Beverly

I have read or listened to every J Kellerman out there and always enjoyed reading his books. Since I have been listening to him on Audible, I have decided this is my last one. His stories are repetitive. It just seems he has lost his touch for the thriller. Jon Rubenstein is the other reason I can no longer listen to any of his books. He is a good Milo but for the rest I feel his voice is so grating. Sorry Mr. Kellerman, you have lost a reader and listener with this one. Movie stars, murders, cleaned bones and a tribe of kids. A cross between Michael Jackson and Angelina with a touch of true evil thrown in. Seriously? Actually if I could get my credit back I would be very happy.

This is the first Callahan mystery I have read and I think it carried the wit and southern character development of her other stories. The first story I read of Mary Kay Andrews was Itty Bitty Lies- I laughed till I wet my pants. If you know the south, you will know all these people. A light hearted romp.

Sometimes I think Jodi Picoult nails her books and other times I feel they become a bit maudlin. This story about the Nazis and a holocaust victim is told in a unigue and fresh way. It is very poignant and all the characters seem sympathetic and you remember them after the book is done. I enjoyed every minute and recommend it. You really see the story through the eyes of the granddaughter far removed from the time of the holocaust and being Jewish. Quite a journey.

This is a story about how teenagers can be narcissistic in their actions and cause irreparable damage to other teens or parents. Unfortunately, it is too true that in our society we are seeing more bullying and hateful actions that cause kids with hormones already out of control to lose sight of moral attitudes. This is not a story of redemption but looking back at a tragedy that could have been stopped at the start. Unfortunately you see bullying everywhere but from my experience it is insidious in prep schools amongst the "privileged". Sadly all parties are guilty from the teachers, the parents, the peers. Truly a current problem in our country. The story became a little convuluted and therefore I gave it a 3 star rating. Not a happy read.

The information about weather and the potential for scientific advances that evoke the possibility of the climate being utilized as a defensive weapon were very interesting. Particularly the issue of climate change, global warming and the involvement of governments was fascinating.

That said, the character development was so far off the mark, I just kept wanting the book to be over. The head of Homeland Security surely would not be a whining, hesitant, (my daddy didn't love me) person??? If our country faces a threat of any kind, I would like to think the head of HS would be upfront and forthright with knowledge and ideas about how to handle the issues. I believe a "Hillary Clinton" personality would have been my characterization. I disliked the back and forth between making her seem smart, sharp and on top of things to the wringing hands of the "Oh I need a man to get me thru this.

All the cabinet members' characterizations did not seem legitimate either and of course we have the hunky man in the background just waiting to save the day. I just finished the book and I cant even remember the main character's name! What a woman and role model.

Anyway I learned a lot about weather patterns and climate changes and nature's forces unknown and unyielding to the human hand. Can't give it more than a 3 tho.

This is poorly written, horribly narrated and I could only listen to the first few minutes. Could I have my credit back?

This was my first Kate Morton and I was totally fascinated by the ways she weaves the tale through the eyes of Laurel, her daughter. Many times I do not like the switch from present to past, etc. but this book had perfect timing in this realm. The characters are all well developed and rich in personality traits. Twists and turns and a complex finale. All people are just human in the end. I have recommended this book to all my friends. Caroline Lee also brought the story to life.

Now may I make a recommendation: For those reviewers who basically rewrite the story and give all the minute details (and I am sure you are smart and definitely have a handle on most of the books you review). My problem is I want to listen to the book but not after having heard the plot and character twists. I skip reviews that go on and on. Please just give us a leader that will make me anxious to spend my next credit on that book. I respect your judgments, just dont want to know too much about the book before I listen to it. Thanks.

If you were looking for Harry Potter, how disappointed you must be. This story could almost be about a town where the Dursleys' live. Small minded arrogant people who must find a way to feel they are better than others to allow them to have some control over their lives. To have a poor project "on the other side of the tracks' creates the tension and tragedy that follows. This woman knows how to draw you into the story even when you despise the characters for their weaknesses and lack of charity. It is a gritty tale but one more purely true in our world than my beloved Harry Potter. Don't give up on this book even if the beginning is a bit raw. In the end you will have at least a beginning understanding of why people hate each other for really no reason at all and the devastation it can bring to the world of everyday people. I commend JK Rowling for the courage it takes to change paths after such a phenomenal success with the Potter Series. This one is definitely not for children. It is definitely a 5 star read.

This is a story of a mentally sick and hateful girl trying to control others including the other girls on their cheerleading squad.. Despicable language and attitudes. I found no redeeming value even in the protagonist who did not have the character to stop the tragedy to follow. I would not waste my time.

I simply loved this book. Bateman's quirky and dry wit are phenomenal. I think you need to suspend reality, go with the flow and you will laugh your head off til you pee your pants. Of all his books and I have now read several, this is the one I keep recommending to everyone I know. Also I think listening to it makes it tons more fun and Adam Moore does a great job. I just wish I had the imagination to think up stories like this one. WELL DONE!