Midnight Bayou by Nora Roberts

Midnight Bayou
(Nora Roberts)

Pages: 368
Year Published: 2004

Teaser: Declan Fitzgerald gave up his life in Boston as a successful lawyer to purchase and restore an old plantation house down in swampy Lousiana. As he starts restoring the grand house to its original splendor, strange things begin occurring. Declan begins hearing the loud cries of a baby coming from his attic, and even begins having flashbacks to scenes from the house's rich past. To complicate matters, Declan has fallen in love at first sight with a local bar owner named Lena Simone, and it seems that she is also connected to what is happening in the house.

Short Thought: A fun, quick read, but not as good as the other Nora Roberts books that I have read.

Expanded Thoughts: So, I decided to read this after watching the Lifetime movie based on the book. The lifetime movie was pretty good. (Movie Information and I've embeded the trailer below the review) But I didn't enjoy the novel as much as the movie. (And I don't think it was just the fact that the movie had Jerry O'Connell in it.)

Let's get to it:

There are two absolute gems in this story--the beautiful setting and Lena's Cajun grandmother. The setting was portrayed richly, vibrantly, and really enhanced the story. Some of the old traditions of the region were discussed, mainly through Lena's grandmother, and the 'natives' spoke in wonderful colloquialisms. (The southerner in me rejoices). Even more than that, we are shown a sense of progression and made to really understand the rich roots of New Orleans through the flashbacks with Abby. It lends itself to this beautifully complex theme/argument whether of not people have changed in the last 100 years.

So why the low rating?

I felt that the main characters were flat compared to those in other Nora Roberts books I have read. Declan is a pig-headed, rich guy, who is very giving, and won't take no for an answer. Lena is the working class southern girl that fought to escape her crappy past and turned into a successful uber-independent woman who doesn't need anyone else. The romantic story between them was okay but was pretty lack-luster. I actually enjoyed the story between Abigail and Lucian better. It seemed more complex. To sum up, there was no real moment of tension throughout the book. It pretty much stayed at the same level throughout. Basically, It just wasn't not my taste.

I used to be one of those 'snobbies' that turned my nose up at these types of books, but now I can't wait to jump into the next Nora Roberts novel. No one should deny themselves a whole category of books, because, I tell you, I am sad that I have missed out on these for as long as I did.

Additional Thoughts: This novel has dark themes, mild violence, and sexual situations.


Midnight Bayou Movie Trailer

Why Mermaids Sing: Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries 3

Why Mermaids Sing

(C.S. Harris)

Pages: 352
Year Published: 2008

Teaser: In London, a series of strange murders have everyone concerned. Someone is killing young sons of noblemen and mutilating the corpses in a manner that would suggest the killer is sending someone a message. Sir Henry Lovejoy grows increasingly concerned and begs the help of Viscount Devlin once again.

Short Thought: The novel that has it all--a brilliant mystery, powerful and complex characters, a historical backdrop, and a complicated romance.

Expanded Thoughts: Okay, I admit it. My name is Jenn and I am now a Sebastian-aholic. This series has me hooked. So let's just dive right in this review of the book that gave me my most potent literary drug.

This novel is a huge turning point in this series. The previous novels have all eluded to Sebastian's dark and troubled nature, and this novel truly brings the entire darkness. He finds himself bombarded with political scandal, deep family secrets, treason against the crown, and another unsavory dealings that span for decades in this novel. For a man that has no love for society and its curious happenings, he still finds himself broken down and closer to the dark place in which he lived during the war.

The characters are well developed and some of the best I have come across, but the true star of this book was the mystery plot. Now, don't get me wrong, the other novels in this series had great mystery plots too, but this one took my breath away. It was the first novel in a long time that for which I threw away precious sleep. (I love sleep!) Yep, I didn't sleep the whole night, but somehow I wasn't tired one bit. (Just twitching for the next novel.)

{Spoilers}

Here's the gist of the mystery: Bodies of young men are being left during the night in public parks. These young men are being killed and left in mutilated states. Sir Henry Lovejoy picks up one of the murders but is stumped at trying to develop a victimology. The victims don't fit any pattern--class, appearance, or even location of residence. The only thing that they have in common is the killer, whoever they are. Their bodies were also found with curious items stuffed in their mouths--a star cut-out, a mandrake root, and a goat's foot. Lovejoy, knowing that Sebastian can't turn away from exacting justice, persuades him to become involved. It is then that Sebastian realizes that the murderer is following an old Donne poem:

"'Go and Catch a Falling Star
Get with child a mandrake root,
Tell me where all past years are,
Or who cleft the devil's foot,
Teach me to hear mermaids singing,
Or to keep off envy's stinging,
And find
What wind
Serves to advance an honest mind.'"

Even more important, Sebastian discovers that the killer isn't picking his victims at random as a crazed serial killer would. He is killing certain men's sons and doing it for revenge. As he races to find the common link between the victims to prevent the next murder, he begins to uncover an older and unspeakable crime that several men have kept covered for many years. The closer he gets to uncovering the old and unspeakable crime of the fathers, the more dangerous the situation becomes.

One of the most pronounced themes of this novel was FAMILY. Society suggests that family should be number one in a man's life, but as this novel clearly shows that many times those of the upper class put their name and image first. First, the fathers of the victims are willing to sacrifice their sons in order to keep their secret quiet. They won't help with the investigation. They actually try to have Sebastian killed for prying. Next, we have the case of Earl of Hendon, Sebastian's father. He is the classic case. Years ago he paid Kat to leave Sebastian which devastated him. Next, he lied to Sebastian about his mother. For years he believed that his mother was dead, but in fact Hendon has been paying her a stipend to stay away. Then the final blows comes yet again in regard to Kat. Hendon's past indiscretions have managed to tear apart his son's life completely. And it was done to protect the family name.

Let me just go off on a tangent for a moment: What a twist when Kat's past connection is revealed?! For two books, we have witnessed this loving couple be reunited and fall in love yet again. We've also seen how their love for one another never allows them be anything more than just lovers behind the scenes. When Kat's treason to the Crown is discovered by Jarvis, it seems that Sebastian has that final push to make Kat his wife. All begins falling into place, but then quickly shatters. Sebastian matrimonial announcement in the newspaper caught the attention of one of Kat's estranged relatives. Her aunt comes to visit her with news that would sever her relationship with Devlin forever. (You didn't think I was going to give it all away, did ya?)

{End of Spoilers}

As I said before, (me)+(this book)=(love, devotion, and obsession)

Seriously, if you are a fan of mysteries, adventures, or most any other genre. This series should be on your reading queue.

Additional Notes: This contains scenes of violence and dark themes.

When Gods Die: Sebastian St. Cyr Mysteries 2

When Gods Die

(C.S. Harris)

Pages: 400 (MM Paperback)
Year Published: 2007

Teaser: At a important banquet, a noble woman is found murdered with a dagger stuck in her back. What's worse is the Regent is found in a drunken stupor next to her body. The Regent's men immediately go to work to cover up the incident. Unfortunately, Sebastian takes a personal interest in the case when he discovers that the necklace found on the corpse was the same one his mother was wearing the day of her mysterious death. He refuses to back down until he gets to the bottom of the situation no matter how much dangerous.

Short thought: A wonderful, historical mystery with powerful characters and an intricate and ever-developing plot.

Expanded thoughts: I dare say that I am slowly becoming obsessed with this series. What makes me love it? It has a great main characters, a voice that isn't geared to a gender specific audience, a great adventure filled plot, and mystery that isn't predictable in the least. It also is fun for me because I don't know anything about Victorian England. So, it's like being opened up to a new world.

As I've mentioned in other posts, I find it hard to express my thoughts without giving spoilers. And I HATE to give spoilers. (Because if you are looking for a book to read, I don't want to ruin it. Why read it if you already know what happens?) So, I'm just going to discuss one item in about this book, and then close this post out.

A new level/depth/dimension was added to this book that made it way better than the first. Sebastian now lives in a country that is on the verge of civil war. There is this underlying tension that is ever-present in this novel that effects every fiber of the characters' beings. Basically, no one can be trusted anymore. You have the supporters of the current monarchy (including the crazy, drunk, and king-to-be prime murder suspect), the supporters of the French, and those wanting revenge for Ireland (best as I can understand, a Catholic v Protestant deal). It just makes this case that Sebastian works on very sensitive and very dangerous. He can't be sure if the murder is political or personal. What's even more nail-biting is that Sebastian can't be sure of the people closest to him. Not even his beloved Kat.

This series was recommended to me, because I was trying to branch out from historical fiction centered in Asian countries. I thought that it would be okay, but not great because I hadn't studied the period that it is centered around. Well, I was wrong. I loved the first book, and this one was even better. I can't wait to start the third one.

Additional Notes: There are scenes that contain a tad bit of descriptive gore.

The Girl Who Played Go by Shan Sa

The Girl Who Played Go

(Shan Sa)

Teaser: Just before the Japanese invasion of Manchuria in the early 1930s, a teenage girl is desperately trying to come into her own as she approaches adulthood. Life has great new things to offer her, but she can't seem to deny that all others that have left their childhood behind live in misery. She finds her once easy life crumbling apart and clears her head by playing Go.

A young Japanese man has just left his childhood home to join the Imperial Army. He finds himself detached from the world and surrounding by the horrors of combat. He is given just a brief glance into his old world when he begins a game of Go with a mysterious Chinese girl in the local square. She had no idea that he was just days away from, with his troop, charging a bloody path through her city.

Short Thought: Gritty account leading up into a huge event in Asian history and how it affected people from both sides of the conflict.

Expanded Thoughts: Be warned there may be minor spoilers in this section. I started writing it, and found it increasing difficult to discuss without revealing anything.

This novel was brilliant, but not for the light-hearted or those who wish to escape harsh realities. It held nothing back and made you react.

The story is told from two perspectives. First we are introduced to teenage girl going to school in Manchuria. She is a strange girl who instead of being obsessed with makeup and men loves and excels at the game of Go. Since she was a child, she could be found down in the public square besting experienced players. She frowns on the old Chinese traditions and receives a lot of crooked glances from her peers because of that.

As the story progresses, she begins to enter a little more into adulthood. She gets involved in her first relationship with an older college student, and learns the benefits and the woes that sharing your mind and body with someone brings. She becomes best friends with one of the girls at her school, and learns the blessings and worries that friends bring. All the blissful innocence of her previous life slowly fades, and she is left with a world with short lived joys and heart stopping tragedies as the situation in her country directly affects all the relationships that took her years to come into.

The second perspective in the story is that of a young Japanese soldier who leaves his mother's home to fight in the Imperial Army. He quickly experiences first hand the horrific traumas of the present society and those that war brings. He has no real purpose in life, and doesn't really expect his life to continue for very long. He drowns his troubles and questions in local women and prostitutes with whom he convinces himself to fall in and out of love. While camped outside side of Manchuria awaiting the order to charge a takeover, he hears of a place he can go undercover in the city to play Go a game that allows him to remember his simple life before the army. He begins a series of games against a mysterious Chinese girl who is one of the best go players that he has played against.

This novel deals with some huge taboo issues and portrays them in a way that you will not forget. With out giving too much away, here are some of the issues that I recall from the reading: arranged v. love marriages, abortion, speaking out against your government, prostitution, torture, suicide, selling your virginity, spousal abuse, pedophilia, man's claim over a women's body, and etc. As I said before, it doesn't hold back. It isn't a 'feel-good' novel, it is a 'micro' account of the impact of the period leading up to this bloody coup.

In closing, I was just amazed at how much happened in just 280 pages.

Additional Notes: This is an English translation of the original French text by Shan Sa. Translation was done by Adriana Hunter.

Additional Notes: This novel contains dark themes, violence, and sexual situations.

Windfall: Weather Warden Series 4

Windfall

(Rachel Caine)

Pages: 352
Year Published: 2005

Teaser: If you thought that Joanne's life was complicated before, you haven't seen anything yet. She has moved back to her hometown in Florida and has taken a job as a cute 'weather girl' at a news studio. Sounds pretty mundane, right? Unfortunately, Joanne stills has to figure out how to deal with David's new Ifrit status before it kills them both, the cop that has been stalking and threatening her since the Ma'at incident, and her privileged sister that has decided to take over her new apartment.

Short Thought: This is the best of this series so far. It reminded me why I like it so much.

Expanded Thoughts: I am seriously hoping that poor Joanne gets a vacation after this one. The girl never gets a break. Since you can read a synopsis of this book in several places, I am just gonna touch on a few things before I close this out.

Mainly, what made this novel better than the other ones in the series?

For me, it comes down to the fact that Joanne is easier to relate to in this one. She has a crappy job. (Not a magical hookie dookie job, a regular 'Joe' type job.) Her family is being crappy to her. (We even get a glimpse at her crappy past.) Her relationship is on the rocks. (Okay, that one is a little magical.) And everyone in the world seems to want her to have a crappy day. It is a brilliant mixture of real life and fantasy that make this book a good one.

This novel just really pulled at the heartstrings and made the reader fall in love with Joanne. (Especially with regard to David's dire situation) It still had the crazy fast paced, world ending drama, but it showed how Joanne was really starting to become affected by it. (Depression, anxiety, etc.) But I guess dying twice and being two different species would give some sort of PTSD to anyone. I personally wouldn't want to find out.

Additional Notes: This novel contains mild violence and sexual situations.

Murder Most Frothy: Coffeehouse Mysteries 4

Murder Most Frothy

(Cleo Coyle)

Pages: 272 (Mass Market Paperback)
Year Published: 2006

Teaser: Claire is headed to the Hamptons to help get a friend's restaurant off to a good start. It's summer, and the Hamptons are full of grandiose parties, hopping socialites, and drama at every corner. Claire is thankful for the change of scenery until one of the restaurant employee is found murdered inside of the owner's house. She fears for her friends' live and moves to investigate. I guess there is never a vacation away from murder.

Short Thought: Claire is a great main character. I just can't get enough of this series.

Expanded Thoughts: This is 'cozy mystery' done beautifully yet again. (Or as I call it 'TV alternative.') The characters were great with just enough scandal and drama thrown in. (Well, those are Matteo's two middle names, I believe.) This time, we are treated to a different setting, the Hamptons, and a whole mess of different suspects/party goers. It was fun because I'm a small rural town Tennessee girl and I hadn't even heard of the Hamptons. (I totally thought it was like Hampton Inn hotel or something.) I always love a book that teaches me things that I can use on Jeopardy! some day. It was a nice vacation, and now I'm ready to go back to the Blend. (What can I say? I miss the Baristas.)

My only gripes with this book are minimal. The first is the absence of Detective Quinn. He is in there for maybe a paragraph. I was just hoping for some more of that chemistry he and Claire have. (Can you tell I'm rooting for Mike? huh? huh?) Lastly, it just too darn short, but so is every book in this genre so I can't fault it too much. These books only take me a couple of hours to read, and leave me clawing for the next book. I just need to figure out how to slow my reading. Ah! (Dear Santa, I would like a 1500 page book featuring Ms. Claire Cosi.)

Chill Factor: Weather Warden Series 3

Chill Factor

(Rachel Caine)

Pages: 352 (Mass Market Paperback)
Year Published: 2005

Teaser: Picking up after the last novel's cliffhanger, Joanne is in the middle of trouble once again. She is scrambling across the country to confront Kevin in Las Vegas. If having to deal with an angry teenager with super powers wasn't enough, Joanne's trek is interrupted when she is kidnapped and finds herself in the headquarters of a very strange and dangerous organization. As they try to pump her for information, she finds that she cannot trust any of her old acquaintances--maybe even her beloved David.

Short Thought: Fun, easy to follow, romantic adventure that is as entertaining as any television program.

Expanded Thoughts: First let me just say that you really need to read the first two novels in this series before jumping into this one. This book picks up almost right where book 2 ended. (Weather Warden 1, Weather Warden 2).

This kind of novels are what I like to call "TV alternatives." You can just read, without a brain cramp, and enjoy the ride. There is an interesting storyline, fairly uncomplicated characters, and just enough twists for you to get your fix.

So what is delicious about this novel? First, we are treated with more back story and minor character development. The eccentric Lewis has played a major role in the last two novels, but his character had really remained a mystery until this novel. We are able to understand more about his strange behaviors and how he really fits into the whole grand hierarchy in regards to Djinn and Wardens. Even more than Lewis, I applaud this author for not doing what so many others do in this genre--drop characters off. This author successfully introduces new characters while keeping the personalities and presences of older characters alive. Developments actually go somewhere! (I have been frustrated with another series that will remain nameless.)

Second, can I just say that as cheesy and over-the-top as this couple is, I am addicted and find myself with warm fuzzies. It is a perfect healing, sweet, and sultry match! David and Joanne compliment each other so well. It makes for one of the best relationship dynamics I have seen in the fantasy genre in awhile. (Though, I cannot say that I not just being clouded by all the David-ness. -sigh-)

Lastly, this novel wasn't as flat and linear as the previous two. There was a lot going on, and it was balanced quite well and came together in the end. (I'm totally not giving spoilers on this one.) There was already one troublesome mission on the table at the start of this novel--the stoppage of Kevin, fiery teenager, and his stolen godly servant Johnathan--and tensions were high. Instead of calming down from there, it only got more urgent, more dangerous, more complex, and, at times, nail-biting. Each of the main characters have to find their way out of their own binds before they can truly stop Kevin, and with the twists thrown in no one can be trusted--not even their closest companions.

Okay, there were a few things about this novel that irritated the snot out of me. First, let me just say that Joanne is the biggest 'Mary-Sue' I have seen in a long time. I know it makes that reading easier and less complicated, but does everything have to revolve around her. ('Mary-Sue' is a character to which everything happens. Everyone wants to be with her, everyone is out to get her, only she can complete tasks, only she can save the world, etc...) Sometimes it is a bit ridiculous what she is put through and what she completes. Next, it seems these books are going to start ending in cliff-hangers. Boo-hiss on that! It wasn't as bad as the last book, but BOO! Lastly, the 'humor' gets old sometimes. I understand that humor is subjective, but I just found it annoying in places.

So overall, great fun with very minor hang-ups. It is a must read for fans of urban fantasy and strong female leads.

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of a sexual nature as well as mild violence.

The Typhoon Lover: Rei Shimura Mysteries 8

The Typhoon Lover

(Sujata Massey)

Teaser: Rei receives an assignment that lands her back in her ol' stompin' grounds investigating an upper tier Japanese collector. A typhoon hits Tokyo while she is there and traps her with the very person who hired her. Meanwhile, Hugh is left waiting back at home waiting for her return.

Short Thought: Totally turned me off from the series for a long while.

Expanded Thoughts: [SPOILER WARNING] I won't lie; I couldn't even finish this book. It was by far the worst of the series. I have the next two books, but they will stay on my shelf for a long while. This book made me disgusted with a main character that I once loved. Perhaps, I should have done what so many other readers have done and read these out of order or treated it as a stand alone novel.

It portrayed her as an entitled, uppity, ungrateful, morally ambiguous woman. (Is it 2 or 3 lovers she cheated on now?) She had lived off of Hugh for years, was engaged to him, got him into countless troublesome situations, and then threw him by the wayside. She stayed with Takeo for months just to feel more Japanese and set about from the Western World and then ripped his heart out. I know this is more realistic than books usually are when it comes to relationships, but, dang, if I wanted to see that I just need to look out my window. Don't build couples up only to throw it away a second time. I get frustrated with a main character whose personality changes like the wind. So inconsistent!

This book was completely inconsistent with the previous ones in the series. If you are reading these books as a series, I recommend stopping at The Pearl Diver and treating the next ones as stand alone novels. I can only hope that my memory will forget this is a part of the series which I feel in love with at the beginning.

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of a sexual nature.

Additional Notes: This is the 8th book in the Rei Shimura Mysteries series by Sujata Massey. There are two more books currently out. (Girl in a Box, Shimura Trouble)

Latte Trouble: Coffeehouse Mysteries 3

Latte Trouble

(Cleo Coyle)

Teaser: Lottie Harmon, a long time Village Blend customer, has finally made it big in the fashion world. She has completed her new collection of clothes that feature a coffee-inspired palette. She decides on the Village Blend as the place for the debut show. As Claire and her fellow baristas serve up the brew, prominent figures of the fashion world begin to fill the shop. All seems to be going well until one of those figures drops dead after being served a drink from Tucker. Claire is determined to prove that Tucker isn't a murderer and to save her shop from yet another scandal.

Short Thought: This novel definitely gives some bite to this genre!

Expanded Thoughts: Don't let the genre fool you! Sure this is a cozy, female-targeted yarn, but this mystery is a fun ride!

As with previous books in the series, the story follows single mother Claire Cosi and her life in New York City. This one centers around the frenzy of New York fashion week and the strange (umm..unique?) characters that are found in that world. It also shows how dangerous and how political the world of fashion is.

Some of the minor characters take a bigger role in this story as well. Each of the Blend's baristas are great characters and are excellently woven into the mystery. Namely, we learn quite a bit about Tucker when he is arrested for murder. I have to note that the author also does this without losing the richness of the main characters as so many other books do.

As for the mystery plot, it was great. It was uncomplicated and simple with a few twists. As with the other books in this series, I can never figure out the perp before it is revealed. That is something that I am usually able to do with books in this genre, but not with these.

I do have a few complaints though. The story is very short and uncomplicated. Claire's character hasn't really grow since the first novel in the series. All the relationships feel like they are still 'up in the air.' There are little tidbits into Claire past. (Mostly with Matteo) But there still isn't anything into which you can sink your teeth.

If you read the other two in this series, you won't be disappointed with this one. It is just as good if not a little bit better.

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle.

Dead to the World: Sookie Stackhouse Series 4

Dead To The World

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Still fuming from Bill's betrayal, Sookie is back in Bon Temps drowning her anger in her job. She thinks that she may just be granted a period of peace when Bill announces that he is leaving for an extended research trip to Peru. Unfortunately, Sookie's life is never boring. One night while driving home after her shift, she spots Eric, scared and barely clothed, running down the road. When she reaches him, she doesn't find the tough sheriff that she knows but an innocent, charming Northman. Someone has wiped all of his memories leaving him in a highly vulnerable state.

Short Thought: This one was my favorite in the series so far. What can I say, Eric over Bill any time!

Expanded Thoughts: Okay, I think I have to say that this is the best novel of the series so far. The setting is finally back in Bon Temps. (The town with which everyone is starting to fall in love.) We are also treated to learn more about the Fangtasia gang. In the other novels, Bill shielded Sookie from Eric and his gang, so it was nice to have her really see how they were.

Many have said that this novel 'kicks it up a notch,' I agree totally. (BAM!) Why do I think that? Well, the most obvious is that Sookie isn't some scared little belle anymore. Bill isn't there to treat her like an innocent child. She begins to show her Independence and her strength. Also, Sookie is being relied on for help. Not just for her telepathic powers, but Pam and Co are really hoping that Sookie can help to bring Eric back to normal. It is one of the times when the Vampires' super-duper abilities are useless.

[Spoilers]

What else makes me love it? There is tons of 'genuine' Sookie and Eric mush. There has constantly been tension, and I have been hoping for three novels for this 'forbidden' pairing to truly happen. (Can you tell Eric is my favorite?) It finally did, if even for a brief period. When Eric loses his memories, he also loses all of his greed, darkness, and boundaries. He becomes a simple, honest man. (No, really, Eric, simple, and honest in the same sentence.) And though it is no secret that I despise those mushy intimate scenes (granny entertainment), I didn't mind them in this one so much. For those of you that do like them, I will just say that you will get your money's worth and more.

[End of Spoilers]

All that being aside, the story was the best yet. My only complaint about it is that it was too short. It could have had an extra 100 pages and been a masterpiece, but it was still great and entertaining. Ah, bah! Enough of this, if you are hooked on Sookie, this is a volume in the series that you can't miss! (Especially, if you have a thing for blonde vikings!)

Additional Notes: This is the 4th book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. (This series is also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.)

Additional Notes: This novel contains violence, coarse language, and scenes depicting sexual situations.

The Pearl Diver: Rei Shimura Mysteries 7

Pearl Diver

(Sujata Massey)

Teaser: In The Pearl Diver, Rei is settling into her new life in Washington D.C. with her fiance, the dashing international lawyer Hugh. She continues to grow restless and misses her life in Japan. Fortunately, while at lunch with her cousin, she is offered a job to decorate a Japanese restaurant that will be opening in the neighborhood.

Once again, life is looking up for Rei until her cousin vanishes from the restaurant's opening night party leaving her children behind. Also, terrible things start happening to Rei and her acquaintances when she and her aunt start helping her coworker Andrea locate her long lost Japanese mother. Someone clearly doesn't want anything about Andrea's mother to come to light, and they will stop at nothing to make sure it all stays hidden.

Short Thought: An action-filled addition to the popular series that has some of the brilliance of the series' earlier novels.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel has Rei settling (or rather, re-settling) into a comfortable life with the dashing Hugh. It is once again set in Washington, D.C and centers around Rei and the constant trouble that follows her every move.

So far I have read all of the novels in order except for The Flower Master which isn't currently available.

Okay, this novel was all over the place. It seemed very unfocused and scattered at times and then afflicted with tunnel vision in other parts. I love a complex story line for mystery plot, but this one just wasn't woven together well at all. It has Rei running in all directions (I can think of at least 7 off the top of my head) and being increasingly more annoying and inconsistent.

To go off on a tangent, what happened to Rei? Which is the real Rel? At the beginning of the series, Rei was a humble antiques dealer in the search of a steady flow of clients. She was modern, witty, independent, quick, and interesting. She also desperately wanted to fit in and be Japanese. Now, in this novel, she is a backwards (not familiar with anything current), whiny, and self-centered woman who is a living contradiction. (She portrays herself in a high and mighty fashion, but doesn't live it.) I understand that she struggles with her roots, but she is just presented as an immature woman whose attitude and personality changes like the wind. It just frustrates me because I just loved her in the beginning of the series, and now I can't stand her.

I actually feel like the Aunt actually overshadowed Rei because she was a much more interesting element in the story.

I have another gripe about this novel. The author tries to cram too much of a history lesson (in which the accuracy is up for debate) into the story, and fails to follow through and make it a significant part of the story. It was as if she was trying to shove in as much shocking moments of Eastern history as she could. It would have been a great mystery plot without all the excess bunk thrown in. I know it's possible. It was masterfully done and enriched the story in The Floating Girl (the 4th novel).

This novel was okay, and did have specks of the brilliance of the earlier novels in the series. If you did like this novel, I do recommend reading The Salaryman's Wife, Zen Attitude, and The Floating Girl. In my opinion, they were brilliant and the best of the series.

Additional Notes: The Pearl Diver is the 7th book in the "Rei Shimura Mysteries" series by Sujata Massey.

Additional Notes: This novel contains sexual themes and situations.

Heat Stroke: Weather Warden Series 2

Heat Stroke

(Rachel Caine)

Teaser: Joanne begins learning the difficulties and consequences of being reborn as a Djinn. She must learn the basics if she is to survive. She is sent to Paul, the only other Djinn that began as a human, to begin training. Unfortunately for Joanne, there are those that would use her new found situation to their advantage. She finds herself in great trouble once again.

Short Thought: Fun and adventurous light read with a cliffhanger ending.

Expanded Thoughts: Let me first just say that if you like this series, buy/check out this book and the next one at the same time, because this one ends on a cliffhanger. It is a very cruel, cruel thing if you aren't prepared.

In the last book, the Weather Wardens and their structures and powers were the focus. In this novel, the focus is primarily on the mysterious Djinn. We are given a lot of information, but are still left with plenty of mystery. Through Joanne, we are shown that the limitless powers they possess are not without an equally measurable dark side full of tragedy.

Light novels like this have found a permanent page on my shelves. Nothing epic or inspiring, but worth the entertainment value. I look forward to continuing the series. I'll add it to my "better than TV" section. It's like a twisted, fantastical Lifetime movie, whooo!

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Weather Warden Series by Rachel Caine

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes depicting sexual situations.

Club Dead: Sookie Stackhouse Series 3

Club Dead

(Charlaine Harris)

Teaser: Cozy couple Bill and Sookie have been drifting apart as of late. Bill, who has always placed Sookie on a pedestal, has became increasingly secretive and distant. The situation escalates when Bill goes missing after a mysterious trip to Mississippi. With the help of a new lycanthropic acquaintance, Alcide, Sookie goes to Mississippi desperate for answers.

Short Thought: Great sexy fun, but it slightly inconsistent with the first two novels in the series.

Expanded Thoughts: This story was bizarre, even for this series. We get introduced to a crap load of new characters, while old characters fade. Sweet Sookie changes a lot in this one. She gets a handful of new love interests, new life experiences, and discovers her darker nature.

[Minor Spoilers]

This series' central theme is the shock to the societal system that was made when the vampires decided to 'go public.' Little did we know that vampires were just the tip of the iceberg. We are introduced to the tribal 'Were' network in this novel. There are even nightclubs (hence, club dead) that cater to 'two-natured' patrons. I found that bizarre because it is inconsistent with all the 'vamp hoopla.'

Next, this novel takes a new turn when the solid pairing of Bill and Sookie starts to crumble. Bill is slowing pushing Sookie to the side, and it doesn't sit with Sookie one bit. After he runs off to Mississppi, he leaves his computer system in Sookie's closet with a mysterious database program on it. (The place in which he usually sleeps over.) Okay, I have to comment on this. Bill has a computer?! He has always been portrayed as a guy stuck in the old ways. I just do not see him as the ultra vampire techie geek who would make a program database thing that no one had ever thought to do. It just doesn't fit.

I am not going to give any more away because if you have read the first couple books in this series, you will read this one regardless of what I put on here. So just know this, the story was faster paced than normal with more twists. None of the usual minor characters are in it. (Other than Bill and Eric really.) It leaves behind most of the old developing plotlines, and replacing it with newer, more expansive ones. Despite its flaws, this novels was entertaining as 'all get out.'

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris. It is also known as the Southern Vampire Mysteries.

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes of violence and sexual situations.

Through the Grinder: Coffeehouse Mysteries 2

Through The Grinder

(Cleo Coyle)

Teaser: Clare Cosi's life is once again taken off its tracks. This time Clare founds out that her daughter is e-dating, and so she decides to sign-up to keep an eye on her. Unfortunately, it leads Clare and the Village Blend into major trouble yet again when Clare finds out that she may have just accepted a date with a serial killer.

Short Thought: Combines my two favorite things: coffee and mystery thrills!

Expanded Thoughts: I am always worried when I read the second book in the series especially if I loved the first one. I didn't need to worry with this one. It was a perfect book 2. It still had the wonderful feel of the first, but handed the reader just a little more of the life of Claire with a few more twists.

I love Claire as the main character. She is a woman that knows how to handle herself, and knows when to tell a guy off. (Especially Matteo, ha!) What I like most about her though is that she faces a lot of the problems that are relevant to women today. In this volume, she is worried sick about who daughter may be involved with and she also deals with dating woes of her own.

Don't let the lightness of this genre fool you either. The mystery plot was solid in this one. It kept you guessing until the end, and you never really knew just how in how much danger Claire was. In the story is included scenes with little snippets of the killer mind. It was great.

Also, can I just say that I love coffee? I mean I LOVE coffee. So, all the the coffee knowledge that I am gaining from these books is just icing on the cake. (A coffee cake!)

I just love it. It is the perfect contemporary, cozy, and light mystery drama.

Additional Notes: This is the 2nd novel in the Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle.

The Samurai's Daughter: Rei Shimura Mysteries 6

The Samurai's Daughter

(Sujata Massey)

Teaser: In The Samurai's Daughter, Rei has flown to San Francisco to spend time with her parents and trace the heritage of the Japanese side of her family. However, she isn't the only one staying there. Her parents have been hosting a Japanese exchange student with very traditional values who becomes appalled at the fact that Rei's current and past lover Hugh will be staying there as well.

If it wasn't complicated enough, Hugh is working on a very sensitive case against some Japanese power players and one of his clients turns up dead. Also, the Shimura residence is burglarized, and Hugh's car has all its windows shattered. Rei, once again, finds herself in the thick of a dangerous situation that hits closer to home than she realizes.

Short Thought: A decent addition to the series, not the best, but worth the read.

Expanded Thoughts: So, we finally get to see where Rei grew up. Since the beginning of the series, Rei has portrayed herself as a person who struggles with her finances (she works two jobs in Japan) and was raised humbly. When her childhood home is revealed, we are fed a different story. Rei is freaking loaded, upper class freakin' loaded! (No, seriously.)

It threw me for a loop, because of Rei kind of turning her nose at up Hugh's semi-lavish lifestyle in some of the previous novels. (Hugh was born working class and worked his way up the ladder. I say spend it, brother!) Her mother wears designer clothes and vintage designer clothes, and their house is huge and stately. Her parents definitely have the air of members of the upper tier. It shouldn't have surprised as much as it did, because I then realized that the Shimura's would have had to have been wealthy to allow their daughter to get a college degree in Antiquities.

As for the historical element that Massey usually weaves into her novels, it just wasn't there in this one. Granted there was a lot of historical themes introduced, (the abuse of the Filipino women during the war) but it wasn't easy to understand or woven in well at all. I felt like the author could have just put a 5 page historical note at the end, and it would have been better than the blocky forced back story dialogue in some scenes.

As for the romance, it was pretty good. It was nothing spectacular. It was just the usual, "Hugh is trying to make a living, and Rei butts her head in and complicates it all" scenario. Rei bulldozes over him. He charms back into her good graces, all the while there are dangerous happenings around them.

As for the main character, Rei, I find myself liking her less and less with every novel. I find her to be very self-centered, fake, irresponsible, morally flexible, and just down right annoying. (I know, harsh.) She fancies herself the solution to every problem even if she has no place solving it.

In closing, I have read too many books in this series to stop now, but it definitely isn't near as good as it was in the beginning. However, it's still a great and entertaining mystery, so it's worth a read.

Additional Notes: This novel contains mild violence and sexual situations.

Blood Lines: World of the Lupi Series 3

Blood Lines

(Eileen Wilks)

Teaser: Rule has barely recovered from the severe wounds inflicted in the last ordeal, but regardless the government drafts he and Lily to investigate a serious matter. There is rumor of a group of politicians making deals with the devil to further their influence. This mission is so dangerous that the hard-nosed Cynna and the strange Cullen are also drafted to help.

Short Thought: A great continuation of an exciting paranormal romance series.

Expanded Thoughts: This novel was fun. Pure fun. I was convinced that this series wasn't going anywhere, and that it would just be a collection of WAFF-y Lily and Rule scenes. Boy, was I wrong!

The author really opens up the setting in this novel. We are given a deeper insight into the strained relationships between the Were (Lupi) tribes. I love that the author actually has Rule deal with the hardships of his position as heir. Most books build up a character with a powerful status, but they never have him deal with what comes with it. He has to battle with dissenters, finances of the clan, and etc.

We also get some mystery added with Lily's Grandmother, Cynna, and Cullen. Where do their powers come from? Does this open up a new conflict outside of the Lupi in the US? To the public, there is no magic, but it seems to be all over the globe.

I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say this: these are the most original and complex paranormal romances I have read. They are impossible to predict, and don't fit into any mold.

Additional Notes: This is the 3rd novel in the World of the Lupi Series by Eileen Wilks.

Additional Notes: This novel does contain scenes of mild violence and sexual situations.

Angels Fall by Nora Roberts

Angels Fall

(Nora Roberts)

Teaser: Gourmet chef Reece Gilmore has been traveling nonstop for over a year, and she still doesn't have a destination in sight. Fate intervenes when her car breaks down in the majestic mountain town of Angels Fist. The repairs are serious and could take quite awhile to complete. In other words, she's stuck for longer than she ever intended.

She decides to take a job as a short order cook at the Angel Food Diner to help pay for her car repairs, and to keep her anxiety and restlessness at bay. On her day off, she decides to take a hike to enjoy the wonderful scenery around her. What should have been a wonderful hike turns into a life changing ordeal when Reece witnesses a murder in progress. Now, she is forced to stay in town even longer, and deal with her violent past with which she still struggles.

Short Thought: Wonderful mystery set in a majestic place.

Expanded Thoughts: I think this novel hit a special note with me. It portrayed the small town diner vibe very well. Having worked in many myself, it made it quite special to me. (And it had mountains, you can't beat mountains!)

This was a really good mystery. It was one of my favorite, if not my favorite, Nora Roberts novels so far. The murder plot was genius. Half the time the reader is left wondering if a murder even took place, or if someone is coming after Reece, etc. It isn't predictable in the least, and the supporting characters are brilliant. The novel was also moderately thick for this genre, so it wasn't over before you finish. It developed nicely and hit several different notes.

I don't have any complaints about it really. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a wonderful murder mystery with a perfect mix of romance and personal growth. I look forward to reading it again.

Additional Notes: This novel contains mild violence, dark themes, and sexual themes.

On What Grounds: Coffeehouse Mysteries 1

On What Grounds

(Cleo Coyle)

Teaser: With her daughter off to college, Claire is coming back to the life she fell in love with years ago. She is coming back as the head manager of The Village Blend, a coffee shop in Greenwich Village, to make it the most successful coffee shop in town. If Claire has one true love, it would definitely be coffee and the joy it brings to the people who drink it.

The problem is that the owner of the Blend is her cheating ex-husband's mother and could potentially make it a very awkward arrangement. It that wasn't stressful enough, Claire opens the shop one morning to find one of her beloved employee's bodies. Not only does she fear for her other employees, but she fears that it could put the shop that she loves so dear out of business.

Short Thought: An intriguing and wonderful mystery for the modern woman.

Expanded Thoughts: In an effort to get away from the fantasy and the historical fiction genres, I decided to pick up this book and give it a shot. What could be better than a contemporary feminine mystery centered around coffee? If fact, what is better than coffee? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

This series opener didn't disappoint. It delivered a simple, easy to read and follow mystery plot that was like a network television series. Very enjoyable, and not complicated or complex at all.

This book has great characters even if they are a little predictable. (It fits with the cozy mystery vibe.) They relate to real life. We get to see Claire as a savvy businesswoman who has gone through some problems that are very relevant to many readers. We get to experience her strength as she continually grows and battles the obstacles put in front of her. Not only does she have to face her ex-husband, run the shop, and keep her daughter in line, but she has to constantly be available for police questioning and suspicions.

I also love this book because it teaches the reader something that isn't common knowledge. Throughout the story, the author cleverly mixes in information about coffee. She goes in-depth about the different processes, beans, and concoctions. I was thrilled. I have been drinking coffee for over 20 years and I didn't know any of that stuff. (Well, except that Decaf is for crazy people, but that's a given.) The descriptions weren't so long that they became boring either; they were very well done. As another extra, there are wonderful recipes at the back of the book. If you took the notion, you could actually try the same foods that are served in the book. I love to cook and learn, so I thought that it was brilliant.

I'm really starting to dig books of this type. I think of them as Chic Mystery, Betty Crocker Style.

Additional Notes: This is the 1st novel in the Coffeehouse Mysteries Series by Cleo Coyle.

The Bride's Kimono: Rei Shimura Mysteries 5

The Bride's Kimono

(Sujata Massey)

Teaser: In The Bride's Kimono, Rei is given her best job yet; she will be presenting a series of lectures on Japanese kimono at a museum in Washington, D.C. She is also responsible for the transporting of the delicate clothing from Tokyo to the US, so she leaves Takeo to his house renovation and dashes to Washington.

When she arrives in Washington, she is bombarded with a multitude of events. One of the museum's kimono is stolen from her hotel room, her passport is swiped by a fellow Japanese tourist who is found murdered, and, as fate would have it, she finds herself face to face with Hugh once again. Only Rei could go from museum courier to prime murder suspect in a matter of hours and still have time to stress about the love triangle in which she has found herself.

Short Thought: A good addition to the series that is finally getting back to what everyone loved.

Expanded Thoughts: I have mixed thoughts about this novel. I gave it four owls because It seemed that the author was finally getting back on point. There were elements in there that reminded me why I got sucked in the series in the first place.

The author chose Washington, D.C. as the setting for this mystery. I think that it was great to see Rei in her native country. (Although she seems to turn up nose up at it.) We also are given a look at Japanese tourists on American soil. It was a nice complement to the books set in Japan.

Massey also didn't disappoint with her endless tidbits of Japanese and culture. In this novel, we primary are shown some aspects of museum culture and are given an in-depth lesson about kimono are their cultural significance. This author is very good about enriching the reader's knowledge in a straightforward and interesting manner.

My only complaint about the setting is that America is portrayed in an awful manner. When the book was set in Japan, we are treated to these wonderful, helpful, and interesting people. In America, we just get loud, ignorant, and self-absorbed jerk wads that can't listen to reason and mow people down. It was shocking in some instances how biased it was. I guess one could just trumped it up to Rei's snobbish attitude toward the U.S, but it did reddened my face a few shades.

Enough about the intellectual babble, what about the romance and the characters? First off, Rei's parents finally make it into the picture when they meet her in D.C. They are very interesting and as different as oil and water. (Traditional Japanese man and Upper East Side-type debutante). As for Rei's romantic life, it takes a whip lashing turn that gives the reader much more insight into Rei's true nature and attitude. She leaves her very wealthy Japanese boyfriend in Japan as she travels to D.C. In D.C., she runs into Hugh, her former lover. I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say that I lost a ton of respect for Rei after this book. The way she carries herself is definitely not her true nature.

In conclusion, it was a wonderful addition to the series. Although a bit forced at times, it made for a wonderful romantic mystery.

Additional Notes: This novel contains scenes of a mild sexual nature.

Additional Notes (2): This is the 5th novel in the Rei Shimura Mysteries by Sujata Massey.

Montana Sky by Nora Roberts

Montana Sky

(Nora Roberts)

Teaser: Jack Mercy had three daughters by three separate women. Two of the mothers, he managed to pay off to get them of out his sight, and one daughter he was stuck with because her mother died before he could kick her out. Combine these activities with his successful Montana ranch and you have the legacy of Jack Mercy.

The story begins on the day of his funeral, the three sisters would meet for the first time. Tess, the oldest, is a screen writer from Hollywood. Lily is on the run from an abusive ex-husband in South Carolina. And Willa, a cowgirl without an soft bone in her body, lives and breathes the Montana ranch that Jack left behind.

As the lawyer reads the conditions of the will, the three sisters realize that their lives are about to change. In order to inherit the ranch, all three of them must live together on the property for an entire year. Jack just wasn't a controlling jerk in life, he continues through death.

Short Thought: My favorite book by Nora Roberts yet. Absolutely brilliant.

Expanded Thought: I loved this novel overall. It is different from a lot of the other novels like this in that there are three separate and connected female protagonists each with flaws and room for personal growth. It makes it more difficult for the reader to become bored or predict the future events. You get to see three exciting romances develop as the women grow into their own and heal and how it affects the storyline as a whole.

Some people have turned their nose up at this novel. One of the main complaints with it is that there is scenes of animal mutilation (of butchering) in it. (Someone is lurking around the ranch and butchering some of its animals and leaving them to intimidate the sisters into breaking the will. The unsub, unidentified subject, later escalates to human projects.)

Now, I am an animal lover, and I thought the scenes were just fine. They added to the story, and really had the reader feeling a dash of the horror that Lily and Tess must have felt. It was also fitting in with the rancher theme. Personally I believe if people were so bothered by the butchery descriptions, why weren't they bothered by the descriptions of the ranch activities? (like bull neutering and calf birthing) I mean, really, where do these people think their meat comes from? If you are going to eat it, don't turn your nose up at things like this. (I worked at a place for awhile where I had to butcher pigs and chickens that were shipped in. Perhaps, this makes me a little more immune to this foolishness.) The way I see it, if you eat burgers, you cannot find any fault with this story. If you're a full-time vegan, I humbly accept your stance and will enjoy my turkey burger.

I personally think that the gruesome goodness made this novel into the success that it still is today. It sets it apart from the linear, warm fuzzies in the genre. Nora Roberts proves that you can have a mystery in the romance genre that is as gritty and complex as the more masculine counterparts. It says a lot for women's literature in my opinion.

In closing, I think this was a brilliant and complex mystery. Each of the sisters had their own storyline that was so good it could have stood on it own. It is further enhanced in that each of the sisters play off of each other to form a beautiful vibe and flow. It's truly a mystery you cannot miss. It's just brilliant.

Additional Notes: This novel has mild sexual themes, dark themes, and scenes of animal butchery.