The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very pleasant book. A story told of a guitar player and how his life played out. Told often through the voices of real performers and musicians. The story is well endowed with musical terms and musical metaphors. I truly enjoyed it but its not my usual cup of tea. Might be a bit metaphysical and fantasy for my taste.
If you play or sing and its a big part of your life, then read this book. You will find your musical life in it...

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Below the Belt by Stuart Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love Stuart Woods. His books are witty, with-it and just plain fun to read. I don't want to give any of this story away but it was fast moving and well constructed. The characters jumped off the page and came to life, as his characters often do. Some of the characters may be too close to real at this point in our history. I wish he would write more books.

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Deep Blue by Alan Judd
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Great story but parts were tedious and at one point I longed for the end. Compelling story but possibly too small a story for a book. Characters were thin and could have been so much more interesting. At times they seemed like comics. I'd like to see the movie because its hard to believe the story could be presented seriously. The bad guys are just plain stupid and the good guys are driven by so many bureaucratic imperatives as to be almost frozen. Not one I'd recommend.

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Norwegian by Night by Derek B. Miller


Must have been a good book. I couldn't put it down or get some of the images out of my head. The story seems unlikely yet plausible. I could almost see Oslo but that might be because I traveled there a couple of years ago and it has a warm place in my heart. It has many threads that are thought provoking and troubling. It also has some warm, tender thoughts that might balance out the dark. I want to learn more about these people in the story. The policeman, the granddaughter and other characters could blossom into more. In the end, if Derek Miller writes another book I'll read it.

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A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read a lot. This book is why. Finding a gem of a book like this one is wonderful. Amor Towles is a marvelous writer. The book is a lot like a fine wine. Subtle, full bodied and sad when its gone. The language is delightful and the prose is thought provoking. So why did it take me two weeks to read? Simple... I reread passages sometimes twice. It captivated me from the first page and was a real page turner. I don't want to say anything about the "story" because the author unfolds it like life.
Read this book. I predict it will be your favorite for the year.

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2016 Book List

A lot of great books this year. I enjoyed Philip Kerr and Jeffery Archer along with my regular favorites. David Downing was especially appropriate because he was read during the rise of Trump... Made real life even more scary than it already is. I have only my daughter to thank for getting me started on this reading kick. There are seldom enough hours in the day if you have a kindle full of books.
 

1. Palace of Treason - Jason Matthews
2. The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street - Susan Jane Gilman
3. Scandalous Behavior - Stuart Woods
4. Truman’s Spy - Noel Hynd
5. Then We Take Berlin - John Lawton
6. March Violets - Philip Kerr
7. The Pale Criminal - Philip Kerr
8. Jack of Spies - David Downing
9. A German Requiem - Philip Kerr
10. The One From The Other - Philip Kerr
11. A Quiet Flame - Philip Kerr
12. If The Dead Rise Not - Philip Kerr
13. The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith
14. Field Grey - Philip Kerr
15. Prague Fatale - Philip Kerr
16. Family Jewels - Stuart Woods
17. Maisie Dobbs - Jacqueline Winspear
18. A Man Without Breath (Bernard Gunther, #9) - Philip Kerr
19. Due Diligence - Michael A. Kahn
20. Extreme Prey (Lucas Davenport, #26) - John Sandford
21. The Lady from Zagreb (Bernard Gunther, #10) - Philip Kerr
22. The Other Side of Silence (Bernard Gunther, #11) - Philip Kerr
23. The Nature of the Beast - Louise Penny
24. Black Out (Inspector Troy #1) - John Lawton
25. Dishonorable Intentions (Stone Barrington #38) - Stuart Woods
26. Only Time Will Tell (2011) (Clifton Chronicles #1) - Jeffrey Archer
27. The Sins of the Father (2012) (Clifton Chronicles #2) - Jeffrey Archer
28. Letters from Skye - Jessica Brockmole
29. The Black Widow (Gabriel Allon, #16) - Daniel Silva
30. Circling the Sun - Paula McLain
31. Mightier Than the Sword (The Clifton Chronicles #5) - Jeffrey Archer
32. Best Kept Secret (The Clifton Chronicles, #3) - Jeffrey Archer
33. Be Careful What You Wish For (The Clifton Chronicles, #4) - Jeffrey Archer
34. Cometh the Hour (The Clifton Chronicles #6) - Jeffrey Archer
35. Old Filth (Old Filth, #1) - Jane Gardam
36. Machinations (Machinations #1) - Hayley Stone
37. Escape Clause (Virgil Flowers, #9) - John Sandford
38. This was a Man (The Clifton Chronicles #6) - Jeffrey Archer
39. Dead Wake - Erik Larson
40. Night School (Jack Reacher #21) - Lee Child
41. Odessa Sea (Dirk Pitt, #24) - Clive Cussler