Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels Young

I'm always up for a mystery so when this book came to me for review I was excited to get started on it. Young is a new author for me and writes a mix of mystery/legal thriller. The story begins with the death of a wealthy, prominent African-American man and takes off from there. Early on we are shown that he is having an affair with another man but is married to a woman hence the term "down low". Before you know it there are a few more deaths and one of the detectives on the case is starting to think that they have a serial killer. Mix that up with four friends that are mourning the loss of their close friend Maya. Maya died from aids that she contracted from her husband who was also having a gay affair. All of a sudden it looks like the serial killer theory is more than a theory and that the killer is targeting men on the down low.
This was an interesting read for me. It started off a bit slow but before I knew it I was sucked into the characters lives and trying to figure out who the killer might be. The author took on the difficult issue of aids and homosexuality. I thought the author did a good job providing a lot of information and some fair viewpoints on the issues at hand. The ending took me by suprise as I didn't have a clue to who the killer was. All in all, an interesting read and I'm thankful to the author for sending me this to review.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("Y" Author)

Charley's Web by Joy Fielding

Charley's Web was a suspenseful thriller that kept me turning the pages trying to figure out the ending. Don't you just love those kind of books once in awhile? Charlotte aka Charley is a single mother of two and a newspaper writer who writes a popular but controversial weekly newspaper column. Charley doesn't have many friends and grew up in a dsyfunctional family. She receives a letter in the mail from convicted child killer Jill Rhomer and her life begins to change in unexpected ways. All of a sudden there is someone threatening her and her children and she doesn't have anyone to count on.
This was a quick and suspenseful read where I didn't see the ending coming. The question that was constantly in my head was was Jill really guilty and what kind of game was she playing with Charley? There were a lot of family issues with Charley's family and I was rooting for her the whole time. This was a great read and a new to me author which means I'm adding her other books to my TBR list.
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("F" Author)
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom

Can we just say that I am a series addict? Hex Appeal was my introduction into yet another series that I am most definitely going to be following. I should start off saying though that 50 Ways To Hex Your Lover is the 1st book in this series and one that I really want to get to now that I've finished this one. I received this book for review from Sourcebooks which is why I read them out of order.
The book features Jazz, a fiesty witch with lots of guts and flare, and her boyfriend Nick who is a vampire. Jazz and Nick are both experiencing nightmares that are pushing the couple apart and it seems like magic is involved. I love strongly developed characters along with good world building which is why I enjoyed this book so much. Jazz has a pair of bunny slippers that have been accused of murder, a ghost that lives in her garage, and a bunch of other bits of magic that make up her world and make this book so much fun to read. I really liked the relationship between Jazz and Nick and felt a connection to both of them from the beginning of the book. This book was a great combination of paranormal romance plus mystery and chick lit tossed into one. My only problem being that I wish I had read 50 Ways To Hex Your Lover first. It wasn't necessary and I didn't have a problem coming into the series without reading it but I can be anal that way sometimes. Now I'm dying to pick up the 1st book and see how it all started.
This author has created a unique series that was fun and interesting to read about. I'm looking forward to the next book and of course picking up the first book as well. I definitely recommend this! I think that I've turned into a paranormal/urban fantasy addict as well :)
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("W" Author)
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

1st To Die by James Patterson

To begin this series Lindsay, a lead homicide detective, comes across one of the worst murder scenes that she has seen. There is a serial killer in San Fransico and he seems to be trying to do the most horrific things possible. She has just received some devasting news and now has to follow along the trail of a killer who isn't leaving them much to go on. And then she meets up with the four women who form a murder club intent on solving this killing in any way possible. This is a fast paced book meant to keep the reader guessing at all times. I had a few problems with it though but we'll get to that.
First of all, I've read Patterson before...long before I even started blogging or keeping track of the books that I read. I've enjoyed reading him but for some reason got away from his books. I just wasn't very attached to his characters or the story in this book. I dunno..it wasn't bad but it wasn't good either. The last quarter of the story was really good though and I found myself enjoying the rest of the book. Which left me mulling over how to rate the book so that I could be as honest as possible. I've decided to go with a 3.5 since I didn't love or really like the book...but I ended up liking it enough to continue on with the series. I'll give the 2nd book a try and if it isn't better then I'll be dones with this series.
Challenges: 1st in a Series Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("P" Title)
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Gods In Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

Gods in Alabama is about Arlene, now called Lena, and her promise to God that she made as long as no one finds out that she killed someone years ago. But her past is coming back to get her and now she is about to break her promise and go back to Alabama where she came from. This book keeps the reader guessing from the very beginning. It jumps back and forth from the present and what Lena is going through and the past that Arlene went through. And the entire time that you are reading this book you just wonder how it is going to work itself out. For this being Jackson's first novel, she does a heck of a job keeping you guessing and interested in the story that is playing itself out.
I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book. And the main character seemed to be like a train wreck waiting to happen...but that seemed to be the author's point. I did end up enjoying this novel along with the twists and turns that it took me on. Joshilyn Jackson did a nice job crafting an interesting tale. I will most definitely be coming back for more of this author!
My Rating: 4.25 out of 5
Challenges: Southern Reading Challenge (but alas I'm too late so it doesn't count except for in my own head :) ) and A-Z Challenge ("G" Title)

Book Reviews

Because I am 4 reviews behind I am going to catch myself up all in one fell swoop. Sorry if they are a bit short and you can always email me at samantha.1020@yahoo.com if you have any questions for me about a certain book or just leave a comment. Here is a few reviews of what I have been reading:

34. Seduction In Death by J.D. Robb- Another mystery involving Eve and her hubby Roarke. I can't even begin to explain how much I enjoy these series. It is a treat for me to pick up these books. In this book, Eve is trying to track down possibly two killers who are drugging and killing young women. I really liked the side story with Peabody and McNab and felt that it added to this book. This wasn't the best in the series but it was still pretty good so I gave it a 4 out of 5 rating. I already have the next book in this series checked out from the library :)
Read for the A-Z Challenge ("S" Title)

35. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher- I have been reading a lot of series books lately. This is a fairly new series to me (I'm only on #3) but I am really enjoying it. I love Harry and am always rooting for him to come through. In this installment, Harry is up against an unknown someone who has been stirring up ghosts and causing all sorts of trouble for Harry. This was a good book and I felt like he developed into an even more likeable character. The ending was bittersweet for me but also made me want to read the next book sooner rather than later. I ended up rating this one a 4.25 out of 5.

36. Better Read Than Dead by Victoria Laurie- The second book in her Psychic Eye series has Abby involved with the mafia. She has major relationship issues with Dutch and is trying to help Dutch's old partner in a serial rapist case. It all adds up to be a fun read that kept me guessing to see how Abby was going to get herself out of it all. I did guess one part of the ending but it didn't keep me from enjoying the rest of the book. I will keep reading this series and see where it goes from here. I rated this one a 4 out of 5.
Read for A-Z Challenge ("L" Author)

37. Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton- I've been hearing a lot of differing opinions on this series with you either like or don't like Agatha. Apparently I like Agatha because I really enjoyed this first book. I know, I know....like I need another series to start reading but whatever. In this 1st book, Agatha moves to Cotswalds and then decided to enter into a baking contest in order to try and fit in with her neighbors. Except she buys her quiche and later it is found that it has poisoned and killed the judge of the contest. This was a very simple mystery but it still drew me in and kept me wrapped up within it wondering what kind of trouble Agatha was going to get into next. And I liked her as a main character. I rated it a 4.5 out of 5 and am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Read for the 1st In A Series Challenge

I am officially on book #38 for the year which is Three For The Money by Janet Evanovich. I am looking forward to a few good laughs and a visit with Grandma Mazur. I've got a ton of books checked out from the library that I need to get to. Plus, I should probably buckle down and read a few books for my challenges but....we'll see. I really just enjoy making the lists anyways. It is going to be a busy few weeks as we buy my oldest his very 1st school supplies and go to backpack night. He is going to have to start with a bedtime again which I am sure that he is not going to be thrilled about. Oh well...that is just the way the ball rolls sometimes, right? Well, I'm off to take my daughter on a walk and get some fresh air and exercise. Hope to talk to you all very soon :)

Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton

How in the world did I get so far behind? And where did the time go? Aack! This is going to be a very belated review but I'll do the best that I can. Aunt Dimity's Death would probably be considered a cozy mystery but it isn't your typical mystery. There isn't a killer and the mystery of the story pertains to what happened to Aunt Dimity in her lifetime that is still haunting her after her death. I loved the atmosphere that the author created for this story. It sucked you in and made you feel like you were there. Because the mystery portion of this book was on the lighter side and combined with the atmosphere it gave the book a slower pace. The author still was able to keep the reader interested in the story that she was telling while slowly revealing pieces of Dimity's life. I enjoyed this story and am going to continue on with this series. It was a nice change of pace for me! I promise to try and catch up with reviews and challenges posts in the next week. :) LOL! We'll see how that goes....
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("A" Author)
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Dead Girls Are Easy by Terri Garey

The story starts with Nicki Styx almost dying....she is brought back to life by a sexy ER doctor. But now she sees dead people and the trouble doesn't end there. These spirits want her to do different things for them but one of the spirits is out to harm Nicki. Add in a few more twists and turns and you've got a recipe for a fun read!
I really enjoyed this book and need to look into if this author has written a sequel or not. The author leaves it open enough in the end that she could make a sequel but I haven't heard anything about a second book. I think I will go check out the Barnes and Noble website and see what I can find. Back to the book though...it was a really good book and I enjoyed reading it. Nicki was a fun character to spend time with and had her fair share of faults and strengths. All in all, this turned out to be a good read and I recommend!
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("G" Author)
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Ill Wind by Rachel Caine

In Ill Wind, the author takes us on a thrilling ride. Joanne has an interesting job: she's a weather warden. This basically means that she helps to control the weather so that the weather doesn't destroy Earth and everyone living on it. But now she is running for her life and doesn't know who to trust. This story was filled with twists and turns as Joanne tried to figure out what to do to make things right. The author slowly gives us the reasons as to why Joanne is running as well as giving us background on what led up to cause all of this.
This was a good story that had me intrigued from the beginning. I loved the "new" take on the weather and thought that it was fun to read about. The author kept the pace fast and I became engrossed in this story. I wasn't a huge fan of the ending BUT now I'm interested enough to read the next book sooner rather than later. I keep wondering what the author will think up next :)
Challenges: Spring Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("I" Title)
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Judgment In Death by J.D. Robb

In this next installment of the In Death series Eve is on the hunt for a cop killer. Unfortunately, dirty cops and suspects are turning up left and right. Add to that the fact that one of Roarke's former "business associates" is also a major suspect. This is turning out to be a very important case....a case that will possibly be putting a strain on Eve and Roarke's marriage.
You all know by now that I adore this series. I haven't yet come across a book that I haven't liked. In fact, I've already picked up the next book in this series from the library. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see a little bit more of Peabody and McNab and their relationship (or would you even call it that??) But still I'm rooting for them to get together :) I guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("J" Title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

This is the second book in the Storm Front series by Jim Butcher. I've gotta say that it's just as good as the first book. Basically in this story Harry is up against some killer werewolves. But there aren't just werewolves; there are hexenwolves, loup-garoes (sp?), and other shape-shifting beings. Fool Moon is just as action-packed as the first story in the series. I loved seeing Bob again in this book (he's the spirit that lives in a skull). There is always a bit of mystery within these books which keeps me guessing until the end. Harry does tend to get himself into some unbelievable situations but really it's an urban fantasy book. What else would I expect? :) And my favorite thing about Harry is his "moral" code that he seems to use with the decisions he makes. He is of some very old school beliefs which get him into trouble sometimes. Now I'm excited to read the next book in this series!! I would recommend starting off with the first book which I believe is Storm Front....but you might want to double check that and make sure I'm right. LOL!
Challenges: Casual Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("F" Title)
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Shoot! I did want to add that my only negative with this book was that it was quite gruesome at a couple of points. Some readers might not like all of that detail. I skimmed a few parts but didn't think too much about it. ;)

Mrs. McGinty's Dead by Agatha Christie

I neglected to write a Sunday Salon post yesterday because I hardly read anything all weekend. Why you might ask? Because I was doing something even better! I was spending QUALITY time with my family. We went to a waterpark hotel for the weekend and had a blast. My son loved every minute of it...I could hardly get him out of the pool! :) Lots of fun but little reading time as I was trying to keep up with him and introduce my daughter to her very 1st swimming experience. It was chaos but of the best kind!
On to the book review, I'm becoming a fast fan of Agatha Christie. This was a fun little whodunnit for me. Hercule Poirot is asked to investigate a murder where a man has already been convicted and is about to be hung for the murder. And he is asked by the leading police investigator who found the evidence that convicted the man soon to be executed. With little to no clues as to who the murderer might be, Poirot has to use all of his skills to solve this case. I enjoyed reading this book. Poirot is a very pompous character who thinks quite highly of himself. It made me laugh at one point just reading his thoughts about himself. The mystery had a few good twists and turns...and I didn't figure out who the murderer was so all in all, a good book!
Challenges: Anything Agatha Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("C" Author)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie

Yay, I found a new series to read....like I don't have enough. I really liked this book! Abby Cooper is a psychic intuitive who knows things often before they are going to happen. After joining an online dating service, she comes across a man named Dutch who she is really attracted to. Until she finds out that he is a police detective. When one of her clients is murdered, Dutch and Abby have to work closely together to find the killer before Abby finds herself in danger.

This was a cozy mystery that was a lot of fun for me to read. I liked Abby's personality and loved reading about her "predictions". The mystery was a good whodunnit and I didn't figure it out which is always nice. This book is different from other series that I am reading which is most definitely a good thing! I'm excited to continue on reading books from this author.

Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("A" Title), Suspense/Thrillers Challenge (Cozy Mystery)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Born On A Blue Day: A Memoir by Daniel Tammet

What an interesting read this was. I read this book for the nonfiction yahoo group that I belong to and it was a worthwhile read. Daniel is an autistic savant which he equates to being a more highly functioning "rain man" (the Dustin Hoffman movie) Basically, he is really smart in certain areas. For instance, he loves numbers. Every number is a visual experience for him that he pictures in his head. He says repeatedly that numbers are his friends. In fact, for a fundraiser (I believe) he learned over 22,000 numbers of pi. (*Remember that pi is an infinite number -something that some of us...meaning me....might not have remembered :P) And he didn't miss a single number. How amazing is that?!?!!!
This memoir takes us from when Daniel was a baby to his present day life. I found it very interesting to see how he progressed and grew as an individual. He is very up front with the things socially that he is not good at-and also gives facts that relate to Aspergers as to why many individuals with this condition are not good at certain situations. I hope that made sense. Anyways, I'm really glad that I read this book. It was interesting for me and gave me a better sense of what someone that has a disease like this goes through. Just a sidenote: because Daniel is so intelligent some areas are a bit dry. But that's just because he knows so much and he explains it all to you. Others might find those tidbits really fascinating. I recommend this one!
Challenges: In Their Shoes Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("B" Title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

Witness In Death by J.D. Robb

Here it is...my last review and then I'm caught up! Woohoo! In this installment of the In Death series, Eve and Roarke are watching a play when the lead actor is murdered before their eyes. With literally thousands of eye witnesses to the crime, Eve has her hands full. Add to the fact that some of the suspects are actors and the "truth" is all in how they decide to portray it. All of these ingredients make a pretty darn good whodunnit.
One of the things that I liked about this paticular book in this series was that we got to see the beginnings of a...dare I say relationship...forming between Peabody and McNab. I'm anxious to see where it goes. We are also getting to see how much closer Eve is letting people into her life. I love her personality and think that it really makes this series great. As always I'll just keep recommending this series! :)
Challenges: Spring Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("W" Title)
My Rating: 4.25 out of 5

Two For The Dough by Janet Evanovich

This is the second in the famous Stephanie Plum series. I say famous because it seems live EVERYONE is reading this series. Guess I gotta join in, huh? I always enjoy a good laugh and these books do it for me. The situations that Stephanie gets herself into have me laughing so hard that I"m practically in tears. I love these books so far!

In this one, Stephanie is on the hunt for Kenny Mancuso. It should be an easy case for Stephanie but things are more complicated than she realized at first. With some help from Grandma Mazur and Lulu (back from the 1st story), Stephanie is working hard to catch Kenny before he puts her and her family in danger. This story was just as fun as the first in my opinion! Can't wait to get started on the third book!

Challenges: Numbers Challenge, Casual Reading Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("E" Author)

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs

In this first novel by Reichs, Temperance aka Tempe, is a forensic anthropologist who examines bones. Tempe is called to the seen where some human bones have been found. The situation and way the bones are found reminds her of a previous encounter with bones that were discovered. The problem lies with trying to convince the police detectives working the case that there is a possible serial killer on the loose. Before Tempe knows it she and her family and friends are in danger themselves.
This was the first in the series and a great read find for me because I will definitely be continuing on with the series. I just love finding new to me authors. :) Tempe came across as a very down to earth character that as the reader I cared about. I felt for her and worried about her. There was a lot of technical language relating to forensic anthropology that was heavy in a few parts-but for the most part it enhanced rather than detracted from the story. Overall, good book and I enjoyed reading it.
Challenges: 1st in a Series Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("D" Title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

This is my second alternate for the TBR challenge (seems that I'm liking my alternate list more than my original list) and I've been wanting to read this for some time. It started off slow for me...I couldn't quite warm up to the story that the author was creating and kept wondering where it was going. But I'm SO glad that I continued on with it because I ended up really enjoying this book. The Thirteenth Tale is two stories: the story of Margaret Lea, an amauteur biographer who is battling her own past, and of Vida Winter, a famous writer who has kept her past hidden from anyone and everyone, until now. Because now she has employed Margaret to write her biography ensnaring her by promising to finally tell the "truth" about her past. These two stories will merge together and allow the truth of both of these women's pasts to come out once and for all. Most definitely a worthwhile read!!

Challenges: TBR Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("S" Author)

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Deadly Intent by Carolyn Keene

This book was part of the Nancy Drew Files (Case 2) which were a series that I read continuously when I was younger. I've been wanting to reread these books as they helped to spark my love for a good mystery! The Heart of a Child reading challenge is giving me a chance to do this...the only problem being that I couldn't find the 1st book in this series and I HATE reading series out of order. I am going to try and find the first one but for now I have to settle for starting at number 2.
The FUN part of rereading is that because it has been SO long-well, it feels like I'm reading them for the 1st time (even though that isn't the case). This was a FUN little mystery for me..fast-paced, not too deep, and familiar characters that you can't help but love. In this case Nancy is trying to find a missing guitarist. Her list of suspects EVEN includes her good friend Bess' new boyfriend. Plus, Ned joins up with Nancy to help solve the case! This MOST DEFINITELY brought me back to my childhood (in a good way)...but don't read these expecting too much out of them..they are on the light side! LOL! But I had fun reading this which is all that matters!
Challenges: Heart of a Child Challenge, A-Z Challenge ("D" Title)
My Rating: 4 out of 5 (for sheer entertainment value!)

Conspiracy In Death by J.D. Robb

For the next story in this series, Eve is up against a serial killer who may also be one of the city's leading surgeons. When she catches the case of a dead sidewalk sleeper, she comes across a mystery with political ties as well as a cop who hates her guts for apparently no reason. For some reason, Eve is coming across multiple crime cases with sloppy police work, political pressure for her to shut down the case, and worst of all smears to her own record. Can she solve the case before someone else stops her???
Another great mystery by this author. (I ALWAYS rave about this series, don't I?) It is a favorite of mine and truth be told I think that I am going to have to break down and buy ALL of the books in this series. I LOVE them that much!! Anyways--this one kept me turning the pages as fast as I could while I worried about Eve. We definitely get to see a side of her that we haven't seen before PLUS we get to see Roarke and Eve's relationship growing even stronger. I'm going to go off on a tangent here BUT I think that what makes these books so good is that Robb (Roberts) has a way of getting the reader emotionally attached to the characters in these stories. I love all of the old characters but also enjoy the new characters that she throws into the mix (an example would be Louise Dimatto for this book). Good book and of course I RECOMMEND this series!!
Challenges: A-Z Challenge ("C" Title)
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5