The Denton police division is shorthanded after a car crash involving several tipsy policemen so Inspector Frost is called in early from his vacation The Denton police division is shorthanded after a car crash involving several tipsy policemen so Inspector Frost is called in early from his vacation and has to cope with, among other things, blackmail, dead bodies, and a kidnapper. I always enjoy the books in this series and while Frost is not the most likable character he does get the job done even if it takes a few tries....more
An interesting memoir about the author's childhood, which was very different than most Chinese since his mother was European and his father was an exeAn interesting memoir about the author's childhood, which was very different than most Chinese since his mother was European and his father was an executive with the Chinese rail system, during World War 2 in China. ...more
One of P.G. Wodehouse's first published books in the States, the story is narrated by a young writer who somewhat hesitantly agrees to help out an oldOne of P.G. Wodehouse's first published books in the States, the story is narrated by a young writer who somewhat hesitantly agrees to help out an old friend with newly hatched plan of running a chicken farm even though the friend, Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge, is described as "the sort of man who will ask you out to dinner, borrows the money from you to pay the bill, and winds up the evening by embroiling you in a fight with a cabman." Lots of laughs, romance, chickens, and golf. Listened to the audio version read with great enthusiasm by Jonathan Cecil....more
From the first page the action starts and does not let up. David Elliot is a successful middle-aged executive who goes into work just like every weekdFrom the first page the action starts and does not let up. David Elliot is a successful middle-aged executive who goes into work just like every weekday morning but what happens next is anything but normal. The present day narrative switches off with scenes from David's past in Vietnam which helps the believability factor. A real page turner....more
I became intrigued with Oscar Levant after seeing a clip of him from a television talk show that was included in the documentary about Fran Lebowitz sI became intrigued with Oscar Levant after seeing a clip of him from a television talk show that was included in the documentary about Fran Lebowitz so I decided to seek out this book which was published in 1939. Most of the book was about classical music conductors and musical composers, which I know nothing about, but the writing style and witticism kept me interested. I did throughly enjoy the two sections on his friendships with Harpo Marx and George Gershwin. ...more
What will probably be the final book in the Rostnikov series since the author passed away in 2009 though I would be overjoyed if there was a secret caWhat will probably be the final book in the Rostnikov series since the author passed away in 2009 though I would be overjoyed if there was a secret cache of further books somewhere. I love the characters in this series and was glad to see certain things finally play out. I will very much miss Rostnikov, Karpo, and all the others but luckily I have plenty of more of Stuart M. Kaminsky's work to read....more
At the opening of this book Hank Thompson is enjoying his life in the Yucatán Peninsula with the only downside being his narrower than usual ear canalAt the opening of this book Hank Thompson is enjoying his life in the Yucatán Peninsula with the only downside being his narrower than usual ear canals but, if you read the first book, Caught Stealing, you know that will not last long. Like the first book, lots of gritty action and wild circumstances. Overall though, I did not think this book was quite as good as Caught Stealing mainly because the supporting characters just did not seem as interesting and some of Hank's actions did not seem logical. Listened to the audio version which was read by Christian Conn....more
Combination aviation and espionage thriller set in Finland and published back in 1963. Engaging first person narrative and lots of well written actionCombination aviation and espionage thriller set in Finland and published back in 1963. Engaging first person narrative and lots of well written action scenes made this a fast, entertaining read....more
First in a historical mystery series set in San Francisco during the early 1900's. I liked the main character, though I doubt if she was historically First in a historical mystery series set in San Francisco during the early 1900's. I liked the main character, though I doubt if she was historically appropriate, but the various plot elements were just OK and there was a bit too much romance....more
Finally, after eight years, Miles is back and, while a bit older, still is able to stir up everything and everyone around him. This has always been myFinally, after eight years, Miles is back and, while a bit older, still is able to stir up everything and everyone around him. This has always been my favorite science fiction series because of the great characters and the way Lois McMaster Bujold is able to show how her future technology really affects society. While I would not rank this book as one of the best in the series, it was a fine addition and I hope there will be more sooner than later....more
Richard Sharpe manages to get himself in the middle of the action during the bombardment, by the British, of Copenhagen. As always, an enjoyable listeRichard Sharpe manages to get himself in the middle of the action during the bombardment, by the British, of Copenhagen. As always, an enjoyable listen. I did not know anything about this particular battle so found the history very interesting. Listened to the audio version read by Patrick Tull. ...more
ESPN's Sports Guy's account of the Red Sox finally winning the World Series. I enjoy Simmon's style, you can tell he really does care, and for the mosESPN's Sports Guy's account of the Red Sox finally winning the World Series. I enjoy Simmon's style, you can tell he really does care, and for the most part thought the book was quite good. I just wish I would have read it a couple of years ago, back before the whole Red Sox Nation thing became so annoying....more
One of Hard Case Crime's original works, this is a rather nifty homage to the hardboiled works of the Forties and Fifties. Set in Hollywood, Ray CorsoOne of Hard Case Crime's original works, this is a rather nifty homage to the hardboiled works of the Forties and Fifties. Set in Hollywood, Ray Corson wants to be a screenwriter but like many he has to find other work to pay the bills. Enter Rebecca LaFontaine who is looking for a hired hand. Only 220 pages, but plenty of plot, a self aware hero, and just enough hardboiled dialogue made this a quick enjoyable read. ...more
During the run-up to Christmas, Erlendur and his team are called in to investigate the murder of a doorman, who was found in his Santa costume, at a lDuring the run-up to Christmas, Erlendur and his team are called in to investigate the murder of a doorman, who was found in his Santa costume, at a large Rejkjavik hotel. This was another exceptional crime novel by Arnaldur Indriðason. Very dark and introspective, the plot focuses on family relationships and secrets. The characters were all memorable, the Icelandic setting fascinating, and there was even a tiny bit of the absurd to lighten the tone occasionally....more
Published back in 1981 and nominated for the Best Paperback Edgar this was a totally engrossing tale of a former prize winning journalist who gets cauPublished back in 1981 and nominated for the Best Paperback Edgar this was a totally engrossing tale of a former prize winning journalist who gets caught up in the biggest story of his life. ...more
After a slow start (partly because the first two c/d's were in terrible shape and skipped around so much that all I ended up hearing was men, unintellAfter a slow start (partly because the first two c/d's were in terrible shape and skipped around so much that all I ended up hearing was men, unintelligible, men, unintelligible, men) I did end up enjoying this memoir about growing up in a fairly dysfunctional family, the author's quest to find suitable male role models, and his fascination with the local bar. The narration by Adam Grupper was professionally done and I was able to check out the paper version so I could fill in the blanks. ...more
Another masterful adventure thriller from Desmond Bagley. I love the author's smooth writing style and expert plotting. Another masterful adventure thriller from Desmond Bagley. I love the author's smooth writing style and expert plotting. ...more
A worthy sequel to Gone, Baby, Gone. It was so great to catch up with two of my favorite detective characters again and see how they have changed and A worthy sequel to Gone, Baby, Gone. It was so great to catch up with two of my favorite detective characters again and see how they have changed and weathered the years. The plot did show some strains at times but I thought everything was wrapped up well and the ending hit all the right notes. ...more
I found this political conspiracy type thriller to be a bit underwhelming especially as a follow-up to the author's previous book The Crime Writer whiI found this political conspiracy type thriller to be a bit underwhelming especially as a follow-up to the author's previous book The Crime Writer which I thought was really good. Lots of action, twists, and turns that, to me, were fairly predictable. Listened to the audio version which was read by Patrick G. Lawlor....more
Classic PI story set in New York City which won the Edgar Award for best mystery in 1959. For such a short book there were lots of characters and a prClassic PI story set in New York City which won the Edgar Award for best mystery in 1959. For such a short book there were lots of characters and a pretty elaborate plot but the author did a good job of tying everything together and providing a satisfying conclusion....more
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