An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris (2007) -- Paranormal mystery; 3rd in the Harper & Tolliver mystery series about a girl struck by lightning who developed the ability to find dead bodies and discover how they were killed. Interesting premise but didn't enjoy this one as much as the first two.
The Last Noel by Heather Graham (2007) -- Romantic suspense; I think it's odd that suspense writers like to write special books for the Christmas season, but I really enjoyed this story of a family held hostage in their own home on Christmas by two robbers. The mushy sub-story of a family brought together is what made it so good.
Final Truth by Mariah Stewart (2006) -- Suspense; a true-crime author interviews a man recently released from death row due to faulty evidence and wonders whether or not he is committing new crimes. Very good story--well done.
Zen Attitude by Sujata Massey (1998) -- (New author for me) Mystery; this series of books about Japanese-American Rei Shimura, freelance antiques dealer, is as much about Japanese culture as mystery. Filled with interesting characters, fascinating cultural details, and a good mystery, this book set in Japan was a winner for me.
Carved in Bone by Jefferson Bass (2006) -- (New author for me) Suspense; this is the first in a series called "the Body Farm novels," which is appropriate since one of the co-authors is the forensic anthropologist who founded the true Body Farm in Tennessee. Interesting, full of yucky details, but a little slow and corny--has potential.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (1967) -- See Review Below
Killer Instinct by Joseph Finder (2006) -- Corporate suspense; I really enjoyed Power Play by this author, but this was too creepy for me. Having someone bump off your business competition just really bugged me.
Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands (2003) -- Romance; just some fluff I picked up because the idea of a vampire writing romance novels cracked me up. It was funny but nothing special.
Last Breath by Mariah Stewart (2007) -- Romantic suspense; not one of her best--a little slow to start--but I still enjoyed this archaeologically based novel.
The View from Mount Joy by Lorna Landvik (2007) -- Humorous contemporary fiction; I hardly know what to say. This book had a great message about what is truly important in life, but you have to get through the gratuitous high school sex and cutesy storyline to get to it.
Absolutely, Positively by Jayne Ann Krentz (1996) -- Romantic suspense; I always enjoy her great leading characters. This was a fun book
Pride and Prescience by Carrie Bebris (2004) -- (New author to me) Historical mystery; okay, this book had horrible plot development, a simplistic mystery, and illogical character motivations... but I enjoyed it because it had witty dialogue right out of a Jane Austen novel! This is the first in a "Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mystery" series. It begins immediately after the Darcys' and Binghams' wedding. The book was a mess except for the excellent dialogue between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. I'll probably give the next one a try to see if it improves.
