BLIND ALLEY by Iris Johansen
"The New York Times bestselling author of Firestorm, Iris Johansen, returns with a psychological thriller so terrifying, so relentlessly paced, it won't leave you time to catch your breath before the next shock comes. A forensic sculptor is locked in a deadly duel with a serial killer determined to destroy her--one life at a time.
Eve Duncan's job is to put a face on the faceless victims of violent crimes. Her work not only comforts their survivors--but helps catch their killers. But there is another, more personal reason that Eve Duncan is driven to do the kind of work she does--a dark nightmare from a past she can never bury. And as she works on the skull of a newly discovered victim, that past is about to return all over again.
The victim is a Jane Doe found murdered, her face erased beyond recognition. But whoever killed her wasn't just trying to hide her identity. The plan was far more horrifying. For as the face forms under Eve's skilled hands, she is about to get the shock of her life. The victim is someone she knows all too well. Someone who isn't dead. Yet.
Instantly Eve's peaceful life is shattered. The sanctuary of the lakeside cottage she shares with Atlanta detective Joe Quinn and their adopted daughter Jane has been invaded by a killer who's sent the grimmest of threats: the face of his next victim. To stop him, Eve must put her own life in the balance and question everything and everyone she trusts. Not even Quinn can go where Eve must go this time.
As the trail of faceless bodies leads to a chilling revelation, Eve finds herself trying to catch a master murderer whose grisly work is a testament to a mind warped by perversion and revenge. Now she must pit her skills against his in a showdown where the stakes are life itself--and where the unbearable cost of failure will make Eve's own murder seem like a mercy killing."
Another great audio book. ONE of the early books on CD. It was an awesome mystery. I love that that young 17yr old is so independent and knows what she wants and that Eve and Joe support her. I was pulled along with the unknown suspicion that Trever would not help in the end. He was a big mystery the entire time! Highly recommended!
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Opinion or Truth?
Some say the truth will set you free; others say the truth hurts & can be painful.
I say we all need to just mind our own business and keep our opinions (or truths as 'some' call it) to ourself! :D
I say we all need to just mind our own business and keep our opinions (or truths as 'some' call it) to ourself! :D
Friday, December 23, 2011
Book Review: "Bonnie"
Bonnie by Iris Johansen
"The truth has eluded her for years. . . . Now is she ready to face it?
When Eve Duncan gave birth to her daughter, she experienced a love she never knew existed. Nothing would stand in the way of giving Bonnie a wonderful life—-until the unthinkable happened and the seven-year-old vanished into thin air. Eve found herself in the throes of a nightmare from which there was no escape. But a new Eve emerged: a woman who would use her remarkable talent as a forensic sculptor to help others find closure in the face of tragedy. Now with the help of her beloved Joe Quinn and CIA agent Catherine Ling, Eve has come closer than ever to the truth. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that Bonnie’s father is a key player in solving this monstrous puzzle. And that Bonnie’s disappearance was not as random as everyone had always believed . . ."
This is another audio book. It is the follow up to Quinn that I reviewed on last month. The ending was unexpected and really quiet interesting. The ghost, Bonnie, was a pleasant little 7 yr old who was killed many years ago. She helped the people that loved her find her killer and then helped the 'killer' find peace also. I enjoyed it and have started another one of the author's audio books about Eve and her life without Bonnie.
"The truth has eluded her for years. . . . Now is she ready to face it?
When Eve Duncan gave birth to her daughter, she experienced a love she never knew existed. Nothing would stand in the way of giving Bonnie a wonderful life—-until the unthinkable happened and the seven-year-old vanished into thin air. Eve found herself in the throes of a nightmare from which there was no escape. But a new Eve emerged: a woman who would use her remarkable talent as a forensic sculptor to help others find closure in the face of tragedy. Now with the help of her beloved Joe Quinn and CIA agent Catherine Ling, Eve has come closer than ever to the truth. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that Bonnie’s father is a key player in solving this monstrous puzzle. And that Bonnie’s disappearance was not as random as everyone had always believed . . ."
This is another audio book. It is the follow up to Quinn that I reviewed on last month. The ending was unexpected and really quiet interesting. The ghost, Bonnie, was a pleasant little 7 yr old who was killed many years ago. She helped the people that loved her find her killer and then helped the 'killer' find peace also. I enjoyed it and have started another one of the author's audio books about Eve and her life without Bonnie.
Book Review: "All I Ever Wanted"
All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins
"Bad turns to worse for Callie Grey, who's about to turn 30, when her boss (and five-week fling) announces his engagement to someone else. To get Mark's attention, Callie stirs up a crazy relationship with not-so-warm-and-fuzzy veterinarian Ian MacFarland. Original. One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair...and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals.... So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor...."
OK I have to say... there are so many freakin' good books out there! THIS is definitely one of them!!! I laughed so much as the pun of her thoughts. I mean... she would use Betty Boop and Michelle Obama as her inner voices of reason (playing devil's advocate, of course). Then said she was 'fluffy'... which I often have said about my own body. I actually LOL when she used the term 'food baby' to describe her tummy. OMG, I thought to myself. That is what I have... a chocolate food baby! hehehe So the book was great and the setting was Vermont, which makes me want to visit in the Fall. The career she had was amazing and totally something I could have done... if I have the degree. lol OK So back to the book.... typical girl likes boy; boy plays girl; girl defends boy; boy gets engaged to another woman; girl goes ballistic! hehehe LOVED IT! Even mentions... Bono!
"Bad turns to worse for Callie Grey, who's about to turn 30, when her boss (and five-week fling) announces his engagement to someone else. To get Mark's attention, Callie stirs up a crazy relationship with not-so-warm-and-fuzzy veterinarian Ian MacFarland. Original. One Happily-Ever-After Rocking Chair...and no sign of any forthcoming babies to rock in ol' Georgebury, Vermont. For Callie Grey, turning thirty means coming to grips with the fact that her boss (and five-week fling) is way overdue in his marriage proposal. And way off track because Mark has suddenly announced his engagement to the company's new Miss Perfect. If that isn't bad enough, her mom decides to throw her a three-oh birthday bash in the family funeral home.Bad goes to worse when she stirs up a crazy relationship with the town's not so warm and fuzzy veterinarian, Ian McFarland, in order to flag Mark's attention. So Ian is more comfortable with animals.... So he's formal, orderly and just a bit tense. The ever-friendly, fun-loving and spontaneous Callie decides it's time for Ian to get a personality makeover. But dang, if he doesn't shock the heck out of her, she might actually fall for Vermont's unlikeliest eligible bachelor...."
OK I have to say... there are so many freakin' good books out there! THIS is definitely one of them!!! I laughed so much as the pun of her thoughts. I mean... she would use Betty Boop and Michelle Obama as her inner voices of reason (playing devil's advocate, of course). Then said she was 'fluffy'... which I often have said about my own body. I actually LOL when she used the term 'food baby' to describe her tummy. OMG, I thought to myself. That is what I have... a chocolate food baby! hehehe So the book was great and the setting was Vermont, which makes me want to visit in the Fall. The career she had was amazing and totally something I could have done... if I have the degree. lol OK So back to the book.... typical girl likes boy; boy plays girl; girl defends boy; boy gets engaged to another woman; girl goes ballistic! hehehe LOVED IT! Even mentions... Bono!
Friday, December 16, 2011
Book Review: "White Heat"
White Heat by Brenda Novak
"The first book in a new back-to-back trilogy. A religious cult has moved into what was once an Arizona ghost town, and their actions are cause for concern. One woman who escapes from their compound is nearly stoned to death, and another has gone missing altogether. Original. A dangerous cult has recently taken over the desert ghost town of Paradise, Arizona. Members worship at the feet--and in the bed--of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff, and obey his orders blindly. They've already tried to murder one woman and they're implicated in the disappearance of another.Nate Ferrentino, who works for private security contractor Department 6, has been assigned to infiltrate this group. It's a challenge he welcomes--until he learns that colleague Rachel Jessop will be going undercover "with" him. Thanks to their shared history, he'd much rather go alone....The problem is, only married couples can participate in cult rituals. So, like it or not--and they don't--Rachel and Nate must pretend to be husband and wife.There's no choice. Because if Wycliff "isn't" exposed, if he "isn't" stopped, more people will die. And Rachel might be one of them."
I am really looking forward to more books!!! I couldn't put this book down. Sneaking a peek here and there, every chance I had to read the next line. Interesting how the author used so many normal everyday stuff. Well, maybe not normal to normal people... but stuff we have heard about and used it to develop the characters. Awesome Read!!!
"The first book in a new back-to-back trilogy. A religious cult has moved into what was once an Arizona ghost town, and their actions are cause for concern. One woman who escapes from their compound is nearly stoned to death, and another has gone missing altogether. Original. A dangerous cult has recently taken over the desert ghost town of Paradise, Arizona. Members worship at the feet--and in the bed--of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff, and obey his orders blindly. They've already tried to murder one woman and they're implicated in the disappearance of another.Nate Ferrentino, who works for private security contractor Department 6, has been assigned to infiltrate this group. It's a challenge he welcomes--until he learns that colleague Rachel Jessop will be going undercover "with" him. Thanks to their shared history, he'd much rather go alone....The problem is, only married couples can participate in cult rituals. So, like it or not--and they don't--Rachel and Nate must pretend to be husband and wife.There's no choice. Because if Wycliff "isn't" exposed, if he "isn't" stopped, more people will die. And Rachel might be one of them."
I am really looking forward to more books!!! I couldn't put this book down. Sneaking a peek here and there, every chance I had to read the next line. Interesting how the author used so many normal everyday stuff. Well, maybe not normal to normal people... but stuff we have heard about and used it to develop the characters. Awesome Read!!!
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Book Review: "Chasing Fire"
Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts
"The number-one "New York Times"-bestselling author delves into the world of elite firefighters who thrive on danger and adrenaline-men and women who wouldn't know how to live life if it wasn't on the edge.
There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.
Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.
Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer. . . ."
I enjoyed THIS book on audio. I loved the narrator and the way the book unfolded and came to life. The author did a brilliant job describing the fire both as beautiful and threatening. Using words like fountain and spewing, to describe the flames, was so articulate. Amazing and thrilling story right to the very last word! A book worth reading/listening to!!!
"The number-one "New York Times"-bestselling author delves into the world of elite firefighters who thrive on danger and adrenaline-men and women who wouldn't know how to live life if it wasn't on the edge.
There's little as thrilling as firefighting-at least to Rowan Tripp. The Missoula smoke jumpers are in Rowan's blood: her father is a legend. She's been fighting fires since her eighteenth birthday. At this point, returning to the wilds of Montana for the season feels like coming home-even with reminders of the partner she lost last season still lingering.
Fortunately, this year's rookie crop is one of the strongest ever-and Gulliver Curry's one of the best. He's also a walking contradiction, a hotshot firefighter with a big vocabulary and a winter job at a kids' arcade.
Everything is thrown off balance when a dark presence lashes out against Rowan, looking to blame someone for last year's tragedy. Rowan knows she can't complicate things with Gull-any distractions in the air or on the ground could mean the end-but if she doesn't find someone she can lean on, she may not make it through the summer. . . ."
I enjoyed THIS book on audio. I loved the narrator and the way the book unfolded and came to life. The author did a brilliant job describing the fire both as beautiful and threatening. Using words like fountain and spewing, to describe the flames, was so articulate. Amazing and thrilling story right to the very last word! A book worth reading/listening to!!!
Book Review: "COMING BACK"
Coming Back by Marcia Muller
"In "Locked In," San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone was shot in the head and suffered from locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but with an alert, conscious mind. Now, as Sharon struggles to regain control over her body, she wants everything to go back to normal, but realizes that it may not be possible to return to her old life. Meanwhile, Sharon's relationships are suffering. Her husband is impatient with her refusal to accept help and some of her colleagues doubt her abilities after the accident. But when Sharon's friend from physical therapy goes missing, she must call upon those closest to her to find out the truth behind the disappearance. The investigation soon points to issues of national security and proves to be the most dangerous and critical case yet for Sharon and her colleagues."
I enjoyed reading this book. It has an easy to follow rhythm and the flow was good. I finally stayed up late last night to finish it. It was very interesting and I was holding on with baited breath until the very end..... not knowing how it would end. I recommend this book to everyone that is looking for a little mystery!
"In "Locked In," San Francisco private eye Sharon McCone was shot in the head and suffered from locked-in syndrome: almost total paralysis but with an alert, conscious mind. Now, as Sharon struggles to regain control over her body, she wants everything to go back to normal, but realizes that it may not be possible to return to her old life. Meanwhile, Sharon's relationships are suffering. Her husband is impatient with her refusal to accept help and some of her colleagues doubt her abilities after the accident. But when Sharon's friend from physical therapy goes missing, she must call upon those closest to her to find out the truth behind the disappearance. The investigation soon points to issues of national security and proves to be the most dangerous and critical case yet for Sharon and her colleagues."
I enjoyed reading this book. It has an easy to follow rhythm and the flow was good. I finally stayed up late last night to finish it. It was very interesting and I was holding on with baited breath until the very end..... not knowing how it would end. I recommend this book to everyone that is looking for a little mystery!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Book Review: "DEATH ON TOUR"
Death on Tour by Janice Hamrick
"After a member of an Egyptian tour group is found dead, Texas high school teacher and fellow traveler Jocelyn Shore learns that no one is what they seen. Texas high school teacher Jocelyn Shore and her cousin Kyla are on a once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of Egypt with a motley crew of fellow travelers when the most odious of the bunch, a nosy, disagreeable woman named Millie Owens, takes a fatal fall off of one of the great pyramids. And that's only the beginning of their troubles.
From the jovial doctor haggling for trinkets he doesn't want to the mysterious impostor wearing someone else's clothing to the attractive stranger traveling alone, this group of tourists is carrying more than one kind of baggage. Add a mistaken identity, a priceless necklace, and another unexpected death, and Jocelyn finds herself reluctantly trying to unravel an intrigue that threatens to end not only her vacation, but her life."
WOW!!! Egypt sounds great... besides the murders and thieves! I really enjoyed not knowing who was the killer until the very end of the book. Everyone was so mysterious and it reminded me of the game CLUE. Each person seemed to have had a question mark over their head. Just when you think you have 'cleared' someone. They do something to make them a suspect again. Jocelyn is not quiet Nancy Drew. She keeps reminding herself that it is none of her business... but things keep happening to her, so how can it not be her business???
"After a member of an Egyptian tour group is found dead, Texas high school teacher and fellow traveler Jocelyn Shore learns that no one is what they seen. Texas high school teacher Jocelyn Shore and her cousin Kyla are on a once-in-a-lifetime guided tour of Egypt with a motley crew of fellow travelers when the most odious of the bunch, a nosy, disagreeable woman named Millie Owens, takes a fatal fall off of one of the great pyramids. And that's only the beginning of their troubles.
From the jovial doctor haggling for trinkets he doesn't want to the mysterious impostor wearing someone else's clothing to the attractive stranger traveling alone, this group of tourists is carrying more than one kind of baggage. Add a mistaken identity, a priceless necklace, and another unexpected death, and Jocelyn finds herself reluctantly trying to unravel an intrigue that threatens to end not only her vacation, but her life."
WOW!!! Egypt sounds great... besides the murders and thieves! I really enjoyed not knowing who was the killer until the very end of the book. Everyone was so mysterious and it reminded me of the game CLUE. Each person seemed to have had a question mark over their head. Just when you think you have 'cleared' someone. They do something to make them a suspect again. Jocelyn is not quiet Nancy Drew. She keeps reminding herself that it is none of her business... but things keep happening to her, so how can it not be her business???
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Book Review: "Quinn"
Quinn by Iris Johansen
"Johansen delivers her thrilling and revelatory follow-up to the "New York Times" bestseller "Eve," which delves deep into the life and psyche of forensic sculptor Eve Duncan's lover and soul mate, Joe Quinn. As a ruthless killer closes in, long-held secrets are gradually and shockingly revealed. "#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen explores the darkest corners of the human heart as forensic sculptor Eve Duncan closes in on the killer who stole her daughter so many years ago. "As a former Navy SEAL turned cop, Joe Quinn has seen the face of evil and knows just how deadly it can be. When he first met Eve Duncan, he never expected to fall in love with a woman whose life would be defined by her dual desires to bring home her missing daughter and discover the truth behind her disappearance---no matter how devastating. With the help of CIA agent Catherine Ling, they make a shocking discovery that sheds new light on young Bonnie's abduction and puts Quinn squarely in the crosshairs of danger. Eve's first love, John Gallo, a soldier supposedly killed in the line of duty, is very much alive---and very much a threat. Emotionally charged, with one shock after another, Quinn reveals the electricity of Joe and Eve's first connection, and how they fell in love in the midst of haunting tragedy. As their search takes them deeper and deeper into a web of murder and madness, Joe and Eve must confront their most primal fears . . . and test their resolve to uncover the ultimate bone-chilling truth."
I loved this audio book!!! When it ended I realized there were more books to this series. 14 books in this series and I had just listened to book number 13!!!! So I have my list of books and plan to go back to the beginning and listen to the other 12. I can't wait to hear the ending though, so I will probably go ahead and listen to book number 14 asap!!! I have already reserved all the audio books from the library and plan on picking them up tomorrow. Woohoo!!! OK, I love the protective nature of the characters. I do find them a bit 'bossy' and 'blunt' towards each other too. Makes for a good read or 'listen' in my case. Also I have to add that the narrator was the best I have heard and I do hope that she is the narrator in the other books as well.
"Johansen delivers her thrilling and revelatory follow-up to the "New York Times" bestseller "Eve," which delves deep into the life and psyche of forensic sculptor Eve Duncan's lover and soul mate, Joe Quinn. As a ruthless killer closes in, long-held secrets are gradually and shockingly revealed. "#1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen explores the darkest corners of the human heart as forensic sculptor Eve Duncan closes in on the killer who stole her daughter so many years ago. "As a former Navy SEAL turned cop, Joe Quinn has seen the face of evil and knows just how deadly it can be. When he first met Eve Duncan, he never expected to fall in love with a woman whose life would be defined by her dual desires to bring home her missing daughter and discover the truth behind her disappearance---no matter how devastating. With the help of CIA agent Catherine Ling, they make a shocking discovery that sheds new light on young Bonnie's abduction and puts Quinn squarely in the crosshairs of danger. Eve's first love, John Gallo, a soldier supposedly killed in the line of duty, is very much alive---and very much a threat. Emotionally charged, with one shock after another, Quinn reveals the electricity of Joe and Eve's first connection, and how they fell in love in the midst of haunting tragedy. As their search takes them deeper and deeper into a web of murder and madness, Joe and Eve must confront their most primal fears . . . and test their resolve to uncover the ultimate bone-chilling truth."
I loved this audio book!!! When it ended I realized there were more books to this series. 14 books in this series and I had just listened to book number 13!!!! So I have my list of books and plan to go back to the beginning and listen to the other 12. I can't wait to hear the ending though, so I will probably go ahead and listen to book number 14 asap!!! I have already reserved all the audio books from the library and plan on picking them up tomorrow. Woohoo!!! OK, I love the protective nature of the characters. I do find them a bit 'bossy' and 'blunt' towards each other too. Makes for a good read or 'listen' in my case. Also I have to add that the narrator was the best I have heard and I do hope that she is the narrator in the other books as well.
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