Thursday, May 30, 2013

The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn, 374 pages

Another Night Owl book, unfortunately I hadn't read all the books that these were happily ever after for.

The Curious Cases of Sherlock Holmes, 167 pages

This is a graphic collection featuring Sherlock in some interesting cases. He meets up with the Phantom of the Opera, solves the mystery behind Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Holmes, and even solves a crime at Moulin Rouge. I was excited to pick this up at the bookstore ages and ages ago, but when I finally sat down and read it, I was disappointed in it. The artwork was not that great and the storylines were somewhat murky.

True Stories of Pirates by Lucy Lethbridge, 142 pages

This book explores some of history's most intriguing pirates in short biographies. One of the many book that is sitting on my "want to read some day" bookcase, and it finally made it off the shelf.

The Wedding of Cathy and Irving by Cathy Guisewite, 191 pages

The courtship and marriage of Cathy and Irving, it's been a long journey.

Only love can break a heart, but a shoe sale can come close by Cathy Guisewite, 128 pages

Nothing is more entertaining or relaxing before falling asleep than reading a funny comic collection.

Understanding the "Why" Chromosome by Cathy Guisewite, 127 pages

Cathy and the men in her life.

I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore by Cathy Guisewite, 128 pages

Another funny Cathy collection.

Shoes: Chocolate for the Feet by Cathy Guisewite, 128 pages

I'd never read this Cathy collection. I didn't know there was a time that Cathy didn't date Irving.

Death and the Courtesan by Pamela Christie, 229 pages

Another review book for Night Owl Reviews. Not one I would have picked myself, but not a bad read.

Senior Cut Day by Francine Pascal, 175 pages

It's hard to believe that this is the next to last book before the Wakefield Twins leave high school and go on to college.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Zom-B by Darren Shan, 174 pages

This is one of the most disturbing zombie books I've read. It was really well done, and the ending was completely shocking.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Island of Dr. Moreau by H.G. Wells, 127 pages

It wasn't until I started this book that I realized I've never read the actual book. It was really enjoyable, a scary look at what science can do.

Board Stiff by Elaine Viets, 272 pages

I love Elaine Viets' mysteries, she does a good job of combining intrigue with humor.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Upstairs & Downstairs by Sarah Warwick, 128 pages

This was a beautifully done coffee table sort of book exploring the world that the inhabitants of Downton Abbey would have lived in. It explored the downstairs servants' life vs. the upstairs family's life from before dawn to bedtime. For anyone who is a fan of the Edwardian age or Downton Abbey, this is a definite must-read. The illustrations were also an outstanding part of the book.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

The Cathy Chronicles by Cathy Guisewite, 224 pages

This was a good look at how Cathy got started and evolved over the opening years.

Red Velvet Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke, 323 pages

I really enjoy the Hannah Swensen murder mysteries, but at this point, she needs to pick one of the guys and get engaged. Come on, it's time. I never finish a book without writing down at least one or two recipes.

The Annals of Unsolved Crime by Edward Epstein, 347 pages

From the title and cover of this book, I thought it would be an interesting read, filled with unsolved crimes and who-dun-its. I didn't realize that it would be politically based unsolved crimes, and would be presented in a totally dry manner. By the end, my eyes were pretty glazed over.

Friday, May 10, 2013

World War Z by Max Brooks, 281 pages

I've heard about this book forever, but had never read it since we didn't have it at the library. My husband was nice enough to download it for me and I finally got around to reading it. I can see why it's considered one of the best zombie books ever.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Club Monstrosity by Jesse Petersen, 180 pages



Natalie is what you’d call a “traditional” monster. She is a creation of Dr. Frankenstein, and she’s been chased by torch carrying mobs, but she’d be more than content to live a quiet, peaceful life, and is perfectly capable of stringing more than two words together, unlike the portrayals by books and movies over the years. Natalie gets together every week with other NYC monsters in a support group, to help them deal with their erroneous portrayals, ways of coping and survival methods to keep the average human from discovering who they are. Along with a wolfman, mummy, swamp creature, vampire, and other creatures, Natalie starts to investigate when members of their group start dying like their books. Maybe it’s time for Natalie to get her monster on after all.
Jesse Petersen is known for her outstandingly funny zombie books, now she takes on the monster genre with her same sense of wickedly delightful humor. Throw in some sexy seduction scenes with a wolfish anti-hero, and “Club Monstrosity” is a book you’ll hate to put down. For anyone who feels that the zombie scene may be getting played out, Jesse Petersen’s take on monsters promises a whole new series with just as much action and laughter. The only hard thing will be waiting for the next book.

Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell, 286 pages

My supervisor swears by this author and series, so I thought I would give it a go. Mallory was found on the streets at 10, breaking into a Porsche, by cop Louis Markowitz. Instead of putting her into juvie, he instead took her home and his wife and him raised her. Now, Mallory is a cop herself, with Special Crimes, but when her father is found dead at the hands of a serial killer he'd been tracking, Mallory is determined to get justice.
This was not an easy read, but it wasn't a bad read. I'm going to try the next book in the series before I really decide if I like them or not.

Wake Me When I'm A Size 5 by Cathy Guisewite, 126 pages

The early Cathy strips are funny and really enjoyable. I miss seeing new ones.

Men Should Come With Instruction Booklets by Cathy Guisewite, 126 pages

These are funny and great to read before bed.
 

A Hand to Hold, an Opinion to Reject by Cathy Guisewite, 125 pages

Reading the early Cathy strips really shows just how much women in the workplace has changed since Cathy first started.

Monday, May 6, 2013

Guilt by Jonathan Kellerman, 378 pages

I've read all the Alex Delaware mysteries so far, and while they are getting a little formulaic at this point, they're still good mysteries.

Unhallowed Ground by Heather Graham, 362 pages

Sarah McKinley is in the process of restoring the beautiful old Florida mansion she bought to turn it into a bed and breakfast. Little does she expect to find the remains of dozens of bodies in the walls, most over a century old. Caleb Anderson is in town trying to track down the killer of two missing girls, and for some reason he is drawn to Sarah's house. The two quickly feel an attraction that quickly grows into fullblown passion. But Sarah's house may be the death of them both!
A friend of mine is a huge Heather Graham fan, so I decided to give the author a try. While I do enjoy mysteries and the paranormal, this one just didn't grab me. I will say, I didn't figure the killer out at all, until the grand reveal. I will probably give this author another try though.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks, 308 pages

In 1666, the plague has come to a small English village. In order to prevent the spread of the disease, the town's minster convinces the villagers to quarantine themselves from the rest of the world to prevent it's spread. But for how long will the villagers be able to turn to God before they turn to other options, or turn on each other? Anna, housemaid to the minister, serves as the focal point for the story.
This book was a fascinating read, keeping me completely engrossed each page. My only fault was with the extremely convenient wrap up at the end, which didn't ring true. But other than that, I totally recommend this book if you like historical fiction.

Prom Night by Francine Pascal, 176 pages

Hard to believe that there are only 2 more books in this Senior Year series.

Tia in the Middle by Francine Pascal, 175 pages

Another drama filled Sweet Valley High book.

Another Saturday Night of Wild and Reckless Abandon by Cathy Guisewite, 128 pages

In the early years of Cathy, Irving is an incredible jerk. It's hard to believe Cathy ends up with him.

A Mouthful of Breath Mints and No One to Kiss by Cathy Guisewite, 127 pages

Reading the old Cathy strips really emphasizes just how much women's roles have changed since Cathy first started.