A review of Storm Prey, by John Sandford. @@@@ (4 out of 5). Sandford is a master of plotting. From an engrossing outset to a heart-pounding conclusion, Storm Prey steadily builds momentum from one surprise to the next.
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A review of Counterstrike: The Untold Story of America’s Secret Campaign Asainst Al Qaeda, by Eric Schmitt and Thom Shanker. @@@ (3 out of 5). Counterstrike is a remarkable bit of longitudinal reporting by two veterans of the New York Times, bringing to light a host of insights and behind-the-scene details about America’s decade-long campaign against Al Qaeda. However, Schmitt and Shanker might have benefited from a few lessons in nonfiction writing by a master of the craft such as Tracy Kidder, Erik Larson, or even Bob Woodward.
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A review of Before I Go to Sleep, by S. J. Watson. @@@ (3 out of 5). Before I Go to Sleep, the debut novel of a long-time employee of the British National Health Service, tells the story of a one-time novelist with a rare case of amnesia that means she wakes up every day completely clueless about the last two decades of her life. Her husband, Ben, has to explain to her who she is, where she is, and why.
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A review of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, by Paul Torday. @@@@ (4 out of 5). A satirical treatment of British politics that adroitly mixes not just Yemen and salmon fishing but also the British Parliament, Al Qaeda, a mystical sheikh, the art of public relations, a sad love story, and a journey of self-discovery.
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A review of Wanna Get Lucky? by Deborah Coonts. @@@@ (4 out of 5). Lucky O’Toole is the chief problem-solver at a top-ranked Las Vegas casino and hotel, where a sequinned semblance of life goes on frenetically 24/7. This is a funny, sexy, well-plotted, and well written crime novel that promises a lot of fun in the episodes to come.
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Mysteries & Thrillers Tuesday includes my latest mystery and thriller book review,
with links to other science fiction content.
Nonfiction Wednesday includes my latest nonfiction book review,
with links to other nonfiction content.
The Weekly includes summaries and links to all the previous week’s three to five book reviews, including some that don’t appear in any of the other newsletters.
Mysteries & Thrillers Tuesday includes my latest mystery and thriller book review, with links to other science fiction content.
Nonfiction Wednesday includes my latest nonfiction book review, with links to other nonfiction content.
The Weekly includes summaries and links to all the previous week’s three to five book reviews, including some that don’t appear in any of the other newsletters.