The Secret by Lee Child
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Glad Jack is back in his army days. I find this more realistic than a guy going around with just a toothbrush in his pocket. Still, a good story with an interesting plot. Wonderful good guys and awful bad guys, that's why I read it.

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Julia by Sandra Newman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is quite a book. Before I say a thing, I must tell you that you do not have to reread 1984 to get this book. If you have the vaguest notion of that amazing book then this will be a fine read. I believe that even with no knowledge of 1984 you will still find this book intriguing.
I had trouble with the graphic nature of some the chapters. The images are hard to get out of your mind. She is such a good author that as a reader I felt some of the horror.
That being said, I believe the modern, feminine update on the classic is probably worth the read if you are not to squeamish.


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The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quite an interesting story with interesting characters. I loved the story but mostly the perspective of living in that era both as Jewish and as Black. What a clever and well written story. This is an author to cherish because of his insight into humanity. He seems to see from every perspective.

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The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A somewhat intriguing mystery. A bit complex but kind of fun to read. The characters are all oldsters living in a retirement community. What they lack in health and youth they make up for in cleverness.
I liked it but I occasionally found myself a little lost in the plot and the characters.

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A Perilous Undertaking by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in the series and it was as much fun as the first. If a tale of muder and mayhem can be fun. The charachters and thier relationships are growing as the story progresses. Honestly I can't wait to see what adventure is next. I just love books that are set in England. This has mystery, feminism and a lot of slick adventure.

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A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn

A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A bit of everything. Great characters, a wonderful plot and lots of weird adventures. I loved it. I want more. And I think there are many more adventures for the strange duo. Reading this book is a treat.

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Citizen K-9 by David Rosenfelt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was fun, uncomplicated yet at the same time hard to put down. The action seemed a bit forced and I'm not a fan of first person narratives but for a book club read this was pretty painless. I like my dectective stories a little grittier.

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Hotel Cuba by Aaron Hamburger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish I could give this brilliant book more stars. It is a wonderful story with strong vibrant characters who grow into real three dimensional people.
The scope of the story and the vivid descriptions just made the story even better. How the characters learned to adapt to their situations was a story in itself. The strength of their character and the way they brought their values and childhood teaching with them.
I loved it.....

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Near Miss by Stuart Woods
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stone Barrington never fails to give me an enjoyable read. This one, though not complicated, had a more exensive plot line. I enjoyed it a lot. I wonder if Stuart Woods left the outline or it was new. Either way, I'll keep reading these books.

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The Difference Engine by William Gibson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a great idea and a fuzzy plot. I guess I lost my way about half way through the book. I'm sure it might be clear as a bell to some people but I didn't understand where it went. I missed the whole point of the ending.
Still and interestng concept and certainly will be great for alternative history buffs.

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The Art Forger by Barbara A. Shapiro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this book. I'm not sure what it is that I found so appealing, but I could not put it down. The story and characters, not many of them, were pretty easy to understand. I think it might be that learning about painting at such a basic level was interesting. Trying to piece things together and make sense out of secrets, long held made for a mystery in a mystery. I can't wait to talk about this one at book club. Can't wait to read another.

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 Books so far 2023: