The following books we have read and either liked, disliked, loved or hated. Let us know what you think and don’t forget to share your favorites and not so favorite.
The Complete Stories of Truman Capote by Truman Capote (Fiction)
Great imagery concocted in these stories, the plots aren’t always the most realistic. If you can suspend disbelief, these stories should be very enjoyable reading. Submitted by Tom James
Darkness Take My Hand by Denis Lehane (Mystery novel)
Story of a serial killer that borders on horror…but I liked it any way. Plot and character development pulls reader right in and won’t let go until the last page. After this read Lehane’s Shutter Island for another fun ride. Submitted by Maureen Delovio
Flashback by Nevada Barr(Mystery novel)
Law enforcement ranger, Anna Pigeon, who is on temporary assignment at Dry Tortugas confronts illegal drugs and illegal immigrants. She also reviews a mystery that that involves two aunts who lived there during the imprisonment of two Lincoln assassination conspirators. Pigeon makes a big personal decision in this book. Recommended to fans of mysteries, history and scuba diving. Submitted by Janet S. Handford
Blood Lure by Nevada Barr(Mystery novel)
In Glacier National Park law enforcement ranger, Anna Pigeon, investigates a stepmother’s murder. She confronts a weak father, troubled teens, a con man, and a massive grizzly bear.
Recommended, especially to lovers of nature, wild animals, and smart strong female detectives. Submitted by Janet S. Handford
For others like me who dark adventures seek, into these books you may peek: Killing Yourself to Live, by Chuck Klosterman; Rock Bottom: Dark Moments in Music Babylon by Pamela Des Barres.
If it’s murder, mayhem and death you’re into, then here are some books that may beguile you: The History of Torture by Brian Innes; The Last Face You’ll Ever See by Ivan Solotaroff; Among the Lowest of the Dead: the Culture of Death Row by David Von Drehle.
If it’s tales of the macabre that delight, or things that go bump in the night, then here are some titles that will excite: Real Ghosts, Restless Spirits and Haunted Places by Brad Steiger; Ghosts: The Illustrated History by Peter Haining. Submitted by Susan LaPorte
Big Trouble by Dave Barry big-trouble (Humorous fiction)
The newspaper columnist has written a hilarious piece of fiction reminiscent of Donald Westlake. Bizarre, but believable, characters collide in this farcical novel. You will be sorry when it ends. Submitted by Kate Carroll
Becoming Eichmann: Rethinking the Life, Crimes and Trial of a “Desk Murderer”
by David Cesaraini (Biography/History)
This is a chilling book about Adolph Eichmann, the fulcrum of the Final Solution. The chapter dealing with Eichmann’s trial in Jerusalem gets a bit dry and bogged down with legalese, otherwise, a book that shows Eichmann in a different light, other than the “banality of evil” that Hannah Arendt labeled him as being. Instead Eichmann is seen as a more than willing executioner, who actually enjoyed and took pride in his work. Submitted by Tom James
The Cave Painters: Probing the Mystery of the Worlds First Artists by Gregory Curtis
(Art History)
A somewhat dry book which does also possess at times flashes of brilliant insights. He puts forth the idea that the pre-historic cave paintings found in southern France and northern Spain are comparable to the serene, graceful art of the classical world. The author notes, “It’s a conservative view of the world, that hasn’t any need for stirring up any trouble, as we’ve become accustomed to Art doing.” Ho, ho. Submitted by Tom James
Over the Edge of the World: Magellan’s Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe
by Laurence Bergreen (History)
A vivid description of the Straights of Magellan as well as the bad food and befogging miasma the Navy shoves down your bologna hole at every given turn…all written in a very easy, accessible style. Highly recommended. Submitted by Tom James
They Did It with Love by Kate Morgenroth (Mystery novel)
An ok mystery read set in a ritzy Connecticut neighborhood with more than a few twists and turns. I wanted to find out what happened but I didn’t have much invested in the characters. Submitted by Maureen Delovio
