Dale

Liked premise, London murder squad, after Jack the Ripper. But way too many characters, murderers, methods, and motives. Jumps between plots were awkward! Would try a later one, only if it reviewed well.

Of all the books I read in my late teens, only a few stayed with me. Alas Babylon was the one I most remembered. I bought it on Audible, not sure if I could bear listening to it again. Would it be less now, or would it still have the same powerful effect on me, and did I want to experience that again? I finally listened and yes, it is still powerful, thought-provoking, and haunting. But I'm glad I reread it. So many of the mystery/thriller/adventure stories that I read will be gone from the world in a snap. Alas Babylon will still be powerful, thought-provoking, and relevant in another 50 years!

What can I say about John Sandford and Lucas Davenport. They're the best. I knocked the story down one star, only because it was really fantastical. But that didn't stop me listening and enjoying the experience.

I've read her first two books, fine but not exceptional. This one is! An interesting look at partnerships; husband/wife, detectives, sisters, old friends, siblings, mother/son. She shows the personal tragedy resulting from the overbuilding, and ultimately, the financial crash in Ireland. Also, she writes a realistic look at a family's struggle with a sibling with serious mental problems. I really enjoyed this book.

When I want a light read to offset heavy reads, I turn to a number of favorite cozy characters, including Agatha Raisin. I don't read them in order, because wherever I reenter Agatha's life, I know it will be fun and easy to catch up. The story wasn't my favorite, the villain being a bit far-fetched, but I always enjoy irascible Agatha trying to lure James Lacey into her web.

I'm a forever fan of Cussler. But sometimes I get behind on my reading/listening to his things and have to go back and pickup one I've missed. This is one of those and it felt comfortable, like catching up with an old friend. It's a good adventure, with really despicable villains. I especially liked the premise of finding a way to neutralize carbon emissions. Everything we hear is about reducing the emissions. I'd like to think someone is looking at a way to limit their damage until we can eliminate them. Scott Brick, as always, is a master narrator.

I had stopped reading Patterson years ago since he seemed to sell his name to the highest bidder to put on their books. But I had enjoyed the early Alex Cross novels, so I thought I'd give this a try. What a disappointment. This is one long advertisement for the Mercedes Crossover. (Another type of sale!) Not a great story. Also, I was confused by the two voice narration. They certainly were ok, but I really didn't see the point of having two, especially since they were fairly similar.

As an acknowledged political junkie, I had followed the negotiations on the tax cut extension and debt ceiling in 2010 and 2011. This made so clear how superficial tv coverage is. He explains the issues, the process, and the participants so well that my earlier conceptions were really challenged. And I enjoy his voice. He's confidant without much arrogance (a little, maybe), and he doesn't talk down to the listener.

I was leery of this because, as much as I love Precious Ramotswe, I hated the characters in 44 Scotland St. So I put this off for a long time. But this was fun, with characters I really liked. I plan to read more in the series just to see what happens to them next. I was torn between 4 and 5 stars, but I decided that Precious and Grace were 5s and these were right below.

I'm a big Sandford fan, but I thought this was confusing. Cyber-thiefs, Mexican drug cartels, Mexican cops, and parallel crime investigations which intertwined but weren't all Davenport's responsibility. Too many crooks for one story, and none of them were likable or believable to me.

As a political junkie, I followed what was happening in the depth ceiling debate, etc. But the inside story of the negotiations was fascinating. A good reminder that what we see on t.v. in real time is really only a superficial glance. Woodward's style kept the story moving right along. I was amazed at how every twist and turn was political with no apparent concern for the consequences for the country. Are there no statesmen left? It totally reinforced my opinions of the players involved, unfortunately.