What I'm reading (April)

It has been a while (January!) since I’ve updated you on what I’ve been reading. I’ve been fairly busy. The books have been fun and light, for the most part. So, here goes. This is mostly a list without much detail, mainly because I am so far behind…

	Murder at Vineyard Mansion, Philip R. Craig In the 15th book of the series, J.W. investigates many of the established Vineyard families as he tries to find the murderer of a security man at a “Chappaquiddick Castle”. A secondary plot about the “Silencer” someone who mysteriously disables sound systems of people who play music too loudly, keeps the story moving. Typical of the J.W. Jackson series, this book evokes imagery of the Vineyard in its tale of murder and mystery.
Plum Lucky, Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum is back. She’s on the run to find (and protect) Grandma Mazur and the duffle bag of cash she’s stolen from a Leprechaun. She and Lula meet up with Snuggy, an ex-jockey [and leprechaun] who originally stole the money. It is a quick read that brings smiles. Next in the Plum series, Fearless Fourteen, is due out in July. For you New Englanders, she’ll be be at Foxwoods on June 17 for her Fearless Fourteen tour.
	What Looks Like Crazy, Charlotte Hughes I was introduced to Charlotte Hughes by the series she co-authored with Janet Evanovich. This is the first of her novels I have read. The book is light and fun. It reminded me of the fun that the Plum series (Evanovich) was when it first started. I’m looking forward to her next book, Nutcase. Charlotte has a blog that I love reading.
Snowfall at Willow Lake, Susan Wiggs In this novel, we learn more about Sophie Bellamy, mother of Daisy and Max. I wasn’t excited about this one because Sophie has seemed to cold in previous novels. I should have known better. Wiggs does a beautiful job of developing Sophie’s character – a lovely woman who has been misdirected. Her next book will not be part of the Lakeshore Chronicles; Just Breathe is a book she has been working on for a long time. Susan also has a blog that I enjoy.
	The Law of Similars, Chris Bohjalian Homeopathy is the focus of this book as Leland Fowler looks for a cure to his sickness that followed his wife’s accidental death. When Fowler becomes involved in his homeopath’s life (Carissa Lake) things quickly go beyond what Leland imagined. This book was ok, but not my favorite by Bohjalian. He, too, has a blog.
The Choice, Nicholas Sparks Travis Parker and his neighbor Gabrielle Holland meet when Gabrielle accuses Travis’ dog of getting her dog pregnant. Sparks fly, and the meeting turns out to be more than they expected. Travis revisits the memories of their relationship, especially those early days, as he is wrought with a difficult decision 10 years later. It made me turn on the tear factory, as only Nicholas Sparks can do…
	Dakota Born, Debbie Macomber Buffalo Valley, North Dakota, is a small town that is getting smaller. When Lindsay Snyder moves to town to fill the vacant teacher position (and escape her past) she brings unexpected change to the town and reinvigorates it. I loved this book; I have the second, Dakota Home queued to read and can’t wait for Always Dakota (the third) to come out in June.
Whiskey Sour, J.A. Konrath Jacqueline Daniels is a Chicago homicide lieutenant who is devoted to her job, mainly because that’s all she has. This is the first of a series of books featuring “Jack” Daniels – I am really looking forward to reading the rest. Whiskey Sour features her tracking down “The Gingerbread Man” a scary guy who likes to torture his female victims before killing them. It is fast paced and interesting. He also had a great blog.
	Innocent in Death, J.D. Robb 24th in the line of Eve Dallas thrillers, Innocent in Death introduces Maggie, an old flame of Roarke’s. Her story is really a side-line, but Eve is on her toes and we see her back go up in this one. The main story line is about the murder of one teacher, then another and the investigation into whodunit. Robb (aka Nora Roberts) is one of my favorite authors. I loved this one.
An Irish Country Village, Patrick Taylor I’m starting to sound like a broken record… This book is also part of a series, number 2 of 3 (so far). In this installment Dr. Barry Laverty works to regain his reputation in Ballybucklebo after a mishap with a patient. The book is filled with quaint characters and funny situations. Taylor has done a great job again.