Book #60 - Private by James Patterson

I'm not really sure where to start with this book. I read it very quickly, and it was very captivating, however, I felt like it really fell short in the end. This is the story of a high-end Private Investigation company that works for the rich and famous. The story opens up with 3 high priority cases that are on the docket, and we are in on the investigation. I found that though there should have been a high level of suspense, it was really lacking. It took 250 pages to paint the picture, and within paragraphs, each of the stories ended in an anti-climatic way. I guess I should say it was disappointing, and definitely was not as good as some of Patterson's others. I feel like it lacked his inventiveness and really fell short of his usual high-octane thrillers. When I was on Amazon yesterday, I noticed it only received 3 stars (out of 5), and now I see why.

Book #59 - By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer

Upon discussing this blog with my new boss (new principal at school), he told me his brother had written some books and would I be interested. As always, the answer was yes. Publisher weekly stated, "Singer is every bit as enjoyable as John Grisham." I have to say that is an understatement. I don't know that I have ever read a Grisham or a Baldacci for that matter that was as good as this book. High paced, intense, courtroom drama, uncertainty, surprising twists, and a deep love of the characters involved were just a few of the things that came to mind. Fantastically written, and Singer must have the imagination of a genius. I highly recommend this book, and not to worry, I will be reading his others. This is truly a "can't put it down." This is book #59, but it is quite possibly the best book I've read this year.

Book #58 - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

This book was thrilling, appalling, scary, captivating, and deeply intricate. Fantastically written, and also extremely well translated into English. Like I told my husband, this is going to be an awesome movie. I can't even begin to describe how deep and twisted the layers of this story are and how intense the different story lines were. It was almost like this book started with three distinct and separate story lines and seemed to have three endings that were all intimately tied together. This was one of the best books I've read in a long time, but I have to say the intensity was such that I'm going to have to take some time off before I start the sequel. There were extremely violent crimes involving women that were so disturbing and really made me think about how horribly women are treated all over the world. Often women are of less value to men than personal belongings, cars, homes, etc. Also weaved into the story line was thread about the financial systems of the world and all of those people making billions playing with money they don't have and betting on the quick sell. Obviously, Stieg Larsson was trying to make a political and personal statement by bringing to light these two very serious issues in Swedish culture and politics...who knows, maybe it led to his mysterious death.

Book #57 - Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Obviously, this is the sixteenth book in the series starring Stephanie Plum, the unlikely bounty hunter. I started reading this series seven years ago when a teacher at a previous school I worked at suggested it. I immediately fell in love with the humor and fast pace of these books, and I always look forward to June when new ones are released. With that being said, I did not particularly enjoy this one. I felt like it fell short of her usual standards. There were very few times where I laughed out loud, which is pretty typical with her other books. Part of me feels like I've grown tired of these crazy, outlandish adventures: always destroying a car, being rescued from deaths door, and never settling down with one of the two men in her life (to give a few examples). I guess what I'm saying is I'm ready for Stephanie Plum to grow up and move on. I often wondered how long Janet Evanovich could keep up this storyline, and I think it is time to think about a conclusion to the series.

Book #56 - Book of Souls by Glenn Cooper

This book really gets you thinking about some deep issues, like what if we knew the day we were to die and when the end of the world is coming. Would we want to know? Would we change how we are living? Would we set aside differences? I picked up this book because James Rollins (one of my favorite authors) dubbed him "a startling new talent." And, I figured great authors wouldn't just throw around a complement like that. Glenn Cooper takes a historical time period, a few real events and the major players in those events (including John Calvin, William Shakespeare, and Nostradamus) and twists an incredible, fast moving story around them. This was another book that made you stop and wonder what scary, destructive secrets the United States Government is sitting on. I don't want to share much more because I'm afraid I'll give away the best of the book. But, on a personal note, I don't want to know when the end of my days comes. I just plan to do what I've been doing, live each day like it is the last and be grateful for what I've got.

Book #55 - Innocent by Scott Turow

This is the sequel, 20 years later, to "Presumed Innocent." I have to say I never read "Presumed Innocent", but I have seen the movie starring Harrison Ford at least a dozen times. The writing style of this book drew you in hook, line, and sinker. The premise was that Rusty's (star from last book, AKA Harrison Ford character) wife died expectantly, and his old nemesis Molto starts to investigate it. The first part jumps back and forth chapter by chapter from pre-death to just after the death. Each chapter keeps you hanging so you cannot stop reading. This was a fantastic read, and Scott Turow can weave a story to rival any mystery/law writers out there. The lesson for all men worldwide is to keep "it" in your pants. Rusty's entire demise is because he couldn't keep from the younger ladies...like a compulsion. Not sure if he really liked any of the women that much, but rather the thrill of the sneaking around. This is a page turner to the very end, and even beyond. The author keeps you wanting for more and just curious enough to keep an eye out for one more run around with Rusty Sabich.