie Hawkes is investigating the suspicious events when her young daughter is kidnapped. Meanwhile, Boothgate House resident Lydia Brookes is burgled. And why is a paranormal researcher fascinated by the building’s basement? As Joe uncovers the appalling truth, he faces an evil that threatens those closest to him and puts his own life in jeopardy.

Dates Read: December 20, 2017 - December 23, 2017
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew 5 , Carol 4.5, Sergei 5, Lynda 4, Eadie 5, Brenda 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.58

Comments:

PROS:
" I like the paranormal aspects because they are not overdone. I liked the 2 separate plots and how they finally came together. I thought the characters were unique and the way some connected to the past. I also liked how everything was explained in the end. Her writing technique reminds me so much of Ann Cleeves."

"I also liked the paranormal aspect but the entire book was very good."

"Although the policing wasn’t as in your face in this one I did love the feel of the book, the plotting, the intricacies of the plot, and the historical elements to the book. I also liked the supernatural element within it. I felt the book was well written and allowed us to work out some of the plotting, even if we did go down some cul de sacs."

"I thought the book had a good pace, the writing was well done and the characters (mostly) interesting. The connections to the asylum were interesting."

"I thought the story was interesting and I always enjoy seeing George."

CONS:

"Just wished that they had shown more interest in the kidnapping."

"Only a little bit more interaction between Joe and Emily, but it is a minor point and didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book."

The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book#7
Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Book Description: Four presidents of the United States have been assassinated—in 1865, 1881, 1901, and 1963—each murder seemingly unrelated. But what if those presidents were all killed for the shocking same reason: a clause contained in the United States Constitution? This is the question faced by former Justice Department operative Cotton Malone. When President Danny Daniels is nearly killed in the heart of Manhattan, Malone risks his life to foil the murder—only to find himself at odds with the Commonwealth, a secret society of pirates first assembled during the American Revolution. Racing across the nation and taking to the high seas, Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt must break a secret cipher originally possessed by Thomas Jefferson, unravel a mystery concocted by Andrew Jackson, and unearth a document forged by the Founding Fathers themselves—one powerful enough to make the Commonwealth unstoppable.

Dates Read: January 9, 2018 - January 14. 2018
Participants & Ratings: Andrew3.5; Carol 4; Lynda 4; Eadie 4; Sergei 3.5; Brenda 4
Overall Average Rating: 3.83

Comments:

PROS:

"I thought the story line was interesting, it started off really fast and caught me right away. I know many of you didn't like the jumping between scenes/locales but it didn't bother me and actually added to the suspense of the situation knowing what was going on in "real time" in the multiple areas. It was like watching a movie with a split screen."

"I also thought the storyline was very interesting and especially liked the way we were led to believe the presidential assassinations were because they fought with the pirates."

"The story of the Privateers was very interesting and there was lots of action, These books would make excellent movies."

"I liked the storyline too. Learning about the privateers and the Jefferson Wheel was fascinating."

CONS:

"Carbonell's actions/motivations needed to be explained a bit more. Just when you thought you knew what she was doing, she'd do something else. She even had Knox and Wyatt confused on a regular basis as they didn't know whose side she was on."

"I felt like the constant changing of perspectives was just too much. It worked at the end of the book to build up tension but it was too distracting throughout the entire story."

"Constant changing of perspectives was my biggest beef too."

The Hit by David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: Will Robie Book #2
Publication Date: February 14, 2014

Book Description: Will Robie is a master of killing.
A highly skilled assassin, Robie is the man the U.S. government calls on to eliminate the worst of the worst-enemies of the state, monsters committed to harming untold numbers of innocent victims. No one else can match Robie's talents as a hitman...no one, except Jessica Reel. A fellow assassin, equally professional and dangerous, Reel is every bit as lethal as Robie. And now, she's gone rogue, turning her gun sights on other members of their agency. To stop one of their own, the government looks again to Will Robie. His mission: bring in Reel, dead or alive. Only a killer can catch another killer, they tell him. But as Robie pursues Reel, he quickly finds that there is more to her betrayal than meets the eye. Her attacks on the agency conceal a larger threat, a threat that could send shock waves through the U.S. government and around the world.

Dates Read: January 18, 2018 - January 23, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7)Andrew - 4.5, Sergei- 5; Carol-5; Lynda- 5; Eadie- 5; Brenda -4.5; Jen (only 6 participated)
Overall Average Rating: 4.83

Comments:

PROS:
"Loved the uncertainty of who was the "bad guys" and the action was outstanding."

"I Loved the whole plot of the story and thought it was action-packed."

"Great plot, great characters, very fast paced."

"I liked the characters - Robie and Vance especially - as well as the storyline and the way the book was written...a very easy, quick read."

CONS:

"I wanted more Vance and Julie, and just a little bit more tension and excitement at the end."

Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion:
Series: Shetland Island Book #7
Publication Date: April 18, 2017

Book Description:
In the dark days of a Shetland winter, torrential rain triggers a landslide that crosses the main road and sweeps down to the sea. At the burial of his old friend Magnus Tait, Jimmy Perez watches the flood of mud and water smash through a house in its path. Everyone thinks the home is uninhabited, but in the wreckage he finds the body of a dark-haired woman wearing a red silk dress. Perez soon becomes obsessed with tracing her identity and realizes he must find out who she was and how she died.

Dates Read: January 26 - January 30, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew-5; Carol- 4; Lynda-4; Sergei-5; Eadie-5; Gayle-4; Sushi-4;
Overall Average Rating: 4.43

Comments:

PROS:
"Just being back on the Shetland Island was great. Ann Cleeves always writes a close to her vest type of book where the murderer is usually the least expected. But I think if you pay close attention, you can pick up the murderer."

"I liked how so many characters were made to seem suspicious. It kept me really interested. I also liked the feeling of the island and the characters. There were quite a few surprises and some of the chapters ended with cliff-hangers so that keeps me interested too."

"I like the setting and the main cast of characters, how their lives progress."

"I liked being offered a diverse group of characters that could have been suspects, Also Sandy getting to be more than just a sideline doing Jimmy's bidding. He had promise of being a good detective in this one."

"Ann Cleeves always writes a very readable story - in-depth characters and intricate plots which keep you guessing to the last."

CONS:

"I would've liked to see the killer developed a bit more so that the ending would be more convincing."

"I felt like Jimmy was sleepwalking through this book. He irritated me a couple of times."

"I would have liked to better understand the motivations some of the things that happened."

"Jimmy was doing things that were so uncharacteristic for him that I actually went back and read parts to be sure that it was Jimmy. We also were not given anything that indicated why the murders were taking place."

Map of Bones by James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #2
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: The bones lead to ancient mysteries and present-day terror . . . To follow them means death. During a crowded service at a cathedral in Germany, armed intruders in monks' robes unleash a nightmare of blood and destruction. But the killers have not come for gold; they seek a more valuable prize: the bones of the Magi who once paid homage to a newborn savior . . . a treasure that could reshape the world. With the Vatican in turmoil, Sigma Force under the command of Grayson Pierce leaps into action, pursuing a deadly mystery that weaves through sites of the Seven Wonders of the World and ends at the doorstep of an ancient, mystical, and terrifying secret order. For there are those with dark plans for the stolen sacred remains that will alter the future of humankind . . . when science and religion unite to unleash a horror not seen since the beginning of time.

Dates Read: February 8 - February 12, 2018
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew-4.5; Sergei 4; Lynda 4; Eadie-5; Brenda-3.75; Carol -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.21

Comments:

PROS:
"I liked the characters. I thought this group was better than Painter and his group in the first book."

The storyline of following the clues was interesting and action filled."

"I like learning about all the biblical and historical information."

"I loved the characters".

"Well written story, giving several hours of enjoyable escapism. Nothing too scary in there."

CONS:
"some of the theological discussion was pretty dry as was some of the physics. Rollins did well to have Vigor and Rachel give it some life but that could have been a bit shorter."

"Some of the action scenes were too long for me."

"I was lost on the physics and the technical stuff not to mention that I'm horrible at riddles. The action scenes go on way too long. Clive Cussler is guilty of that also."

Dead Men's Bones by James Oswald

Book Discussion:
Series: Inspector McLean Book #4
Publication Date: 2014

Book Description: A family lies slaughtered in an isolated house in north east fife . . Morag Weatherly and her two young daughters have been shot by husband Andrew, an influential politician, before he turned the gun on himself. But what would cause a rich, successful man to snap so suddenly? for Inspector Tony McLean, this apparently simple but high-profile case leads him into a world of power and privilege. And the deeper he digs, the more he realizes he's being manipulated by shadowy factions. Under pressure to wrap up the case, McLean instead seeks to uncover layers of truth - putting the lives of everyone he cares about at risk.

Dates Read: February 16,2018 - February 20, 2018
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew- 3; Sergei- 4.5; Carol - 4.5; Lynda-4.5; Eadie-4; Brenda- 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.08

Comments:

PROS:

"The strange things that were going on made us want to read on and get some answers. The characters were unique and well-developed. I liked Oswald's writing and his sense of humor.
I like that Mrs. McCutcheon's cat feels like a personal friend to Tony."

"I liked the supernatural thread that flows through the story lines in this series."

"Great characters, of course. I liked that the police secondary characters got a bigger role. It was a gripping storyline......father kills family, then himself. Mrs. McCutheon's cat brings in her feline bodyguards just like the cat superhero she is....what a great twist."

"Great group of characters, well written story (until towards the end), Interesting early premise."

"I really like the characters - Tony, Grumpy Bob, McLean and Mrs. McCutcheon's cat are my favorites
interesting story. the various crimes/happenings kept us interested to the end."

CONS:

"Will someone please give Tony the respect he deserves and stop blaming him for doing his job??
Please!!!"

"The ending and lack of resolutions to things were a big weakness for me. Kept looking back thinking I missed out reading a chapter! And reread the last chapter with Mrs Saifre thinking i’d Missed something and I hadn't!"

When Gods Die by C.S. Harris

Book Discussion:
Series: Sebastian St.Cyr Book #2
Publication Date: November 6, 2007

Book Description: The young wife of an aging marquis is found murdered in the arms of the Prince Regent. Around her neck lies a necklace said to have been worn by Druid priestesses-that is, until it was lost at sea with its last owner, Sebastian St. Cyr's mother. Now Sebastian is lured into a dangerous investigation of the marchioness's death-and his mother's uncertain fate.

Dates Read: February 24, 2018 - February 28, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew-4.5; Carol- 4.5; Sergei- 4.5; Eadie- 4.5; Brenda- 4.25; Gayle - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.38

Comments:

PROS:

"Picked up lots of interesting facts relating to that period of the Monarchy. Another fascinating storyline, well-written. A rich mix of characters."

"good pacing, interesting plot and engaging characters"

"It had a good pace with a lot going on all the way through the story. Sebastian and Kat are very likable. There were interesting things to learn about the history of that time."

"The storyline was good and very easy to follow for the most part. Setting the scene with the body and the Prince in the beginning was very well done and of course led us all to the wrong conclusion."

CONS:

"This could just be me but sometimes there were so many characters to keep track of that I did get a bit confused. Related to that, the names of the characters were switched back and forth between their names and their titles or their House. I couldn't always remember who went with which."

Mirage by Clive Cussler & Jack DuBrul

Book Discussion:
Series: Oregon Files Book #9
Publication Date: October 28, 2014

Book Description: In October 1943, a U.S. destroyer sailed out of Philadelphia and supposedly vanished, the result of a Navy experiment with electromagnetic radiation. The story was considered a hoax-but now Juan Cabrillo and his Oregon colleagues aren't so sure.There is talk of a new weapon soon to be sold, something very dangerous to America's interests, and the rumors link it to the great inventor Nikola Tesla, who was working with the Navy when he died in 1943. Was he responsible for the experiment? Are his notes in the hands of enemies?As Cabrillo races to find the truth, he discovers there is even more at stake than he could have imagined-but by the time he realizes it, he may already be too late.

Dates Read: March 7, 2018 - March 12, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 4.5, Carol- 5, Lynda- 4.5, Sergei-5, Eadie-5, Brenda- 4.5, (Poppj - didn't participate)
Overall Average Rating: 4.75

Comments:

PROS:
"The plot was interesting, there wasn't as much "over-the-top" action and it was a good blend of tension and story."

"I liked the creativity of the plot. I enjoyed seeing the theories of a real genius combined with the non stop action adventures of the Oregon crew."

"I loved the idea of transportation and the mystery of how these items appeared in places they never should have been. Good action scenes also."

"As far as I'm concerned, it was an enthralling tale from start to finish."

CONS:
"I think Juan needs to stop immediately taking on the most dangerous parts of missions. I know he does it because he wouldn't send his people in if he wasn't willing to do it himself, but if he's killed, it would be pretty much the end of the Oregon. Others are a little more expendable."

"I don't think I'd change much."

One By One by Chris Carter

Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter Book #5
Publication Date:May 22, 2013

Book Description: Detective Robert Hunter of the LAPD's Homicide Special Section receives an anonymous call asking him to go to a specific web address - a private broadcast. Hunter logs on and a show devised for his eyes only immediately begins. But the caller doesn't want Detective Hunter to just watch, he wants him to participate, and refusal is simply not an option.

Dates Read: March 16, 2018 - March 20, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 4; Sergei - 3.5; Carol-4.5; Lynda- 4.25; Brenda - 4; Eadie - 5
Overall Average Rating: 4.21

Comments:

PROS:
"I love the characters and think the plot made a lot of sense in depicting modern day social media."

"I also love the characters. Robert and Carlos are a perfect match. I do believe that Chris Carter hit the nail on the head in his portrayal of the sick mind-set in society today."

"The surprise ending."

"I liked the premise for the storyline.; and Carter does have a very readable style.

CONS:
"The gore factor was really high in this book and could have been toned down some. Reading some of those scenes made me feel was almost as bad as those people watching on the internet and voting.
Less Captain Blake - she's becoming annoying. She was good when she was first introduced but now, I don't want to hear from her."

"I think there was too much unnecessary violence. I don't know whether it added to the story but I feel like we needed to experience the horror of people voting."

"Tone down the gore, it spoiled the book for me. I get the feeling Carter likes to go one better on the horror in each book that he writes, but where can that possibly end?"

77. Darktown by Thomas Mullen

Book Discussion:
Series: Darktown series Book #1
Publication Date: June 6, 2017

Book Description: Responding to orders from on high, the Atlanta Police Department is forced to hire its first black officers, including war veterans Lucius Boggs and Tommy Smith. The newly minted policemen are met with deep hostility by their white peers; they aren’t allowed to arrest white suspects, drive squad cars, or set foot in the police headquarters. When a woman who was last seen in a car driven by a white man turns up dead, Boggs and Smith suspect white cops are behind it. Their investigation sets them up against a brutal cop, Dunlow, who has long run the neighborhood as his own, and his partner, Rakestraw, a young progressive who may or may not be willing to make allies across color lines. Among shady moonshiners, duplicitous madams, crooked lawmen, and the constant restrictions of Jim Crow, Boggs and Smith will risk their new jobs, and their lives, while navigating a dangerous world—a world on the cusp of great change.

Dates Read: March 26,2018 - March 31, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7)Andrew-4; Sergei-4.25, Carol-3, Lynda - 4.5, Sushi - 4.6; Eadie- 4.5; Brenda-4;
Overall Average Rating: 4.12

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

Frozen Stiff by Patrick Logan

Book Discussion:
Series: Chase Adams FBI Book #1
Publication Date: December 4, 2017

Book Description:The two corpses are mutilated. Naked. Frozen solid. It’s only a matter of time before the killer strikes again. With no evidence, no leads, and no clues, the local PD has no choice but to call in the FBI. Enter FBI recruit Chase Adams. While she may be new to the Bureau, Chase is no rookie when it comes to murder. First a Narcotics Officer in Seattle, then a NYPD Detective, Chase has insight into the workings of some of the most demented minds of our society. But this case will push even Chase to the limits–it’s like nothing she has investigated before. The local PD thinks they have things wrapped up nicely, but Chase isn’t at all convinced. When a third and fourth body surfaces across the country, Chase realizes that she is on the hunt for a killer whose murder spree knows no boundaries. What sort of animal could commit such atrocities? And why? Chase fears that these murders are only the beginning. But what she doesn’t know is that as she closes in on the murderer, he’s closing in on her. And her family. This might be FBI recruit Chase Adams’ first case, but if she doesn’t catch the killer soon, it may also be her last.

Dates Read: April 9, 2018 - April 14, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7) - Andrew; Sergei - 3.5; Carol- 3; Lynda-2.5; Eadie- 2.5; Sushi -2; Brenda= 2.5
Overall Average Rating: 3.38

Comments:

PROS:

"quick, easy read"

"It was a quick read but a lot more could have made it a better book."

"Somewhere in there was an interesting plot idea."

"I enjoyed the storyline; quick, snappy flow - no waste or filler - short and to the point."

CONS:

"the story was so convoluted and there were so many holes/references to earlier cases that we didn't know about that it made it hard to follow the actual investigation at times. Maybe it would have been cleaner if we'd started with the series in which Chase was first introduced."

"Make the characters more likable - I never liked either Chase or Martinez"

"The story lacked any sort of cohesion. There was no real explanation of how Martinez physically accomplished all the crimes. The motive was far fetched.The characters were confusing and dis-likable. How was Chase even recruited as an FBI agent. She became addicted to heroin on the job. She should have been fired. The paranormal aspect was too unbelievable to me."

"The book needed more in-depth information and more suspects. I didn't really like the paranormal as it makes it too easy for the author and the character to solve the crime. I wanted more clues to be investigated. To me the book is a total mess and he needs to spend more time and stop cranking them out so fast. His books are good for people who read 1 or 2 books a month but for some of us who read many books a month, they don't compare to some of the authors that we read."

"He should find an editor who knows his job and put a bit more effort into his books."

"Better editing, obviously, but apart from that, I think the man has achieved what he set out to do. He is self-published (I believe) and hasn't sunk without a trace, in fact he has a decent following, so why should he bother to change his MO?"

The King's Deception by Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book #8
Publication Date: January 1, 2014

Book Description: Cotton Malone and his fifteen-year-old son Gary are headed to Europe As a favor to his former boss at the Justice Department Malone agrees to escort a teenage fugitive back to England But after he is greeted at gunpoint in London both the fugitive and Gary disappear and Malone learns that hes stumbled into a high-stakes diplomatic showdownan international incident fueled by geopolitical gamesmanship and shocking Tudor secrets At its heart is the Libyan terrorist convicted of bombing Pan Am Flight 103 who is set to be released by Scottish authorities for humanitarian reasons An outraged American government objects but nothing can persuade the British to intervene Except perhaps Operation Kings Deception Run by the CIA the operation aims to solve a centuries-old mystery one that could rock Great Britain to its royal foundations Blake Antrim the CIA operative in charge of Kings Deception is hunting for the spark that could rekindle a most dangerous fire the one thing that every Irish national has sought for generations a legal reason why the English must leave Northern Ireland The answer is a long-buried secret that calls into question the legitimacy of the entire forty-five-year reign of Elizabeth I the last Tudor monarch who completed the conquest of Ireland and seized much of its land But Antrim also has a more personal agenda a twisted game of revenge in which Gary is a pawn With assassins traitors spies and dangerous disciples of a secret society closing in Malone is caught in a lethal bind To save Gary he must play one treacherous player against anotherand only by uncovering the incredible truth can he hope to prevent the shattering consequences of the Kings Deception

Dates Read: April 14, 2018 - April 19,2018
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew-5, Sergei- 5, Eadie - 5, Lynda- 5, Brenda;
Overall Average Rating: 5.0

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

Walking By Night - Kate Ellis
Book Discussion:
Series: Joe Plantagenet Book #5
Publication Date: July 1, 2015

Book Description: Taking a short cut home beneath the ruined abbey in the centre of the city, a teenage girl reports stumbling across a body. She also claims to have seen a mysterious nun-like figure watching her from the shadows. But during the subsequent search, no body is found. The girl’s inebriated state and her troubled history make the police skeptical of her story, and only Detective Inspector Joe Plantagenet is inclined to believe her.

Dates Read: October 13, 2018 - October 16, 2018
Participants & Ratings:
Overall Average Rating:

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

Black Order by James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #3
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: A sinister fire in a Copenhagen bookstore ignites a relentless hunt across four continents. Arson and murder reveal an insidious plot to steal a Bible that once belonged to Charles Darwin. And Commander Gray Pierce dives headlong into a mystery that dates back to Nazi Germany...and to horrific experiments performed in a now-abandoned laboratory in Poland. A continent away, madness ravages a remote monastery in Nepal, as Buddhist monks turn to cannibalism and torture. Lisa Cummings, an American doctor investigating the atrocity, is suddenly a target of a brutal assassin. And Lisa's only ally is Painter Crowe, director of SIGMA Force, who already shows signs of the baffling malady. Now it is up to Gray Pierce to save them both as SIGMA Force races to expose a century-old plot that threatens to destroy the current world order . . . and alter the destiny of humankind forever.

Dates Read: May 6, 2018 - May 11, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 5, Sergei 4, Carol 4.5, Lynda 5, Eadie 5, Brenda 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.58
Comments:

PROS:
"Good pace, interesting story, a terrifying look at what the Nazi regime might have been capable of."

"Enjoyable story, but just a bit long, (and I wish we'd had resolution, one way or the other, on Gray and Rachel)..."

"I liked all the information that we were given in regards to what the Nazis were up to. Never heard or read anything as in depth as this book."

CONS:
"since it was integral to the storyline, I can't say "take out the discussions on quantum theory" so maybe if it had been dumbed down just a bit more, it might have made it an easier read. Every time I hit one of those sections it slowed things down for me."

"I found the book a bit long, I'm sure it could have been made a slightly snappier read."

"I think he might have been able to lose some of the physics and tighten up the narrative."

82. The Target by David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: Will Robie Book #3
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: A sinister fire in a Copenhagen bookstore ignites a relentless hunt across four continents. Arson and murder reveal an insidious plot to steal a Bible that once belonged to Charles Darwin. And Commander Gray Pierce dives headlong into a mystery that dates back to Nazi Germany...and to horrific experiments performed in a now-abandoned laboratory in Poland. A continent away, madness ravages a remote monastery in Nepal, as Buddhist monks turn to cannibalism and torture. Lisa Cummings, an American doctor investigating the atrocity, is suddenly a target of a brutal assassin. And Lisa's only ally is Painter Crowe, director of SIGMA Force, who already shows signs of the baffling malady. Now it is up to Gray Pierce to save them both as SIGMA Force races to expose a century-old plot that threatens to destroy the current world order . . . and alter the destiny of humankind forever.

Dates Read: May 13, 2018 - May 19, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6)Andrew 5, Carol- 5, Sergei -5, Lynda- 5, Brenda 5, Eadie -5
Overall Rating: 5.00
Comments:

PROS:
" I like the book just the way it was written."
"I thought it was perfect. The audio was especially well done.
"Don't mess with perfection."

CONS:
"A tiny bit more meat on the bones in places - the Nazi confrontation, for example."

"There could have been a bit more detail and drama in the action scenes. They felt kind of “meh”

83. Piranha by Clive Cussler

Book Discussion:
Series: Oregon Files series Book #10
Publication Date: MAy 26, 2016

Book Description: In 1902, the volcano Mt. Pelée erupts on the island of Martinique, wiping out an entire city of thirty thousand—and sinking a ship carrying a German scientist on the verge of an astonishing breakthrough. More than a century later, Juan Cabrillo will have to deal with that scientist’s legacy. During a covert operation, Cabrillo and the crew meticulously fake the sinking of the Oregon—but when an unknown adversary tracks them down despite their planning and attempts to assassinate them, Cabrillo and his team struggle to fight back against an enemy who seems to be able to anticipate their every move. They discover that a traitorous American weapons designer has completed the German scientist’s work, and now wields extraordinary power, sending the Oregonon a race against time to stop an attack that could lead to one man ruling over the largest empire the world has ever known.

Dates Read: June 1, 2018 - June 6, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 3.75; Sergei- 3.5; Carol - 4; Lynda- 4; Eadie- 4; Brenda- 3.5;
Overall Average Rating: 3.79

Comments:

PROS:
"Juan and the crew of the Oregon of course. They are the main reasons why I read this series."

"I like the characters and there's usually a little history to back up the plot."

"I like the overall plot and the intricacies within it, also enjoyed the resolution. I actually felt they did a better job with feeling the tension and Suspense in this one towards the end than they have done on others."

"As usual the characters and the plot was interesting."

CONS:
"I don't think improved exactly because I really liked the book... but it seemed that events were "scattered" apart (for lack of a better word) and it took a long time to get back to them and tie them up."

"It didn't flow as smoothly as it could have. There seemed to be less tension in the narration. I read two sections and listened to three sections in the audio and I think the audio did a better job of tension building."

"It could have been pacier, and I didn't find much in the way of excitement."

"it was slower than usual and the action wasn't as tight. The humor was forced. The overall writing wasn't a smooth as the Du Brul books -- it was like we were back to Dirgo"

84. The Chalk Pit by Elly Griffiths

Book Discussion:
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #9
Publication Date: May 30, 2017

Book Description: Far below Norwich is a maze of old mining tunnels. When Ruth Galloway is called to examine a set of human remains in one of them, she notices the bones are almost translucent, a sign they were boiled soon after death. Once more, she’s at the helm of a murder investigation. Meanwhile, DCI Nelson is looking for a homeless woman who he hears has gone “underground.” Could she have disappeared into the labyrinth? And if so, is she connected to the body Ruth found? As Ruth and Nelson investigate the tunnels, they hear rumors of secret societies, cannibalism, and ritual killings. And when a dead body is found with a map of what seems to be the full maze, they realize their hunt for the killer has only just begun—and that more bodies may be underfoot.

Dates Read: June 15, 2018 - June 20, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew,-5 Sergei- 5, Carol- 5, Lynda- 4.5, Eadie- 5, Gayle - 3.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.67

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

85. The Seagull by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion:
Series: Vera Stanhope Book #8
Publication Date: September 5, 2017
Book Description: A visit to her local prison brings DI Vera Stanhope face to face with an old enemy: former detective superintendent, and now inmate, John Brace. Brace was convicted of corruption and involvement in the death of a gamekeeper – and Vera played a key part in his downfall. Now, Brace promises Vera information about the disappearance of Robbie Marshall, a notorious wheeler-dealer who disappeared in the mid-nineties, if she will look out for his daughter and grandchildren. He tells her that Marshall is dead, and that his body is buried close to St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay. However, when a search team investigates, officers find not one skeleton, but two. This cold case case takes Vera back in time, and very close to home, as Brace and Marshall, along with a mysterious stranger known only as ‘the Prof’, were close friends of Hector, her father. Together, they were the 'Gang of Four’, regulars at a glamorous nightclub called The Seagull. Hector had been one of the last people to see Marshall alive. As the past begins to collide dangerously with the present, Vera confronts her prejudices and unwanted memories to dig out the truth .

Dates Read: July 21-July 25, 2017
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 5, Sergei- 4.5, Carol- 5, Lynda- 5, Eadie- 5, Sushi
Overall Average Rating: 4.90 (1 missing)
Comments:

PROS:

"Ann does a great job. Would like to have a chance at figuring one out but that's long gone!"

"I have no complaints."

"Can't say anything bad about this one. "

"I'm giving this one a great big 5 because it was one of her best yet."

CONS:

" One or two things still kept very close to Ann’s chest."

"I'd have liked a definitive answer to the the killing of Marshall, with justice being seen to be done."

86. Fault Line by Robert Goddard

Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: 2012

Book Description: Not all scars are visible. Jonathan Kellaway needs no reminding of that on the verge of his retirement from china clay conglomerate Intercontinental Kaolins. The company has left its mark in pits and spoil heaps around the world. But it has also left a no less enduring mark on some of those who have worked for it, Kellaway included. Its past, as well as its future, is a treacherous place. So Kellaway is surprised when IK's founder and former chairman, Greville Lashley, sets him a final task before he quits. The academic hired by the board to write the company's history has discovered a gap covering several years in the records of the small Cornish china clay outfit Lashley started with and where Kellaway also began his career. He is despatched to Cornwall to learn what has become of the missing documents. But the search is a voyage into dangerous waters. A dead friend, a lost lover and a clutch of mysteries from Kellaway's youth in Cornwall and Italy in the late 1960s come back to haunt him -- and to tempt him with the hope that he may at last learn the truth about the tragedies and misfortunes that blighted those years. It is a truth that has claimed several victims before. If he pursues it hard and long enough, he may only add himself to the list. But pursue it he must. Because the truth, he belatedly realizes, is the secret that has consumed his life. This time -- this last time -- he will not stop. Until he has found it.

Dates Read: July 28, 2018 - August 1,2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 5, Sergei -4.5 ,Carol- 5, Lynda, 5- Eadie -5, Brenda - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.75

Comments:

PROS:

"Best features were Goddard’s writing and his wonderful storytelling capabilities. Interesting characters and plot."

"Goddard's ability to paint pictures with his words is always the best parts of his books. The characters are real and believable."

CONS:

87. The Guilty by David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: Will Robie Book #4
Publication Date: March 22, 2016

Book Description: Will Robie escaped his small Gulf Coast hometown of Cantrell, Mississippi, after high school, severing all personal ties, and never looked back. Not once. Not until the unimaginable occurs. His father, Dan Robie, has been arrested and charged with murder. Father and son haven't spoken or seen each other since the day Robie left town. In that time, Dan Robie--a local attorney and pillar of the community--has been elected town judge. Despite this, most of Cantrell is aligned against Dan. His guilt is assumed. To make matters worse, Dan has refused to do anything to defend himself. When Robie tries to help, his father responds only with anger and defiance. Could Dan really be guilty? With the equally formidable Jessica Reel at his side, Robie ignores his father's wishes and begins his own desperate investigation into the case. But Robie is now a stranger to his hometown, an outsider, a man who has forsaken his past and his family. His attempts to save his father are met with distrust and skepticism . . . and violence.
Unlike the missions Robie undertook in the service of his country, where his target was clearly defined, digging into his father's case only reveals more questions. Robie is drawn into the hidden underside of Cantrell, where he must face the unexpected and possibly deadly consequences of the long-ago choices made by father and son. And this time, there may be no escape for either of them.

Dates Read: August 10, 2018 - August 15, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew - 5, Carol - 5, Sergei - 5, Lynda-4.5, Eadie -5 , Brenda -4,
Overall Average Rating: 4.75

Comments:

PROS:
"This one was different in that they weren't running all over the world hunting the country's enemies. I like the other books but this one made a great addition with the back story. I don't think I would have liked the series near as much if this had been the first book instead of the fourth book. it was like Will and Jessica went on a much earned vacation but still nearly got killed."

"It was really very good, just not my favorite and incest is just too high on my creepy factor list."

"I think I gave all the books 5 stars but this one is my favorite because I enjoyed learning about Will's past."

"I was happy to read it just as it is."

CONS:
"I liked this one the least. I liked learning more about Will but definitely missed Julie and Vance. Although the general storyline was fine, there were parts that were just a mess. Honestly, during the "reveal" at the shack, I found myself starting to skim."

88. The Emperor's Revenge by Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison

Book Discussion:
Series: Oregon Files Book #11
Publication Date: May 2, 2016

Book Description: When a bank heist during the Monaco Grand Prix decimates the Corporation’s “offshore” account, Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon find themselves unexpectedly vulnerable. Without his usual financial assets, Juan must trust a woman from his past, an old friend from his days with the CIA, to help him keep his team safe. Together, they’ll face a mysterious hacker with a brutal vendetta. It is only after the hunt begins that the enormity of the plan comes into focus: the bank theft is just the first step in a plot that will result in the deaths of millions and bring the world’s economies to a standstill. The catalyst for the scheme? A stunning document stolen during Napoleon’s disastrous invasion of Russia. But two hundred years later, it may be the thing that brings Europe to its knees.

Dates Read: August 19, 2018 - August 24, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 4.75, Eadie - 4.5, Lynda- 4.5, Sergei - 4.5, Brenda - 4.5, Carol in spirit - 4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.54

Comments:

PROS:
"I liked it the way it was. Seems like Boyd and Cussler are doing well together and have found their footing."

"This book did have some tense moments including the ending. I liked the ending."

"A good, enjoyable read all round. Nothing was over- or under-played this time."

CONS:
"I thought the side stories were a little confusing at times."

"Putting a race car on the cover was a bit of a stretch since it was such a minor part of the story. On the other hand, a bank or Napoleon wouldn't have been much of a draw."

89. The Lincoln Myth by Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book #9
Publication Date: November 25, 2014

Book Description: September 1861: All is not as it seems. With these cryptic words, a shocking secret passed down from president to president comes to rest in the hands of Abraham Lincoln. And as the first bloody clashes of the Civil War unfold, Lincoln alone must decide how best to use this volatile knowledge: save thousands of American lives, or keep the young nation from being torn apart forever?

The present: In Utah, the fabled remains of Mormon pioneers whose nineteenth-century expedition across the desert met with a murderous end have been uncovered. In Washington, D.C., the official investigation of an international entrepreneur, an elder in the Mormon church, has sparked a political battle between the White House and a powerful United States senator. In Denmark, a Justice Department agent, missing in action, has fallen into the hands of a dangerous zealot—a man driven by divine visions to make a prophet’s words reality. And in a matter of a few short hours, Cotton Malone has gone from quietly selling books at his shop in Denmark to dodging bullets in a high-speed boat chase.

All it takes is a phone call from his former boss in Washington, and suddenly the ex-agent is racing to rescue an informant carrying critical intelligence. It’s just the kind of perilous business that Malone has been trying to leave behind, ever since he retired from the Justice Department. But once he draws enemy blood, Malone is plunged into a deadly conflict—a constitutional war secretly set in motion more than two hundred years ago by America’s Founding Fathers. From the streets of Copenhagen to the catacombs of Salzburg to the rugged mountains of Utah, the grim specter of the Civil War looms as a dangerous conspiracy gathers power. Malone risks life, liberty, and his greatest love in a race for the truth about Abraham Lincoln—while the fate of the United States of America hangs in the balance.

Dates Read: August 29, 2018 - September 1 or 2, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew -4, Sergei - 3.5, Carol - 3, Lynda -4, Eadie -3 , Brenda -3, Alan - 3.5,
Overall Average Rating: 3.43

Comments:

PROS:
"The author has also cleverly put some new interesting themes in the book and therefore some new energy, e,g where do Cotton And Cassiopeia go next - is there any future for them.

"Loved Luke who provided a new dimension of a character."

"The book was well written and educational; the fact that I did not like the premise so much is my problem, not Berry's.

"I learned a great deal with regard to American history and the development of the Mormon faith. The research was interesting as evidenced in the author’s notes at the end."

CONS:

"The story had uneven passing, Salazar was too crazy and I didn’t care for Cotton’s and Cassiopeia's behavior"

"There was no suspense. The characters didn't fit what we were used to. I got tired of hearing from that stupid angel."

"As usual my problem with the book wasn’t Cotton, wasn’t Cassiopeia, it was Stephanie. I just don’t like her."

"A bit less references to the religion"

"Book got quite technical in places especially for a simple Brit who doesn’t know much about the American Constitution."

"Satisfactory, but I felt a bit weak, ending. It was readable enough, but Luke did not match my idea of a Magellan Billet operative, somewhat too hot-headed and impulsive. Cassiopeia’s reasons for going back to Josepe were a little muddy, and Stephanie’s involvement had me scratching my head. All in all, not the best in the series."

90. An Evil Mind by Chris Carter

Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter Book #6
Publication Date: September 27, 2016

Book Description: A freak accident in rural Wyoming leads the sheriff’s department to arrest a man for a possible double homicide, but further investigations suggest a much more horrifying discovery: a serial killer who has been kidnapping, torturing, and mutilating victims all over the United States for at least twenty-five years. The suspect claims he is a pawn in a huge labyrinth of lies and deception—but can he be believed? The case is immediately handed over to the FBI, but this time they’re forced to ask for help from ex-criminal behavior psychologist and lead detective with the Ultra Violent Crime Unit of the LAPD, Robert Hunter. As he begins interviewing the apprehended suspect, terrifying secrets are revealed, including the real identity of a killer so elusive that no one, not even the FBI, had any idea he existed…until now.

Dates Read: September 7, 2018- September 11, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew -4.5, Sergei -4, Carol- 5, Lynda -5 ,Eadie - 5, Brenda -4.5,
Overall Average Rating: 4.67

Comments:

PROS:
"It's everything I could hope for in this type of book. Chris Carter is a great writer of this genre and I'm surprised he isn't more popular. I'm not going to forget Lucien any time soon. Can't wait for the next one.

"I've always liked this series as no one comes up with these grizzly story lines like Chris Carter."

"I'm giving the book a 5 because I think it really deserves a 5 for the uniqueness of the plot."

"I loved the first part of the book, the one-to-one between Hunter and Lucien was a nice change in pace from the previous books in the series."

CONS:
"The book could have been shorter for me - Lucien's smugness began to pall in the latter part of the book. I lost interest in Lucien and his game-playing about halfway through - which I found a shame after the excellent start to the book."

91. Prayer For The Dead by James Oswald

Book Discussion:
Series: Inspector McLean Book #4
Publication Date: February 7, 2017

Book Description: Book Discussion:Detective Inspector Tony McLean is on the case when the search for a missing journalist uncovers the scene of a carefully staged murder. In a sealed chamber, deep in the heart of Gilmerton Cove, a mysterious network of caves and passages sprawling beneath Edinburgh, the body is discovered in a seemingly macabre ritual of purification. But McLean knew the dead man and can't shake off the suspicion that there is far more to this case than meets the eye.

For one thing, the baffling lack of forensics at the crime scene seems impossible. But that's just the first in a series of revelations about this case that seems beyond belief. Teamed with the most unlikely and unwelcome of allies, McLean must track down a killer--driven by the darkest compulsions and who will answer only to a higher power--until it's his own blood on the altar.

Dates Read: September 15, 2018- September 20, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew - 3.5, Sergei- 4.5, Carol - 4.5, Lynda-3.5 Eadie- 4, Brenda -3.75
Overall Average Rating: 3.96

b>Comments:

PROS:
"I thought the story was interesting. Tony always has several cases going.
I was glad to see Tony back to his normal self after the last book - really disliked him in that one."

" I liked that the supernatural parts were not to overbearing."

"Nice, easy read. No really evil antagonist this time, like Mrs. Saifre, Norman was mild in comparison."

CONS:

"I think the book seemed a little disjointed with the subplot of the developers. It got a little bit confusing."

"I'd have liked a short plenary session at the end where a few points were explained."

92. Why Mermaids Sing by C.S. Harris

Book Discussion:
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr series Book #3
Publication Date: October 7, 2008

Book Description: Murder has jarred London’s elite. The sons of prominent families have been found at dawn in public places, partially butchered, with strange objects stuffed in their mouths. Once again, the local magistrate turns to Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, for help. Moving from the gritty world of London’s docks to the drawing rooms of Mayfair, Sebastian confronts his most puzzling and disturbing case yet.

Dates Read: September 26, 2018 - September 30, 2018
Participants & Ratings:(7) Andrew-4.5, Sergei - 4.5, Carol - 5, Lynda - 4.5, Eadie 5-, Brenda-4.5,- Jen -5
Overall Average Rating: 4.71

Comments:

PROS:
"I like all the characters. The good ones are nice but the bad ones are not so nice. I like the storyline kept things interest. The short chapters which made for easy reading."

"The short chapters are diffidently a selling point for her books. I get a little out of patience with the class snobs but the main characters are really good. Lots of surprises in this one but what the heck does that poem mean?

"Interesting storyline...great characters and I like the time period."

"I like the main characters and the secondary characters haven't been shortchanged. I can't wait to meet the new valet. I also like the time period."

"The story cracks along at a good pace, Harris doesn't waste words on unnecessary filler."

"A very satisfactory ending; all loose ends tied up with a few stories still left open to continue the story in future."

CONS:

93. The Judas Strain by James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force series Book #4
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: From the depths of the Indian Ocean, a horrific plague has arisen to devastate humankind--a disease that's unknown, unstoppable . . . and deadly. But it is merely a harbinger of the doom that is to follow. Aboard a cruise liner transformed into a makeshift hospital, Dr. Lisa Cummings and Monk Kokkalis--operatives of SIGMA Force--search for answers to the bizarre affliction. But there are others with far less altruistic intentions. In a savage and sudden coup, terrorists hijack the vessel, turning a mercy ship into a floating bio-weapons lab.

A world away, SIGMA's Commander Gray Pierce thwarts the murderous schemes of a beautiful would-be killer who holds the first clue to the discovery of a possible cure. Pierce joins forces with the woman who wanted him dead, and together they embark upon an astonishing quest following the trail of the most fabled explorer in history: Marco Polo. But time is an enemy as a worldwide pandemic grows rapidly out of control. As a relentless madman dogs their every step, Gray and his unlikely ally are being pulled into an astonishing mystery buried deep in antiquity and in humanity's genetic code. And as the seconds tick closer to doomsday, Gray Pierce will realize he can truly trust no one, for any one of them could be . . . a Judas.

Dates Read: October 4, 2018 - October October 10, 2018
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew-4, Sergei - 4, Carol- 3.5, Lynda- 3.5, Eadie - 3.5, Brenda - 3.5
Overall Average Rating: 3.67

Comments:

PROS:

"The story on Christmas Island was interesting and the story at the temple was interesting
The Sigma team works well together though I have issues with Painter's distraction over Lisa and Gray's over his parents."

"I liked the plot and storyline and I thought the story behind the crabs was unique."

"The ending!"

CONS:

"About 200 less pages and much less science. Some is good but Rollins just goes overboard sometimes."

"The discussions re the bacteria and the angelic script was a little too much
Painter and Gray were both a little "off their game" due to personal issues and they should be better than that."

"I thought it could easily lose 200 pages to tighten up the story. We've had too much "angel stuff" lately but that's just bad luck I think. This book made me miss a nice straightforward serial killer novel.

"I agree the book could have been shorter by cutting back on the science facts."

"Pacing - unnecessarily laborious."

94. The Medusa Amulet by Robert Maselo

Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: Benvenuto Cellini, master artisan of Renaissance Italy, once crafted a beautiful amulet prized for its unimaginable power—and untold menace. Now the quest to recover this legendary artifact depends upon one man: David Franco, a brilliant but skeptical young scholar at Chicago’s world-renowned Newberry Library. What begins as a simple investigation spirals into a tale of dangerous intrigue, as Franco races from the châteaux of France to the palazzos of Rome in a desperate search for the ultimate treasure—and an answer to a riddle that has puzzled mankind since the beginning of time. Aided by a beautiful young Florentine harboring dark secrets, pursued by deadly assassins, and battling demons of his own, Franco must ultimately confront an evil greater than anything conjured in his worst nightmares.

Dates Read: October 13, 2018 - October 18, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew - 3.5, Sergei - 3, Carol- 3.5, Lynda- 4, Eadie- 4, Brenda
Overall Average Rating:

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

95. Walking By Night by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Joe Plantagenet Book #5
Publication Date: July 1, 2015

Book Description: Taking a short cut home beneath the ruined abbey in the center of the city, a teenage girl reports stumbling across a body. She also claims to have seen a mysterious nun-like figure watching her from the shadows. But during the subsequent search, no body is found. The girl’s inebriated state and her troubled history make the police skeptical of her story, and only Detective Inspector Joe Plantagenet is inclined to believe her.

Dates Read: October 27, 2018 - October 29, 2018
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew - 4.5, Sergei - 4.5, Carol-4.5, Lynda- 4, Eadie -5, Brenda,- 3.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.33

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

96. Now You See Me by S.J. (Sharon) Bolton

Book Discussion:
Series: Lacey Flint Book #1
Publication Date: June 7, 2011

Book Description: One night after interviewing a reluctant witness at a London apartment complex, Lacey Flint, a young detective constable, stumbles onto a woman brutally stabbed just moments before in the building's darkened parking lot. Within twenty-four hours a reporter receives an anonymous letter that points out alarming similarities between the murder and Jack the Ripper's first murder—a letter that calls out Lacey by name. If it's real, and they have a killer bent on re-creating London's bloody past, history shows they have just five days until the next attempt.

No one believes the connections are anything more than a sadistic killer's game, not even Lacey, whom the killer seems to be taunting specifically. However, as they investigate the details of the case start reminding her more and more of a part of her past she'd rather keep hidden. And the only way to do that is to catch the killer herself.

Dates Read: November 2, 2018 - November 6, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew -3.5, Sergei - 3.5, Carol - 4, Lynda- 4, Eadie- 4, Gayle - 4, Brenda - 3.75
Overall Average Rating: 3.82

Comments:

PROS:
"I really like Joesbury - thought he ended up being a pretty good cop and challenged Lacey."

"The Jack The Ripper connection was good and I liked the author's writing style".

"The story had some interesting twists and the Jack the Ripper plot was well done."

CONS:

"I really didn't like the opening - the language that Bolton was using was a bit confusing at first with "the dead woman" this and "the dead woman" that.

"There were too many TSTL moments on Lacey's part"

The Tulloch thing was kind of odd and I wish we'd gotten a better explanation."

97. The Patriot Threat

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book #10
Publication Date: December 29, 2015

Book Description: Once a member of an elite intelligence division within the Justice Department, Malone is now a retired bookshop owner in Denmark. But when his former boss, Stephanie Nelle, asks him to track a rogue North Korean who may have acquired some top secret Treasury Department files-the kind that could bring the United States to its knees-Malone is vaulted into a harrowing twenty-four-hour chase that begins on the canals in Venice and ends in the remote highlands of Croatia.

Dates Read: November 14, 2018 - November 18, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 3.5, Sergei-3.5, Carol - 3.5 Lynda -3.5, Eadie - 3.5, Brenda - 3.5
Overall Average Rating: 3.50

Comments:

PROS:

"I thought the secret re the 16th amendment was interesting and the way the historical info was provided was better than it has been lately."

"I thought the potential of the 16th Amendment was very creative...and adding a North Korean angle was a change from either Russians or Middle Eastern bad guys."

"I liked visiting Croatia but I think Berry wrote about Croatia because he wanted to visit that beautiful country and now can write it off on his income tax."

"Yet another intriguing 'What if' from Berry, backed up by some very persuasive true facts."

CONS:

"I was hoping for a better resolution for Hana and for the Solomons."

"Way too much repeated income tax information."

98. Fool me Once by Harlan Coben

Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: March 22, 2016

Book Description: Former special ops pilot Maya, home from the war, sees an unthinkable image captured by her nanny cam while she is at work: her two-year-old daughter playing with Maya’s husband, Joe—who was brutally murdered two weeks earlier. The provocative question at the heart of the mystery: Can you believe everything you see with your own eyes, even when you desperately want to? To find the answer, Maya must finally come to terms with deep secrets and deceit in her own past before she can face the unbelievable truth about her husband—and herself.

Dates Read: November 24, 2018 - November 28, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (9) Andrew -5, Sergei - 5, Carol - 5, Lynda - 5, Eadie - 5, Gayle - 4, Jen - 5, Brenda-4, Colin
Overall Average Rating: 4.75 without Colin's
Comments:

PROS:
"I liked everything about it. I actually liked the way he wrote the Maya character. She was so different from the usual female protagonist. I liked her love of weapons and the way she didn't fall into TSTL stereotypes."

"As a person Maya was a little hard to like, however, I really liked how she was with Lily, she didn't fake it with her, but she was warmer and very clearly loved her. I also liked that nothing and no one was off limits, I hate when characters feel "protected" so you know that nothing is going to happen to them, it's annoying and takes you out of it when there's a fight or any kind of "action".

CONS:

"Maya could have been a bit more likable or at least someone that you might shed a drop of empathy for. Actually I liked Eddie and Corey more than any of the others."

99. End Game by David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: Will Robie Book #5
Publication Date: March 20, 2018

Book Description: Will Robie and Jessica Reel are two of the most lethal people alive. They're the ones the government calls in when the utmost secrecy is required to take out those who plot violence and mass destruction against the United States. And through every mission, one man has always had their backs: their handler, code-named Blue Man.

But now, Blue Man is missing.

Last seen in rural Colorado, Blue Man had taken a rare vacation to go fly fishing in his hometown when he disappeared off the grid. With no communications since, the team can't help but fear the worst. Sent to investigate, Robie and Reel arrive in the small town of Grand to discover that it has its own share of problems. A stagnant local economy and a woefully understaffed police force have made this small community a magnet for crime, drugs, and a growing number of militant fringe groups. But lying in wait in Grand is an even more insidious and sweeping threat, one that may shake the very core of America. And when Robie and Reel find themselves up against an adversary with superior firepower and a home-court advantage, they'll be lucky if they make it out alive, with or without Blue Man.

Dates Read: December 6, 2018 - December 10, 2018
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew 5- Sergei 5- Carol 4.5 - Eadie 5- Jen 5- Brenda - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.75

Comments:

PROS:
"Always like Will and Jessica in action. They are both very, very good at what they do and have such imaginative ideas of how to do it."

"I like their characters and they are always very interesting how they react to each other."

"I love the action and the sarcasm, I like cheering them on and laughing all the way."

CONS:
"Just one or two places where it could have been tightened up a wee bit, cut down slightly on some of the description which slows the action, but that was only a minor niggle."

"I was getting a little annoyed sometimes when it seemed like they weren't getting anywhere. I also missed Vance and Julie."

"The side investigations took too long. Missed Vance and Julie. Disliked Reel for most of the book"

100. Typhoon Fury by Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison

Book Discussion:
Series: Oregon Files Book #12
Publication Date: November 7, 2017

Book Description: Hired to search for a collection of paintings worth half a billion dollars, Juan Cabrillo and the crew of the Oregon soon find themselves in much deeper waters. The vicious leader of a Filipino insurgency is not only using them to finance his attacks, he has stumbled upon one of the most lethal secrets of World War II: a Japanese-developed drug, designed, but never used, to turn soldiers into super-warriors. To stop him, the Oregon must not only take on the rebel commander, but a South African mercenary intent on getting his own hands on the drug, a massive swarm of torpedo drones targeting the U.S. Navy, an approaching megastorm, and, just possibly, a war that could envelop the entire Asian continent.

Dates Read: December 14, 2018 - December 19, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 3.75, Sergei- 4.5, Carol- 4, Lynda- 4, Eadie - 4, Brenda -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.04
Comments:

PROS:
"I know some of you wanted more depth to the story, but I was happy enough to accept it as it came. A little mindless action now and again is alright by me, no heavy analysis required... :)"

"I was happy with the story as it was. I can never figure out what these people 's motives are anyway so sometimes it's nice to just go along with it."

"I thought the action scenes were long, but that's why we read this series. We get extra helpings of history with Cotton Malone and Sigma Force."

CONS:

"Action scenes shorter and more history."

"I agree... more history and less action and weapon technology."

101, A Noise Downstairs by Linwood Barclay

Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: July 24, 2018

Book Description: College professor Paul Davis is a normal guy with a normal life. Until, driving along a deserted road late one night, he surprises a murderer disposing of a couple of bodies. That’s when Paul’s "normal" existence is turned upside down. After nearly losing his own life in that encounter, he finds himself battling PTSD, depression, and severe problems at work. His wife, Charlotte, desperate to cheer him up, brings home a vintage typewriter—complete with ink ribbons and heavy round keys—to encourage him to get started on that novel he’s always intended to write. However, the typewriter itself is a problem. Paul swears it’s possessed and types by itself at night. But only Paul can hear the noise coming from downstairs; Charlotte doesn’t hear a thing. And she worries he’s going off the rails. Paul believes the typewriter is somehow connected to the murderer he discovered nearly a year ago. The killer had made his victims type apologies to him before ending their lives. Has another sick twist of fate entwined his life with the killer—could this be the same machine? Increasingly tormented but determined to discover the truth and confront his nightmare, Paul begins investigating the deaths himself. But that may not be the best thing to do. Maybe Paul should just take the typewriter back to where his wife found it. Maybe he should stop asking questions and simply walk away while he can.

Dates Read: December 27, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew -4.5, Sergei- 4.5, Carol-4.5, Lynda- 4.5, Eadie- 5, Brenda- 4, Jen - 5
Overall Average Rating: 4.57

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

102. I Am Death by Chris Carter

Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter series Book #7
Publication Date: July 30, 2015

Book Description: Criminal behavior psychologist turned LAPD detective Robert Hunter finds himself engaged in a brutal game to the finish with a ruthless opponent. But no matter what moves Hunter makes, death is coming. At the Los Angeles International Airport, the body of a twenty-year-old woman is discovered. The autopsy reveals that she had been tortured and murdered in a most bizarre way—but the surprises don’t end there. The killer likes to play, and he left something behind for the cops to find. LAPD Detective Robert Hunter is assigned to the case but almost immediately a second body turns up. Surrounded by new challenges as every day passes, Hunter finds himself chasing a monster—one with a dark past and whose desire to hurt people and thirst for murder can never be quenched.

Dates Read: January 6, 2019 - January 10, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 3 - Sergei 2.75- Carol 4- Lynda - 4, Eadie 3- Brenda 4
Overall Average Rating: 3.46

Comments:

PROS:
“I do like his writing and the two characters he has created here. I think Chris Carter must keep a diary where he writes down all his nightmares and then incorporates them into his books.”

“I agree this was the weakest but it still worth 4 to me, based on the books I've read this month.”

CONS:
“This one is the worst of his books. I didn't really like the way he killed the victims”. (Edited for spoilers)

“This is the worst of the stories, by a LONG way. I had such hopes for the series to begin with, it started out with 5★s, but has gradually slipped by half stars as the series progressed and as the stories grew more and more gruesome.”

103. A Tap On The Window by Linwood Barclay
Book Discussion:
Series: Standalone
Publication Date: July 1, 2014

Book Description: Since private investigator Cal Weaver’s teenage son died in a tragic accident, Cal and his wife have drifted apart. Cal is mired in a grief he can’t move past. And maybe his grief has clouded his judgment. Driving home one night, a rain-drenched girl taps on his car window and asks for a ride. He knows a grown man picking up a teenage hitchhiker is foolish—but he lets her in. Cal soon senses that something’s not right with the girl or the situation. But it’s too late. He’s already involved.

Drawn into a nightmare of secrets, lies, and cover-ups in his small, upstate New York town, Cal knows that the only thing that can save him is the truth. And he’s about to expose the town’s secrets one by one—if he lives long enough.

Dates Read: January 17, 2019 - January 21 2019
Participants & Ratings: (8) Andrew 4.5 - Sergei 4.5- Carol 4.5 - Lynda 4 - Eadie 5 - Gayle 3.5- Jen - Brenda 3.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.21 without Jen's rating.

104. The Restless Dead by Simon Beckett

Book Discussion:
Series: Dr. David Hunter series Book #5
Publication Date: February 9, 2017

Book Description: Top forensics expert Dr David Hunter is facing an uncertain future - his career hangs in the balance and his personal life has taken a turn for the worse. So when he gets a call from Essex police, it comes at the perfect time. A badly decomposed body has been found in the mudflats and salt marshes of the Backwaters. Could it be linked to two unsolved missing-person cases? But then more remains are discovered. And as these desolate wetlands begin to give up their grisly secrets, Hunter is reminded that it’s not the dead we need to fear.

Dates Read: January 26,2019 - January 30,2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew -5, Sergei-5, Carol-5, Lynda- 5, Eadie 5, Brenda-4
Overall Average Rating: 4.82

Comments:

PROS:

"The story was interesting and the forensic process was well written and detailed."

"Good plotline, and readability."

" I have always like this series and the forensics. David Hunter is an excellent character."

"Easy and interesting to read! Good plots and characters."

CONS:

"I'd like it if Hunter wasn't so flaky. He doesn't recognize clues right away or he misses the importance until later and then has to backtrack. He also has a habit of getting himself involved in the investigation or with the suspects."

"David needs to be portrayed more as a professional. He is very good at what he does but he doesn't ever get the respect that his position deserves."

"I find him so obnoxious."

105. The Merchant's House by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: DS Wesley Peterson Book #1
Publication Date: April 21, 2010

Book Description: DS Wesley Peterson, newly arrived in the West Country town of Tradmouth, has his hands full when a child goes missing and a young woman is brutally murdered on a lonely cliff path. Then his old friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, unearths the skeletons of a strangled woman and a new born baby in the cellar of an ancient merchant's house nearby. As the investigation continues, Wesley begins to suspect that these deaths, centuries apart, may be linked by age-old motives of jealousy, a sexual obsession and desperate longing. And the pressure is on if he is going to prevent a further tragedy.

Dates Read: February 9, 2019 - February 12, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew -4.5, Sergei-4.5, Carol-5, Lynda- 4, Eadie 5 ,- Brenda-4

Overall Average Rating: 4.50

106. The Damage Done By James Oswald

Book Discussion:
Series: Inspector McLean Book #6
Publication Date: February 2016

Book Description: When a police raid in Edinburgh goes horribly wrong, the only silver lining for Inspector Tony McLean is a discovery that could lead to a long-lost girl from his early days on the beat. Haunted by the mystery of what happened to her, McLean begins to dig into a case he thought long buried. But the shadows of the past are soon eclipsed by crimes in the present as a series of strange and gruesome deaths shock the city. As McLean's investigation draws him ever deeper into the upper echelons of Edinburgh society, it will not only be his career on the line - but his life as well.

Dates Read: February 25, 2019 - March 1, 2019
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew- 4, Sergei-4.5, Carol- 4.5, Lynda 4, Eadie 4, Brenda-4

Overall Average Rating: 4.17

107. The Last Oracle by James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #5
Publication Date: April 26, 2011

Book Description: In Washington, D.C., a homeless man takes an assassin's bullet and dies in Commander Gray Pierce's arms. A bloody coin clutched in the dead man's hand--an ancient relic that can be traced back to the Greek Oracle of Delphi--is the key to a conspiracy that dates back to the Cold War and threatens the very foundation of humanity. For what if it were possible to bio-engineer the next great prophet--a new Buddha, Muhammad, or even Jesus? Would this Second Coming be a boon . . . or would it initiate a chain reaction that would result in the extinction of humankind? Vital seconds are ticking rapidly away as Pierce races across the globe in search of answers, one step ahead of ruthless killers determined to reclaim the priceless artifact. Suddenly the future of all things is balanced on the brink between heaven and hell and salvation or destruction rests in the hands of remarkable children.

Dates Read: March 10, 2019 - March 15, 2019
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew- 5, Sergei-5, Carol-4.5, Lynda-5, Eadie-4, Brenda-4
Overall Average Rating: 4.58

Comments:

PROS:

CONS:

108. Where Serpents Sleep by C.S. Harris

Book Discussion:
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr Book #4
Publication Date: October 16, 2008

Book Description: Hero Jarvis, reform-minded daughter of the Prince Regent's cousin, enlists Sebastian St. Cyr's help in investigating the brutal murders of eight prostitutes. Following a trail of clues from London's seedy East End to the Mayfair mansions of a noble family, the two must race against time to stop a killer whose ominous plot threatens to shake the nation to its very core?

Dates Read: March 27, 2019 - March 31, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (7)) Andrew -5, Sergei-5, Carol -5, Lynda -4.5, Eadie- 5, Brenda 4-, Gayle -4
Overall Average Rating: 4.60

109. The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Wesley Petersen Book #2
Publication Date: July 13, 2000

Book Description: Norman Openheim is an American veteran of the D Day Landings on a sentimental journey with his old unit to their West Country base. His body is the last one archaeologist Neil Watson expects to find in the ruins of an old chantry chapel. Neil naturally turns to his old friend from student days, Detective Sergeant Wesley Peterson, for help. Ironically, both men are looking at an invading force - Wes, the WWII Yanks, and Neil, a group of shipwrecked Spaniards reputed to have met a sticky end at the hands of outraged locals as they limped from the wreckage of the great Armada. Local memories are retentive, and Wes is soon caught up in old accusations, resentments, and romances from fifty years before. But the coolness of Openheim's wife Dorinda, and her reliance on a fellow veteran in the party, offer an all-too-familiar motive for murder. As if that is not enough, a belligerent group of homeless youths are also under suspicion: then another veteran's wife disappears. Wes's case grows more perplexing, while Neil uncovers a tragic story from the distant past. Over four hundred years apart, two strangers in a strange land have died violently - could the same motives of hatred, jealousy, and revenge be at work? Wes is running out of time to find out.

Dates Read: April 6, 2019 - April 9, 2019
Participants & Ratings:(5) Andrew- 4, Carol-3, Lynda-3.5, Eadie-4, Brenda-4, Jen-3.5
Overall Average Rating: 3.70

110. Wild Fire by Ann Cleeves

Book Discussion:
Series: Shetland Island Book #8
Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Book Description: Hoping for a fresh start, an English family moves to the remote Shetland islands, eager to give their autistic son a better life. But when a young nanny's body is found hanging in the barn beside their home, rumors of her affair with the husband spread like wildfire. As suspicion and resentment of the family blazes in the community, Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez is called in to investigate. He knows it will mean his boss, Willow Reeves, returning to run the investigation, and confronting their complex relationship. With families fracturing and long-hidden lies emerging, Jimmy faces the most disturbing case of his career.

Dates Read: April 17, 2019 - April 21, 2019
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew -5, Sergei,5 - Carol - 5, Lynda- 5, Eadie - 5, Gayle - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.83

Last Book in the series:
Overall end of Series Rating: 4.67

111. The 14th Colony by Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book #11
Publication Date: April 5, 2016

Book Description: Shot down over Siberia, ex-Justice Department agent Cotton Malone is forced into a fight for survival against Aleksandr Zorin, a man whose loyalty to the former Soviet Union has festered for decades into an intense hatred of the United States. Before escaping, Malone learns that Zorin and another ex-KGB officer, this one a sleeper still embedded in the West, are headed overseas to Washington D.C. Noon on January 20th—Inauguration Day—is only hours away. A flaw in the Constitution, and an even more flawed presidential succession act, have opened the door to disaster and Zorin intends to exploit both weaknesses to their fullest. Armed with a weapon leftover from the Cold War, one long thought to be just a myth, Zorin plans to attack. He’s aided by a shocking secret hidden in the archives of America’s oldest fraternal organization—the Society of Cincinnati—a group that once lent out its military savvy to presidents, including helping to formulate three invasion plans of what was intended to be America’s 14th colony...Canada.

Dates Read: May ,2019 -May ,2019
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew,4 - Sergei-3.5,- Carol 3.5- Lynda 3.5- Eadie 3 - Brenda 3.5-
Overall Average Rating: 3.50

112. Dead Scared by Sharon Bolton (S.J.)

Book Discussion:
Series: Lacey Flint Book #2
Publication Date: June 5, 2012

Book Description: When a rash of suicides tears through Cambridge University, DI Mark Joesbury recruits DC Lacey Flint to go undercover as a student to investigate. Although each student's death appears to be a suicide, the psychological histories, social networks, and online activities of the students involved share remarkable similarities, and the London police are not convinced that the victims acted alone. They believe that someone might be preying on lonely and insecure students and either encouraging them to take their own lives or actually luring them to their deaths. As long as Lacey can play the role of a vulnerable young woman, she may be able to stop these deaths, but is it just a role for her? With her fragile past, is she drawing out the killers, or is she herself being drawn into a deadly game where she's a perfect victim?

Dates Read: May 27, 2019 - May 31, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew- 3.5, Sergie -3.5, Carol- 4.5, Lynda- 4, Eadie- 4, Brenda-4, Gayle-4
Overall Average Rating:3.93

113. The Dark Angel by Elly Griffith

Book Discussion:
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #10
Publication Date: May 15, 2018

Book Description: It’s not every day that you’re summoned to the Italian countryside on business, so when archaeologist Angelo Morelli asks for Ruth Galloway’s help identifying bones found in the tiny hilltop town of Fontana Liri, she jumps at the chance to go, bringing her daughter along with her for a working vacation. Upon arriving, she begins to hear murmurs of Fontana Liri’s strong resistance movement during World War II and senses the townspeople are dancing around a deeply buried secret. But how could that be connected to the ancient remains she’s been studying? Ruth is just beginning to get her footing in the dig when she’s thrown off-guard by the appearance of DCI Nelson. And when Ruth’s findings lead them to a modern-day murder, their holidays are both turned upside down, and they race to find out what darkness is lurking in this seemingly picturesque town.

Dates Read: June 8, 2019 - June 12, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew 5- Sergie -5, Carol 4- Lynda 4- Eadie 5-
Overall Average Rating: 4.60

114. An Unhallowed Grave by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Wesley Peterson Book #3
Publication Date: May 18, 2001

Book Description:When the body of a middle-aged woman is found hanging from a yew tree in Stokeworthy Churchyard, the police suspect foul play. But the victim is an unlikely one. Pauline Brent was the local doctor's receptionist, respected and well liked. She seems to have no real enemies-and yet someone killed her. Detective Sergeant Wesley Peterson, a black detective recently transferred to the quiet, West Country English village, is determined to discover the truth and, once again, it is history that provides him with a clue. For Wesley's archaeologist friend, Neil Watson, has excavated an ancient corpse at a nearby dig: a woman who had been buried at a crossroads, on unhallowed ground. It appears that the body is that of the same woman whom local legend has it was publicly executed in the churchyard centuries before. A chilling echo of the fifteenth-century lynching, Pauline Brent's death forces Wesley to consider the possibility that the killer also knows the tree's dark history. Has Pauline been "executed" rather than murdered-and if so, for what crime? To catch a dangerous killer, Wesley has to discover as much as he can about the victim. But Pauline Brent appears to have been a woman with few friends, no relatives, and a past she has tried carefully to hide.

Dates Read: June 29, 2019 - July 1, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew 4- Sergei 4.5 - Carol 4 - Lynda 4- Eadie 4 - Brenda 4- Tove-Reads-4
Overall Average Rating:4.07

115. Silent Scream by Angela Marsons

Book Discussion:
Series: DI Kim Stone - Book #1
Publication Date: August 1, 2016

Book Description: Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult-sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken, but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood . . . Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country. But when human remains are discovered at a former children's home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realizes she's on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades. As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it's too late?

Dates Read: July, 27, 2019 - July 31, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew 4.5, Sergei 4.5, Carol 5, Eadie 5, Brenda 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.6

116. The Camel Club by David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: The Camel Club Book #1
Publication Date: September 1, 2006

Book Description: Welcome to THE CAMEL CLUB. Existing at the fringes of Washington, D.C., the Club consists of four eccentric members. Led by a mysterious man known as "Oliver Stone," they study conspiracy theories, current events, and the machinations of government to discover the "truth" behind the country's actions. Their efforts bear little fruit--until the group witnesses a shocking murder...and becomes embroiled in an astounding, far-reaching conspiracy. Now the Club must join forces with a Secret Service agent to confront one of the most chilling spectacles ever to take place on American soil-an event that may trigger the ultimate war between two different worlds. And all that stands in the way of this apocalypse is five unexpected heroes.

Dates Read: July 13, 2019 - July 23, 2019
Participants & Ratings:(6) Andrew-4, Carol- 3.5, Lynda 4.25, Eadie-4, Brenda- 4, Sergei - 5
Overall Average Rating:4.13

117. Shadow Tyrants by Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison

Book Discussion:
Series: Oregon Files Book #13
Publication Date: September 11, 2018

Book Description: Nearly two thousand years ago, an Eastern emperor charged a small group with safeguarding secrets powerful enough to change the history of mankind. They went down in legend as the Nine Unknown Men--and now two rival factions of their descendants are fighting a mighty battle. Both sides think they are saving the world, but their tactics could very well bring about the end of humankind. Soon, Juan Cabrillo and his team of expert operatives aboard the Oregon find themselves trapped between two power-hungry adversaries, both of whom are willing to use shocking means to accomplish their goals. Cabrillo and the team must divide and conquer as they fight dual threats, which include a supercomputer at sea and satellites that can wipe out technology across the globe--including the high-tech weapons on board the Oregon. The crew must rely on their unique skills to stop the tyrants in their tracks and save the earth from a dynasty of terror.

Dates Read: August 9 - August 13, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 4- Carol 4.5- Sergei 4- Lynda 4 - Eadie 4 - Brenda-4

Overall Average Rating: 4.08

Comments:

118 The Black Echo by Michael Connelly

Book Discussion:
Series Harry Bosch Book #1
Publication Date: January 21, 1992

Book Description: For maverick LAPD homicide detective Harry Bosch, the body in the drainpipe at Mulholland Dam is more than another anonymous statistic. This one is personal . . . because the murdered man was a fellow Vietnam "tunnel rat" who had fought side by side with him in a hellish underground war. Now Bosch is about to relive the horror of Nam. From a dangerous maze of blind alleys to a daring criminal heist beneath the city, his survival instincts will once again be tested to their limit. Pitted against enemies inside his own department and forced to make the agonizing choice between justice and vengeance, Bosch goes on the hunt for a killer whose true face will shock him.

Dates Read: August 23, 2019 - August 28, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew 4- Sergei 3.5- Carol 4.5 - Lynda 4.5- Eadie 4- Brenda -4 - Jodi 4.5

Overall Average Rating: 4.14

Comments:

119. The Caller by Chris Carter

Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter Book #8
Publication Date: January 1, 2017

Book Description:Be careful before answering your next call. It could be the beginning of your worst nightmare. After a tough week, Tanya Kaitlin is looking forward to a relaxing night in, but as she steps out of her shower, she hears her phone ring. The video call request comes from her best friend, Karen Ward. Tanya takes the call and the nightmare begins. Detectives Robert Hunter and Carlos Garcia are thrown into a rollercoaster of evil, chasing a predator who scouts the streets and social media networks for victims, taunting them with secret messages and feeding on their fear.

Dates Read: September 6, 2019 - September 10, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 5, Sergei- 4.5, Carol- 4.5, Lynda- 5, Eadie- 5, Brenda - 4

Overall Average Rating: 4.67

Comments:

120. The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Wesley Peterson series Book #4
Publication Date: May 1, 2012

Book Description:When a skeleton is discovered on a Devon smallholding, DS Wesley Peterson, a keen amateur archaeologist, is intrigued by the possibility that it is a Viking corpse, buried in keeping with ancient traditions. But he has a rather more urgent crime to solve- the disappearance of a Danish tourist.

Dates Read: September 20, 2019 - September 24, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew-4.5, Sergei-4.5, Carol-4.5, Lynda 4.5, Eadie, Brenda -3.5

Overall Average Rating: 4.25

Comments:

121. The Doomsday Key - James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #6
Publication Date: June 23, 2009

Book Description: At Princeton University, a famed geneticist dies inside a biohazard lab. In Rome, a Vatican archaeologist is found dead in St. Peter's Basilica. In Africa, a U.S. senator's son is slain outside a Red Cross camp. The three murders on three continents bear a horrifying connection: all the victims are marked by a Druidic pagan cross burned into their flesh. The bizarre murders thrust Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force into a race against time to solve a riddle going back centuries, to a ghastly crime against humanity hidden within a cryptic medieval codex. The first clue is discovered inside a mummified corpse buried in an English peat bog -- a gruesome secret that threatens America and the world. Aided by two women from his past -- one his exlover, the other his new partner -- Gray must piece together the horrifying truth. But the revelations come at a high cost, and to save the future, Gray will have to sacrifice one of the women at his side. That alone might not be enough, as the true path to salvation is revealed in a dark prophecy of doom. Sigma Force confronts humankind's greatest threat in an adventure that races from the Roman Coliseum to the icy peaks of Norway, from the ruins of medieval abbeys to the lost tombs of Celtic kings. The ultimate nightmare is locked within a talisman buried by a dead saint -- an ancient artifact known as the Doomsday Key.

Dates Read: October 10, 2019 - October 16, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 5, Sergei-5, Carol- 5, Lynda- 5, Eadie- 5, Brenda-4

Overall Average Rating:4.83

Comments:

122. Written In Bones - James Oswald

Book Discussion:
Series: Inspector Tony McLean Book #7
Publication Date: June 29, 2017

Book Description: A body is found in a tree in the Meadows, Edinburgh's beautiful public park. The forensics suggest that the corpse has fallen from a height - but was it an accident or a shocking message? The dead man had led quite a life - a disgraced ex-cop turned criminal kingpin and, most recently, the head of a celebrated charity. As McLean investigates, his search takes him from the city's underworld - crossing paths with some of the most dangerous and the most vulnerable people in society - before taking him to the heart of a shadowy conspiracy stretching back years.

Dates Read: October 24, 2019 - October 29, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew -4, Sergei 4-, Carol 4-, Lynda 4-, Eadie 4-, Brenda 4-, Bluebird - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.00

Comments:

123. The Bone Garden - Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Wesley Peterson Book # 5
Publication Date: July 2, 2003

Book Description: An excavation at the lost gardens of Earlsacre Hall is called to a halt when a skeleton is discovered under a 300 year old stone plinth, a corpse that seems to have been buried alive. But DS Wesley Peterson has little time to indulge in his hobby of archaeology. He has a more recent murder case to solve. A man has been found stabbed to death in a caravan at a popular holiday park and the only clue to his identity is a newspaper cutting about the restoration of Earlsacre. Does local solicitor Brian Willerby have the answer? He seems eager to talk to Wesley but before he can reveal his secret he is found dead during a 'friendly' game of village cricket, apparently struck by a cricket ball several times with some force. If Wesley is looking for a demon bowler this appears to let out most of the village side. But what is it about Earlsacre Hall that leads people to murder?

Dates Read: November 9, 2019 - November 13, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew 4.5-, Sergei -4.5, Carol -4.5, Lynda 4-, Eadie 4-, Brenda 4-
Overall Average Rating: 4.25

Comments:

124.What Remains of Heaven - C.S. Harris

Book Discussion:
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr, series Book #5
Publication Date: November 3, 2009

Book Description: London 1812. When the controversial reform-minded Bishop of London is found bludgeoned to death in an ancient crypt beside the corpse of an unidentified man murdered decades before, Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, reluctantly agrees to investigate. As his search for the killer leads him from the back alleys of Smithfield to the power corridors of Whitehall, Sebastian must confront the well-guarded secrets of his own family's past—and a devastating truth that could ultimately force him to question who—and what—he really is.

Dates Read: November 30, 2019 - December 4, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew 5- Sergei 5- Carol 4.5- Lynda 4.5- Eadie 5- Brenda 4.5- Gayle 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.64

Comments:

125. Lost Order - Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book #12
Publication Date: April 4, 2017

Book Description: The Knights of the Golden Circle was the largest and most dangerous clandestine organization in American history. It amassed billions in stolen gold and silver, all buried in hidden caches across the United States. Since 1865 treasure hunters have searched, but little of that immense wealth has ever been found. Now, one hundred and sixty years later, two factions of what remains of the Knights of the Golden Circle want that lost treasure―one to spend it for their own ends, the other to preserve it. Thrust into this battle is former Justice Department agent Cotton Malone, whose connection to the knights is far deeper than he ever imagined. At the center is the Smithsonian Institution―linked to the knights, its treasure, and Malone himself through an ancestor, a Confederate spy named Angus “Cotton” Adams, whose story holds the key to everything. Complicating matters are the political ambitions of a reckless Speaker of the House and the bitter widow of a United States Senator, who together are planning radical changes to the country. And while Malone and Cassiopeia Vitt face the past, ex-president Danny Daniels and Stephanie Nelle confront a new and unexpected challenge, a threat that may cost one of them their life.

Dates Read: December 26, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew -4, Sergei -4, Carol -3 , Lynda -3, Eadie -4, Brenda -3
Overall Average Rating: 3.50

Comments:

126. Lost - Sharon Bolton ( aka Like This Forever)

Book Discussion:
Series: Lacey Flint Book #3
Publication Date: June 4, 2013

Book Description: Like everyone reading the newspapers these days, 10-year-old Barney Roberts knows the killer will strike again soon. The victim will be another boy, just like him. The body will be drained of blood, and left somewhere on a Thames beach. There will be no clues for London detectives Dana Tulloch and Mark Joesbury to find. There will be no warning about who will be next. There will be no real reason for Barney's friend and neighbor, Lacey Flint, on leave from her job as a London police detective, to become involved…and no chance that she can stay away. With the clock ticking, the violence escalating, and young lives at stake, Lacey and Barney both know they can't afford a single wrong step if they hope to make it through alive.

Dates Read: December 13, 2019 - December 18, 2019
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew- 4.75, Sergei - 5, Carol - 4.5, Lynda - 4, Eadie - 5, Brenda
Overall Average Rating: 4.54

Comments:

127.Evil Games - Angela Marsons

Book Discussion:
Series: Kim Stone Book #2
Publication Date: April 17, 2017

Book Description: When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work. With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment. Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deep to stop the killing. And this time...it's personal

Dates Read: January 9, 2020 - January 13, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (7) Andrew -4.5, Sergei-4.5, Carol-5, Lynda-5, Eadie-5, Brenda -4.5 Gayle - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.64

Comments:

128. A Painted Doom - Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Wesley Peterson Book #6
Publication Date: December 1, 2002

Book Description:Teenager Lewis Hoxworthy discovers a disturbing painting in a medieval barn; a discovery which excites archaeologist Neil Watson who is excavating an ancient manor house nearby. But when former rock star Jonny Shellmer is found shot through the head in Lewis's father's field and Lewis himself goes missing after contacting a man on the internet, Detective Inspector Wesley Peterson and his boss, Gerry Heffernan face one of their most intriguing cases yet. It seems that the Devon village of Derenham is not only full of resident celebrities seeking the rural idyll, but full of secrets, ancient and modern. Lewis's distraught parents seem to have something to hide. Then the mysterious owner of a new age shop is silenced before she can reveal what she knows about Jonny Shellmer. Is Jonny's death linked to Lewis's disappearance? And does Jonny's best known song, 'Angel' contain a clue? As Neil Watson uncovers the story of Derenham's medieval past, it becomes clear that the Derenham Doom - a painted portrayal of hell and judgement more than half a millennium old - holds the key to the mystery. And as events reach a terrifying climax, Wesley Peterson has to act swiftly if he is to save a young life.

Dates Read: January 2020 - January 2020
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew 4.5-, Sergei -4.25, Carol 4-, Lynda -4.5, Eadie 5 -,Brenda -
Overall Average Rating: 4.45

Comments:

129. The Stone Circle - Elly Griffith

Book Discussion:
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #11
Publication Date: May 7, 2019

Book Description: DCI Nelson has been receiving threatening letters. They are anonymous, yet reminiscent of ones he has received in the past, from the person who drew him into a case that’s haunted him for years. At the same time, Ruth receives a letter purporting to be from that very same person—her former mentor, and the reason she first started working with Nelson. But the author of those letters is dead. Or is he? The past is reaching out for Ruth and Nelson, and its grip is deadly.

Dates Read: February 24, 2020 - February 29, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew 4, Sergei 5:00, Carol 4.5, Lynda 4.5 ,Eadie -5
Overall Average Rating: 4.80

130. Final Option - Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison

Book Discussion:
Series: The Oregon Files Book #14
Publication Date: March 4, 2008

Book Description:In the remote wastes of Greenland, a young scientist has unearthed an artifact hidden in a cave for a millennium: a 50,000 year-old radioactive meteorite known as the Sacred Stone. But the astounding find places him in the crosshairs of two opposing groups who seek the stone for themselves. One is a group of Muslim extremists who have stolen a nuclear device. With the power of the meteorite, they could vaporize any city in the west. The other group is led by a megalomaniacal industrialist who seeks to carry out the utter annihilation of Islam itself. Caught between two militant factions bent on wholesale slaughter, Juan Cabrillo and his crew must fight to protect the scientist and the Sacred Stone—and prevent the outbreak of World War III.

Dates Read: February 11, 2020 - February 15, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (6) Andrew -5, Sergei - 5, Carol -5, Lynda -5, Eadie 5-, Brenda 5-
Overall Average Rating: 5.00

131. The Collectors - David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: The Camel Club Book #2
Publication Date: October 18, 2006

Book Description: The assassination of the speaker of the House has rocked the nation. And the Camel Club has found a chilling connection with another death: that of the director of the Library of Congress's Rare Books and Special Collections Division. The club's unofficial leader, a man who calls himself Oliver Stone, discovers that someone is selling America to its enemies one secret at a time. Then Annabelle Conroy, the greatest con artist of her generation, comes to town and joins forces with the Camel Club for her own reasons. And Stone will need all the help she can give, because the two murders are hurtling the Camel Club into a world of espionage that is bringing America to its knees.

Dates Read: March 15, 2020 - March 20, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (8) Andrew- 5, Sergei- 5, Carol-5, Lynda -4.5, Eadie- 5, Brenda-4, Jodi- 5, Colin- 4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.75

132. The Devil Colony - James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #7
Publication Date: June 21, 2011

Book Description: Could the founding of the United States be based on a fundamental lie? The shocking truth lies hidden within the ruins of an impossibility, a lost colony of the Americas vanished in time and cursed into oblivion. A place known only as The Devil ColonyDeep in the Rocky Mountains, a gruesome discovery hundreds of mummified bodies stirs international attention and fervent controversy. Despite doubts about the bodies' origins, the local Native American Heritage Commission lays claim to the prehistoric remains, along with the strange artifacts found in the same cavern: gold plates inscribed with an unfathomable script.During a riot at the dig site, an anthropologist dies horribly, burned to ashes in a fiery explosion in plain view of television cameras. All evidence points to a radical group of Native Americans, including one agitator, a teenage firebrand who escapes with a vital clue to the murder and calls on the one person who might help her uncle, Painter Crowe, Director of Sigma Force.To protect his niece and uncover the truth, Painter will ignite a war among the nation's most powerful intelligence agencies. Yet an even greater threat looms as events in the Rocky Mountains have set in motion a frightening chain reaction, a geological meltdown that threatens the entire western half of the U.S. From the volcanic peaks of Iceland to the blistering deserts of the American Southwest, from the gold vaults of Fort Knox to the bubbling geysers of Yellowstone, Painter Crowe joins forces with Commander Gray Pierce to penetrate the shadowy heart of a dark cabal, one that has been manipulating American history since the founding of the thirteen colonies.But can Painter discover the truth one that could topple governments before it destroys all he holds dear?"

Dates Read: April 3, 2020 - April 8, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (7)- Andrew 5 - Sergei 5- Carol 4.5- Lynda 4.5- Eadie 5- Brenda 4- Jodie - Colin-4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.57

133. Stone Cold - David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: The Camel Club Book #3
Publication Date: November 6, 2007

Book Description: Annabelle Conroy, an honorary member of the Camel Club, is also the greatest con artist of her generation. She has swindled forty million dollars from casino king Jerry Bagger, the man who murdered her mother. Now he's hot on her trail with only one goal in mind: Annabelle's death. But as Stone and the Camel Club circle the wagons to protect Annabelle, a new opponent, who makes Bagger's menace pale by comparison, suddenly arises. One by one, men from Stone's shadowy past are turning up dead. Behind this slaughter stands one man: Harry Finn. To almost all who know him, Finn is a doting father and loving husband who uses his skills behind the scenes to keep our nation safe. But the other face of Harry Finn is that of an unstoppable killer who inevitably sets his lethal bull's-eye on Oliver Stone. And with Finn, Stone may well have met his match. As Annabelle and the Camel Club fight for their lives, the twists and turns whipsaw, leading to a finale that is as explosive as it is shattering. And when buried secrets are at last violently resurrected, the members of the Camel Club left standing will be changed forever.

Dates Read: April 15, 2020 - April 20, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (8)- Andrew 5- Sergei 5- Carol 4.5- Lynda 5 - Eadie 5- Brenda 5 - Jodi - Colin -4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.89

134. The Black Ice - Michael Connelly

Book Discussion:
Series: Harry Bosch Book #2
Publication Date: June 1, 1993

Book Description: When an LAPD narcotics officer is found with a fatal bullet wound and a suicide note, Detective Harry Bosch follows a bloody trail of drug murders across the Mexico border.
Narcotics officer Cal Moore's orders were to look into the city's latest drug killing. Instead, he ends up in a motel room with a fatal bullet wound to the head and a suicide note stuffed in his back pocket. Working the case, LAPD detective Harry Bosch is reminded of the primal police rule he learned long ago: Don't look for the facts, but the glue that holds them together. Soon Harry's making some very dangerous connections, starting with a dead cop and leading to a bloody string of murders that wind from Hollywood Boulevard to the back alleys south of the border. Now this battle-scarred veteran will find himself in the center of a complex and deadly game-one in which he may be the next and likeliest victim.

Dates Read: April 26, 2020 - April 30, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (9)- Andrew 3.5- Sergei 3.5- Carol 4- Lynda 4- Eadie 4 - Brenda 4- Jodie 3.5 -Gayle 3.5- Bluebird 3.5-
Overall Average Rating: 3.72

135. Divine Justice - David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series:The Camel Club Book #4
Publication Date: November 4, 2008

Book Description: Baldacci moves his recurring Camel Club characters far enough offstage to let tough guy hero Oliver Stone take on a mean mountain town single handedly (for a while, at least) in something of the fashion of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher. The dark American hole in need of a flushing out is Divine, a tiny burg in Virginia’s far southwest coal country where quietly modest Vietnam hero Stone, née John Carr, has landed. It’s not where he was going. He had been getting the hell out of Washington, D.C., where heavy-handed, stone-hearted, government forces were about to close in on him, but he couldn’t help stepping into an unfair fight brewing in his Amtrak coach. Handsome, youngish ex-high school quarterback Danny Riker was stupid enough to accuse knuckle draggers with whom he had been playing cards of cheating, leading to a knock down drag out in which Stone wasted all of the thugs and incurred the wrath of the Amtrak conductor, making it necessary for all involved to get off at the next stop. Stone takes Danny under his wing and Danny reluctantly takes Stone back home to Divine and his pretty mother Abby, owner of Divine’s best diner. Stone notes quickly that Divine has a gloss of prosperity very unlike the neighboring hellholes. That sheen doesn’t extend to the downtrodden miners whose hideous labors keep them gobbling methadone day after day. Where’s the money coming from? There is one other visible industry, a super max prison run by the brother of the handsome, straight-shooting sheriff, but that doesn’t explain the prosperity. Stone begins to nose around the place, running up against numerous unsavory characters, saving lives when possible, getting mad when not, dodging the usual falling safes until his probing causes him to wake up buried alive in a dead coal mine. There is a dalliance with Abby, but the evil feds close in on Stone so it is necessary for his Camel Club cohorts to dig him out in the end.

Dates Read: May 8, 2020 - May 13, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (7)- Andrew 5- Sergei 5- Carol 5- Lynda 5- Eadie 5 - Brenda 5- Jodie 5-
Overall Average Rating: 5.00

136. A Dark & Twisted Tide - Sharon Bolton

Book Discussion:
Series: Lacey Flint Book #4
Publication Date: June 4, 2014

Book Inscription: Lacey Flint has been living in a houseboat on the River Thames, and she's becoming a part of London's weird and wonderful riverboat community. Against her friends' better judgment, she's taken up swimming in the Thames, and she feels closer than ever to Detective Mark Joesbury, despite his involvement in a complicated undercover case. For the first time in her life, as she recovers from the trauma of the last few months, Lacey begins to feel almost happy. Then, at dawn one hot summer morning while swimming down the river, Lacey finds the body of a shrouded young woman in the water. She assumes it was chance—after all, she's recently joined the marine policing unit, and she knows how many dead bodies are pulled out of the river every year, most the result of tragic accidents. But further investigation leads her policing team to suspect the woman's body was deliberately left for Lacey to find. Lacey's no longer a homicide detective, but as she begins to notice someone keeping a strangely close eye on her, she's inexorably drawn into the investigation.

Dates Read: May 18, 2020 - May 23, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (6)- Andrew 4- Sergei 3.5- Carol 4- Lynda 4- Eadie 4- Brenda 4
Overall Average Rating: 3.92

137. Hell's Corner - David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: Camel Club Book#5
Publication Date: November 9, 2010

Book Inscription: John Carr, aka Oliver Stone-once the most skilled assassin his country ever had-stands in Lafayette Park in front of the White House. Inside, the British prime minister is being honored at a state dinner. Then, just as the prime minister's motorcade leaves, a bomb explodes in the park, and in the chaotic aftermath Stone is given an urgent assignment: find those responsible. British MI-6 agent Mary Chapman becomes his partner in the search for the unknown attackers. But their opponents are elusive, skilled, and increasingly lethal. Worst of all, the park bombing may have been only the opening salvo in their plan. With nowhere else to turn, Stone enlists the help of the only people he knows he can trust: the Camel Club.

Dates Read: June 14, 2020 - June 19, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (7)- Andrew 5- Sergei 5- Carol 4- Lynda 4- Eadie 5- Brenda 4- Jodi 5
Overall Average Rating: 4.71

138. The Concrete Blonde - Michael Connelly

Book Discussion:
Series: Harry Bosch Book #3
Publication Date: June 1, 1994

Book Description: The Dollmaker was the name of the serial killer who had stalked Los Angeles ruthlessly, leaving grisly calling cards on the faces of his female victims. Now with a single faultless shot, Detective Harry Bosch thinks he has ended the city's nightmare. But the dead man's widow is suing Harry and the LAPD for killing the wrong man-- an accusation that rings terrifyingly true when a new victim is discovered with the Dollmaker's macabre signature. So for the second time, Harry must hunt down a death-dealer who is very much alive, before he strikes again. It's a blood-tracked quest that will take Harry from the hard edges of the L.A. night to the last place he ever wanted to go…the darkness of his own heart. The story takes place in 1994 Los Angeles when the 1991 Rodney King beating by police and the ensuing 1992 riots are still fresh in the city's minds. Police conduct is being held under a constant microscope. It was a time when plenty of people smoked and driving while drunk didn't seem to be that big a deal. Bosch has been a loner most of his life but, in this story, finds himself in an intimate relationship with a woman whose husband was murdered in the previous Harry Bosch mystery entitled 'The Black Ice'. Struggling with multiple murder suspects, the porno industry, a complex romantic relationship, police politics and a gripping court room drama delivers a hard-to-put-down novel. Michael Connelly's cynical presentation of the legal system would've made Charles Dickens proud

Dates Read: July 22 - July 27, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (8)- Andrew 4.5- Sergei 4.5- Carol 5- Lynda 5 - Eadie 5 - Brenda 4 - Bluebird-4.5- Jodie- 4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.63

139. Lost Girls - Angela Marsons

Book Discussion:
Series: DI Kim Stone Book #3
Publication Date: September 1, 2017

Book Description: When nine-year-old best friends Charlie and Amy disappear, two families are plunged into a living nightmare. A text message confirms the unthinkable; that the girls are the victims of a terrifying kidnapping. And when a second text message pits the two families against each other for the life of their children, the clock starts ticking for D.I. Kim Stone and the squad. Seemingly outwitted at every turn, as they uncover a trail of bodies, Stone realizes that these ruthless killers might be the most deadly she has ever faced. And that their chances of bringing the girls home alive are getting smaller by the hour. Untangling a dark web of secrets from the families' past might hold the key to solving this case. But can Kim stay alive long enough to do so? Or will someone's child pay the ultimate price?

Dates Read: September 9, 2020 - September 15, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (9)- Andrew 5- Sergei 5 - Carol 5- Lynda 4.5 - Eadie 4 - Bluebird 5- Brenda 4 - Gayle 4 - Jodie - 4
Overall Average Rating:4.50

140. The Skeleton Room - Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: D.I. Wesley Peterson Book #7
Publication Date: July 24, 2003

Book Description: When workmen converting former girls' boarding school, Chadleigh Hall, into a luxury hotel discover a skeleton in a sealed room, DI Wesley Peterson and his boss, Gerry Heffernan are called in to investigate. But within minutes they have a second suspicious death on their hands: a team of marine archaeologists working on a nearby shipwreck have dragged a woman's body from the sea. And it becomes clear that her death was no accident. The dead woman's husband may be linked with a brutal robbery of computer equipment but Wesley soon discovers that the victim had secrets of her own As he investigates Chadleigh Hall's past and the woman's violent death, both trails lead in surprising directions and matters are further complicated when a man wanted for a murder in London appears on the scene, a man who may know more about Wesley's cases than he admits.

Dates Read: September 25, 2020 - September 30, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (6)- Andrew 4.5- Sergei 4.5- Carol 3.5- Lynda 4 - Eadie 4- Brenda 3.5 -
Overall Average Rating: 4.00

141. The Bishop's Pawn - Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone Book #13
Publication Date: December 31, 2018

Book Description: Known as a maverick, Malone is a Navy lawyer in trouble when Stephanie Nelle, from the United States Justice Department, seeks his help in investigating a delicate situation involving a stolen rare coin and a rogue FBI faction. Soon Malone realizes that the Justice Department and the FBI are at war over something else entirely: a cache of secret files about the King assassination―documents thought long destroyed. Caught in the midst of this epic clash, Malone ultimately discovers a shocking truth―one that could threaten the legacy of the civil rights movement’s greatest hero. From the clear waters of the Dry Tortugas to Florida and Washington, D.C., Malone’s decision to see his mission through will not only change his own life, but the course of history itself.

Dates Read: October 2020 - October 2020
Participants & Ratings: ()- Andrew - Sergei - Carol - Lynda - Eadie - Bluebird - Brenda - Gayle
Overall Average Rating:

142. Where Shadows Dance - C.S. Harris

Book Discussion:
Series: Sebastian St.Cyr Book #6
Publication Date: March 1, 2011

Book Description: Regency London: July 1812. How do you set about solving a murder no one can reveal has been committed? That’s the challenge confronting C.S. Harris’s aristocratic soldier-turned-sleuth Sebastian St. Cyr when his friend, surgeon and “anatomist” Paul Gibson, illegally buys the cadaver of a young man from London’s infamous body snatchers. A rising star at the Foreign Office, Mr. Alexander Ross was reported to have died of a weak heart. But when Gibson discovers a stiletto wound at the base of Ross’s skull, he can turn only to Sebastian for help in catching the killer. Described by all who knew him as an amiable young man, Ross at first seems an unlikely candidate for murder. But as Sebastian’s search takes him from the Queen’s drawing rooms in St. James’s Palace to the embassies of Russia, the United States, and the Turkish Empire, he plunges into a dangerous shadow land of diplomatic maneuvering and international intrigue, where truth is an elusive commodity and nothing is as it seems. Meanwhile, Sebastian must confront the turmoil of his personal life. Hero Jarvis, daughter of his powerful nemesis Lord Jarvis, finally agrees to become his wife. But as their wedding approaches, Sebastian can’t escape the growing realization that not only Lord Jarvis but Hero herself knows far more about the events surrounding Ross’s death than they would have him believe. Then a second body is found, badly decomposed but bearing the same fatal stiletto wound. And Sebastian must race to unmask a ruthless killer who is now threatening the life of his reluctant bride and their unborn child.

Dates Read: October 9, 2020 - October 15, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (9)- Andrew 5- Sergei 5- Carol 4.5- Lynda 4 - Eadie 5 -, Brenda 4-, Gayle 3.5-, deaflower - Maura49 - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.4 with 8 ratings as of 10/23

143. Bloodline - James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #8
Publication Date: March 26, 2013

Book Description: Galilee, 1025. Infiltrating an ancient citadel, a Templar knight uncovers a holy treasure long hidden within the fortress's labyrinth: the Bachal Isu -- the staff of Jesus Christ -- a priceless icon that holds a mysterious and terrifying power that promises to change humankind forever. A millennium later, Somali pirates hijack a yacht off the coast of the Horn of Africa, kidnapping a young pregnant American woman. Commander Gray Pierce is enlisted for a covert rescue mission into the African jungle. The woman is no rich tourist: she's Amanda Gant-Bennett, daughter of the U.S. president. Suspicious that the kidnapping masks a far more nefarious plot, Gray must confront a shadowy cabal which has been manipulating events throughout history...and now challenges the current presidency. For this unique mission, SIGMA is aided by a pair of special operatives with unique talents: former Army Ranger Captain Tucker Wayne and his military war dog, Kane. But what should be a straightforward rescue turns into a fiery ambush and a deadly act of betrayal, as Gray and his team discover that the hostage is a pawn in a shattering act of terrorism with dark repercussions. And the danger is only beginning... Halfway around the world, a firebombing at a fertility clinic in South Carolina exposes a conspiracy that goes back centuries...a scheme that lies within our genetic code. With time against them, SIGMA must race to save an innocent unborn baby whose very existence raises questions about the nature of humanity, asking: Could you live forever? Would you live forever?

Dates Read: November 6, 2020 - November 12, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (8)- Andrew - Sergei - Carol - Lynda - Eadie - Bluebird - Brenda - Gayle
Overall Average Rating:

144. The Scent of Death - Simon Beckett

Book Discussion:
Series: Dr. David Hunter Book #6
Publication Date: October 31, 2019

Book Description: Once a busy hospital, St Jude’s now stands derelict, awaiting demolition.
When a partially mummified corpse is found in the building’s cavernous loft, forensics expert Dr David Hunter is called in to take a look. He can’t say how long the body’s been there, but he is certain it’s that of a young woman. And that she was pregnant. Then part of the attic floor collapses, revealing another of the hospital’s secrets: a bricked-up chamber with beds inside. And some of them are still occupied. For Dr. Hunter, what began as a straightforward case is about to become a twisted nightmare. And it soon becomes clear that St Jude’s hasn’t claimed its last victim.

Dates Read: November 20, 2020 - November 26, 2020
Participants & Ratings: ()- Andrew - Sergei - Carol - Lynda - Eadie - Bluebird - Brenda - Gayle - Jodi
Overall Average Rating:

145. Zero Day - David Baldacci

Book Discussion:
Series: John Puller - Book #1
Publication Date: August 14, 2012

Book Description: John Puller is a combat veteran and the best military investigator in the U.S. Army's Criminal Investigative Division. His father was an Army fighting legend, and his brother is serving a life sentence for treason in a federal military prison. Puller has an indomitable spirit and an unstoppable drive to find the truth. Now, Puller is called out on a case in a remote, rural area in West Virginia coal country far from any military outpost. Someone has stumbled onto a brutal crime scene, a family slaughtered. The local homicide detective, a headstrong woman with personal demons of her own, joins forces with Puller in the investigation. As Puller digs through deception after deception, he realizes that absolutely nothing he's seen in this small town, and no one in it, are what they seem. Facing a potential conspiracy that reaches far beyond the hills of West Virginia, he is one man on the hunt for justice against an overwhelming force.

Dates Read: December 4, 2020 - December 9, 2020
Participants & Ratings: ()- Andrew - Sergei - Carol - Lynda - Eadie - Bluebird - Brenda - Gayle - Jodi
Overall Average Rating:

146, The Last Coyote - Michael Connelly

Book Discussion:
Series: Harry Bosch Book #4
Publication Date: October 15, 2013

Book Description: Suspended from his job with the LAPD, Harry Bosch must face the darkest parts of his past to track down his mother's killer . . . even if it costs him his life. Harry attacked his commanding officer and is suspended indefinitely, pending a psychiatric evaluation. At first he resists the LAPD shrink, but finally recognizes that something is troubling him and has for a long time. In 1961, when Harry was twelve, his mother, a prostitute, was brutally murdered, and no one has ever been accused of the crime. With the spare time a suspension brings, Harry opens up the thirty-year-old file on the case and is irresistibly drawn into a past he has always avoided. It's clear that the case was fumbled and the smell of a cover-up is unmistakable. Someone powerful was able to divert justice and Harry vows to uncover the truth. As he relentlessly follows the broken pieces of the case, the stirred interest causes new murders and pushes Harry to the edge of his job... and his life.

Dates Read: December 18, 2020 - December 23, 2020
Participants & Ratings: (9)- Andrew - Sergei - Carol - Lynda - Eadie - Bluebird - Brenda - Gayle - Jodi
Overall Average Rating:

147. Bloodline - James Rollins

Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #7
Publication Date: March 26, 2013

Book Description:
Galilee, 1025. Infiltrating an ancient citadel, a Templar knight uncovers a holy treasure long hidden within the fortress's labyrinth: the Bachal Isu -- the staff of Jesus Christ -- a priceless icon that holds a mysterious and terrifying power that promises to change humankind forever. A millennium later, Somali pirates hijack a yacht off the coast of the Horn of Africa, kidnapping a young pregnant American woman. Commander Gray Pierce is enlisted for a covert rescue mission into the African jungle. The woman is no rich tourist: she's Amanda Gant-Bennett, daughter of the U.S. president. Suspicious that the kidnapping masks a far more nefarious plot, Gray must confront a shadowy cabal which has been manipulating events throughout history...and now challenges the current presidency. For this unique mission, SIGMA is aided by a pair of special operatives with unique talents: former Army Ranger Captain Tucker Wayne and his military war dog, Kane. But what should be a straightforward rescue turns into a fiery ambush and a deadly act of betrayal, as Gray and his team discover that the hostage is a pawn in a shattering act of terrorism with dark repercussions. And the danger is only beginning... Halfway around the world, a firebombing at a fertility clinic in South Carolina exposes a conspiracy that goes back centuries...a scheme that lies within our genetic code. With time against them, SIGMA must race to save an innocent unborn baby whose very existence raises questions about the nature of humanity, asking: Could you live forever? Would you live forever?

Dates Read: - November 10, 2022 - November 15, 2022
Participants & Ratings: (8)- Andrew 4.5 Sergei 4.5 - Carol5.0 - Lynda 5.0- Eadie 5.0- John 5.0 - ColinMichaelFelix 5.0- Brenda 4.5- Bluebird 4.5- Maura 4.5
Overall Average Rating:4.75

152. When Maidens Mourn - C.S. Harris

Book Discussion:
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr Mystery series #7
Publication Date: March 5, 2013

Book Description:
Regency England, August 1812: Sebastian St. Cyr’s plans to escape the heat of London for a honeymoon with his new bride, Hero Jarvis, are shattered when the murdered body of Hero’s good friend Gabrielle Tennyson is discovered drifting in a battered boat at the site of a long-vanished castle known as Camlet Moat. Missing and also presumed dead are Gabrielle’s two young cousins. Still struggling to define the nature of their new marriage, Sebastian and Hero find themselves occasionally working at cross-purposes as their investigation uncovers dark secrets at the heart of the Tennyson family and an enigmatic young French lieutenant who is concealing mysteries of his own. Sebastian and Hero’s race to unmask a ruthless killer and unravel the puzzle of the missing children puts both their lives and their growing love for each other at risk as they’re threatened by powerful men in high places…and by a tall, dark stranger who may hold the key to Sebastian’s own parentage.

Dates Read December 9, 2022 - December 13, 2022
Participants & Ratings: (5) - Andrew - 4.5 - Sergei - 4.5 - Carol-4.5 - Eadie -5.0- John -5.0 - Lynda - 5.0 (read 7/31/21)
Overall Average Rating: 4.75

153. The Lantern Men - Elly Griffith

Book Discussion:
Series: Ruth Galloway Book #12
Publication Date: July 6, 2021

Book Description: Forensic archaeologist Ruth Galloway changed her life—until a convicted killer tells her that four of his victims were never found, drawing her back to the place she left behind. Everything has changed for Ruth Galloway. She has a new job, home, and partner, and she is no longer north Norfolk police’s resident forensic archaeologist. That is, until convicted murderer Ivor March offers to make DCI Nelson a deal. Nelson was always sure that March killed more women than he was charged with. Now March confirms this and offers to show Nelson where the other bodies are buried—but only if Ruth will do the digging. Curious, but wary, Ruth agrees. March tells Ruth that he killed four more women and that their bodies are buried near a village bordering the fens, said to be haunted by the Lantern Men, mysterious figures holding lights that lure travelers to their deaths. Is Ivor March himself a lantern man, luring Ruth back to Norfolk? What is his plan, and why is she so crucial to it? And are the killings really over?

Dates Read: January 13 - 2023 - January 15- 2023
Participants & Ratings: - (8) - Andrew -4.5 Eadie -5.0 John -4.5 Lynda -4.5 Carol -4.5 Threadsong -4.5 Bluebird -4.5 Sergei -4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.6

154. The Plague Maiden - Kate Ellis

Book Discussion:
Series: Wesley Peterson Book #8
Publication Date: January 1, 2004 (Hardcover)

Book Description: A stir is caused in Tradmouth when a letter arrives at the police station claiming that the man convicted of murdering the Vicar of Belsham is innocent. DI Wesley Peterson already has his hands full with threats made to local supermarket chain, Huntings...the last thing he needs is an alleged miscarriage of justice to investigate. Meanwhile, Wesley's friend, archaeologist Neil Watson, uncovers a medieval plague pit at a site near Belsham church earmarked for Huntings' new superstore. As Wesley's investigations continue, he begins to suspect that the vicar's murder, the disappearance of a woman and the threats to the supermarket may be linked in some way.

Dates Read: February 9, 2023 - February 13 - 2023
Participants & Ratings: - (7) - Andrew 4 -Carol - 4 - John 4.25 - Eadie 4- Sergei 4 - Maura - 4 Brenda -3
Overall Average Rating: 3.89

155. The Last Coyote - Michael Connelly

Book Discussion:
Series: Harry Bosch Book #4
Publication Date: October 13, 2013 (Paperback)

Book Description: Suspended from his job with the LAPD, Harry Bosch must face the darkest parts of his past to track down his mother's killer . . . even if it costs him his life. Harry attacked his commanding officer and is suspended indefinitely, pending a psychiatric evaluation. At first, he resists the LAPD shrink, but finally recognizes that something is troubling him and has for a long time. In 1961, when Harry was twelve, his mother, a prostitute, was brutally murdered, and no one has ever been accused of the crime. With the spare time a suspension brings, Harry opens up the thirty-year-old file on the case and is irresistibly drawn into a past he has always avoided. It's clear that the case was fumbled, and the smell of a cover-up is unmistakable. Someone powerful was able to divert justice and Harry vows to uncover the truth. As he relentlessly follows the broken pieces of the case, the stirred interest causes new murders and pushes Harry to the edge of his job... and his life.

Dates Read: March 9, 2023 - March 13, 2023
Participants & Ratings: (9) - Andrew - 4.5 -Sergei -4.5 - Carol - 4.5 - Eadie -5.0 John -4.0- Lynda-4.0- Maura -4.50 - Brenda -4.0 - Bluebird -4.0
Overall Average Rating: 4.35

156. Play Dead - Angela Marsen

Book Discussion:
Series: Kim Stone Book #4
Publication Date: May 4, 2016 (Paperback)

Book Description: The dead don’t tell secrets… unless you listen. The girl’s smashed-in face stared unseeing up to the blue sky, soil spilling out of her mouth. A hundred flies hovered above the bloodied mess. Westerley research facility is not for the faint-hearted. A ‘body farm’ investigating human decomposition, its inhabitants are corpses in various states of decay. But when Detective Kim Stone and her team discover the fresh body of a young woman, it seems a killer has discovered the perfect cover to bury their crime. Then a second girl is attacked and left for dead, her body drugged, and mouth filled with soil. It’s clear to Stone and the team that a serial killer is at work... but just how many bodies will they uncover? And who is next? As local reporter, Tracy Frost, disappears, the stakes are raised. The past seems to hold the key to the killer’s secrets...but can Kim uncover the truth before a twisted, damaged mind claims another victim?

Dates Read: April ? 2023 - April ? 2023
Participants & Ratings: (7) - Andrew - 4 Sergei - 4 Lynda -4 Eadie -3.50 John -3.25 Brenda -4 Bluebird -4
Overall Average Rating: 3.82

Really useful information Carol. gives me a chance to obtain some of the books and join in more group reads.

>157 Maura49: Please, please do join us!! We have so much fun with these reads and it's okay to either agree or disagree. We can't, and don't, all like the same books but DO all like one another.

>157 Maura49: It would be great to have you join our wonderful group. Fun, informal and friendly.

>159 Andrew-theQM: Hi Andrew,

i did join in the recent group read for James Rollins 'Bloodline' so my name should be in there somewhere.

I have reserved a copy of the Kate Ellis book from my library and should get that in time to join in for 'Plague Maiden.'

>160 Maura49: Hopefully the library will come through for you on the Kate Ellis books, I really enjoy that series. It was great to have so many people reading Bloodline.

Looks like I'll have to buy a copy of February's book, which is not a bad thing! My library has some Kate Ellis books but sadly, not this one.

And thank you Carol for listing the upcoming books! I can begin searching them and putting them on my library wishlists.

>162 threadnsong: My library is ordering the Angela Marson book for me for April. They have three of her books but of course not this one...same with Hoopla.

>161 Andrew-theQM: Happy to say that my library came up with Kate Ellis's book; now I am wondering if it can be read as a stand-alone or do I need to know something about preceding titles before our group read

>164 Maura49: I believe it is okay as a standalone.

>164 Maura49: I would agree with Carol. >165 Carol420:

>166 Andrew-theQM: Many thanks for that. I will get reading

>165 Carol420: Many thanks Carol. Time to get reading.

157. The Bishop's Pawn - Steve Berry

Book Discussion:
Series: Cotton Malone - Book #13
Publication Date: December 31, 2018 (Paperback)

Book Description:History notes that the ugly feud between J. Edgar Hoover and Martin Luther King, Jr., marked by years of illegal surveillance and the accumulation of secret files, ended on April 4, 1968 when King was assassinated by James Earl Ray. But that may not have been the case. Now, fifty years later, former Justice Department agent, Cotton Malone, must reckon with the truth of what really happened that fateful day in Memphis. It all turns on an incident from eighteen years ago, when Malone, as a young Navy lawyer, is trying hard not to live up to his burgeoning reputation as a maverick. When Stephanie Nelle, a high-level Justice Department lawyer, enlists him to help with an investigation, he jumps at the opportunity. But he soon discovers that two opposing forces...the Justice Department...and the FBI...are at war over a rare coin and a cadre of secret files containing explosive revelations about the King assassination, information that could ruin innocent lives and threaten the legacy of the civil rights movement’s greatest martyr. Malone’s decision to see it through to the end--from the raucous bars of Mexico to the clear waters of the Dry Tortugas, and ultimately into the halls of power within Washington D.C. itself--not only changes his own life, but the course of history.

Dates Read: May 11, 2023 - May 15, 2023
Participants & Ratings:(9) - Andrew - 5 - Sergei -5 - Carol -5 Lynda -5 John -5 Threadsong - 4 Eadie -5 Bluebird -5 Maura - 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.78

158. Marauder - Clive Cussler & Boyd Morrison

Book Discussion:
Series: Oregon Files - Book #15
Publication Date: August 24, 2021 (Hardcover)

Book Description: While interrupting an attack on a Kuwaiti oil tanker, Juan Cabrillo and his team discover something even more dangerous: a ruthless billionaire's dying wish has allowed a paralyzing chemical to end up in the hands of a terrorist group. When an Oregon crew member falls victim to the poison, Juan Cabrillo will stop at nothing to find an antidote before it is too late. He and his team must connect an ancient mystery with a cunning modern enemy in order to save millions of innocent lives, including their own.

Dates Read: June 8, 2023- June 13, 2023
Participants & Ratings: - (8) - Andrew - 4.0 Sergei -4.5 John -4.0 Eadie - 5.0 Carol - 5.0 Lynda -4.0 Brenda -4.0 Maura - 4.0
Overall Average Rating: 4.32

159. The Gathering Dark - James Oswald
Book Discussion:
Series: Inspector McLean Book #8
Publication Date: June 1, 2018

Book Description:A truck driver loses control in central Edinburgh, ploughing into a crowded bus stop and spilling his vehicle's toxic load. The consequences are devastating. DI Tony McLean witnesses the carnage. Taking control of the investigation, he soon realises there is much that is deeply amiss - and everyone involved seems to have something to hide. But as McLean struggles to uncover who caused the tragedy, a greater crisis develops: the new Chief Superintendent's son is missing, last seen in the area of the crash...

Dates Read: July 13, 2023 - July 17, 2023
Participants & Ratings:(8) Andrew - 4.0 (Carol- 0, Maura - 3.50; Eadie -4.0 - Lynda -3.0 - Bluebird - 4.0 Brenda - 4.0 John - 3.75; Sergei -4.0
Overall Average Rating: 3.79

I did not read or rate this one.

172. Hunting Evil - Chris Carter
Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter Book #10
Publication Date: April 1, 2019

Book Description:Every story one day comes to an end.' As roommates, they met for the first time in college. Two of the brightest minds ever to graduate from Stamford Psychology University. As adversaries, they met again in Quantico, Virginia. Robert Hunter had become the head of the LAPD’s Ultra Violent Crimes Unit. Lucien Folter had become the most prolific and dangerous serial killer the FBI had ever encountered. Now, after spending three and a half years locked in solitary confinement, Lucien has finally managed to break free. And he’s angry. For the past three and a half years, Lucien has thought of nothing else but vengeance. The person responsible for locking him away has to pay, he has to suffer. That person ... is Robert Hunter. And now it is finally time to execute the plan.

Dates Read: August 10, 2023 - August 15, 2023
Participants & Ratings:(7): Andrew: 4.75 Sergei:4.5 Carol: 5 Lynda: 5 Eadie: 5 John: 4.25 Maura: 4
Overall Average Rating: 4.64

173. The Eye of God - James Rollins
Book Discussion
Series: Sigma Force: Book #9
Publication Date: January 28, 2014

Book Description: James Rollins delivers an apocalyptic vision of a future predicted by the distant past. In the wilds of Mongolia, a research satellite has crashed, triggering an explosive search for its valuable cargo: a code-black physics project connected to the study of dark energy—and a shocking image of the eastern seaboard of the United States in utter ruin. At the Vatican, a package arrives containing two strange artifacts: a skull scrawled with ancient Aramaic and a tome bound in human skin. DNA evidence reveals that both came from the same body: the long dead Mongol king Genghis Khan. Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force set out to discover a truth tied to the fall of the Roman Empire, to a mystery going back to the birth of Christianity, and to a weapon hidden for centuries that holds the fate of humanity.

Date's Read: - September 14- September 19, 2023
Participants & Ratings:(8) Andrew:4.25, Sergei:4.5, Carol:3.0 Eadie:3.0, John:3.0, Bluebird:3.0, Lynda:3.5, Maura:4.0
Overall Average Rating: 3.53

174. What Darkness Brings - C.S. Harris
Book Discussion
Series: -Sebastian St. Cyr: Book #8
Publication Date: March 4, 2014

Book Description:Regency England, September 1812: After a long night spent dealing with the tragic death of a former military comrade, a heart-sick Sebastian learns of a new calamity: Russell Yates, the dashing, one-time privateer who married Kat Boleyn a year ago, has been found standing over the corpse of Benjamin Eisler, a wealthy gem dealer. Yates insists he is innocent, but he will surely hang unless Sebastian can unmask the real killer. For the sake of Kat, the woman he once loved and lost, Sebastian plunges into a treacherous circle of intrigue. Although Eisler’s clients included the Prince Regent and the Emperor Napoleon, he was a despicable man with many enemies and a number of dangerous, well-kept secrets—including a passion for arcane texts and black magic. Central to the case is a magnificent blue diamond, believed to have once formed part of the French crown jewels, which disappeared on the night of Eisler’s death. As Sebastian traces the diamond’s ownership, he uncovers links that implicate an eccentric, powerful financier named Hope and stretch back into the darkest days of the French Revolution. When the killer grows ever more desperate and vicious, Sebastian finds his new marriage to Hero tested by the shadows of his first love, especially when he begins to suspect that Kat is keeping secrets of her own. And as matters rise to a crisis, Sebastian must face a bitter truth—that he has been less than open with the fearless woman who is now his wife.

Dates Read; October 12 - October 16, 2023
Participants & Ratings:(8) Andrew: 4.0, Sergei - 4.0 Carol 5.0, Eadie 4.0, John 4.0, Lynda 5.0, Bluebird 4:0, Threadsong:5.00
Overall Average Rating: 4.38

175. The Night Hawkes - Ellie Griffith
Book Discussion
Series: Ruth Galloway: Book #13
Publication Date June 21, 2022

Book Description: There’s nothing Ruth Galloway hates more than amateur archaeologists, but when a group of them stumble upon Bronze Age artifacts alongside a dead body, she finds herself thrust into their midst—and into the crosshairs of a string of murders circling ever closer. Ruth is back as head of archaeology at the University of North Norfolk when a group of local metal detectorists—the so-called Night Hawks—uncovers Bronze Age artifacts on the beach, alongside a recently deceased body, just washed ashore. Not long after, the same detectorists uncover a murder-suicide—a scientist and his wife found at their farmhouse, long thought to be haunted by the Black Shuck, a humongous black dog and a harbinger of death. The further DCI Nelson probes into both cases, the more intertwined they become, and the closer they circle to David Brown, the new lecturer Ruth has recently hired, who seems always to turn up wherever Ruth goes.

Dates Read: November 9, 2023 - November 13, 2023
Participants & Ratings:(8) Andrew:4.75 Sergei:4.0 Lynda:4.0 ColinMichaelFelix:4.50 Eadie: 5.0 John:4.50 Bluebird:4.0 Threadsong:4..50
Overall Average Rating: 4.91

176. A Cursed Inheritance - Kate Ellis
Book Discussion
Series:DI Wesley Peterson Book #9
Publication Date: March 1, 2005 (Hardcover)

Book Description:The brutal massacre of the Harford family at Potwoolstan Hall in 1985 shocked the country and passed into local folklore. Now, twenty years later, a journalist researching the case has been murdered and the horror is reawakened. DI Wesley Peterson is drawn into the dark history of Potwoolstan Hall as he begins to investigate the murder. The sixteenth-century hall, which is now a New Age healing Center, is reputed to be cursed because of the crimes of its builder and it seems that this inheritance of evil lives on. As more people start to die in violent circumstances, DI Wesley Peterson is faced with his most disturbing case yet.

Dates Read: - December 14, 2023 - December 18, 2023
Participants & Ratings:
Overall Average Rating: Didn't read on this date - See #184

The Poet Michael Connley - moved to 183

179. Blood Lines -Angela Marson
Book Discussion
Series: DI Kim Stone Book #5
Publication Date: November 4, 2016

Book Description:A victim killed with a single, precise stab to the heart appears at first glance to be a robbery gone wrong. A caring mother and social worker lost to a senseless act of violence. But for Detective Kim Stone, something doesn’t add up. When a local drug addict is found murdered with an identical wound, Kim knows instinctively that she is dealing with the same killer. But with nothing to link the two victims except the cold, calculated nature of their death, this could be her most difficult case yet. Desperate to catch the twisted individual, Kim’s focus on the case is threatened when she receives a chilling letter from Dr Alex Thorne, the sociopath who Kim put behind bars. And this time, Alex is determined to hit where it hurts most, bringing Kim face-to-face with the woman responsible for the death of Kim’s little brother – her own mother. As the body count increases, Kim and her team unravel a web of dark secrets, bringing them closer to the killer. But one of their own could be in mortal danger. Only this time, Kim might not be strong enough to save them.

Dates Read: February 2024
Participants & Ratings;
Overall Average Rating:

180. The Malta Exchange - Steve Berry
Book Discussion
Series:Coton Malone Book #14
Publication Date: March 5, 2019

Book Description:The pope is dead. A conclave to select his replacement is about to begin. Cardinals are beginning to arrive at the Vatican, but one has fled Rome for Malta in search of a document that dates back to the 4th century and Constantine the Great. Former Justice Department operative, Cotton Malone, is at Lake Como, Italy, on the trail of legendary letters between Winston Churchill and Benito Mussolini that disappeared in 1945 and could re-write history. But someone else seems to be after the same letters and, when Malone obtains then loses them, he’s plunged into a hunt that draws the attention of the legendary Knights of Malta. The knights have existed for over nine hundred years, the only warrior-monks to survive into modern times. Now they are a global humanitarian organization, but within their ranks lurks trouble ― the Secreti... an ancient sect intent on affecting the coming papal conclave. With the help of Magellan Billet agent Luke Daniels, Malone races the rogue cardinal, the knights, the Secreti, and the clock to find what has been lost for centuries. The final confrontation culminates behind the walls of the Vatican where the election of the next pope hangs in the balance.

Dates Read: March 14, 2024 - March 18, 2024
Participants & Ratings; (8) - Andrew:4.0 Carol:3.0 Lynda:3.5 Eadie:4.0 John:4.0 Sergei: 3.75 Threadsong:3.0 Bette:4.0
Overall Average Rating: 3.66

181. Hellburner - Clive Cussler
Book Discussion
Series:The Oregon File Book #16
Publication Date: September 6, 2022

Book Description:When Juan Cabrillo fails to capture the leader of Mexico’s most dangerous drug cartel and loses an Oregon crew member in the process, he’s determined to get revenge. Little does he know that the explosion he just narrowly escaped was merely the latest flash of violence from a machine of war that has existed for decades, dating from the bloodiest episode in Armenia’s history. Cabrillo’s Corporation of mercenaries may have finally met its match in The Pipeline—a criminal syndicate passed down from father to son across generations. A group that sits with its finger on the trigger of a torpedo so deadly it could level entire cities. With millions of innocent civilians hanging in the balance, the Oregon’s crew must unravel a tangle of drug-smuggling routes and international conspiracies spanning from the Aegean Sea to the Indian Ocean, putting their lives on the line to find the weapon before its countdown hits zero.

Dates Read: April 11-16, 2024
Participants & Ratings; (7) Andrew: 4.0 Sergei:3.5 Carol:3.5 Lynda: Eadie:3.5 John:3.75 Maura:3.5
Overall Average Rating: 3.04

Many thanks for update and list of forthcoming books which gives me a chance to research and find out how easy they will be to get.

183. The Poet - Michael Connely
Book Discussion
Series: Jack McEvoy - Book #1
Publication Date: - September 26, 2017

Book Description: Death is reporter Jack McEvoy's beat: his calling, his obsession. But this time, death brings McEvoy the story he never wanted to write--and the mystery he desperately needs to solve. A serial killer of unprecedented savagery and cunning is at large. His targets: homicide cops, each haunted by a murder case he couldn't crack. The killer's calling card: a quotation from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. His latest victim is McEvoy's own brother. And his last...may be McEvoy himself.

Dates Read: January 11, 2024 - January 16, 2024
Participants & Ratings:
Participants & Ratings: (9) Andrew:4.5 Carol:4.5 Eadie:3.50 Maura:4.5 Sergei: 3.75 John:3.75 Lynda:4.0 Bluebird:4.0 -Threadnsong:4.5
Overall Average Rating: 4.10

184. A Cursed Inheritance - Kate Ellis
Book Discussion
Series: DI Wesley Petersen - Book #9
Publication Date: - March 1, 2005 - (Hardcover)

Book Description:The brutal massacre of the Harford family at Potwoolstan Hall in Devon in 1985 shocked the country and passed into local folklore. And when a journalist researching the case is murdered twenty years later, the horror is reawakened. Sixteenth century Potwoolstan Hall, now a New Age healing center, is reputed to be cursed because of the crimes of its builder, and it seems that inheritance of evil lives on as DI Wesley Peterson is faced with his most disturbing case yet. As more people die violently, Wesley needs to discover why a young woman has transformed a dolls house into a miniature reconstruction of the massacre scene. And could the solution to his case lie across the Atlantic Ocean, in the ruined remains of an early English settlement in Virginia USA? When the truth is finally revealed, it turns out to be as horrifying as it is dangerous.

Dates Read: January 23, 2024 - January 28, 2024
Participants & Ratings:
Participants & Ratings: (5) Andrew:4.0 Eadie:4.0 Sergei:4.0 Lynda: 3.0 Maura:3.0
Overall Average Rating: 3.60

185. Cold As The Grave - James Oswald
Book Discussion:
Series:Inspector McClean - Book #9
Publication Date; February 7, 2019 - (Hardcover)

Book Description: Her mummified body is hidden in the dark corner of a basement room, a room which seems to have been left untouched for decades. A room which feels as cold as the grave. As a rowdy demonstration makes its slow and vocal way along Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Detective Chief Inspector Tony McLean's team are on stand-by for any trouble. The newly promoted McLean is distracted, inexplicably drawn to a dead-end mews street... and a door, slightly ajar, which leads to this poor girl's final resting place. But how long has she been there, in her sleep of death? The answers are far from what McLean or anyone else could expect. The truth far more chilling than a simple cold case.

Dates Read: - May 9, 2004 - May 2024
Participants & Ratings:
Overall Average Rating:

186. Written In Blood - Chris Carter
Book Discussion:
Series: Robert Hunter
Publication Date: February 24, 2021 (Paperback)

Book Description: A serial killer who will stop at nothing….The Killer: His most valuable possession has been stolen.
Now he must retrieve it, at any cost. The Girl: Angela Wood wanted to teach the man a lesson. It was a bag, just like any other.
But when she opens it, the worst nightmare of her life begins. The Detective: A journal ends up on Robert Hunter’s desk. It soon becomes clear that there is a serial killer on the loose i and if Hunter can’t stop him in time, more people will die, starting with Angela. If you have read it
You must die.

Dates Read: - June 13, 2024 - June 2024
Participants & Ratings:
Overall Average Rating:

187. The Sixth Extinction - James Rollins
Book Discussion:
Series: Sigma Force Book #10
Publication Date: May 26, 2015 - (paperback)

Book Description: A remote military research station sends out a frantic distress call, ending with a chilling final command: Kill us all! Personnel from the neighboring base rush in to discover everyone already dead-and not just the scientists, but every living thing for fifty square miles is annihilated: every animal, plant, and insect, even bacteria. The land is entirely sterile-and the blight is spreading. To halt the inevitable, Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma must unravel a threat that rises out of the distant past, to a time when Antarctica was green and all life on Earth balanced upon the blade of a knife. Following clues from an ancient map rescued from the lost Library of Alexandria, Sigma will discover the truth about an ancient continent, about a new form of death buried under miles of ice. From millennia-old secrets out of the frozen past to mysteries buried deep in the darkest jungles of today, Sigma will face its greatest challenge to date: stopping the coming extinction of mankind. But is it already too late?

Dates Read: - July 11, 2024 - July 2024
Participants & Ratings:
Overall Average Rating:

188. Why Kings Confess - C.S. Harris
Book Discussion:
Series: St. Cyr
Publication Date: March 3, 2015

Book Description: Regency England, January 1813: The mutilated body of a young French doctor found in an alley beside a mysterious, badly injured woman entangles Sebastian in the deadly riddle of the “Lost Dauphin,” the boy prince who disappeared during the darkest days of the French Revolution. Thrust into dangerous conflict with the Dauphin’s sister—the imperious, ruthless daughter of Marie Antoinette—Sebastian finds his self-control shattered when he recognizes the injured woman as Alexi Sauvage, a figure from his own past associated with an act of wartime brutality and betrayal that nearly destroyed him. With the murderer striking ever closer, Sebastian fears for the lives of his pregnant wife, Hero, and their soon-to-be-born child. And when he realizes the key to their survival may lie in the hands of an old enemy, he must finally face the truth about his own guilt in an incident he has found too terrible to consider....

Dates Read: - August 15, 2024 - August 2024
Participants & Ratings:
Overall Average Rating: