Dan Petrosini
Came upon this book as the author had written an excellent article about a famous great great uncle of ours, Lt Petrosino of the NYC police force.
I learned quite a bit about the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire as well as the depressing level of corruption in San Fran. during that period.
Mike Gage gives Harry Bosch a run for the money! A well developing compelling character pulls you into his world. I must now read the first in the series, Pagan Moon.
I thought a character or two were a bit too sinister and over drawn but the story was engaging. There were a thing or two that stretched believability but somewhere around mid-way through the book grabbed me and I couldn't put it down.
A young man returns home in hope of making a life in the Church that dominates life in town. Rebuffed by church leaders he is notheless determined to become a minister inspite of the shadowy nature of the church's leadership. A good story though wish everyone connected with the Church was not portrayed as sinister
This story tackles an important subject and raises awareness of a crisis in our communities. I enjoyed the way the story was personalized with his mother in a rehab/nursing home. There are some caregivers in the story who are wonderful and unfortunately many who are not. My family has experienced many disappointments in this area but whether or not you have personal experience, you should read it.
It is a thought provoking read that I hope will spur change. If not with all the baby boomers ageing, God help us!
Many times prequels feel like they have been created in a rushed or forced way but Jacqueline's tragedy is authentic. The author, who is a surgeon, thankfully deals with the medical information in a clear, layman way. The protagonist, a surgeon himself, is leading an enviable life when a life altering event shatters things. Is his quest to find out who was responsible driven by revenge or a desire for justice?
The Barrow Case - We all remember our firsts. The first time you kissed a girl or touched her in places we weren't allowed. Your first job, your first you know what and especially, for a homicide detective, your first murder case.
My first case was a cut and dry one. A wife had caught her husband cheating and plunged a steak knife into his chest. No need to conduct a meaningful investigation. The woman he was in bed with, witnessed it and the wife admitted to the murder. It never felt like a solve and though seeing a man killed in his own bed was something I'd never forget; it didn't change me.
For me, it was the second case that altered everything. For years I was haunted by it. Even moving from New Jersey to Naples, over a decade ago, hadn't eased the pain. Thirteen hundred miles away and it was still talking to me. Sometimes it was just a whisper and others, it shouted.
This is No 12 in the Luca Series and it's coming from a different ‘angle'. Luca took a sabbatical and is working as a PI. It was a blast to write and takes a look at a couple of ‘unusual' things some do...
A quick, enjoyable read. Berry let's you know the narrator is in control from the first page. Liked the way she used the main characters young child as a counterbalance.
This Luca Mystery took longer to write but I'm really pleased with how it turned out. It's probably the best in the 15 book series, but readers will decide that.
This is the first book I've read by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pacing was spot on and the character development excellent. I raced through the book anxious to see how the ending came together. Bravo!
Had a difficult time writing this book. Though I've written about 30 novels, the imposter syndrome kicked in. It turned out to be much better than expected and everyone involved thinks it may be the best book I've penned
A detailed account of the tasting that put Napa Valley on the map. The author provided lengthy and interesting background on the winery founders and winemakers on both sides of the ‘pond'. He also points out that this breakthrough event also provided the springboard of legitimacy for other producing areas, New Zealand, So Africa, Australia, Spain etc. A downside to the book is it has not been updated (unless I've missed a new edition)
Re-read this classic and still impressed by its expression of the human condition. Quickly developing characters and the story, Steinbeck keeps you reading. When it ends you are left wishing it was longer.
A good read but nowhere near his best. I happened to just come back from Rapallo and the book did not get me back...
Blood at The Root was not as good as previous Banks centered novels, however it is certainly worth the read. Robinson is masterful in understating while effectively communicating what is happening beneath the surface. I am hooked on the series and just started another one
A masterpiece that deals with a disturbing subject. Nabokov masterfully paints a realistic portrait of a truly deranged person and their twisted thoughts and rationalization.
A bit of a look inside Italy's legal set up was nice. Thew Dogs of Rome was a decent read but the pace was too slow for me. I felt there was too much information and descriptive data for my taste that bogged the read down. Fitzgerald did a nice job with the twists and turns though!