Book #37 in 2012

Hiss of Death, a Mrs. Murphy Mystery by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown.

I was really enjoying this book up until the end.  I had trouble understanding how Harry jumped to the conclusion she did.  Could have used a bit more explanation.

Medical staff at the Central Virginal Medical Center start dying mysterious deaths.  Harry butts in, as usual, and the day is saved by her quick-thinking animals.

3 stars.

Book #36 in 2012

Killing Floor by Lee Child.

First in the Jack Reacher series.  Reacher accused of murder in a too-good-to-be-true Georgia town.  Enjoyable.  I like the first person narration and the way the violence is not too detailed.

4.5 stars.

Book #35 in 2012

Love Anthony by Lisa Genova.

I started this book with high hopes and a 5 star rating.  

This novel tells the stories of two women living on Nantucket - both with failing marriages, but one of whom is mourning the loss of her 8 year old autistic son.  The story is beautifully written and I felt very connected with the characters.  Somewhere in the last third though, the author lost me with the cosmic-we're-all-connected stuff.  But her telling of Anthony's story is an excellent peek into the mind of an autistic child, whether a true representation or not.

Sad to have to only give this 3.5 stars.

Book #34 in 2012 (Audio)

The Big Cat Nap by Rita Mae Brown & Sneaky Pie Brown.  A Mrs. Murphy mystery.

Read by Kate Forbes.

7.75 hours.

Harry Haristeen discovers a dead body at the local repair shop.  She and her pets - Mrs. Murphy, Pewter, and Tucker - nose around for clues, setting themselves up as targets.

At first the reader's voice really irritated me, but I'm glad I stuck with it.  The reading was a bit slow, but still good for listening in the car.

3.5 stars

Book #33 in 2012

Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline.

Evil twin plans to kill the good twin, take her place, and steal all her money.

I liked the beginning the most.  In the middle, I was afraid it was going to be "no one believes me!" for the rest of the book and was somewhat disappointed.  I'm glad I finished it though.  The rest of the book picked up, but I didn't love the ending.  372 pages so Alice can get away again?  Meh.

3.5 stars.

Book #32 in 2012

Silver Sparrow by Tayari Jones.

I must have read a review and put this on hold because I don't think I would have just picked it up on my own.  I'm glad I read it though.  I loved the way the book changed mid-stream and went from telling one girl's side of the story to the other:  each girl, envious of the other, never truly appreciating what she had.  Most of the characterizations were great, except Gwen, who I never really saw why she made the decisions she did.

I bet this would be a great book for a book club.

4 stars.

Book #31 in 2012

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens.

Annie O'Sullivan is kidnapped and held in a remote cabin for a year before escaping.  The story is told through a series of visits with her psychiatrist.

Holy plot twist at the end, Batman!

5 stars.