Review of "The Girl On The Train: A Novel" by Paula Hawkins

Thirty-something Rachel is depressed, divorced, unemployed, and an alcoholic with too much time on her hands. Not wanting her roommate to know she lost her job Rachel takes the train into London each morning and home each evening.



It so happens that the train passes the street where Rachel once lived with her then husband Tom. Tom now lives there with his new wife Anna - the lover who precipitated Tom and Rachel's divorce.



Rachel takes a great interest in her former street, and as the train passes each day she checks out the people living there and makes up stories about them. She's becomes especially interested in a couple whom she dubs "Jess and Jason." Rachel thinks the couple is blissfully happy until the day she spots Jess kissing another man in the front yard. Soon afterwards Jess disappears - and the mystery story takes off from there.



The couple's real names are Megan and Scott, and Scott soon becomes a suspect in Megan's disappearance. Rachel, knowing about the 'other man', feels compelled to insert herself into the investigation. 



She talks to the police and Scott, but because her alcoholism causes blackouts Rachel is deemed an unreliable witness. 



Rachel has other troubles as well. She's never gotten over her divorce and harrasses ex-husband Tom and his new wife Anna with constant phone calls and the occasional unwanted visit.

The story is told from three rotating points of view - Rachel, Megan, and Anna - so the reader gets three perspectives on the events being narrated. To say much more would be a spoiler so I'll just say there are plenty of twists and surprises leading to a climax that's satisfyingly dramatic (if a little too long and drawn out).







The story is compelling and the characters are interesting but not particularly likable; these probably aren't people you'd want to hang out with. I enjoyed the book and would probably read more from this author.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review of "The Wurst Is Yet To Come: A Bed and Breakfast Mystery" by Mary Daheim

In this 27th book in 'Bed and Breakfast Mysteries', guesthouse owner and amateur detective Judith Flynn solves crimes at Oktoberfest. The book can be read as a standalone. ***** Dead bodies turn up a lot around Bed and Breakfast owner - and amateur sleuth - Judith Flynn. In this book Judith and her ornery cousin Renie Smith travel to Little Bavaria, Washington for Oktoberfest..... …..- where Judith will help man the booth for the state 'Bed and Breakfast' organization. Soon after their arrival Judith and Renie attend a reception where Dietrich Wessler, the elderly gent who made Little Bavaria into a tourist attraction, will speak. Amidst the abundant drinking, dancing, and loud music at the reception.... …..Herr Wessler is found stabbed to death.  Before long the local Police Chief,'Fat Matt' Duomo - who enjoys eating and drinking more than is good for him - asks Judith to investigate Herr Wessler's murder as well as another recent death. So Judith, with Renie's help, gets acquainted with local citizens, studies town records, looks into possible motives, and so on - to try to identify the killer. During their inquiry Judith and Renie learn that Herr Wessler had many relatives, including lots of out-of-wedlock children. The sleuths also discover that some residents of Little Bavaria have connections with World War II Nazis, that several local people have 'accidently' drowned, and that some folks are not who they seem to be. On the positive side the book provides an entertaining look at Oktoberfest celebrations, with parties, drinking, shopping, concerts, singing, …...a dachshund race, …... and other fun activities. Judith and Renie take advantage of the holiday to eat in German restaurants, enjoy a good many drinks, peruse stores, chat with people, etc. On the negative side, the mystery part of the story is confused, with so many characters that it's hard to remember who's who. Moreover, after Judith and Renie's time-consuming, tedious, and rather boring detective work - which goes on for hundreds of pages - the killer is finally identified by pure chance. This kind of 'Deus Ex Machina' solution is unsatisfying and disappointing. Judith is a likable character - polite, smart, friendly, and always willing to offer a helping hand. Cousin Renie, on the othe hand, is a nasty, sarcastic, bad-tempered woman who dislikes almost everybody. If the author meant for Renie to be a comic character she wasn't successful. This seems more like a book about celebrating Oktoberfest (and eating pancakes and pastries) than a mystery story, but the festivities are fun to read about.

Rating: 2 stars

Review of "Bonefire of the Vanities: A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery" by Carolyn Haines

In this 12th book in the 'Sarah Booth Delaney' series, private detectives Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Richmond try to protect a rich elderly woman from being fleeced by fake psychics. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a plus.

*****

Marjorie Littlefield - an immensely wealthy, older woman - is haunted by the death of her daughter Mariam many years ago. Marjorie is especially troubled because she suspects her son Chasley may have drowned his sister. Thus, Marjorie plans to leave her fortune to her cat Pluto.



Desperate to ask Mariam what really happened on the day she died Marjorie has fallen under the influence of Brandy and Sherry Westin, a mother-daughter duo who hold seances. During these sessions Sherry supposedly contacts spirits of the dead.



To hold these spiritual encounters the Westins run a kind of spa/psychic retreat/business conference where their rich clients are held almost incommunicado with the outside world.



Enter Sarah Booth and Tinkie, private detectives who are hired to check out the Westins and protect Marjorie from being fleeced. They pose as Marjorie's maids to get into the retreat, and big trouble ensues.



People at the retreat die and disappear under suspicious circumstances, and almost everyone there behaves oddly. Plenty for the gals to investigate. Meanwhile, Sarah Booth and Tinkie are under pressure in their private lives because Sarah's fiancé (Graf) and Tinkie's husband (Oscar) object to their dangerous line of work.

It's an interesting premise but the book is disappointing. The characters are not well-rounded and not believable, and some of the regulars in the series are hardly present at all. In addition, the story is filled with unlikely plot contrivances: wealthy guests remain at a retreat where people are being murdered left and right; a stiff elderly butler and an obnoxious young cook engage in sado-masochistic sex; Marjorie allows Chasley - who she dislikes and distrusts - to stay in her suite; Graf and Oscar disguise themselves to lend a hand in the investigation, and so on.



One big problem with the story is that the Westins are a shrewd team. They could - in two seconds - google Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Graf, and Oscar to discover they're all imposters. Also the motives for the crimes are murky and the solution is unlikely. Finally, the end of the book strains credulity to breaking point.

One mildly amusing touch is Sarah Booth's personal 'haint'(ghost) Jitty - who shows up periodically impersonating a variety of private detectives from books and movies.



I've read several books in this series that were pretty good, but this isn't one of them.

Rating: 2 stars

Review of "Cane and Abe: A Novel of Suspense" by James Grippando

Abe Beckham, a prosecutor in the Miami State's Attorney Office, is attached to the case of a serial killer operating in the area. The murderer - dubbed 'Cutter' by the media - uses a machete to slaughter white women involved with black men. He then smears their faces with dark ashes and leaves their bodies in sugar cane fields in the Florida Everglades. The darkened faces are considered Cutter's signature. Thus, when the body of a black woman missing it's head is found in the Everglades, authorities aren't sure if Cutter is responsible or if it's the work of a copycat. The body is soon identified as Tyla Tomkins, an attorney that represents a huge sugar cane grower.



Most of the story is narrated in the first person by Abe Beckham, who tells investigators that he knows Tyla Tomkins, and last saw her about 10 years ago.



Because he's acquainted with a possible victim, Abe is removed from the Cutter case. Turns out that Abe is a little more than just 'acquainted' with Tyla and he's forced to admit he had a one-night-stand with the beautiful lawyer all those years ago. Then - when surveillance photos from a classy restaurant come to light - Abe has to fess up that he had dinner with Tyla pretty recently. At this point, I start to think of Abe as "liar liar, pants on fire." So does FBI agent Victoria Santos, who becomes convinced that Abe killed Tyla.



Things get even worse for Abe when someone sends the restaurant photos to his wife, Angelina. The troubled couple have a blowout and the next day Angelina disappears.



Agent Santos now thinks Abe killed his wife as well as Tyla. Santos, in addition to pursuing Cutter, takes it on herself to try to pin a couple of crimes on Abe. This forms the jist of the story.

Through it all, Abe has to deal with JT, the bipolar brother of his first wife Samantha, who died of cancer. JT is under house arrest for acting out in public and is constantly calling Abe in desperation, needing food, reassurance, and company. JT is one of the most vividly drawn characters in the book, and though I can't say I like him, he is compelling.



By the end, who did what is revealed and there are some surprises. There are also some revelations that might not be so surprising.

All in all this is a good suspense story that I'd recommend to mystery fans.

Rating: 3 stars

Review of "One Kick: A Kick Lannigan Novel" by Chelsea Cain

Kick Lannigan was abducted as a child, then "raised" by new parents (Mel and Linda) who were part of a child pornography ring. Apparently suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, Kick became attached to the abductors, and even came to love them in some fashion.





Rescued at age ten, a very disturbed Kick becomes determined to ensure her safety. Thus, by the time she's an adult Kick is an expert in martial arts and is always well-armed - with pistols, throwing stars, knives, nunchucks, etc. You name it, she has it - and she knows how to use it.



Kick's closest companions are her elderly dog Monster and her "adopted brother" James, a troubled computer addict who lives in an apartment below hers.



When a young girl and boy are abducted a few weeks apart, Kick becomes obsessed with the case. Enter John Bishop - a mysterious, well-trained operator with endless resources - whose job seems to involve rescuing kidnapped children and investigating child pornography. After tussling with Bishop, Kick joins his mission to try to find the kidnapped youngsters.



The task requires Kick to retrieve her old, painful memories and even to vist a dying Mel in prison - in an attempt to get information about child pornographers.

While they're pursuing the abductors Kick and Bishop fly in private planes, stay in a lavish home, and engage in a speck of romance. On the down side, some terrible things happen involving violence and torture.



This is page turner with memorable characters, including some disgusting bad guys and good guys you can root for. Kick is a tough cookie with awe-inspiring skills and Bishop - though more enigmatic - has a good heart and high-powered connections that help him do his job.

A good thriller.

Rating: 3 stars

Review of "The Redeemer: A Harry Hole Novel" by Jo Nesbo

In this 6th book in the 'Harry Hole' series, the detective is on the trail of a wily hitman. The book can be read as a standalone.

*****

As the story opens, it's 1991 and the 14-year-old daughter of a high official in the Norwegian Salvation Army is raped by someone she knows.



This apparently goes unreported as there seem to be no consequences. During that same year - during the break-up of Yugoslavia - a Croatian youth is dubbed "Little Redeemer" for his brave deeds against Serbian militias.



Fast forward a dozen years and the "Little Redeemer" - now a hitman for hire - goes to Norway and kills Robert Karlsen, a respected young member of the Norwegian Salvation Army.



The hitman soon discovers he mistakenly assassinated the wrong guy. He then goes after Robert's brother Jon Karlsen, the true target. Enter Inspector Harry Hole and his team of detectives, whose job it is to capture the murderer and prevent further deaths.



A great deal of the book involves the hitman chasing Jon Karlsen and Hole's team chasing the killer.

Much happens along the way: the killer demonstrates clever skills in escaping the cops and hiding out; Hole travels to Croatia; a police officer is stabbed; a woman is murdered in a horrifying way; another girl is raped, and much more.

Of course there are plenty of side issues: Robert Karlsen has a reputation for liking young girls and seems to have gotten friendly with a 15-year-old Croatian refugee.



Jon Karlsen has a girlfriend but is also involved with a married woman whose husband wants to purchase Salvation Army properties.



Hole develops a relationship with the pretty Salvation Army worker, Martine, who was raped at the beginning of the book.



And there are lots more interesting characters who interact in a variety of ways.

Jo Nesbo loves to include lots of misdirection and unexpected twists in his books, and he outdoes himself here. The book is chock full of surprises. This is a complex, engaging story. A good mystery thriller.

Rating: 4 stars

Review of "Everything I Never Told You: A Novel" by Celeste Ng

In 1977 Cincinnati, Ohio the mixed race Lee family - composed of ethnically Chinese dad James, American mom Marilyn, and their children Nathan, Lydia, and Hannah - is unusual for the time period. In fact, James and the children are among the very few Orientals in the area, subjected to occasional teasing and stares from the local population. As the book opens sixteen-year-old Lydia is missing, soon to be found dead at the bottom of a lake. The remainder of the book goes back and forth in time, relating how James and Marilyn grew up, met, and married - and the devastating effect of Lydia's death on the family.

We soon learn that Lydia has sky-blue eyes like her mother and is the most 'caucasian-looking' of the Lee children. She is also the golden hope of her parents, for different reasons. James, who always felt like an outsider with no friends, would like his children to fit in and be popular. Apparently, he thinks Lydia has the best chance of accomplishing this goal. Marilyn, on the other hand, feels cheated out of her ambition of becoming a doctor and desperately wants Lydia to go to medical school.

For various reasons revealed in the book Lydia is determined to please her parents, especially her mom. On the surface, therefore, Lydia is the ideal child. As far as her parents know Lydia spends most of her time attending school, doing homework, and studying. And her few spare hours are apparently spent socializing with and phoning her girlfriends. In reality, though, Lydia is struggling in school, has no girlfriends, and hangs out with Jack - the local bad boy/teen heart-throb who lives down the street.

In the course of the story we learn that Lydia's brother Nathan, a bright boy who's interested in outer space, has gotten into Harvard - the only school his dad finds acceptable. Even so, on the very day Nathan's college acceptance packet arrives he's shunted aside, as usual, because of his parents' concerns about Lydia. Little Hannah has it even worse. She's practically invisible to the family, who generally ignore her or push her away. The only time Hannah gets attention is when she swipes a trinket or book from her parents or siblings and they come looking for it.

Lydia's death shocks the Lee family, each of whom struggles to make sense of it. Nathan hates Lydia's elusive friend Jack, and practically accuses him of killing her. Marilyn spends most of her time in Lydia's room, grieving and searching for clues. Hannah knows more than she tells but not enough to solve the mystery. And James' despair drives him to act out in uncharacterstic ways. In the end - when the actions leading to Lydia's death are revealed - they make sense.

The characters in the story are generally well-drawn and realistic and I had sympathy for them despite (in some cases) some pretty bad behavior. On the other hand the actions of one character in particular were not believable (to me) and detracted from the story.

I feel like this book is a cautionary tale about what can happen when parents - with all good intentions - try to control their children's lives. Other readers, depending on their personal experiences, will probably see different lessons in the book.

My final assessment: this is an excellent book, well-written and highly recommended.

Rating: 4 stars