Monday, November 16, 2009

I, Alex Cross

Author: James Patterson
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (November 16, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316018783


My Review:

Don't mess with Detective Alex Cross, especially when it comes to his family members. With one family member murdered, and another in the hospital fighting for their life, Cross sets out to help solve a very personal murder case--a series of brutal murders that, not only involve his niece, but will take him to the top echelons of the US government.

James Patterson brings to the table, once again, all of his previous masterful talent and bold imagination. Although, some passages may disturb the squeamish, I was held captive throughout the entire book. I especially like the surprise ending.

This may be one of Patterson's best efforts yet. The thriller is written in short chapters, which I like, and the font is large enough to make reading enjoyable. The prose is clear, succinct, and paints a picture of full-blown evil and terror. A fast read.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

Friday, November 6, 2009

True Compass / Review

Author: Edward M. Kennedy
Hardcover: 532 pages
Publisher: Twelve; First Edition, First Printing edition (September 14, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446539252


Book Description:

In this landmark autobiography, five years in the making, Senator Edward M. Kennedy tells his extraordinary personal story--of his legendary family, politics, and fifty years at the center of national events.


My Review:

In the last years of his life, Edward Kennedy tells his own story. It is not only his story, but the memories and accounts of his treasured family members. No matter how one feels about this complex historical figure, the reader must admit that his life and career was an important slice of the American political process. His contributions will long be remembered and he will no doubt go down in history as a model figure of the democratic party. This book is very well written and should be read for its historical value.
(Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)


Monday, November 2, 2009

Don't Look Down

Author: Davis Dawson
Paperback: 194 pages
Publisher: Bridgeross Communications (August 17, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0981003753


Book Description:

Four men, age 18 to 81, have murdered, and now share a room in the secure forensic psychiatry ward of a mental hospital. Who better to get inside their heads, and find both the tragedy and comedy of their lives than Canadian psychiatrist and novelist David Laing Dawson. Three of Dawson's previous novels, Last Rights, Double Blind, and Essondale have been published in seven European countries, the US and the UK. Dawson's novels have been described as a cross between Elmore Leonard and Seinfeld and as close to reality as it gets.


My Review:

This is a disturbing, yet compelling story of four seriously ill patients who share a room on a ward in a mental hospital. Though the characters are tragic, the author creates moments of humor and warmth. It was well-written and a fast read.
(Thank you to the author for my review copy.)