The Gate House, by Nelson De Mille

This is a sort of sequel to The Gold Coast, written and taking place 10 or 15 years later. It's basically the same story, updated for the times and with a few tweaks here and there. Still enjoyed it.

The Gold Coast, by Nelson De Mille

Chris and I both read this, and we do enjoy DeMille, though we both agreed it was a little predictable, and occasionally we don't buy the actions of the main characters. But they're otherwise interesting, engaging characters, and I always want to know what's going to happen with them.

Lady Killer, by Lisa Scottoline

One of the Mary DiNunzio books. I go back and read a Scottoline every now and then when there's not anything else around to read. I don't think she's a very good writer. Her characters are wholly unbelievable and frequently do stupid things that advance the story, but that take you out of it as you consider their stupidity.

Indignation, by Philip Roth

My first Roth, inspired by a Facebook quiz that asked "Roth or Updike?" and I had no answer, having read neither. Didn't love this book, and I'm planning to read some older Roth to see if it's him, or just the book.

Rough Weather, by Robert Parker

More of the same fabulous Parker stuff. Love everything he does.

Two Minute Rule, by Robert Crais

So, I read this ages ago and I remember nothing, so I decided I would just say that, rather than look up a synopsis. It is a basic thriller, I guess. Not super-memorable, though I confess that I don't tend to remember those kinds of books much anyway, unless I really connect to the character, or it's part of a series. The Gabriel Alon books are an example of that.

City Of Thieves, by David Benioff

Liked this one a lot. I read it as part of an online book club, which is fantastic. Each person take a month, picks 3 books, we vote, we read, and we discuss. It's a perfect, no pressure situation, and as much as I think I would enjoy a real life book club, this is much better suited for life right now.

Anyway, this book is a WWII story about unlikely friends, unlikely heroes, served up with a pretty harsh description of what it was like in Russia. You don't hear much about Russia in WWII lit, and it was really interesting.

Word Of Honor, by Nelson De Mille

A book about a My Lai-style massacre in Vietnam, and the "truth" behind it. A little too wordy when it comes to court martial details, but interesting to read, especially since it was written in 1985, much closer to the war.

Under Cover Of Darkness, James Grippando

Eh. Mediocre thriller. Stupid "twist" at the end, led up to by unmotivated, hard-to-believe characters.

Backstory, by Robert Parker

Funny that I used the word "backstory" in my last post. Classic Spenser. Need I say more?

Careless in Red, by Elizabeth George

Love, love, love Elizabeth George. I think it's funny that she's from California. I love what she did with Lynley in his grief, and how a mystery brings her out of it. Love the dense detailing of characters and back stories.

The Innocent, by Harlan Coben

I like Coben's books. This one follows an ex-con in it-could-happen-to-anyone circumstances, and follows him through a sort of ridiculous, but still fun, plot against him and his wife.

Witches of Eastwick, by John Updike

Someone sent me a quiz about books on Facebook, and one of the questions was "Updike or Roth," which made me realize I'd somehow managed never to read either, so I picked this up at the library. I enjoyed it, despite vague memories of a crappy movie. It was interestingly dated, which didn't detract from the enjoyment for me.

Next, gotta get some Roth.

Assassin, by Ted Bell

Huh. I don't remember anything about this book, which probably means it was just an okay thriller, based on the title.

The Lost Van Gogh, by A.J. Zerries

A. J. Zerries is actually a husband and wife team, and it shows in the writing. I'm not aware of ever reading a really good team-written novel. This one is ludicrous, with unmotivated, really stupid characters, and a circuitous story that is nearly impossible to follow and believe in.

Extreme Measures, by Vince Flynn

I don't always love Flynn's writing, but I do love the way he uses his main character to espouse his political views. He kind of says what lots of people are thinking about the direction of the country, stopping terrorism, etc. I enjoyed this one more than the recent ones I've read.

The Seamstress of Hollywood Boulevard, by Erin McGraw

It's hard to read books where mother leave children, even if you sort of understand why. This one is kind of heartbreaking, but there is some redemption in the end. Also kind of neat to read a period piece set in LA. Lots of familiar landmarks.

Echo Park, by Michael Connelly

Reread of an old favorite.

The Third Angel, by Alice Hoffman

I'm posting this well after the fact, and it probably doesn't speak well for the book that I remember next to nothing about it, and don't care to look it up. I like old Alice Hoffman books, but the more recent ones have not done as much for me.

Solve Your Baby's Sleep Problems, by Richard Ferber

Much preferred this book to Weissbluth's book. Ferber seems to allow for different temperaments, different techniques, and he never suggests that by not using his program, your child will grow up to be an Ambien-addicted insomniac with social problems.