Nightwatcher

Author: Wilson, Charles
Pages: 288
Genre: Mystery
Published: 1990
Setting: Mississippi

This novel is about the brutal rape and murder of Judith Salter a nurse at the state hospital for the mentally insane. Featuring – three escaped psychiatric inmates, suspicious police officers and a guilt stricken dad turned “detective”. Brandon Richards, the victim’s dad abandons his life and career in other to help bring justice to Judith’s killing. Is it a coincidence that these three inmates got out the same night of this tragic incidence? Evidence found on the murder scene has detectives suspecting either or all of the escaped inmates – or could there have been someone else? Judith’s ex husband, a person of questionable character becomes a suspect. Also “someone in the police force” could be killer. While grieving his daughter’s death, Richards is determined to leave no stone unturned investigating his daughter’s murder. Meanwhile, an inmate claims he might have witnessed the killing. How believable is an assertion made by a mentally ill patient?

What prompted me to read this book in the first place was the recommendation on the cover of the book given by John Grisham – an author I’m truly fond of. “Splendid! A lean tight compelling story that was over much too fast. I wanted more”. Another person described the book as “dark, scary, and truly menacing”. Regarding the last statement, I don’t find Nightwatcher that terrifying, neither does it read as spooky as the cover picture depicts.

It is rare that you find a complex plot presented in such a simple format. This is a very quick read. The author did not try to stretch the story with unnecessary details and rigmarole like you find in most mystery novels. Richard’s character very systematically obtains valuable tips and information that helps move the story rapidly. The author methodically builds up a compelling tempo while all the time leaving you guessing who could have committed this horrid act. The excitement lies in the process of walking the reader through layers of unveiling lies, deceptions, conspiracies, and cover ups by the people who were close to the victim. Gradually, shocking revelations are made of the victim’s past life which further complicates the plot. At this point, suspicions about who committed this crime becomes an open-ended question.

It is thrilling to watch as the story culminates in a surprise revelation of the murderer. This is a fun mystery/thriller read – great for the weekend. Fast readers could finish this book within a day.

If you’ve read this book, please let me know what you think…

Tell No One

Author: Coben, Harlan
Pages: 384
Genre: Mystery
Published: 2009
Setting: New York City

This is my first introduction to Harlan Coben
books and certainly not going to be the last.
He is best known for his award-winning Myron Bolitar series.
So Tell No One is one of his stand alone novels.

David Beck and his wife are on their yearly vacation for their wedding anniversary at the Beck family beach house. While out swimming under the moonlight, suddenly Beck feels someone hit him on the back of the head with a baseball bat. He is collapsing as he hears his wife screaming for him. When he comes to, he learns of his wife’s kidnap and tragic death.

Eight years later, Beck has become a respectable Physician in New York City where he works with under privileged children. Beck never got over the death of his wife. Closer to his next anniversary, he receives an intriguing email message with a coded phrase known only to him and his wife. His head is spinning – Is someone playing games with him? Could his wife still be alive? Suspense begins to mount…

Determined to find out the truth about what happened eight years ago, Beck starts his own investigations not knowing whom to trust anymore because the message said “Tell No One” and “They Are Watching”. Beck discovers he is up against a powerful and dangerous billionaire, and it doesn’t help him either to learn he’s being investigated by the CIA as the number one suspect in the death of his wife. But David Beck is not holding back. He is determined to unravel this mystery and he will go to any length to uncover the truth about what happened to his wife.

In Tell No One, Coben has masterfully spun a believable layered story with a lot of twists and turns. Towards the end, as the reader is still getting over some unexpected developments, the author throws in an exciting surprise. This mystery story is very suspenseful and thrilling. It will appeal to anyone who loves fast paced, edge on your seat novels.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, now I’m starting a list of similar books I’d like to read. Do you have any suggestions?

Vanished by Robards, Karen
A Prisoner of Birth by Archer, Jeffery
The Affair by Child, Lee
Smash Cut by Brown, Sandra
Backfire-FBI Thriller by Coulter, Catherine
I’ll Walk Alone by Clark, Mary Higgins
I’ll Look Again by Scottoline, Lisa
Quinn by Johansen, Iris

The Lovely Bones

Author- Alice Sebold
Title – The Lovely Bones
Genre – Fiction
Publication: September 30, 2009
Number of Pages: 368 pages

A # 1 bestseller – Recently turned into a movie-
Susie Salmon is  twelve years old  when she is kidnapped, raped and murdered by a neighbor on her way back from school. Her soul is  trapped in “her heaven” a place between earth and heaven where she watches and narrates the subsequent police investigations on her death and  how her family and friends try to cope after her murder.  The entire neighborhood is shaken up by the murder of Susie Salmon. Her friends and teachers are shocked  even as they continue to look for her killer and try to make some sense out of the gruesome incident.

The concept of a dead girl watching from “heaven” intrigued me as well as many other readers. Even though the pacing is  measured, The Lovely Bones is so chilling and gripping that it’s so hard to put down.  With Susie narrating from the dead, the reader is easily drawn to her and able to empathize with her thoughts of ‘what might have been’. Especially about being robbed of the chance to experience teenage life –  her boy crush, her first kiss and other activities her peers are getting into. But sadly, Susie helplessly watches as her murderer moves about freely right in her  neighborhood with no qualms.

The author does a great job of examining the subject of life after death as she explores the question about what happens to the souls of the departed.  Are they truly watching the living? Could the dead possibly intervene in the lives of the living?  This book might provide some answers to readers curious about life beyond death while at the same time resonate with those who actually feel they might have had some real contact with dead. 

As a début novel which immediately became a number one best seller, I give Sebold credit for conceiving such a fascinating theme. However I noted a couple of inconsistencies and unrealistic scenes  especially towards the end of the novel  which made the wrap up a little awkward - You have to read this book to judge for yourself.  
 
The Lovely Bones strongly evokes a sense of sadness and loss.  It is a somber coming of age story that will appeal to teenagers and families  dealing with a loss. 

I found the movie a bit more cheery than the book – go check it out and share your thoughts…

Eat, Pray, Love

Author- Elizabeth Gilbert
Title – Eat Pray Love
Genre – Memoir
Publication: Feb 2006
Number of Pages: 352
Geographical Setting: USA, Italy, India, Indonesia

Okay – This book came out and was wildly embraced by a lot of women. However, as a huge thriller reader who enjoys heart thumping suspense, I was one of those who would stick up their nose at books that are so methodically paced and with such a title as – “eat pray love”. I refused to read this book. However, Oprah endorsed it, and later the movie came out starring Julia Roberts creating more buzz for the book – eventually I said “what the heck, let’s see what this book is about”. And lo and behold – I found this piece of work so entertaining, I couldn’t put it down!

Eat Pray Love – A story of one woman off on a pilgrimage to learn about three aspects of her nature.  She visits three countries in 180 days – 60 days in each country – Italy, India and Indonesia.

Elizabeth Gilbert tells a compelling story about a certain period in her life. She engages the reader right from the beginning with the story of her unhappy marriage. Though this was such a miserable period for her, yet she writes with so much lightheartedness while poking fun at herself that you are drawn to her. She ends her marriage, moves out and abandons her career to travel to Europe to learn more about herself set against the back drop of these three countries.

Gilbert’s writing is persuasive and takes the reader along as she makes her first stop in Italy where she explores The Art of Pleasure. She indulges in great dinning and general relaxation and offers detailed descriptions of the foods and wine – really getting the reader salivating!

On getting to India where she explores The Art of Devotion, the tone gets a little subdued. In India she tries to make a connection with her spirituality by visiting Ashrams where she learns a lot of prayers and the practice of Yoga. Over there she develops a strong relationship with her Guru while searching for peace of mind & Heart.

Lastly, the island of Bali in Indonesia where she looks for balance between the two places gets a such a vivid and appealing description that you might actually long to visit – but luckily for her she found more than a balance…she found love!

What I appreciate mostly about the book is – her language choice which is very intelligent, witty and funny – even though the book is prose-like, it doesn’t read like one. It is enthralling and captivating. She is able to draw the reader in where they almost feel like they are on the trip with her.

Another great thing about the book is that it is not just a travel book, but it is very informative, and educational. You learn about the people, the culture and the food. The book also comes with recipes – really handy for food lovers.

Generally, this book offers you – a great story about hope after divorce, a different take on taking out some time for yourself – if you can afford it – and lastly, seeking a connection with your spirituality – irrespective of your religion. Did I mention this is a laugh out loud book? This book will appeal to memoir lovers, and has a good insight for those who are interested in other cultures and people.

For more info, please check a reading map that I created on this book – I promise, you’d love it

Gone Girl

Author: Gillian Flynn
Title: Gone Girl
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publication: June 5, 2012
Number of Pages: 432 pages
Geographical Setting: North Carthage, Missouri

What drew me to this book? (1) It was on the bestseller’s list of 2012 and (2) It garnered lots of raving reviews. So I decided – why not…

At the initial glance, this book starts out like an open and shut case – but it’s not!

In a small town in North Carthage, Missouri, everyone is shocked when a beautiful woman Amy suddenly disappears on the morning of her fifth wedding anniversary to Nick Dunnes her husband. As investigations begin, all evidence seem to point to the husband as the probable killer. Friends and neighbors are torn – did Nick Dunnes really kill his wife? On learning that he has become a suspect, Nick starts his own investigations and along the way, he learns of shocking and terrible secretes about his wife. Puzzled and perplexed, he starts to question among other things – his wife’s real identity.

Intricately plotted, and written with alternating narrations of Nick and entries found in Amy’s diary, the reader is drawn into this complex psychological suspense with doubts of whose point of view to actually believe. On the surface, the story seems simple and straight forward until the reader gets to the middle of the novel where dark, twisted, and chilling discoveries begin to emerge.

Gone Girl is engrossing, fast paced, layered and thought-provoking. This is a brilliant crime novel that would appeal to anyone who love thrills, mysteries and surprises.

While I did enjoy reading this book, however I would not consider it one of the top thrillers ever written like some reviewers rated it. Any thoughts?

Have you Checked Out your Library Shelves Lately…?

Just a little tidbit on what’s going on -

Did you know erotica is now the hot new trend and in high demand in our public libraries? Yep! According to the recent (Feb) issue of the Library Journal.  And if you’re a newbie – Join LB in starting out with these recommended titles – You might be surprised …. I’d be reading too

Agony/Ecstasy: Original Stories of Agonizing Pleasure/Exquisite Pain by Jane Litte
Paperback: 448 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade (December 6, 2011)

Alison’s Wonderland by Alison Tyler
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Spice; Original edition (June 22, 2010)

Best Erotic Fantasy & Science Fiction by Cecilia Tan
Paperback: 300 pages
Publisher: Circlet Press; 1 edition (April 1, 2010)

Best Women’s Erotica 2011 by Violet Blue
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (December 1, 2010)

Do Not Disturb: Hotel Sex Stories by Rachel Kramer Bussel
Paperback: 235 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (March 1, 2009)

Lustfully Ever After: Fairy Tale Erotic Romance by Kristina Wright
Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Cleis Press (May 15, 2012)

~Titles culled from Library Journal*Feb Issue pg. 24

Feel free to include other titles that I might left out.

Poor Little Bitch Girl

Jackie Collins was able to gain some of her readers back with this “show stopper “ of a book – as they term it. Most of her readers compare it to her other titles – “Lucky” and “Chances”.

Personally, I do not feel Poor Little Bitch Girl is as racy and as steamy as her very first ones – “Hollywood Wives” (which got turned into a t.v. series) and “Hollywood Divorces”.

Poor Little Bitch Girl moves back and forth between L.A. and New York. Told from the points of view of three contemporary women in their twenties with occasional input from Collins’ old character – Bobby Santagelo. Collins uses the three female characters – Denver, Carolyn and Annabelle who were friends from high school to portray various female roles in a modern world.

As expected with Jackie Collins’ novels, this story deals with romance, sex, drugs amidst the razzle-dazzle of Hollywood life.

Fast paced, charming, sensational, intriguing, and suspenseful.

If you are familiar with Collins’ novels – Does this cut it for you?

More Info-

Author-Jackie Collins
Title – Poor Little Bitch Girl
Genre: Romance
Publication: 209
Number of Pages: 448
Geographical Setting: Hollywood, New York