Mark Martinez
This book was on my radar after watching the first season of A&E's Longmire on the tube. The tv series has the same flavor as this first novel in Craig Johnson's series. I like both. Looking forward to reading more of the novels and watching the second season of the tv show.
It's not easy being a baseball fan in New Mexico. The Triple-A Isotopes play in Albuquerque, but the nearest major leagues teams, the Rockies and Diamondbacks, are at least a six hour drive from my home. So I make do with DishTV and the occasional exceptional baseball book, like this biography by Jane Leavy.
Published in hardcover by HarperCollins.
I can count on Michael A. Martin and Andy Mangels to provide a fast-paced and enjoyable read. This novel is the first of a series featuring Captain William T. Riker and his first command. We get a wildly diverse crew, Klingons and Romulans in a bad mood, Spock, and numerous threads from the Star Trek tapestry of tales.
Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket Books.
Andy Mangels and Michael A. Martin have moved onto my short list of Star Trek authors who can be counted on for a good read. This volume features the continuing adventures of Captain William Riker's first command, the USS Titan and its diverse crew.
Published in mass-market paperback by Pocket.
I was given an advance reading copy of Five Decembers by the publisher.
From the moment I started reading James Kestrel's Five Decembers, I was immersed in a time and place I've never experienced, but found entirely believable. Early 1940's Hawaii, Pacific islands, Hong Kong and Tokyo all come alive, giving this book a lyrical quality missing from many hard-boiled tales. Combine the setting with Hawaii PD Detective Joe McGrady's journey to solve two brutal murders while his life is set on fire by world war, and you have a story that makes for compelling, non-stop reading, all the way to the wintry conclusion. Five Decembers is a terrific addition to the Hard Case Crime library.
In his acknowledgements at the end of the book, Kestrel mentions that he has written seven books, but Five Decembers is apparently the first book with the byline James Kestrel. What is his real name? What are his other books? Asking for a friend who wants to read them!
In which we learn the true story of Rocky, the owl rescued from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Ms. Duane wrote this novella shortly after Rocky was rescued and released it as an ebook after the bird's release. The story is written in her Young Wizards universe which I'm not familiar with, but I didn't need to know anything about that series to enjoy her clever and entertaining fantasy tale.
If you've read any books by or about Richard Feynman, then you have to read this collection of his letters, edited by his daughter, Michelle Feynman. The letters, written over most of his lifetime to family, friends, and complete strangers, tell you nearly everything you might want to know about the man.
Published in hardcover by Basic Books.
I read this a long time ago and have seen both versions of the movie several times. Fascinating all the way until that final burst from a machine gun.
This issue contains an Alchemy Wars prequel novella, “Come the Revolution”, by Ian Tregillis. Queen Mab's awakening, her life, and her freedom, make for a compelling tale.
In a straight up, standalone mystery, SecUnit takes some time away from protecting Dr. Mensah and surreptitiously watching his media, to help station security track down a murderer. SecUnit has to work with humans who think he is the most likely suspect, and he thinks the murderer could be anybody, up to, and including another SecUnit. Who knew that anxiety and paranoia could help solve a murder? This time around a I listened to the very enjoyable audiobook narration by Kevin R. Free. I'll definitely read the next Murderbot tale by Martha Wells, but only if it's really weird.
I picked up this short story collection by Elmore Leonard because it contains Karen Makes Out, featuring Karen Sisco, from Out of Sight. The script for the first episode of the television series introduces viewers to Karen with this story too. As a bonus, Mr. Leonard's other stories are equally intriguing, none of them winding up where you expect.
Published in trade paperback by HarperCollins Publishers.
With every turn of a page, it feels like Alex has fewer friends and fewer options. Can't wait to learn what happens next.
Ok. I'm ready for part one of The Hobbit after a reread. I think I'll listen to an audio version (maybe the abridged reading by Nicol Williamson) to get ready for part two and I guess that leaves the Bass & Rankin animated film to prep for part three. Any other suggestions?
J. K. Rowling finally brings us Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts. Harry's growing up. He smooches a bit with Ginny. Good setup for the finale. I don't need to say anymore because everyone on the planet has read this book, right?
Published in hardcover by Scholastic.
Finally got around to reading McCaffrey's first Pern novel. It's as much science fiction as fantasy and an exciting tale, keeping me hooked right up to the end. I guess I'll have to find a copy of the next book in the series.
Timothy Zahn lit a fire in the Star Wars universe several years ago when he authored the Thrawn trilogy, beginning with Heir to the Empire. He resumes telling the story of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade Skywalker in Survivor's Quest, sort of a mystery, which also explores Mara's doubts about her chosen path. An entertaining read. Zahn is also working on a followup to this novel.
Published in hardcover by Del Rey.
Steven F. Havill continues the Posadas County series with this title, featuring Undersheriff Estelle Reyes-Guzman. As always, he weaves the everyday lives of his characters, with everyday crimes. The end result is a compelling read. Highly recommended.
Published in hardcover by St. Martin's Press.
