Five Star Reviews

I was re-reading my recent book reviews and noted that I was generous with 5-star reviews. I don't give these out lightly, although it might seem that way. Apparently my most recent reads were of the 5-star variety, although I've read some other books lately that wouldn't merit that rating. For me to rate a book highly it has to have a plot that keeps me turning pages, and must be well written. The story must be unusual in the sense that the topic hasn't been written about in this way by someone else. I like details if they advance the story, but when they're overly done I want to "fast forward". So I'm wondering, what does a 5-star review look like to you when you read a novel? If you've read any of the books I've rated, and disagree with my rating, I'd like to know that too. As readers, we all come from different perspectives. Let me know yours!

The Fifth Witness by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've read many of Connelly's books and this is one of the best court room dramas he's written. Mickey Haller, the "Lincoln lawyer", has not had many criminal cases and he's turned to representing people who are experiencing home foreclosures and need someone to help them in what they believe are fraudulent dealings. One of his most annoying clients, Lisa Trammel, is involved in such a foreclosure and she's taken to picketing the bank where her loan was held and writing negative Facebook messages about Michael Bondurant, the banker handling her loan. When Bondurant is killed in the bank's parking garage, and Lisa is seen in the area, she is arrested on suspicion of murder. Mickey now must represent her in a murder case in which the evidence is strongly against her. Against Mickey's advice, she aligns herself with Herb Dahl, a sleazy, wanna-be, movie producer, who convinces her that her story will sell. Mickey must mount a defense under difficult odds, go to battle with a prosecuting attorney bent on a conviction, all the while trying to reconcile with his ex-wife. Lisa insists she is innocent and it is a set-up. Mickey pulls out all the stops to prove that it is. To say more would give the story away. Readers who enjoy court procedures won't be able to stop reading as the book goes through each day in court, and the behind the scenes twists and turns. The ending is astounding! Fans of Connelly will find a new reason to like him after reading "The Fifth Witness".

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"No Good Deed" Author Interview

I was recently interviewed by Christina Hamlett for her blog "You Read it Here First".  Please check it out at:  http://fromtheauthors.wordpress.com/2013/02/08/no-good-deed

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing book that will keep you reading late into the night. "Gone Girl" follows a "he said/she said" format which begins on the fifth anniversary of Nick and Amy Dunne's marriage and continues until the astounding and unexpected ending. You will follow one path, only to suddenly veer to another, then another. The writing is outstanding, the characters perfectly drawn, and the cleverly woven plot will make you think you understand it all, until you don't. To say more would spoil it. This is a book you won't forget once you're finished. I'd give it more than five stars if I could.

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Book Review

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book while on a cruise ship, late at night. Maybe it was the setting, or the beautiful red and black book binding, but it was a very enchanting book in my opinion. The circus opens only at night. Everything about it is mysterious, including the use of only black and white colors, and the various performers who appear to do things that humans aren't supposed to be able to do. There is a fierce competition between two aging magicians and their young proteges. When these proteges fall in love, their future appears doomed, until an interesting intervention takes place. There are many colorful characters who are well described by the author. The midnight dinners, held in a lovely mansion, are written about in such a way that you feel you're there. The author was able to make an unbelievable story very believable. I highly recommend it.

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Holiday Greetings To My Readers

I hope all of you are enjoying the holidays with family and friends, in whatever manner you celebrate. As a Christian I'm celebrating Christmas and all it means to me and my family. I haven't posted for a while due to the busyness of the days between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. Also, my husband and I were able to take a ten-day cruise early in December, which was just the relaxing experience we needed after having water pipes burst in our house just before we left. We're still waiting for wall repairs to be made but at least the pipes are fixed. I did a lot of reading on the cruise and will be posting reviews soon. I also did some book promotion. Most cruisers are avid readers and many seemed to be interested in my two novels. Until I write again, my best wishes for a happy and healthy new year - and happy writing!