Crais does it again, better than ever

Taken by Robert Crais
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed every book I have read by Robert Crais, and Taken is one of the best. I haven’t read all of his books, so I don’t know if Jon Stone was a brand new character in this one, or if he had appeared earlier with Elvis Cole and Joe Pike. He’s a worthy addition to this “Pantheon.” The story goes at breakneck speed, but its cinematic nature didn’t keep this reader from caring about the characters and rejoicing at an ending that pulls together all the threads, leaving the reader nearly as exhausted as the protagonists.

View all my reviews

She knows whereof she speaks - and writes!

How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I knew that many of her readers are fanatical, and wait for new entries in her Stephanie Plum series, so I picked up (actually bought it and had Jody give it to me for Christmas) this Book-on-CDs version and gave it a listen. Janet Evanovich is straightforward about her long path to bestsellerdom, and generous with nitty gritty advice about how she prepares to write and how she writes. She also tells about family members who help with managing her web site and managing her busy life. This is great for would-be authors.

View all my reviews

Harry Williams: why I resigned as Crane Library director

Harry Williams: why I resigned as Crane Library director
This appeared in the Patriot Ledger.  I had a hint when someone at the Brockton Public Library told me it had appeared in the Sunday [Brockton] Enterprise which is a "sister publication."

More fun from Janet Evanovich

Motor Mouth by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a follow-up to "researching" Evanovich by reading one of the Stephanie Plum books, I read this second entry in the shorter series that revolves around NASCAR racing, with a feisty heroine who is an ace mechanic and enough more to get in all kinds of trouble. The action is fast, unlikely, outrageous even, but this is entertainment, not instruction or biography. I am usually a very slow reader, but this one had me blazing through the pages. It was fun.

View all my reviews

She writes solid nonfiction and satisfying fiction.

Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received (bought for myself then gave to Jody to give to me) for Christmas the Book on CD version of Evanovich's "How I Write" and thought I should see if her writing justified heeding her advice. This was the first I got my hands on, and I enjoyed it a lot. Her advice was down to earth, and so is her fiction. She doesn't take herself too seriously but she is very serious about creating a fun, exciting and page-turning experience for her readers. I'm glad I listened to the CDs and have since read more of her books.

View all my reviews