Now You See Her by James Patterson

Author: James Patterson
Hardcover: 400 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
(June 27, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316036218

Book Description:

The perfect life
A successful lawyer and loving mother, Nina Bloom would do anything to protect the life she's built in New York--including lying to everyone, even her daughter, about her past. But when an innocent man is framed for murder, she knows that she can't let him pay for the real killer's crimes.

The perfect lie

Nina's secret life began 18 years ago. She had looks to die for, a handsome police-officer husband, and a carefree life in Key West. When she learned she was pregnant with their first child, her happiness was almost overwhelming. But Nina's world is shattered when she unearths a terrible secret that causes her to run for her life and change her identity.

The perfect way to die

Now, years later, Nina risks everything she's earned to return to Florida and confront the murderous evil she fled. In a story of wrenching suspense, James Patterson gives us his most head-spinning, action-filled story yet--a Hitchcock-like blend of unquenchable drama and pleasure.

My thoughts:

This is definitely one of Patterson's best books of late. His last couple of novels have been, in my opinion, disappointments. I am happy to see the author has gotten back in touch with his muse. As with most James Patterson's books, this one moves along quickly with short chapters. This tale is straightforward; exciting; suspenseful; an emotional roller-coaster ride; a quick read. I'm so glad to have the master of supense back with us at his best. Congratulations Mr. Patterson on one of your best works in a while!! Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

The Magnolia League

Author: Katie Crouch
Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Poppy; 1 edition (May 3, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0316078492

Book Description:

After the death of her free-spirited mother, sixteen-year-old Alex Lee must leave her home in northern California to live with her wealthy grandmother in Savannah, Georgia. By birth, Alex is a rightful, if unwilling, member of the Magnolia League, Savannah's long-standing debutante society. She quickly discovers that the Magnolias have made a pact with a legendary hoodoo family, the Buzzards. The Magnolias enjoy youth, beauty and power. But at what price?

As in her popular adult novels, Crouch's poignant and humorous voice shines in this seductively atmospheric story about girls growing up in a magical Southern city.
My thoughts:

Alexandria Lee's mother has died and she has gone to live with her southern grandmother. Thus starts a story of secrets, southern tradition, and rituals.  Delightful. Set in Savannah, it is a fast Southern read, from sweet tea to black magic, a book I think teenagers, especially will like. Thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.

Ripe for Pleasure / Review

Author: Isobel Carr
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Forever
1 edition (May 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446572756

Book Description:

Second in line, first in loveA secret society of younger sons, sworn to aid and abet each other, no matter the scandal or cost.... Their fathers and brothers may rule the world, but they run it . . . and when it comes to passion, they refuse to accept second best.

Searching for hidden treasure,
finding forbidden fantasy.
London's most sensual former courtesan, Viola Whedon, is incapable of being seduced-she does the seducing. Until she meets Leonidas Vaughn. Her salacious memoirs have made her the target of half the lords in England, and Vaughn is the only man she can turn to. When he promises to protect her-and to make her beg for his touch-the alluring beauty finds both offers impossible to refuse.

Leonidas Vaughn secretly believes Viola possesses a fortune given to his family by the King of France. So the strong and sexy Vaughn charms his way into Viola's life . . . and her bed. But when their arrangement is consummated, he'll experience pleasure far beyond his wildest fantasies-and realize his heart may need the most protection of all.

My thoughts:

Hot sexy novel by Isobel Carr that you will not soon forget.

(thank you to Hachette Book Group for my review copy.)

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci / Review

Author: David Baldacci
Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
(April 19, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 9780446573108

Book Description:

Edgar Roy-an alleged serial killer held in a secure, fortress-like Federal Supermax facility-is awaiting trial. He faces almost certain conviction. Sean King and Michelle Maxwell are called in by Roy's attorney, Sean's old friend and mentor Ted Bergin, to help work the case. But their investigation is derailed before it begins-en route to their first meeting with Bergin, Sean and Michelle find him murdered.

It is now up to them to ask the questions no one seems to want answered: Is Roy a killer? Who murdered Bergin? With help from some surprising allies, they continue to pursue the case. But the more they dig into Roy's past, the more they encounter obstacles, half-truths, dead-ends, false friends, and escalating threats from every direction. Their persistence puts them on a collision course with the highest levels of the government and the darkest corners of power. In a terrifying confrontation that will push Sean and Michelle to their limits, the duo may be permanently parted.

My thoughts:

Another riveting novel by the author of Stone Cold; True Blue; Deliver Us From Evil; and Hell's Corner. I enjoyed it and think it is one of Baldacci's better works. It has everything a reader of suspense can ask for: nice story development; interesting characters; page-turning drama. I give it 5 stars****.