DOROTHY PARKER DRANK HERE by Ellen Meister

A dead lush, a dead creep, a broken man, a couple broken women, a cameo by Groucho Marx, and several more charismatic characters... put them together and you've found an interesting and enjoyable read! I had the ending figured out, and then I didn't... you've got to love when that happens. Did anything become obvious? Sure, but all in all, surprises abound!

THE INTERN'S HANDBOOK by Shane Kuhn

You know those dry, hard to read, corporate training manuals? This is a corporate training manual, sort of, at least that's the format! This is a wonderful read, you won't want to put it down. The characters and situations are so well developed and presented. The story is about a not so noble profession, but you will find yourself pulling for otherwise repugnant human beings. I'll be reading more by Mr. Kuhn!

THE BOOK OF STONE by Jonathan Papernick

It's not often an ending catches me by surprise, so color me impressed! I found the story to almost stall in places, not the fastest paced book I've ever read. However, the premise is really quite interesting, the main characters well developed, and you are drawn into the conclusion. This tome offers a peek into the world of fanaticism, and doesn't hold punches!

BODHI BUG AND ORCA by Steve Sapp, Illustrations by Kevin Beckley

Take a charming folk tale from the Pacific Northwest, add some enchanting art, and you have the recipe for a great little book for children! The story is simple and easy to read, but packs a wallop when teaching about nature and symbiotic relationships. There's a lot of information contained in this story, but it's lovingly written for little ears and eyes. What a great gift for a young child.

ALL YOU NEED IS LIFE by Leonard Ryzman

Very short read, only 52 pages, but being set to Beatles song makes it a must read. What a fun look at life, and its many unanswered questions, in a humorous way. Makes you go hmmm, what more can you ask of a book???

KNOW YOUR BEHOLDER by Adam Rapp

What a bizarre journey through one mans insecurities and peccadillos. Upon being given his childhood home, a man upgrades it to include several apartments. We are treated to a glimpse into the lives of his renters, as well as his own. We also get to revel in his redemption and return to normality. It's an interesting ride, with many interesting situations and characters along the way. Enjoy!

REFLEX BLUE by Eric Linnell

I had a difficult time getting into this story, at first. However, once it captured my imagination and attention I couldn't put it down! This story shows the human condition in all its frailty and weakness, but also shows hope and redemption. What an unforgettable tale!

ART OF THE AIRPORT TOWER by Carolyn J. Russo

Put this one on your coffee table, and watch the conversations start! It’s an odd collection of global Air Traffic Control Towers. You’ll find photos of that evoke nostalgia reminiscent of ‘50s B-Movies about Aliens, uber-Modern towers, crumbling towers, and even a list of temporary towers. I have my copy… do you have yours?

HOT SUMMER IN THE HIGH DESERT by Larry Ourada

I really enjoyed this trek down memory lane, the time frame may be different... but Parochial School must never change! It was fun reading about the experiences of a diverse group of high school students, their trials and tribulations, their struggles with morals, dating, and first jobs. This was a well written story, and came with full closure. I'm glad for the opportunity to read something a bit different and quite entertaining!

RIPPER by Isabel Allende

Ripper was an interesting story, with a different story line, but alas it was not a page turner. I found myself distracted by even the slightest things, and this is quite unusual for me. I am an avid reader, who always has a book going... I'm not easily distracted! That said, I was invested enough to need closure, and that came with a couple twists and a very convoluted villain. This story is well worth a read, but is best suited for a flight or journey by train without distractions.

TOO BAD TO DIE by Francine Mathews

Insight into the birth of James Bond? While not exactly a page turner, you are expertly drawn into the story and become invested in the outcome. Who is the protagonist? There are so many prospects presented that one is never sure until the moment he/she is revealed. It's a great spy novel with several twists and turns to keep you interested.

HOME AGAIN (A Civil War Novel) by Michael Kenneth Smith

War novels are in some ways such easy reads, we always know who the enemy is, right? In "Home Again" this is just not the case, we are presented the story of two soldiers Zach and Luke. One is a Union Sharpshooter, the other a Confederate soldier who fills several roles. Who is the good guy? You become so invested in the life of each that neither is the enemy in this tale. All the horror of war is evident in this book, as is human compassion. This is one I will share, and plan to read again.

THE MAGIC LAUNDRY Stories by Jacob M. Appel

I became a fan when I read the short story collection "Einstein's Beach House", and this collection solidified my position as a follower! This anthology is supposed to make you ponder what you would do in similar circumstances, and while I can't imagine myself in these particular situations, to some degree I found myself wondering. The subjects of these stories we quite varied; we have a daughter bringing home from college a stolen baboon, a couple who meets at a group grief meeting, a man seeking acceptance through social discord, a flasher set on revenge, a coin-laundry with machines apparently infused with magical powers, cancer and the loss of a son, a long overdue meeting, and the abduction of a baby by a tiger... but there are twists to each tale! What would you do? Pick up a copy and decide for yourself... you'll be glad you did!

THE LIGHTNING THIEF (PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS #1) by Rick Riordan

I thoroughly enjoyed the world created for the demi-gods in this book. The characters are interesting and you will find yourself caring about what happens to them, and disappointed when they let you down. The plot involves war between the gods, competition and envy between the demi-gods, villains, trials and tribulations. You can't go wrong with this tale!

B-MOVIE BLUES by Terry Woods

Now I know what it's like to shoot a movie, but where was a plot? Was the book interesting? At points, yes. Did I learn anything new? Sure, but did I really need this particular knowledge, probably not. I would highly recommend this to anyone contemplating a career in the movie industry, as it shows the mundane day to day life of film making. But, for the everyday run of the mill pleasure reader it is more drudgery than enjoyment.

THE ABYSS by Orson Scott Card

Orson Scott Card is a master fiction writer, and he again doesn't disappoint with The Abyss! The characters are well developed, and draw you into their lives and story. The plot is thrilling and has a few unexpected twists and turns. The story is written in such a way that you will not see the major plot twist coming. If all you know about The Abyss is the movie, do yourself a favor and read the book... it's soo much better!

THE TRAGIC AGE by Stephen Metcalfe

You could call this an educational novel, as well as a disturbing trip into teenage psychosis. We are given the word "fact" followed by a factual snippet related to a statement that was just made... they are quite illuminating. To call this story depressing would be a fair conclusion, but don't discard it as a valid reading choice... it's really a good read.

CORALINE by Neil Gaiman

This is a fun, albeit creepy, story of girl offered a "better" life. She comes to realize all is not what it seems, and the trade-off is far to great. It's a delightfully disturbing trek into the macabre, with fascinating characters. Get a copy and get your creep on!

DEATH DU JOUR by Kathy Reichs

Follow the double life of Temperance Brennan as she investigates crimes in both Canada and the United States. She teams up with her U.S. partner to investigate the cold case of a nun about to be granted sainthood. Forensic science at its most interesting, with much intrigue to make for a captivating story.

WATCHERS by Dean Koontz

Man's best friend, a monster, a bit of romance, horror, and communication between a dog and humans... quite a feat! Dean Koontz pulls it off rather well, although it is a little hokey. But, who can really call horror classics like Dracula, Frankenstein, or any werewolf story realistic? I enjoyed this book for exactly what it is, a somewhat scary journey into the unbelievable!

THE CHOPIN-SAND LETTERS by Rick Diamond

This is an intriguing tale, with plenty of action and human interaction. Although a bit of a slow starter, I found the plot quite gripping in the end. The characters are primarily all spies, with few exceptions, who tend to leave quite interesting double lives. There are several sub-plots and surprises to keep one engaged. I'm glad I had a chance to read this novel, and recommend it to anyone even remotely interested in spy novels.

THE TELL-TALE HEART (EDGAR ALLAN POE GRAPHIC NOVELS) by Benjamin Harper and Dennis Calero

Graphic adaptation of a classic, explore one mans plunge into madness. Illustrations do a good job of portraying a slow descent into loss of mind and paranoia. The classic by Poe is interpreted for a young adult audience, complete with questions at the end to provoke reflection.

FLOWERS IN THE ATTIC by V. C. Andrews

While exceptionally disturbing, this is a must read story for those open enough to controversial subjects. There will be no Mother of Grandmother of the year awards for the characters in this book, although they may qualify for villain of the year! This tale is very well written and will tug at your emotions. It's impossible to read without having strong feelings about the plot and situations encountered in the attic!

RELIQUARY by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Preston and Child are the Rogers and Hammerstein of literature, their writing combines to create a symphony of words. The main characters D'Agosta and Pendergast are just as compatible, and come together to present an interesting and engrossing story. I look forward to each and every time I sit to enjoy the pairing of these men! They never disappoint!

THE DA VINCI CODE by Dan Brown

A thrilling search through Europe, using hidden codes, for an Earth shattering revelation. This book has it all; intrigue, danger, religious ties, drama, sexual tension, and mystery. We've all heard of the book, especially since it has now been made into a blockbuster Hollywood movie. But, have we all read the book yet? Of course not, but it's time to rectify that... pick up a copy, you won't be sorry you did!

THE FIGHT FOR IMMORTALITY by Peter Arthur

If you're not a fan of science fiction, this is not the book for you. Those of us who love science fiction can be assured this is right up our alley! Aliens taking over Earth? Why not? This was an engrossing story from start to finish. I'm now a fan of Peter Arthur!

LONDON BRIDGES by James Patterson

I love the Alex Cross series, so was favorably predisposed to this story! Two protagonists the Wolf and the Weasel, who bring intrigue and danger to the tale. It takes everything Agent Cross can bring to solve this case. As is true with all James Patterson books the action never stops and the story is always fast paced. This is an excellent read!

TERM LIMITS by Vince Flynn

How do D.C. politics work? Reading this book will give you a pretty good idea, you get the feeling you are privy to an insider look at the U.S. political machine. Partisan politics and the budget are the antagonists in this story. There is plenty of action and political intrigue for die hard fans, with a plot that is interesting although void of a major plot twist. Did I figure out the whodunit? Yes, but I was taken there by way of a thrilling tale!

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT by Anne Rice

I thoroughly enjoyed the petulant, bratty characteristics of Lestat... it made him more relatable. Most vampires are depicted as otherworldly, here we have one with character. It was an interesting read with just enough twists to keep you hooked. If you haven't yet, I would recommend reading some of Ms. Rice's books.

THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER by Nelson DeMille

Gripping depiction of politics and discrimination within the Army. Story centers around the investigation of the rape of a General's daughter, and all the soldiers she served with. As with all writing by Mr. DeMille, this story will grab your attention from the very beginning and not let you go until the end... a real page turner!

WHISKEY SOUR by J.A. Konrath

Lt. "Jack" Daniels is a dynamic character, who keeps you engaged in the plot. I found the story interesting and all the characters multi dimensional. I've become addicted to this series, and you may as well!

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Clement C. Moore

What better Christmas tradition could you have than to sit down with your children, have hot chocolate, and read The Night Before Christmas? Most of us are quite familiar with the story, but reading it is magical! It's a journey back to childhood, and trip through our memories and how wonderful the holidays were while growing up. And, what better Christmas gift could you imagine? This is a masterful description of a classic Christmas, with all the holiday trimmings.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

I'm a fan of time travel tales to begin with, so combining that and Stephen King seems tailored to me. Well, I was not disappointed! One of my favorites by the master, although if you are looking for classic King horror look elsewhere. This story deals with altering the past and possible consequences, and it's done masterfully! What a great book, get your copy, set some time aside (you won't want to put it down), and enjoy an interesting and engrossing story!

THE HOBBIT by J.R.R. Tolkien

I've not only read The Hobbit, my favorite college class was a literature class on this book! A true classic, The Hobbit is like no other book. The fascinating and diverse characters are well developed, they draw you in, and you become invested in the outcome. This is the beginning of the ultimate adventure. One of my all time favorite reads!

POWER PLAY (RAGNAROK ON ICE) by Jeremy Croston

I love the mix of Norse mythology with modern society presented in the Ragnarok on Ice books. Although this one is set primarily in Asgard, not in our world. The characters are engaging, and rather well developed. The plot is adventurous and fun. This was purely an enjoyable read.

FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley

What doesn't this true classic horror story have? We have the requisite mad scientist, grave robbers, stolen body parts, a creature made of mix and match human parts, scientific experiments, and of course it's a love story as well. What a great book! If you're one of the few who have not yet read this tale... what are you waiting for?

ANOTHER FINE MYTH (MYTH ADVENTURES, #1) by Robert Asprin

I've enjoyed all the Myth books I have had the pleasure of reading, to this point. A naïve sorcerers apprentice, in a backwater dimension, a demon, and loads of myth adventures. This is simply a fun and engaging read. Pick up a copy, you won't put it down and will want more.

HAT TRICK RAGNAROK ON ICE by Jeremy Croston

Mythical Norse Gods in the nations capital. Retrieving an artifact from the Smithsonian Institution. Mythical creatures prowling the modern United States. This all comes together to create a fun little story. Although a bit short, it was an interesting tale!

REVOLT by Terry Ray

This story is horrible, but it's so interesting and well written. It's horrible because it seems to be an omen of our possible future, maybe it could be a wake up call! If you are part of the PC (political correctness) police, I'm afraid this tale will turn you absolutely apoplectic! Every freedom loving human on the planet should read this tome, and wonder if it may not be a prophetic!

FATHERLAND by Robert Harris

Fatherland is really two books in one, one it's an alternative history story and two it's a murder mystery. While the murder mystery plot is well written it is a bit long and drawn out. That said, the alternative history plot could have been better developed, it would have been nice to spend more time on how else history would be effected by the Reich winning WWII. Overall this was an interesting story and well written.

THE FACE OF DECEPTION (EVE DUNCAN #1) by Iris Johansen

Eve Duncan is one the most interesting characters I've been introduced to in literature. She is charismatic, driven, adventurous, daring... she's everything you could want in a main character. Then there's the plot, solve a crime through reconstructive science put a face to a nameless skull. What is the face being reconstructed is never meant to be identified? What if others would kill to keep a secret? Read the book and find out!

TRIGGER MORTIS A JAMES BOND NOVEL by Anthony Horowitz and Original Material by Ian Fleming

Okay, in all fairness, it's not written by Ian Fleming. But, it is still 007, with all the implied intrigue and adventure. Of course the women are here as well, even Pussy Galore makes a comeback appearance.  Mr. Horowitz did a fine job, and presented James Bond the way one would expect! Get a copy and read it... you won't be sorry!

THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Being a Sherlock Holmes fan, picking a favorite is difficult... but pressed to do so this would have to be the winner! It has everything, mystery, horror, it's creepy, Dr. Watson get to shine a bit, and the interactions between Holmes and Watson are exemplary. There is also no shortage of the incorrigible behavior Sherlock is so well known for. If you haven't perused this book yet, get a copy and read a great story!

COUP DE FOUDRE by Ken Kalfus

Mr. Kalfus may be a brilliant writer of the Hitchcock variety, maybe. That said, I find myself disappointed when story after story leaves one wondering what happened. In one story there is a discovery in a closet that leads to an arrest, what was in the closet? My mind comes up with countless possibilities... but I'll never know. Same type of unresolved information presents itself in other stories as well. I'm left wanting, is that the mark of literary genius??? I'm not sure, if so our author qualifies!

BREAKOUT by Kevin Scott Olson

This is a short story, only 35 pages... but it packs a punch! Plenty of action, likable characters, believable plot, and danger make this story quite interesting! I look forward to reading more stories by Mr. Olson, and more Michael Quinn stories as well.

AMELIA BEDELIA by Peggy Parish

This is a fun book, no matter how you look at it! But, if you are like I am a very literal person, this book is made for you! The hijinks related to Amelia Bedelia understanding what is meant, as opposed to what is actually stated, yields hilarious results. Although made for young children, the child in all of us will enjoy this story. A very quick and fun read!

DEAN KOONTZ'S FRANKENSTEIN, VOLUME 1: PRODIGAL SON by Chuck Dixon

I'm a big fan of Frankenstein and Dean Koontz, so reading this was a no-brainer. I really enjoyed the villain, Victor Helios... he is absolutely diabolical. It's hard not to be a fan of Frankenstein in this tale either! I look forward to reading more of this series. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Frankenstein... he lives on!

SURVIVING CISSY: MY FAMILY AFFAIR OF LIFE IN HOLLYWOOD by Kathy Garver

As a nostalgic fan of '60s television, I found this book quite insightful and entertaining. While I don't remember the show well, I do remember Family Affair and Cissy, so was familiar with the characters of the time. This book shows a woman of class and character, and gave us insight into not only her life as part of Hollywood television but of Hollywood itself at that time. I enjoyed this book, but found it a bit hard to follow at points due to the jumping ahead to place someone now... hence the four stars.

HARRY POTTER BOXSET (BOOKS ONE - SEVEN) by J. K. Rowling

I thought about reviewing each book separately, but didn't believe I could do each book any justice by that approach. This is a series that needs to be enjoyed in its entirety. Starting at the beginning is always a very good place to start, so we get an introduction to the main characters in the Sorcerer's Stone. We go to Hogwarts with Harry and company, meet the villain Voldemort. Then we experience the growth of each of the characters over the years, through the thrilling conclusion in book 7. We accompany them to their first day of class, their first dance, first competition... all while learning about their extraordinary world of magic. What an amazing adventure! If you are one of the few people on Earth who has still not read these books, correct a grievous error on your part and get started... today!

CONTRACT CITY by Mark Falkin

WH2RR??, any idea what that means? Then grab a copy of Contract City and find out. The future of the United States and Tulsa seem a bit bleak, at least in this story. This was an interesting read with a unique plot and some bizarre characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!