Wednesday, October 29, 2014

107. Pines–Blake Crouch

First book of the series,  Wayward Pines.

A sort of cross between the TV shows Twin Peaks and The Prisoner.

Ethan, a Secret Service agent, is on his way to Wayward Pines, Idaho, to investigate the disappearance of two of his colleagues., when he is involved in a major traffic accident.  At first he can’t remember much, not even sure who he is. But as his memories come back, he’s faced with stranger and stranger facts regarding the town, its inhabitants and if he will ever find a way to leave.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

105 Dervish House–Ian McDonald

A typically complexly plotted and dense sci fi entry from McDonald. The location is a major part of the story with wonderful descriptions and atmosphere. The characters are intriguing and interesting, and you can't imagine how these disparate people will eventually come together to resolve this futuristic thriller.

I loved it.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

103. Beyond Courage–Doreen Rappaport

Far outside my usual reading, a friend lent me this book. It was not the easiest read in the world, a reminder of the horrible things mankind does to one another, complete with heart-breaking pictures.

Primarily it made me angry that there are so many apologists and deniers these days who try to pretend history is pretty and no horrible things really happened, that it is all some sort of liberal plot. Sigh.

Such villainy, with even the victims finding it hard to believe the horrors they were about to face.  Still, the little acts of courage must give us hope.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

102. Cold Days–Jim Butcher

Fourteenth in the Harry Dresden series.  Harry, once a lowly magical PI in Chicago, is now the Winter Night for Mab a Queen of Fairie (It’s a long complicated road).  He’s not happy in his new position and is even less happy when he hears the world is in danger and he’s the only one who can do something about it. And, of course, Mab picks right then to give him is first assignment, and it’s a doozy.

Very much the usual sort of story, with Harry so harried on all sides he doesn’t have five minutes to think about anything, but is rushing around ducking enemies and trying desperately to come up with a plan to save the world.

The usual suspects put in an appearance and do what they can to help him.

The end was a real surprise, and it changes the game once again, with Harry reeling as his position suddenly impacts his friends – again.

101. The Masqueraders–Georgette Heyer

Not at all what I expected when I began it, this comedy of manners and silliness of society tells the tale of a pair of grifters, who are masquerading as brother and sister, with the added fun of a sex reversal for both of them.

Confusing at first, but great fun once it gets going. Can they manage not to be caught, when certain acquaintances begin to look into their backgrounds?  And just why are they so intent on keeping up the disguise and what exactly is their mysterious father up to?

Sunday, October 05, 2014

100. Tricked–Kevin Hearne

My 100th read for the year is the 4th in the Iron Druid Series, Tricked. Atticus and his apprentice are, as usual, being hunted down by various and sundry bad things. Oberon, on the other hand, is his usual badass self. Smile  Fun series.

Friday, October 03, 2014

99. Gallows View–Peter Robinson

I was a bit disappointed in this book, mainly because I’d just watched DCI Banks on netflix and it was beautifully broody with lots of shots of the location.  None of that was in this book, alas.

The mystery was intricate and the character complex, and I already have book 2 so I’ll read it and hope for more atmosphere!