Wednesday, June 7, 2023

IWSG Wednesday

 


The first Wednesday of every month is officially IWSG day. IWSG was formed by Ninja Captain Alex Cavanaugh. Members post about their doubts and fears, discuss struggles and triumphs, and offer words of encouragement to others who are struggling.

Twitter handle: @TheIWSG   

Hashtag: #IWSG.


The awesome co-hosts for the June 7 posting of the IWSG are Patrcia Josephine, Diedre Knight, Olga Godim, J. Lenni Dorner, and Cathrina Constantine! 

Thanks so much for co-hosting.

 
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say. 

Remember, the question is optional!

June 7 question - If you ever did stop writing, what would you replace it with? I didn’t even have to think about this one, I’d spend more time reading and gaming. Notice I didn't mention house or yardwork.
😊 What about you?

May/June Reviews in no particular order.

* Disclaimer. If I run into an occasional typo, I ignore them and don't factor them into my review.

 

IN DARKNESS: THE SHARK by L. Diane Wolfe

 

This was such a fun read and a different twist on an old tale.

Jewels is a loner, her only interest, the ocean and marine biology. It’s not that she doesn’t like people but she’s been hurt and doesn’t want to be again. Then her life turns upside down and she cautiously learns to trust again when a shark becomes her new best friend.

Recommended for those who love sea life and a heartwarming ending. 

Available at Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

TRADs

 

HIGH PROFILE BY Robert B. Parker

This is the sixth in the Jesse Stone series.

A controversial talk show host is found hanging from a tree in Paradise and it’s not suicide. Shortly  thereafter, an unknown woman is also found murdered in Jesse’s town, giving him two perplexing crimes to solve.

Another good read. On to number seven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEA CHANGE by Robert Parker

This is the fifth in the Jesse Stone series. A body washes up on shore at Paradise which leads to an investigation that takes a turn into depravity. 

Spoiler Alert. This story touches on the uncomfortable topic of incest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SIMPLY LIES by David Baldacci

 

David Baldacci is a world class author and after I got into it, this book held my attention with suspenseful twists and turns. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the opener. After reading three pages I put it down and would have never gone back to it if I’d had more reading material. The story is about a work from home mom and opens with the protagonist’s toddler hurling vomit chunks on her. Seriously? Been there. Done that. Not my idea of escapism reading.  AND a spoiler alert: there is mention of a cat being tortured. Something else I can do without reading.

Once past the opener though, and if it weren’t for the mention of the above spoiler alert, the story unfolded with a complex plot and interesting characters and turned in to an immersive read. If anyone else out there has read it, I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.

 

SAVING FAITH by David Baldacci

 

Lee Adams is a PI that finds himself on the run with a woman who the FBI desperately wants to interview for a corruption case.  Also chasing them is a killer who wants to silence them both.

I enjoyed this one. Though, there was one scene where the protagonist stopped just short of rape with the female character. I didn’t see where that added anything to the story, nor do I like it on general principal. Overall, though, a good read.

 

 

 

 

 

STONE COLD by Robert B. Parker

 

This is the fourth in the Jesse Stone series. Jesse is Chief of Police in Paradise, MA. He’s a cop and a darn good one. He has two addictions, alcohol and his ex-wife.

In this book, two serial killers come to Paradise. One of the people they kill is a woman Jesse dated and their next mark is Jesse himself.

So far, each book in this series has delivered and Stone Cold is no exception.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIGHT SINS by Tami Hoag

 

This is book one in the Deer Lake Series.  Like the last two books I read by Hoag the suspense is tight and tense. Unlike the other two, it has a steamy romance running through it. If you like your murder mysteries straight up with no romance this may not be the series for you. If you like your mysteries with heat, this is one you’ll probably enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GUILTY AS SIN by Tami Hoag

 

The saga of a shattering kidnapping in a small Minnesota town continues. This time the story focuses on Ellen North, Assistant County Attorney and Jay Butler Brooks, a true crime writer.   

Of everything I’ve read by Ms. Hoag, I found Brooks’ character to be the most fascinating. His character packs a high dose of sex appeal even on the written page. As always Hoag’s writing is tense and tight. Even though I find the subject of kidnapping, especially where children are concerned disturbing, the book held my attention all the way.

 

 

 

 

 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS by Harlow Giles Unger

 

It’s always interesting finding out about our forefathers and what went on in the past. I’m a fan of Harlow Giles Unger and feel he does a good job of bringing the past to life. For me the last couple of chapters of this book were the most fascinating. John Quincy wasn’t a popular president but after he left office, he became  a congressman and the champion of the people. He was a patriot through and through and while in congress would challenge either side of the aisle if he felt they were wrong.   I got the impression if he’d put in half the time and energy into his marriage as he did politics, he would have made Louisa’s life much easier.

 

 

 

Got books? 



 

25 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

Lots of reading. I see that you binge (as I do) on particular authors.

Donna said...

Thank you for all the reviews!
hugs
Donna

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I have read all the Jesse Stone books and would LOVE to read the Baldacci books. I am a HUGE fan of mystery and am working my way through Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries series. I feel like I know Kinsey Milhone very well by now.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'd read a lot too. Thanks for sharing all the books you've been reading. They look good.

Nick Wilford said...

Nice selection. I would definitely up my reading, if I did stop writing.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Thank you again for reading and reviewing my book.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Gaming is always fun.

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

You're into gaming? Didn't know that, Sandra. My daughter is kinda getting into that, too (and Formula One Racing). How did you get started with that?

And your books--that could be my list. Love your choices. The John Quincy Adams looks good, too.

cleemckenzie said...

I'd opt for the reading. I'm not much of a gamer unless you count Rummy. Lots of reviews this month, Sandra! Yay.

emaginette said...

I just discovered the Jesse Stone series recently and love them all. They are so quotable: "I'm much better since I gave up hope."

Anna from elements of emaginette

Patricia JL said...

Yeah, I'm not quitting writing any time soon just so I can do more chores either!

Tyrean Martinson said...

Great book shout-outs! And I would read more, too.

Christine said...

Good Q and A.

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Sandra, for those book reviews, they all sound like great reads!

Sandra Cox said...

EC, I sure do. There are so many authors that I just don't connect with, so when I find one I do, I stick with them.
Donna, You bet. Hugs received and returned.
Elizabeth, Good job on working your way through Grafton. The Stone series is great, isn't it? Have you read the Spencer series?
Natalie, You are most welcome.
Di, It was truly my pleasure:)
Alex, It's the senior variety, but yes, fun:)
Jacqui, I just do the senior variety of gaming. Nothing exciting. And yes, our reading is pretty much in sync. I'm slowly trying to work my way through the presidents. Currently on Andy Jackson.

Sandra Cox said...

Anna. Snort. What a great quote.
Patricia, Heh. Right there with ya.
Tyrean, We have to have our books, don't we?
Thanks, Christine.
Thanks, Lon. I'm especially enjoying the Jesse Stone series.

J.Q. Rose said...

Thanks for the reviews. I like that youinclude the not so good things you found in the books. I started Baldacci,but never went back to the book. Maybe I should've pushed on. I with ya, cuz, on not doing housework to fill hours that could have been spent writing. But gaming I do is only Solitare and scrabble style games as well as some card games. Hmmm. maybe I am a gamer nowthat I look at that list!! Whoknew? No videogames though.

Sarah Foster said...

I think housework keeps me from writing a lot of the time! More time for reading is always good.

J.P. Alexander said...

Geniales libros, Gracias por la reseña te mando un beso

Jeanie said...

I'd replace it with painting. And reading!

Sandra Cox said...

Hey Cuz, Yeah, I do the senior gaming too, including solitaire:)
Sarah, Where's the housekeeper when we need her? Ha.
Thanks, J.P. Sending you a hug.
Jeanie, You mean more painting and reading. Hehe.

D.L. Finn said...

I would take more pictures which would inspire me to read... lol Yes, more reading for sure! No definitely not more cleaning. Great book reviews I saw a must read and one that I don't think I want to read. You have been reading some good ones. Xo

D.L. Finn said...

Write not read for photos. Lol

authorjessa said...

More reading is always good!

Sandra Cox said...

Denise, I bet I can pick out your read and your I don't want to read:) xo
authorjessa, You bet:)