Finished 50 more pages of WAR AND PEACE

 

The early part of the war continues to be characterized by inept arrogant officers, and eager cavalry/ infantry.  Napoleon is much better at strategy than this early German/ Prussian general who has started leading the eastern forces.

l have now started The Unknown, another Krewe of Hunters novel by Heather Graham.  This one is set again in New Orleans, which appears to be one of the author's favorite locations.  One of mine, too.  This is the second time Sienna has known about a fire and rescued people from the scene, when there is no apparent way she could have known about them.  Naturally, the police suspect her of starting the arson instigated fires.

Finished LET THE RIGHT ONE IN

 

This book is different from most of the books I read.  I usually like happy endings, lush environments, and interesting characters.  This book has the last, but the characters are not likable...there is really no likable character in the entire book, but they are all understandable.  And because of that I kept reading...I wanted to know what happens next to these terribly troubled people.  This book will haunt me awhile.

I have now gone back to War and Peace.  This section of the book begins back in Russia where the dance of finding the marriageable young people mates.  It is a definite contrast to the battlefield in the last section. 

Finished CRUCIBLE, by James Rollins

 

I love this author.  Yes, he seems pretty far-fetched, but much of his book is made up of new scientific discoveries and directions--he just puts them together into a gripping story.  In addition, he has wonderful characters that I, anyway, am emotionally invested in.  This book deals with approaching AI and it's possibilities, and repercussions, both good and bad.  Suspenseful tale.

I have now started Let the Right One In by another Swedish author, John Ajvide Lindqvist.  I love the writing style--lots of dialogue, and when the character is alone, the thinking reads like dialogue.  I don't normally read things classified as horror, though I am not averse to thrillers, supernatural subject matter, or even vampires (big Anne Rice fan.)  One of the reviews of this book compares it to Anne Rice,  I don't see it, though...at least not yet.  None of the characters is really likable (normally a turn-off to me), but protagonists are, at least, understandable--motives are clear and evoke sympathy.  And it is very readable, so I think I will keep reading.

Finished THE SUMMONING GOD

 

This the second book in a trilogy speculating (using archeological evidence) as to why the Anasazi left the four corners area of our country during the 13th century.  The religious war, perpetuated by fanatics, seems by our world's standards, entirely plausible and terribly violent.  It is a novel, though, allowing for compelling characters, environment, and exciting action.  Loved it!

I have now started another Sigma Force novel by James Rollins, Crucible.  Science fiction by a hair, it speculates a race between good guys, bad guys, and mostly businesses to produce a viable AI capable of thinking for itself.  A fabulous mix of science, military technology and knowledge, great characters, and thrilling action.  Timely. I love this series.

Finished MILLION DOLLAR DEMON

 

Love this series and loved this book.  So many complications.  Another little guy against enormous odds.  Great characters, setting, ingenuity.  More, please.

I then completed Nighttime is My Time by Mary Higgins Clark.  Once again, I really love this author.  I way lost track of all the red herrings.  Strangely, I guessed the culprit when they were first introduced, but I changed my mind again and again.  I like these books that really keep me guessing.  And the suspense in this book is definitely worthy of Clark.

I have now started The Summoning God, the second of the Anasazi mystery series by my favorite archeology novelists at the moment, Kathleen O'Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear.  Can't say much about it since I only just started it last night.  I have read the first book in this series, and I am excited to start the second.

Finished VINEYARDS CAN BE MURDER

 

This is the second in the series and I have really enjoyed both.  Possibly because I enjoy wine tasting and have sampled some throughout the country.  They are also good mysteries.  Lots of suspects (red herrings), great atmosphere, and the thirty-something angst that makes me giggle.   It also had some suspense...what more can you ask?

I have now started Million Dollar Demon, 15th in the Hollows series by Kim Harrison.  And once again I have to thank the author for writing more books to continue the series she had planned to stop.  Life, it turns out, does continue after you have gotten everything you want with more harrowing adventures and great new characters to meet.

Finished NIGHTSEER

 

Though it started slow (a lot of really wonderful characters to introduce) it picked up and kept me "spellbound" as the front of the book says.  The second half of the book was full of action and quite satisfactory.  I recommend it.

I have now started Vineyards Can Be Murder, the second book in the series.  Like the first book in the series the characters are hampered with 30-something angst, which can be amusing.  Our heroine (ex-military and ex-police) is now working at a winery (I admit to being a wine afficiando) where an important staff member has been murdered.  She has too much respect for the police to interfere, but she is observant and communicates with the police chief of her small town.

I have shelved Boom Town by Garrison Kieller for a bit.