IRISH EYES by Mary Kay Andrews

IRISH EYES  by Mary Kay Andrews

Callahan Garrity, private eye and cleaning lady, loses a former partner and good friend when he makes a quick stop at a convenience store.  Callahan, even after being warned off, tries to find the bad guys involved.

The writing is tightly plotted, the story line will keep you guessing, the characters are likeable – except of course, for the sleazy ones.  Andrews has another winner in her Garrity series of mysteries.  Her fans will love it and new readers, who need not have read any others in series, will find a new author to seek out. 

4 of 5 stars

DOG GONE, BACK SOON by Nick Trout

DOG GONE, BACK SOON   by Nick Trout

If you like animals and are in need of a good laugh or two, DOG GONE, BACK SOON is just the book for you.  The plot has enough twists to keep you guessing. The characters are likeable and clearly drawn. The animals, especially Stash, are quirky and entertaining.

My one quibble is that I occasionally had to read the dialogue a second time and pay careful attention or I would not know who was speaking – and it makes a difference! A few identifying comments would have been helpful.

The romance is of the hand holding, peck on the cheek variety so those who prefer to avoid hot and heavy sex need not fear nor is there any foul language.  The supporting characters – both human and four legged – are engaging and amusing.

Altogether an enjoyable read for a lazy summer afternoon or in front of a blazing fireplace.

4 of 5 stars

NORA BONESTEEL'S CHRISTMAS PAST by Sharyn McCrumb

Two separate Christmas stories that take place in McCrumb’s Appalachia are intertwined in this cozy novel. Although the stories never link they are both lyrical and atmospheric.  McCrumb’s characters are fully developed even though the two stories are individually quite short – novella length.  Both combine comic scenes with pathos.  I enjoyed the jumps from story to story as the chapters alternate stories.  Some may find this disconcerting.  

4 of 5 stars

IN PRAISE OF HATRED by Khalid Khalifa

IN PRAISE OF HATRED   by Khaled Khalifa

I tried really hard to like this book, but the bad translation stymied me. I made it through 75 pages before giving up. It badly needs some explanation of the many Islamic/Turkish/Arabic words and phrases used.

FROM BOMBOLONI TO BAGEL by Jacqueline Semha Gmach

This interesting and informative book detailing the life of a Jewish woman born and raised in Tunisia and finally living in America is written in a series of vignettes.  The order of the vignettes wanders from Tunisia to France to Canada to Israel and America and back again.  The reader often wishes the order were more chronological, but the tales are interesting and follow a thematic message.

The structured life of a very sheltered and privileged family is detailed although the effect of WWII is glossed over initially. When the author moves to France for university we learn more of her life and the life of her future husband as the Shoah (Holocaust) shatters Jewish life in Europe and North Africa. The structured life of observant Jews is detailed and made interesting for the general reader.

Finally the author lives out the advice of her first “real” teacher – If you want to succeed, you can – and finds a fulfilling and very successful life in America, the land of the bagel.

4 of 5 stars

The Execution by Dick Wolf

THE EXECUTION   by Dick Wolf

A great thriller with good characterization and tight plotting.  The characters are "real" with back stories that support their actions.  The plot is believable and moves along quickly without feeling rushed. The final twist is realistic and right for the characters.

4 of 5 stars